Bride Of The Week: Gina
Written By Kaileah Searcy
Today’s GL Bride of the Week is the gorgeous Gina! She walked down the aisle in our Uma gown from the GALA Collection Encanto, a design that instantly felt like the one .
Gina's wedding day was filled with heartfelt moments, meaningful traditions, and timeless elegance. From the emotional walk down the aisle to a choreographed first dance with her husband Adam, she shares the moments she’ll never forget in the following interview. As told by Gina:
"Walking down the aisle and seeing my usually stoic husband with tears in his eyes... that moment was everything."
A moment of your wedding day you will never forget?
The moment the church doors opened, all my nerves seemed to fade away. Before I even took my first step down the aisle toward my incredibly handsome soon-to-be husband, I was overwhelmed with so much joy. As a bride, there’s truly no way to describe the feeling of those church doors opening and seeing a room filled with the people you love the most, all looking toward you with such adoration — some who have been a part of your life forever, and others who have come into your life more recently through the person you're about to marry.
Then, walking down the aisle and seeing my usually stoic husband with tears in his eyes... that moment was everything. When my father placed my hand in his, I felt a complete sense of peace and excitement - knowing that forever with Adam was starting today.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
Having been a bridesmaid 10 times over the past 14 years, I had a good sense of what a wedding day looks and feels like. Those experiences — along with knowing how easily I can feel overstimulated — helped me realize how important it was to carve out quiet time for myself the morning of my wedding. As much as I love my girlfriends, I knew I’d need a calm, centered space to start the day. My bridal party consisted of just my sister and second cousin, who also served as our Koumbara — the official sponsor of the wedding in the Greek Orthodox Church. The house I got ready in consisted of just my immediate family and bridal party and I was truly able to enjoy my morning to the fullest. Everyone says the day flies by, and somehow it moves even faster when you’re the bride. My advice? Make decisions that genuinely serve you and your partner’s needs. While it’s a celebration shared with friends and family, at the heart of it, the day is about the two of you — don’t lose sight of that. You might feel guilty about certain decisions you’re making; however, remember your true friends and family will understand.
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone's reaction to the dress?
I felt so beautiful the day of my wedding. Truly. That’s all any bride wants and that was exactly how I felt. I felt so snatched and confident in my Galia Lahav gown. I got so many wonderful compliments, even from people who didn’t attend the wedding. I think the ultimate compliment I received about the dress from a few people was: “that was such a YOU dress”
"I knew Uma was the one because… she was the one dress that I felt the most authentic in."
A detail that made your wedding special/unique?
It’s pretty hard to create a truly unique experience during weddings these days — so much has already been done. But since Adam and I come from culturally diverse backgrounds — my parents are from Greece, and his mother is Cuban while his father is Puerto Rican — we made a point to incorporate our heritage into our food and entertainment choices. Think: lamb chops during cocktail hour, Greek music during the reception, Cuban coffee and pastelitos as late night snacks, a live Cuban trio, and even a cigar roller. It was important to us that our guests got a taste of who we are and where we come from. One detail that was especially meaningful, though, was tied to something that’s always been at the heart of our relationship: music. Adam is an incredibly talented guitar player — he’s been playing since he was a teenager — and I’ve always loved to sing. I actually have voice memos from our earliest dates of us singing together. To reflect that shared love, we bought a cream colored guitar for our guests to sign at the wedding. It’s now a keepsake we’ll hang in Adam’s music room — a reminder of the people who’ve supported our journey and the music that’s been part of it all along.
How did you know your dress was 'the one'?
I knew Uma was the one because, although I loved the other dresses I tried on, she was the one dress that I felt the most authentic in. As someone who is 5’2”, I adored the basque waist
which created the most stunning, elongating effect of my torso. The sheer waist and subtle slit up the side of the dress allowed for sexiness while also maintaining a classic, bridal look.
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone's reaction to the dress?
I felt so beautiful the day of my wedding. Truly. That’s all any bride wants and that was exactly how I felt. I felt so snatched and confident in my Galia Lahav gown. I got so many wonderful compliments, even from people who didn’t attend the wedding. I think the ultimate compliment I received about the dress from a few people was: “that was such a YOU dress”
Would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, no. We had the most punctual, low-stress, exciting day, with perfect weather and guests who said they had an amazing time. What more could we have asked for?
What was your favorite part of the wedding to plan/you were most looking forward to?
Adam and I loved visiting venues together and sharing a vision of where we saw ourselves celebrating. We also had fun picking out the unique details that reflected our cultures. About a month and a half before the wedding, Adam encouraged us to take dance classes, and we ended up doing a choreographed routine! Practicing each week and performing it was such a fun and memorable part of the experience—we highly recommend it to all couples.
How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav? I appreciated the support in finding my dress - I came to my appointment with some inspiration, but I don’t think I would have pulled the Uma on my own. Also, a very special shoutout to Tania, the seamstress at the Miami store. She was incredible - her last minute alterations really brought the magic into the fit of my dress!
How many dresses did you try on before you found it? Before I ever got engaged, I was bookmarking Galia Lahav dresses. I never even went to look anywhere else. Since I live in Miami, I was fortunate enough to get an appointment at the Miami Flagship store and tried on 6 dresses.
Anything else you would like to add?
We are so incredibly grateful to all our vendors, especially our planner, Greta, for making our wedding day truly perfect.
"It was important to us that our guests got a taste of who we are and where we come from."
Planner: Nova Events by Greta McNebb | @novaeventsinc
Photography: Lara Dominguez | @larariosphotography
Hair & Makeup: Gia Despo | @giadespobridal
Bride’s dress: Galia Lahav | @gahlialahav @glbrides
Church: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral | @stsophiamiami
Venue: Cinco Farm | @cincofarmmiami
Content Creator | @thebridalarchives
Florals: Christopher Plaza | @houseofdahlia.co / @thebridecandy
Custom Wedding Stationery: Kelly Kurkjian Keenehan | @kellyjoycedesign Groom’s suit/shoes: Suit Supply | @suitsupply
Bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin | @louboutinworld
Cocktail Hour Trio: Elegant Musicians | @elegantmusicians
DJ/Photobooth: Solo Main Events | @soflomainevents
Cuban Cigar Roller: Cigars Love Show | @cigarsloveshow
Caterer: Events by Molina | @eventsbymolina
Rolls Royce Rental | @chauffeuredmiami