Our #GLBride of the Week is the gorgeous Arina Prisinzano, who married her best friend and love of her life in our Rhiannon gown. Surrounded by close friends and family, the two exchanged vows in the south of Italy at the breathtaking Masseria Potenti Hotel. In the following interview, Arina shares with us a behind-the-scenes look of her destination wedding, and the moment she knew our Rhiannon gown was the perfect dress for her. As told by Arina:
How did you meet your husband? Tell us a little bit about your relationship.
Frank and I met at his restaurant, here in the East Village of New York City. We sat at the bar at Lil Frankie’s talking from 10 pm until 4 in the morning. I went home buzzing from our incredible conversation and chemistry and good vibes. We said we would try to be friends, nothing serious. We said I love yous after a week, moved in after three months, got married after five years, and of course, we are seriously the best of friends.
How did he propose?
We were on our family vacation in the Amalfi Coast with my husband’s parents, cousins, and kids. My husband, the chef, made everyone an incredible lunch, and after we were finished, sitting there full and happy, he announced to the table that he needed to ask me something, got on one knee and proposed.
How did you start planning your wedding? What were the first steps?
Frank wanted two things, to get married in Italy and to be able to stay in a place that would sleep at least 50 of our people for a week-long. As I began my search it was incredibly difficult to find something reasonable and beautiful until I stumbled on our location Masseria Potenti, which is in the south of Italy, the region of Puglia, where my husband’s maternal grandfather once grew up. If you don’t know a lot about Puglia, it’s a chef’s paradise. The vegetables are incredible and taste the way it should. The people there have so much soul, and pride of where they come from. The location was the first decision we made, and the best one- next to my husband designing every single menu for 3 meals a day, 7 days.
Then the next thing was to invite the people we love, which we did via online invites because both my husband and I don’t check our mail. (Highly suggest this as you’ll save time and money, I used paperless post and designed my own beautiful template)
Did you do any beauty or fitness prep for your big day?
Nope!
What was your wedding theme?
There was no planned theme for my wedding. I’m sure for anyone who looks at the photos they can discern for themselves if it feels more bohemian or classic or whatever they so choose to believe. Every decision I made or Frank made about our wedding happened instinctually, which in turn felt right and didn’t leave much room for procrastination. If I have to choose, the theme was food and love and shaking our asses and having a good ass time.
How did you decide on your bridesmaid style?
I did not have bridesmaids. I didn’t have the heart to choose between a bunch of women that I love and have special individual relationships with, who could or couldn’t stand with me during such an important part of my life. I personally hate feeling left out, so I don’t want to ever put that on someone else. Also, every bridesmaid I’ve ever met has very much disliked being one. My mom and my sister (maids of honor) walked down the aisle with my stepsons (the best men). My mom and my sister wore traditional sarees, to reflect my Bengali heritage, and all three of us wore henna tattoos on our hands.
How did you find your perfect dress?
I saw the picture on your website. I saw you guys sold at Bridal Reflections a short subway ride away from me. I showed up by myself, specifically asked for the Rhiannon dress, and knew I’d wear it on my wedding day. I honestly think it is the perfect wedding dress and I’ve never in my life seen a dress more beautiful.
How was your experience with the Galia Lahav brand?
Awesome.
What was the most important thing for you and your husband when planning your wedding?
That people ate well, felt relaxed, enjoyed each other, enjoyed, and understood Puglia as a region and what they represent so well – love and family.
What was your first wedding song?
We didn’t have one? The first song we danced to on our wedding night was “Cash Shit” By Megan Thee Stallion.
What did you enjoy the most about planning your wedding?
I loved all of it. I love a tedious task. Spreadsheets and organizing things gets my heart palpitating. I could easily go into event planning for a living I loved it so much. I think people who don’t enjoy this process are probably too caught up in “How things will look” and not “How things will feel.” People never forget an experience that ultimately makes them feel good, calm, and happy. No one cares if the flowers they bring you aren’t the exact shade of lilac you need for the “Perfect” arrangement. Toss the idea of perfectionism out the window and enjoy the people you love.
What advice would you give to all our future brides?
At the end of the day, your wedding is just a party. For many people, your wedding will be just “another” party. The way to ensure that your wedding isn’t just a party and is instead one of the most memorable or incredible experiences in your life is to invest in the people that show up for you, love and praise them, and have a good time with them. For those who don’t want a part of your journey, wish them well, and let them go.
What moment from your wedding will you never forget?
If I had to choose just one moment, it would be when Frank and I were brought upstairs to watch the fireworks together. I really couldn’t believe my life at that moment. How blessed I was to have Frank, to have my family, and my beautiful friends. I was exploding inside while the fireworks were exploding outside.
