Meet our GL Bride of the Week, Alice, who enjoyed her special day in our G-104 gown. With the Algarve sun as witness, Alice's destination wedding stretched over four delightful days for an unforgettable celebration. In the following interview, Alice reflects on her remarkable nuptials and journey to becoming a GL. As told by Alice:
The most memorable part of the day for me was sitting at the top table after our meal. I was sat beside one of my best friends and recall watching all of my family and friends enjoy themselves, dancing, laughing and enjoying the champagne after having married the love of my life.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give future brides?
My mum and sister gave me one piece of advice I wish I had taken more notice of before the wedding. They kept saying to enjoy every minute of the lead up to the day, to soak in all those moments as it all goes by in a quick flash. Plus, it was a good excuse to drink Champagne on all of those lovely occasions too.
So, I feel I have to pass on that piece of sage advice.
As a new bride, I also wish I hadn’t sweat about the small stuff as much. For example, constantly looking at the weather, making endless lists, panic buying random bits from Amazon (that were not used). I wish I had just calmed down a little, trusted the wedding planner and maybe I wouldn’t have felt so stressed!
A detail that made your wedding special/unique?
There are two things that made our wedding unique.
Destination weddings are not a new concept and from bridal trends it looks like they are becoming more popular. But simply being in the Algarve sun with all of our close friends and family made it feel like we were in a wedding bubble. Our celebrations lasted over the course of 4 days, it wasn’t just one day and done. Everyone was in high spirits because they were on holiday, some hadn’t been to Portugal before so it was fun to explore Lagos (where our wedding was) with them.
The second thing that made it so special are our family and friends. We didn’t expect so many people to make the effort to come to our wedding. Our families are incredibly close, my husband and I have two very close friends groups and everyone got along famously. So much so we are all planning a big reunion trip next year!
I had actually bought another Galia dress before my actual wedding dress. I ended up trying it on at my first fitting but had spotted my eventual wedding dress… I tried the new dress on and loved that even more.
I knew it was the one instantly. It fit like a glove, it accentuated all the things I like most about my body and made me feel beautiful. I felt overwhelmed with emotion as did my mum and sister. I never thought I would cry over a dress, but it made me feel special. I knew I had to be married in that dress!
How did it feel when you put your dress on the day of the wedding? What was everyone’s reaction to the dress?
When I put it on and saw myself for the first time with my hair and make-up done, I felt so elegant maybe also regal! It felt like months of hard work had just fallen into place. There was not one part of my look I would change.
My first look with my dad was extremely emotional. I’ve very rarely seen him crying but when he saw me, he began to cry. When talking about that moment later in his speech he began to cry again and said I looked ‘dynamite’, which I think is a good thing!
My friends had absolutely no idea what to expect. I had 6 beautiful bridesmaids and not one of them (besides my sister) expected that to be my dress. They said that the level of detail of the dress was unmatched, it is so delicate and intricate and fit me in all the right places. The make-up artists were not impressed at having to touch up everyone’s make-up after the tears!
There is not one thing I would change about our day.
My priority was to ensure everyone was relaxed and having a good time. We achieved that and so much more.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my wedding look. The sleek and elegant style of the dress was complimented by vintage jewellery and a simple ponytail. The headband added an extra little bit of sparkle.
What was your favourite part of the wedding to plan/what were you most looking forward to?
My favourite part of the wedding to plan were the outfits. I wanted the bridesmaids and groomsmen to match but not be too matching. As we were being married in the Algarve I didn’t want anything too formal.
The open shirts and cream trousers looked divine next to the mix-matched champagne-coloured bridesmaids dresses. I loved watching each element come together and how well they all looked beside my dress and my Husband’s kilt.
I was most looking forward to the evening meal/drinks. We each chose a signature drink/cocktail to have at our reception (I chose a white wine Sangria and my husband chose a Caipirinha) and our evening meal was Portuguese couvert followed by a hog roast. Again I wanted everything to feel less formal than at home in Scotland, the drinks and meal fitted that vibe. It did not disappoint!
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
I met my husband by utter chance at a New Year’s Eve party. We had mutual friends who introduced us that night and we have been inseparable ever since. He proposed whilst we were on holiday in Lindos, Rhodes with friends. Everyone else on the holiday knew he was planning to propose as did my whole family back home and he waited until the last night of the holiday! He booked a restaurant on the water at St Paul’s Bay and as we were walking along the beach to get there he asked if I wanted a picture. I readied myself for the picture, turned round and he was on one knee. I cried for hours afterwards; it was just perfect.
How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav?
Working with the team at Galia Lahav has been a dream. The dress was absolutely perfect, their attention to detail is unbelievable!
Even afterwards when I was posting pictures online, the fact that one of the team took the time to comment on pictures, ask to see more pictures and took an interest was so special to me. Thank you!
How many dresses did you try on before you found the one?
I have always loved Galia and I as soon as I got engaged I knew I’d be married in one of their dresses. My mum had advised me to cast the net wider and look at other designers. I booked to go to two other dress boutiques before going to Kavelle and having the chance to try on Galia gowns.
I mean it when I say that nothing compared. I tried on two dresses in each shop before leaving. As soon as I tried on my dress, I instantly knew it was the one.
