WHEN DESTINY HAS IT ALL LINED-UP
This gorgeous Galia Lahav Bride met her husband at work, it was years later after they were not tied in a professional relationship that destiny did its magic and got them back together, this time forever!
THE LOVE STORY
Michael and I met in 2013 as Brand Ambassadors for a beer company, even though we did not like beer. We were always friendly, and I enjoyed working with him. However, we worked together, so I wanted to maintain that professional boundary, and we never got involved romantically. We had great times together, but strictly as friends. I appreciated how respectful he was, and our conversations flowed easily.
After the job ended, we kept in touch casually. A “Happy Birthday!” message here. A “Happy Holidays” text there. We even ran into each other randomly in Los Angeles a couple of times. Fast forward to 2018, and I was enjoying my single life on a solo trip to Cancun. A conversation with other guests at the hotel instantly reminded me of Michael, and a couple of tequila-infused cocktails later, I sent him a text. I told him I would return to LA soon and would love to catch up. Now, in 2024, I am Mrs. Oconitrillo.
THE PROPOSAL
Michael cooked dinner for me at home on my birthday, and it was just the two of us. We got to the cake, and he turned out all the lights so I could blow out the candles. It’s dark, but my eyes refocus, and he is down on one knee. “You make me want to be a better man…” My brain processed what was happening, but I was still blown away.
It was simple. It was just us. It was the absolute best proposal I could have asked for.
FINDING THE GALIA LAHAV DREAM DRESS
Galia Lahav was the first designer I scheduled a fitting with. There is something about Galia Lahav that evokes class, sensuality, and confidence — three essential things I sought while hunting for my dress. I tried on a few beautiful pieces, and then one of my girlfriends grabbed Tokyo.
“There’s something pretty phenomenal about Tokyo,” I told myself.
It was clear — Tokyo was the gold standard. My wedding dress was right where I began my search, and I knew that without a doubt, this was ‘the one.’
My wedding dress journey started in Los Angeles, then visits to New York City and Paris followed. I must have tried on at least 30 dresses. However, Tokyo was always on my mind. I scheduled another visit to try on Tokyo by myself once more and then came the tears. While I am grateful for the one-of-a-kind trips out of town, the dozens of pieces I tried on did not compare to Tokyo.
ABOUT THE ‘TOKIO’ WEDDING DRESS
‘Tokio’ is for the fashionista bride, from Galia Lahav’s Rise couture collection, this dress will make a statement with the strapless corseted silhouette. ‘Tokio’ features sparkling diamond-shaped grid embroidery with deeply plunged waist and cutouts for a striking shape. Paired with a short-tailored bolero as a showstopper of the highest luxury, Tokio offers architectural sophistication. Complete with a cathedral train for grandeur and glitter detail for glamour.
THE TOKIO EFFECT
I felt superhuman. It took everything in me to hold back the tears once I put it on just before walking down the aisle. Everyone loved the details of it. The bolero jacket is such a chic touch. The veil was so effortlessly elegant. I had never seen a wedding dress like it and was honoured to wear it.
EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THE GALIA LAHAV TEAM
Every phone call, text message, email, and in-person meeting was lovely, informative, and thoughtful. From the beginning of the process to (sadly) the very end, I always felt like I was in good hands. I’d been to several fittings across the world, and Galia Lahav’s team is top-tier.
ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES
Perfection is boring, and your bridal team is your lifeline. I was fortunate to work with a fantastic team – wedding planner, hair, makeup, photographer, you name it. Even with the best in the business, your wedding will be perfectly imperfect, so that is not something to deny but embrace. Any professional you work with will understand that and do all they can to support you, which my team did. Lean into the fact that things will not go as planned, adding to the charm, uniqueness, and magic of the experience.
FAVOURITE PART OF THE WEDDING PLANNING
I love graphic design and saw how many opportunities there were to complete the designs independently and make our vision come to life. I designed our wedding signs, seating chart, menus, and table cards. Planning out the color schemes and decor was one thing, but creating many elements from scratch was a highlight and something I can see myself doing more of.
MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING DAY MOMENT
My husband started to tear up during my vows. Michael doesn’t cry much, but he’s always been open and vulnerable with me. To see him so affected and for everyone else to see him as I see him — My heart could have exploded at that moment.
DETAILS THAT MADE THE WEDDING A ‘SPECIAL DAY’
I love vinyl records, and we wanted a guestbook that spoke to our mutual love of music. We came across an incredible small business on Etsy that provides custom record guestbooks that people can sign. I had never seen a guestbook like that and was impressed by its originality. It represented us as a unit so well and was such an excellent addition.
SEE MORE INSPIRING GALIA LAHAV’S BRIDES IN THIS LINK.
