Bride Of The Week : Carmen Eppler

Written By Kaileah Searcy

She Wore The GALA 408

Get to know our GL Bride of the Week, Carmen, who fell in love with the dreamy details of our GALA 408 gown! Carmen and her fiancé tied the knot with a beautiful wedding day in Germany and an unforgettable photoshoot in Egypt. From the gorgeous heels she designed herself to finding her dream gown with us, Carmen’s wedding day was filled with special moments she’ll be sharing with us today. As told by Carmen:

"Witnessing the sparkle in his eyes as he turned around was pure magic!"

Carmen Eppler

A moment of your wedding day will you never forget?
One of the standout moments of our wedding day was undoubtedly our First Look. Ironically, we initially dismissed the idea, convinced that seeing each other while walking down the aisle would be more emotionally charged. But credit to our wedding planner; she shared the virtues of a First Look, and boy, was she spot on!

There's something incredibly special about sharing those initial emotions upon seeing your better half for the first time on the wedding day, in a private, intimate setting. Witnessing the sparkle in his eyes as he turned around was pure magic! We chose to exchange our vows during this moment, making it intensely personal and unforgettable. Our videographer beautifully captured the scene, intertwining it with our vows in our wedding video.

However, what made this moment extraordinary was that despite sharing an intimate First Look, the rush of emotions still surged as I walked down the aisle. All eyes on us, my dad by my side, guiding me toward my husband. The blend of intimacy and the grandeur of the ceremonial walk made it a profound and cherished memory.

One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
There's a cliché about your wedding day: it goes by in a flash. But let me tell you, until you're in the midst of it, you won't grasp the truth in those words. So, here's a nugget of wisdom for all the future brides out there: relish every moment.

Set your alarm a bit earlier than you think necessary. Trust me, it's worth it. The hours leading up to your wedding are precious. Getting ready takes time, especially when you've got a troupe of bridesmaids sharing in the joy. Factor in those additional moments for unexpected giggles, makeup touch-ups, and just reveling in the presence of your dearest friends. Those early hours hold the essence of the day, the magic that makes it all worthwhile.

A detail that made your wedding special/unique?
Ah, that's a tough one because there were so many details that made our day special, that I can't to just choose one but here are my favorites: Firstly, my wedding shoes became a quest in themselves. With a dress already so unique and striking, finding shoes that seamlessly complemented it was a challenge. After numerous unsuccessful searches, I took matters into my own hands and decided to design them myself. Our talented seamstress made it happen! By incorporating leftover lace from the dress with its 3D applications into the design of criss-cross strap tulle wedding shoes, we achieved the perfect match. They seamlessly blended with the dress, becoming a remarkable and meaningful detail.

Next, our sweet table after the ceremony became a delightful centerpiece for our guests. An impressive 20-feet-long table adorned with over 10 delectable treats—cake pops, macaroons, donuts, cookies, crumbles, and, of course, our splendid wedding cake—all harmonizing flawlessly with our pastel-colored spring wedding theme. Each treat was labeled with matching stationery, adding an enchanting touch and making it feel straight out of a fairy tale.

"So, here's a nugget of wisdom for all the future brides out there: relish every moment."

Carmen Eppler

Lastly, our beloved dog, Pumpkin, played a starring role. She is our little Mini Bernedoodle who became a part of our family during our time in the US and her presence was incredibly important to us. Finding a venue that allowed dogs to be off-leash was a priority, and she even joined us during our church ceremony. Adorned in a charming wedding harness, she proudly held the title of our 'bark of honor.' From bringing us the rings to sneaking some treats from different tables, she added an irreplaceable charm to our special day, becoming the adored third star of the celebration.

These three details—the custom made shoes, a sumptuous sweet table, and our beloved furry friend—each contributed their unique touch, making our wedding an unforgettable and charming affair.

How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
Isn't it fascinating how life leads us down unexpected paths? I met my husband in a classic setting—work! Already a part of the company, I welcomed him into our team where he seamlessly blended into our circle of friends. Although neither of us were seeking a relationship initially, an unspoken connection led to a blossoming friendship that gradually evolved into something deeper.

As we journeyed from friends to partners, I marveled at the harmony and differences between us. Our shared love for travel and embracing diverse cultures had led us to live in various countries before our paths aligned in Germany. While both driven and devoted to our families and careers, I was drawn to Fabian's serene and composed nature—a perfect counterbalance to my spirited energy in this bustling world.

After a year of dating, an exciting opportunity arose for both of us—an extended job assignment at our Boston subsidiary. That marked the beginning of a new chapter. It was during this time that Pumpkin, our furry baby, found her way into our hearts.

In December 2021, during one of our cherished trips to Tanzania, where we had previously explored nature and beaches while supporting a baby home, little did I know that Fabian had something extraordinary planned. Traveling alongside my brother and sister-in-law, we ventured into this enchanting land once again. On New Year's Eve, amidst our beloved people and the beautiful setting of Tanzania, he seized the moment and proposed. It was an idyllic, picture-perfect moment. The ring he chose, a stunning yellow diamond reflecting my favorite color, left me speechless. Without hesitation, I said yes! Our engagement was celebrated with a following safari trip—a remarkable start to a new year!

In April 2023, after our return from Boston, we said yes! Now, with great excitement, we await the arrival of our little baby girl in April 2024—a new chapter in our enchanting journey filled with love and adventure.

"I was drawn to Fabian's serene and composed nature—a perfect counterbalance to my spirited energy in this bustling world."

Carmen Eppler