Bride Of The Week: Eliza Caligiuri
Written By Kaileah Searcy
Our GL Bride Of The Week is the elegant GL Bride, Eliza, who tied the knot in the heart of New York City wearing not one, but two GL gowns — Dove and Mia. Her wedding was a stunning fusion of love, culture, and timeless design, from her father-designed veil to the unforgettable moment she and her husband stopped traffic for photos by the iconic Wall Street Bull. In the following interview, Eliza shares her favorite wedding day moments and how she became a GL Bride. As told by Eliza:
“For a moment, it felt like the entire city of New York had paused just for us.”
A moment of your wedding day you’ll never forget?
One moment we’ll never forget happened during our wedding portraits. Our photographer, Jaymo, suggested we step outside to take photos with the iconic Wall Street bull, just outside our venue. I was nervous about getting my dress dirty before the ceremony, but we decided it was worth the risk - and my cathedral-length Monvieve veil would likely cover any marks if needed.
There was a long line of tourists waiting, but the second they saw us, they let us skip to the front and started cheering. Every time Jaymo asked us to kiss, the crowd erupted into applause, growing louder with each shot. It was such a beautiful moment - absolute strangers from all over the world celebrating us. Then, our incredible planner Rachel Seidner-Freedman and the bridal attendants from Legacy Events literally stopped city traffic so we could run through the streets for photos. For a brief moment, it felt like the entire city of New York paused just for us. It was spontaneous and absolutely unforgettable.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
There will be endless outside opinions - from well-meaning family, friends, or even just the pressure of seeing other weddings online. But having a clear vision and priorities will keep you grounded. Stay focused on what feels authentic to you as a couple, and you’ll create a wedding that truly reflects who you are.
My biggest advice is to hire a team of vendors you trust and respect - not just for their talent, but as people. You’ll enjoy the day so much more when you’re not second-guessing their decisions. When you're surrounded by professionals who understand your vision, you can relax and fully experience the joy of the day.
A detail that made your wedding special/unique:
One of the most special details was the veil I designed with my father. He helped my older sister design hers, so I knew I wanted to share that experience with him too. He has spectacular taste and an incredible eye, and I trusted his vision completely.
We chose Monvieve for their collaborative approach and designed a cathedral-length veil to match our Baroque Italianate theme. My Galia Lahav Dove gown had a simple, elegant silhouette, which made the perfect base for a more intricate veil. We selected champagne-colored lace and added a lace cap at the crown of my head instead of a traditional blusher. The process was so meaningful, and the final result felt like wearable art. I hope it becomes a family heirloom.
How did you know your dress was 'the one'?
Galia Lahav in Soho was the second bridal store I visited. I originally came in to try on the Anais dress (which Millie Bobby Brown later wore), but I didn’t have the emotional connection I expected. Then I stepped into Mia and Dove - and instantly lit up. I couldn’t stop smiling. Even after visiting more salons, I couldn’t get those two dresses out of my head.
The store graciously let me come back the next day to try them again, and that same feeling returned. I bought both. Over the next seven months, I never questioned my decision once - and that was the best confirmation I could ask for.
“When I stepped into the Dove and Mia gowns, I couldn’t stop smiling. I just knew they were the ones.”
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone’s reaction to the dress?
Wearing my dresses was bittersweet. I knew it would be the last time I wore them, and they truly felt like works of art. I had never felt more beautiful or emotionally connected to clothing.
A personal detail that made it even more special—Galia Lahav was an art teacher before becoming a bridal designer. As an art teacher myself, that connection felt like fate. Wearing her designs felt full-circle and meant to be.
Would you have done anything differently?
It sounds cheesy, but we just wish it had lasted longer. Being surrounded by the people you love most, all celebrating your future together, is an indescribable feeling. It was the best day of our lives. We wouldn’t change a thing.
What was your favorite part of the wedding to plan/you were most looking forward to?
For me, it was the visual design. I have a deep love for interior design, so creating florals and decor that honored our venue was a dream. Working with Billy at Legacy Events made it even better—we’ve become real friends, and he brought our vision to life beautifully.
For Mario, it was the seating chart! He loved the strategy of pairing people by personality to create dynamic, fun tables. None of it would’ve been possible without our planner, Rachel. She’s insanely organized and handled every detail so we could enjoy the process start to finish.
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
We were set up by the owner of a small gym we both went to. I messaged Mario on Instagram to ask him out, and we both knew quickly it was something real.
The proposal wasn’t glamorous, but it was perfect. Mario had designed my ring, and the second it arrived, he couldn’t wait. He proposed at my father’s house in upstate Connecticut. I had to leave right after to attend a funeral, so I kept it to myself for most of the day. Later that night, we celebrated with champagne and Italian food, just the two of us.
How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav?
It was a dream. I found both of my dresses there, and the whole experience was joyful. Unlike other salons, the Soho showroom had such a fun and warm energy. I went with my mom, sisters, and best friend and it was so special.
We worked with Jenx’D and I cannot praise him enough. He made me feel confident and truly cared about helping me find the perfect fit. From start to finish, I felt completely supported.
How many dresses did you try on before you found it?
The dresses at Galia Lahav were probably the 10th and 11th I had tried. I tried 10 more after that, but nothing compared to Mia and Dove. When they say you’ll just know, they’re right.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I never wanted a big wedding. I always pictured a small elopement, but my husband, especially with his Italian roots dreamed of something grand. I wasn’t sure it would feel worth it. But let it be said here forever: he was right. It was absolutely worth it, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I’ve never felt such an emotional connection to clothing. They were true works of art.”
GL Bride @elizamcaligiuri
Venue | Cipriani 25 @ciprianievents @cipriani
Dresses | Galia Lahav @galialahav @glbrides
Veil | Monvieve @monvieve
MOB Gowns | Oscar de la Renta & Monique Lhuillier @oscardelarenta @moniquelhuillier
MOH Gown | Vivienne Westwood @viviennewestwood
Officiant Gown | Solace London @solacelondon
Hair | Andria Tobey @andriatobey
Makeup | JFink Beauty @jfinkbeauty
Photography | Jaymo Jaymes @jaymojaymes
Videography | Grace + Hector, Knotty Art Studio @knottyartstudio
Wedding Planner | Rachel Seidner-Freedman @rachel_blair
Bridal Attendants | The Legacy Bride @evelyn_thelegacybride @eventsbyrmp
Event Production, Florals & Furniture Rental | Legacy Events @legacy_eventsnj
Band | Marcus Reid Band with Hank Lane Music @marcusreidband @hanklanemusic
Invitations | Creationari @creationari
Photo Booth | Jersey Photo Booth Rental @jerseyphotoboothrental
Cannolis | The Cannoli Guy @carrellodicannoli
Candy & McDonald’s | Curbside Confections @curbsideconfections