Bride Of The Week: Joelle Parkin
Written By Kaileah Searcy
Joelle’s wedding day was a true celebration of love, individuality, and the timeless beauty of her Gale gown.
From heartfelt personal moments to dancing the night away with her closest family and friends, she embodied everything it means to be a GL Bride. We’re honored to share her unforgettable journey to “I do,” as told by Joelle.
"I felt like the most beautiful fairy princess… There were so many gasps and tears."
A moment of your wedding day will you never forget?
I will never forget the moment when the dance floor cleared and it was just my husband and I dancing to “The Truth” by India Arie. We were the only two people on earth at that moment.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
If your dress fully covers your shoes, wear flats! There’s no point in suffering for no one to even see your feet.
A detail that made your wedding special/unique?
We kept the dance floor open all night starting at cocktail hour. It kept the energy high and ensured we got to dance with every guest. So many people said it was the most fun they’d had at a wedding because they got to dance for most of it.
How did you know your dress was 'the one'?
It was the number one dress on my Pinterest board for months! I saw Galia was having a trunk show at a bridal boutique near me and I went in thinking I may try on something similar just for fun. When my bridal consultant saw my board she said “Wait… do you want to try on the Gale?” To which I replied “NO WAY, it’s here?!” And the rest was history. I loved it from the moment I laid eyes on it!
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 like the most beautiful fairy princess. It was designed to my exact measurements and fit me perfectly. The custom tag on the inside that said it was made for me just solidified that I’d made the right choice. There were so many gasps and tears; surprisingly I got a lot of comparisons to Princess Tiana (which I love!).
"..surprisingly I got a lot of comparisons to Princess Tiana (which I love!)."
Would you have done anything differently?
I would have taken an extra moment after the first look to walk around the garden with my husband and really take the moment in before jumping straight into the ceremony.
What was your favorite part of the wedding to plan/you were most looking forward to?
I was most looking forward to dancing with everyone! I loved going to dance clubs, dance classes, social gatherings, etc. and I was excited to have all of my favorite people in one spot to share that experience with me.
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
My husband and I are high school sweethearts. We met our senior year and ended up attending the same college together. We’ve been attached at the hip ever since <3
He proposed to me at a gorgeous lily pond outside of a historic art-deco style home in south Florida. He knows south Florida is my favorite place and in that moment the weather was perfect, we were completely alone surrounded by a beautiful work of nature. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav?
It was great! I’m so glad they carried lace in a brown dark enough to compliment my complexion. Means so much to me when a brand is intentional about inclusivity and making it easy for brides to find a gown that makes them feel beautiful on their wedding day.
How many dresses did you try on before you found it?
It was the second dress I tried on!
Thank you so much for sharing! Is there anything else you would like to add?
We did so many things nontraditionally, but my favorite was having my dad be the person to marry us. He’s been such an important part of my relationship, using that time in front of our family and friends to share his story meant the world to me.
"It couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Planner | @starshallowevents
Photographer | @sambgphoto
Videographer | Shamusfilms
MUA | @Annagracemakeup
Venue | @Mcgillrosegardenevents
Cake | @suarezbakery