Bride Of The Week: Maressa
Written By Kaileah Searcy
Today, we're introducing our stunning GL Bride Maressa, who tied the knot with her high-school sweetheart Dion at the breathtaking National Palace of Queluz. Dressed in a custom Galia Lahav gown that made her feel both powerful and delicate, Maressa embraced the truest version of herself on her special day. In the following interview, she opens up about the unforgettable moments, heartfelt details, and personal touches that made her wedding a true reflection of their love story.
“Walking down the aisle and locking eyes with Dion, it felt as though time stood still.”
A moment you’ll never forget
For me, it was walking down the aisle and locking eyes with Dion. In that instant, everything else blurred. The palace, the music, the guests—all of it faded, and it felt as though time stood still. It was just us, in our own quiet world, in the middle of something so grand. That moment is etched in my heart forever.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? Advice for future brides
I didn’t realize just how fleeting the day would be. You spend months, even years, pouring your heart into every detail, and then the day unfolds in what feels like a single breath.
My advice? Trust your planning, release control when the day arrives, and be fully present. Let yourself laugh, cry, dance, and notice the small things like the way your partner looks at you, the way your family holds you close, because those are the moments that stay with you.
A detail that made your wedding unique
Every design choice was intentional. Chandeliers wrapped in greenery, custom Quick-branded touches woven throughout—it was all about telling our love story in a language that felt true to us. Instead of thinking in terms of decoration, I approached it as storytelling. Architecture and design became the framework through which our relationship was shared with everyone in the room. It wasn’t just a wedding—it was our narrative, translated into space, texture, and detail.
How did you know your dress was ‘the one’?
The moment I put it on, I felt both powerful and delicate. It was as if the gown carried my essence but elevated it, letting me see myself in a way I hadn’t before. I didn’t feel like I was trying to become someone else. I felt like I was stepping into the truest version of myself.
“Every design choice was intentional—it wasn’t just decoration, it was storytelling.”
The morning of the wedding—how did you feel in your dress?
Surreal. That’s the only word for it. Slipping into the gown felt like stepping into the woman I had always imagined becoming. And when I saw the reactions, so many tears, so much emotion. I knew it was everything I had dreamed of. It wasn’t just fabric and stitching; it was transformation, affirmation, and beauty all at once.
Would you have done anything differently?
No. Even the moments that didn’t go exactly as planned became part of the beauty. The small imperfections, the surprises, the laughter—they’re what made the day truly ours. I wouldn’t trade any of it.
Favorite part of planning
“Designing the aisle was my favorite part. With my background in architecture, I approached it less as a path and more as an experience. The palace’s narrow aisle could have felt limiting, but I saw it as an opportunity. By introducing a one-way aisle design, I created something that emphasized perspective and flow. It became more than a walk—it became an architectural statement: intimate, directional, and undeniably grand. It’s one of the elements I’m proudest of.”
How did you meet Dion? How did he propose?
We’re high-school sweethearts, which still amazes me to say. Our story began in Chesapeake, Virginia, and it’s carried us through so many chapters of life together. Dion proposed in Crete, overlooking the Aegean Sea. It was romantic, breathtaking, and completely unexpected. That sunset, that view, that moment—it’s something I’ll treasure forever.
Working with Galia Lahav
Choosing a Galia Lahav gown felt like fate. The craftsmanship, the detail, the architectural elegance—it aligned perfectly with the vision I had for the day. It wasn’t just a dress; it was a piece of art that reflected everything I wanted to embody.
How many dresses did you try before finding it?
I think six or seven. Each had its own beauty, but the moment I tried mine, everything else fell away. It wasn’t even a question anymore. It was effortless, like the gown chose me as much as I chose it.
Anything else to add?
Enjoy the journey. Planning isn’t just a means to the wedding day—it’s a chapter in your love story. The tastings, the mood boards, the late-night conversations about colors and flowers—those are memories you’ll hold onto just as tightly as the day itself. Savor them, because they’re part of the beauty, too.
“The moment I put on my gown, I felt both powerful and delicate. The truest version of myself.”
Wedding Venue | National Palace of Queluz
Planner / Designer | Self-designed by the bride @ressadesigncollective
Coordinator | @first_class_portugal, @classiqcompanyevents
Photographer | @stanlophotography, @grabazei_photography
Video Team | @artandrosesfilms
Florist | Mary and Blooms @maryandblooms
Custom Wedding Dress | @galialahav
Bridesmaid Makeup | @makeup_roomlisboa
Bride Makeup | @rosaverts
Furniture Rental | @rentalcollectionpt
Classic Car | @genesiolaranjo
DJ | Spinrillo @spinrillo
Bride Shoes | @dior
Bride Earrings | @chanel
Groom Shoes | @dior
Groom Watch | @rolex
AV | Floor Sensations @floor_sensations