Bride Of The Week: Lauren Barnette
Written By Kaileah Christine
November 9, 2020
Our #GLBride of the week is the gorgeous Lauren Barnette, who wore our Bella and Ms. Elle on her wedding day. The lovely couple held their nuptials at one of their favorite locations, Lake Como, Italy with a romantic pink wedding. In the following interview, Lauren shares with us a look at her destination wedding at Villa Pizzo and the moment she fell for our two gowns.
"...And it’s true what they say, I saved THE BEST for last."
How did you meet your husband? Tell us a little bit about your relationship.
We met in Los Angeles, CA, when a mutual friend randomly introduced us at a hotel swimming pool. He was charming, witty, and handsome, and so unexpected as I was in my “focus on myself” phase of life.
After several months of developing a true friendship, the inevitable happened: we fell in love, became parents to two adorable Pomeranians, traveled the world, and along the way never took ourselves too seriously.
Over eight years later and now married, I’m forever grateful for that fateful day in May of 2012.
Sidenote: When my now-husband left the hotel back in 2012, he told his friend in the elevator that he was going to marry me. I guess his intuition of ‘when you know, you know’ was spot on!
How did you find your perfect dress?
After going to countless showrooms and meeting with different designers, Galia Lahav was the last stop on my list. And it’s true what they say, I saved THE BEST for last. As soon as I walked into the Los Angeles store, I looked at my mom and said “This is it!” I knew I would find my dream dress in the sea of stunning gowns. Everything I was looking for in a gown, I found it.
I wanted something beautiful yet sexy, traditional yet with modern hints, something that was indicative of me, my personal style, and my personality. The gowns were so unbelievably beautiful I couldn’t pick just one! So I chose two very different dresses, one for our ceremony and one for the reception. They were perfect, and both the absolute dresses of my dreams.
"...I wanted something beautiful yet sexy, traditional."
How was your experience with the Galia Lahav brand?
My experience with Galia Lahav was truly divine. I worked with Kara and Gabby throughout the delicate process, and they were equally kind, attentive, and lovely. I had multiple fittings, and each time they made me feel just as special as I did the first day I walked into GL. They made my experience fun, seamless, and one I will always remember fondly.
What moment from your wedding will you never forget?
The most memorable moment from our wedding was when we walked into our reception and were announced as “Mr. and Mrs. Sanger” for the first time, followed by our first dance. This was my first time seeing our reception, and Vincenzo truly created a masterpiece.
Dancing with my husband, surrounded by our closest family and friends, and looking up to see the giant clouds of gypsophila, and garden pink roses raining down from the ceiling, was a moment I will never forget. I could not believe this was OUR wedding, and every detail was just so spectacular. I was filled with so much love and gratitude, I felt like I was going to burst!
"My experience with Galia Lahav was truly divine."
Photography | Tali Photography
Cinematography | Marco Caputo Films
Wedding/Reception Venue | Villa Pizzo, Lake Como, Italy
Planner | Exclusive Italy Weddings
Event/Floral Design: Vincenzo Dascanio Production
Ceremony/Reception Dress | Galia Lahav (Bella and Ms.Elle)
Groom’s Attire | Tom Ford
Caterer | AFM Banqueting
Cake/Dessert Buffet | Marco Failla
Entertainment | Fire & Ice Showband
Invitations | A Fine Press
Bride’s Hair and Make-up | Lara Navarrini