Our #GLBride of the week is the beautiful Shani Alexander, who celebrated her nuptials in our Maya gown. In the mists of a pandemic, the couple re-planned their original wedding and decided on a small, intimate ceremony at the groom's childhood home in sunny Miami, Florida. In the following interview, Shani shares the details of her wedding day and how she became a GL Bride. As told by Shani:
How did you meet your husband? Tell us a little bit about your relationship.
We met on the beach in Israel 3 years ago. It was a Friday afternoon at a party. He approached me and then I ran into him again the next day on a different beach. Our relationship started very slowly and then I moved to the USA for work. In NY we spent more time together and connected.
How did he propose?
We were in Miami and he asked me to come for an early sunrise meditation on the beach. I went and after 10 minutes of meditation, he pulled me closer to the ocean and popped the question with the ring. I was totally shocked but thrilled.
When did you first hear that your wedding day couldn’t go as planned?
When corona started we were hesitant about what’s going to happen. We were supposed to have a 600 guests celebration over 5 days in Israel. As we got closer to the date we realized that it would not happen as the original plan. Then we pulled our plan B.
How did this make you feel?
I was disappointed but we both decided to keep the wedding on the original date with a lot fewer guests. In the Jewish tradition, you are not supposed to change the date of the wedding.
How did you choose your re-location?
That was very easy. We were in Miami and my husband’s parents were thrilled to do it in their house. I loved the idea that it’s the house he grew up in and had his bar mitzvah there.
What was the most important thing for you and your husband when re-planning your wedding? How many guests did you have?
The most difficult part was not having my parents and brother with my closest friends and family. They all supported me to have it anyway. We ended up with 48 guests.
Were your family able to make it to your small event?
No, but they saw the entire ceremony and celebration via stream video. We made sure it will be the best quality for them.
Are you planning on having another bigger celebration when you are able to?
No, we are very satisfied with what we had.
Looking back, would you have rather had the original wedding you planned or the smaller ceremony you ended up having?
The smaller version but with my family. I love the intimate feeling we had at our wedding.
How did you find your perfect dress?
When I knew I was getting married, I knew right away who will be my wedding dress designer. I worked with Galia before. A few years ago I did her campaign and every dress I wore I loved and imagined myself wearing it at my wedding. I love the feeling her dresses give me. Very comfortable and sexy at the same time. The dresses are well made and I felt the love that was put into them.
How was your experience with the Galia Lahav brand long distance?
Everything was perfect. They spoke with me daily And we build my dream wedding dress together from a long distance. Galia Lahav’s team was there for me every step of the way.
What was your first wedding song?
It was a Hebrew song that we both like. The name of the song was “Love at First Sight”.
What advice would you give to brides during corona that are having the same experience as yours?
Make a small wedding and enjoy it.
What moment from your wedding will you never forget?
It rained a lot that day (rain is a blessing) so we will always remember that. We will remember everything that took place.
