Bride Of The Week: Alexandra Tanous
Written By Kaileah Searcy
Introducing our stunning GL Bride Alexandra, who brought timeless elegance and cultural richness to her wedding day in our Alona gown. From heartfelt traditions to a menu that honored both her Lebanese and Italian heritage, every detail reflected who she and her husband are as a couple. In the following interview, Alexandra shares the moments and memories that made her celebration truly unforgettable.
“The experience should feel authentically yours.”
A moment from your wedding day you’ll never forget?
We slipped outside the tent for just a minute during the very last moments of sunset. After hours of nonstop dancing and celebrating, it felt incredible to take a deep breath and simply be present with my husband. Everything in that moment felt absolutely perfect.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
There wasn’t anything I wish I had known, but I would share one piece of advice: stay true to who you are as a couple. Every decision should reflect both of you, and the experience should feel authentically yours. Trust that everything will fall into place, don’t waste energy stressing over what you can’t control. At the end of the day, it’s about you and your fiancé.
A detail that made your wedding special or unique?
We wove our cultures into every part of the celebration, especially the menu. My cousin produces olive oil from his farm, which was incorporated into the dishes, and we served wine from my father’s village in Lebanon. Our bread basket included za’atar bread, and Italian favorites were featured throughout the day, like pasta carbonara as a primi course and a millefoglie wedding cake to honor my husband’s Italian heritage.
How did you know your dress was “the one”?
My mother was a wedding dress designer in the 1980s and ’90s, so I grew up with a love for couture and craftsmanship. I wanted something timeless, structured, and elegant without beads, lace, or appliqués. When I put on the Alona gown, I became emotional for the first time. It transported me to the Italian countryside, with its luminous fabric and graceful simplicity. It was the most beautiful I’ve ever felt.
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
We were both student-athletes at St. John’s University, but we didn’t meet until graduate school (January 2016). On the first day of class, he sat next to me. I didn’t have the textbook, and he kindly let me share his for the entire semester. From there, we discovered how much we had in common.
He proposed on December 21, 2023 , the same day he graduated from the New York State Police Academy. To celebrate, we went to the Beekman Arms Delamater Inn in Rhinebeck, NY, the oldest inn in America. As we approached the entrance, I saw a glowing “Will You Marry Me?” sign, with a photographer hidden nearby. He turned what should have been his day into Our day, which was so selfless and meaningful. To top it off, my dad, uncle, aunt, and cousin had surprised me by traveling from Rhode Island to be there. The location was steeped in charm, romance, and history, a place he knew I’d love.
“When I put on the Alona gown, I became emotional for the first time.”
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone’s reaction?
I couldn’t wait to wear my dress. I adored the dramatic sleeves, the line of buttons down my forearms, and the way it draped off my shoulders. I was practically giddy to get zipped in. The reactions were priceless, everyone was surprised by my choice, especially my fiancé, who usually isn’t fond of sleeves. He was completely blown away and loved it.
Would you have done anything differently?
Not a thing.
What was your favorite part of planning the wedding?
Curating the menu was one of my favorite parts of planning. I wanted to step away from the standard options and create something deeply personal, and our caterer, Pranzi, embraced the idea wholeheartedly. They were enthusiastic and collaborative, making the process such a joy. Beyond the food, I loved designing the rentals and décor. Pranzi’s showroom was full of possibilities, and it all began when I fell in love with a custom table linen pattern. From there, every detail came together to evoke the charm of a Mediterranean coastal town.
How was your experience working with the team at Galia Lahav?
Exceptional. Their attention to detail and dedication to their craft is truly unmatched.
How many dresses did you try on before finding “the one”?
Eight. I experimented with a range of styles, but in the end, I knew exactly what I was looking for.
Anything else you’d like to add?
My dress now carries the most incredible memories. Our wedding day was everything I could have dreamed of and more, I wish it never had to end. I can’t wait to slip into my gown again on a future anniversary and relive the best day of our lives.
"Everyone’s reaction was priceless—especially my fiancé"
Catering | @pranzicatering
Rentals | @pranzitentsandevents
Venue | @fortadamsevents
Day of Coordinator | @tb_designs_events
Dress | @galialahav
Invitations | @kpcodesignstudio
Photographers | @movemountainsco
Videographers | @movemountainsco
Hair | @kauriandco
Make Up | @Liddlebeauty
String Quartet | @stringpoets
Dj | @dj_r.o.m.e.l
Bride | @alexatannous
Groom | @anthony.cervone
Day of Coordinator | @tb_designs_events
Florals | Joseph Wasilewski (no instagram)