
Bride Of The Week: Emily Freeman
Written By Kaileah Searcy

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Galia Lahav bride Emily Freeman, whose Sedona wedding was equal parts spiritual and spectacular. From a ceremony blessed by soaring eagles to a silent disco under the stars, Emily’s day was a true reflection of her intentional, romantic style as she wore our ethereal Evelyn gown. In the following interview, Emily shares her most unforgettable memories, heartfelt advice, and the moment she knew she had found the one.
"The moment I slipped into it, everything aligned."

A moment of your wedding day will you never forget?
It’s hard to choose—there were so many magical moments. From getting ready with sound bowls playing in the background, to a bald eagle, blue heron, and crows soaring above our ceremony as our rings were blessed, to dancing the night away at our silent disco—every part holds a special place in my heart.
But the moment that lives in my body forever is this: as Mike began his vows, he gently let go of my hand. I suddenly felt wobbly, almost like I might float away. I asked him to hold my hand again—and as soon as he did, I felt instantly grounded. That single gesture reminded me of exactly why I chose him. He listens. He’s present. And with him, the world doesn’t just feel safe—it feels limitless. That moment was the essence of our relationship.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
Make your wedding feel like yours. Trends come and go, but your story is timeless. Even while running a business, I was deeply involved in the planning, and I’m so grateful I was. Every detail—agate name cards, lush florals, and meaningful rituals—reflected who we are as a couple: spiritually grounded, intentional, opulent, and community-focused.
A detail that made your wedding special/unique?
Sedona wasn’t where I originally imagined getting married—but once I moved to Arizona to be with Mike, it felt like destiny. After so many special weekends there—our first New Year’s Eve, spontaneous road trips, hikes at sunrise—it became crystal clear that this was the place. On our wedding day, standing among the towering red rocks in total stillness, I knew deep in my soul it was always meant to be. Sedona isn’t just beautiful—it’s sacred. It anchors you, awakens you, and connects you to everything that truly matters.

How did you know your dress was 'the one'?
I fell in love with the Evelyn gown the moment I saw it debut on Instagram. I’d heard the stories: “You’ll think you know your dress—but it’ll be a surprise.” Not for me.
I rented out the Galia Lahav Los Angeles Flagship so my mom, mother-in-law, and bridal party could join. I tried on a few stunning gowns—any of them could’ve been a “yes.” Then I put on the Evelyn. I looked at my mom’s tear-filled eyes… and it was as if no other gown had ever existed.
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone's reaction to the dress?
It felt surreal. I had been dreaming of that moment since I was a little girl—there’s even a photo of me at three years old dressed as a bride. And there I was, in my dream gown, by my dream designer, marrying my dream man. The moment I slipped into it, everything aligned. My mom walked into the bridal suite, eyes glossy. My bridesmaids were floored. My dad and brother had the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen. And Mike… he literally couldn’t stand up straight. During our first look, he crouched down, hands over his mouth, eyes wide and shimmering, and whispered, “I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”
"Make your wedding feel like yours. Trends come and go, but your story is timeless."

Would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, no. Our cocktail hour ran long because we lost track of time taking sunset portraits, and bustling the gown took a little while (worth it—have you seen that train?!). But I wouldn’t change a thing. I was sipping champagne, nibbling lobster rolls, laughing with my new husband while my planner and team worked their magic. And before we even cut the cake, guests were already saying it was the best wedding they’d ever attended.
What was your favorite part of the wedding to plan/you were most looking forward to?
The gown and florals! I’m a Libra, so beauty, romance, and balance are non-negotiable. Seeing those visions come to life felt like a real-world fairytale.
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
Mike and I met on Bumble—he was in Scottsdale, I was in San Diego. After three weeks of calls, texts, and late-night FaceTimes, he looked at me one evening and said, “I’m flying out next Tuesday to take you to dinner.” And just like that… it began. About a year later, he told me we had a business dinner at Christopher’s at The Wrigley Mansion—a breathtaking, historic estate with Michelin-starred dining and sweeping views of the valley. A week before, he reminded me to dress up—which stood out, since I always do. That night, I had a feeling: this wasn’t just dinner. I picked the perfect outfit—just in case—and the entire evening, he kept me guessing. Then, surrounded by rose petals and overlooking the lights of the city, he got down on one knee. I left my body.
To my surprise, our close friends—who own a media company—appeared from hiding to celebrate and capture every moment on camera.
After dinner, Mike turned to me and said, “Are you ready for part two?” He had reserved a luxury suite and filled it with more rose petals—floor to ceiling romance. Every detail was intentional, thoughtful, and completely us.We

How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav?
Absolutely exceptional. From the customizations to their collaboration with my seamstress, they were attentive, generous, and always available. The experience was every bit as elevated and graceful as you’d hope a Galia journey would be.
How many dresses did you try on before you found it?
I planned a full LA weekend with my mom, mother-in-law, and bridal party. I booked Galia Lahav last—I had a feeling it would be the one. On Saturday, I tried on about 15 gowns at two other boutiques, and 4 stunning Galia gowns before slipping into the Evelyn. That was it. I canceled the rest of our Sunday appointments. ;)
Anything else you would like to add?
From the illusion bodice to the beautiful floral applique, the Evelyn gown is truly one-of-a-kind. I grew up as a classically trained dancer and this gown had all the right parts of ballerina meets avante-garde royalty. I couldn’t have asked for a gown that felt more like me!
"Sedona isn’t just beautiful—it’s sacred. It anchors you, awakens you, and connects you to everything that truly matters."


Venue | L’Auberge de Sedona
Wedding Photography | Matt Lien, Matt Lien Photography
Wedding Videography | Henry Martens, The Brothers Martens
Florals | Nicole Schwartz & Selena, The Wildflowers
Wedding Gown | Evelyn by Galia Lahav
Shoes | Jimmy Choo
Rings, Jewelry & Watch | Estate Watch & Jewelry
Reception Dress | Netta BenShabu Elite Couture
After Party Jumpsuit | Debbie Carroll Designs
Seamstress | Sadie Mardiha, Couturier Sadie Mardiha
Planners | Casey Green & Shannon Lothner, Casey Green Weddings
Signage | Hannah Llewellyn, Arch and Arrow
Hair | Hannah Moore, Habit Salon
Makeup | Courtney Montes
Rentals | Prim Design Co, BTS Event Management, The Confetti Studio
Lighting & Staging | Divinity Event Productions
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music | Lucky Devils Band
Reception DJ | Elliot Mogerman, Impact DJ
After Party Silent Disco DJ | Brian Witlin, DJ House Arrest