Bride Of The Week: Mariel Armstrong
Written By Kaileah Christine
October 26, 2020
Our #GLBride of the week is Mariel Armstrong, who walked down the aisle to marry her fiancé Alex in our Gia gown. The couple tied-the-knot surrounded by family and friends in their hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. In the following interview, Mariel shares with us her most unforgettable wedding day memories and when she knew our Gia was the dress for her.
"The GIA gown was the first dress I saw and I thought it was so beautiful."
How did you meet your husband? Tell us a little bit about your relationship.
Bryan and I first met in New York City thanks to a little help from the dating app The League. Our first date was at a quaint Italian restaurant located in the heart of the West Village, coincidentally close to where we actually live now (back then we lived in 2 different and far apart boroughs), and the night concluded with us listening to some jazz in an underground speakeasy.
We found in each other shared a love of life – travel, family, music, and the desire to “chart our own course.” We split our time between Manhattan and East Hampton with our dog (best friend) Bowie by our side. Since the wedding, we have been in relax mode – focusing on work and what we want to dive into next!
How did you find your perfect dress?
I kept my dress shopping “entourage” to just my mom and I. I knew as excited as I was for the experience I was going to be nervous and potentially, slightly indecisive. We scheduled 2 weekends of wedding dress shopping so I could explore the brands and styles I thought I liked. It’s true what they say, you never really know what you want until you try it on!
One of our first stops was to Bridal Reflections on 5th Avenue. I tried on the Magnolia almost immediately and loved it so much! I told myself to keep looking only because it was day 1 and dress shopping couldn’t be that easy, could it?
The following weekend we canceled our appointments and only made one with Bridal Reflections. Once I put the Magnolia back on was an easy “say yes to the dress” moment.
"We tried to always stay in the moment and be present."
How was your experience with the Galia Lahav brand?
Incredible from the very first moment! When I first tried on my dress, Sharon Sever, Galia Lahav’s Head Designer, was there with me in person! He described the detail that goes into every dress, making each one custom to the bride. Once I made my choice, the team at Bridal Reflections was amazing – always communicating with me and answering any questions my mom and I had with kindness. My fittings with Bridal Reflections expert tailor, Michael, helped ensure it was a perfect fit (thanks to Pilates I needed a few inches taken in!).
What moment from your wedding will you never forget?
Bryan’s vows just blew me away – the way he articulated his love for me and our life together is something I will treasure forever.
"Stay present and have fun with it!"
Wedding Planner | Erin Bishop- Filosphi Events @filosophi
Decor Rentals and Florals | Koncept Events @Koncept.events
Balloon Cloud | Frankie & Co Shop @frankieandcoshop
Lighting | Innovation Lighting @innovationlighting
Food | Railtown Catering @railtowncaters
Makeup | Claudia Pooley @theglamoury
Invitations | Swell Press @swellpress
Venue | Rocky Mountainer Train Station @rockymountaineer
Photographer 1 | Dennis Gocer @thecollectiveyou
Photographer 2 | Linas Dambrauskas @linasdambrauskas