Bride Of The Week: Valerie Larsen Carpender
Written By Kaileah Christine
March 2, 2021
Our #GLBride of the week is the stunning Valerie Larsen Carpenter, who wore our Blossom dress as she wed the love of her life in Hawaii. The couple held their destination wedding on the island of Ko ‘Olina at the sacred beach of Lanikuhonua. In the following interview, Valerie shares with us the behind-the-scenes details of her wedding and how she found the gown she always envisioned.
"Our wedding theme was - Modern, Elegant, Approachable and Memorable."
How did he propose?
At the top of a mountain while we were on vacation in St. Lucia! He left our room before I woke up and arranged for video “clues” to be given to me at certain times in the morning that lead me to the top of a mountain overlooking the ocean. I literally had to climb for two and a half hours to get to him- I knew he’d be waiting for me at the top!
How did you find your perfect dress?
My wedding dress was actually one of the first dresses I tried on. I walked into Annika Bridal in Edina, MN and told the store owner, Annie, what I was looking for. I showed her a sketch I had done of the kind of dress style I was hoping to find. She said she had the perfect dress designer for me. She brought me two Galia Lahav gowns. They both fit perfectly. Right from the rack and they were STUNNING. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it could be that easy, so didn’t buy one that day. I had to try on a few more before I could make my final decision. But, every dress I tried on from that day was instantly compared to the Galia gown and nothing else came close!
"My wedding dress was actually one of the first dresses I tried on..."
How was your experience with the Galia Lahav brand?
The dress was absolutely stunning! It fit like a glove- I felt like it was made just for me! I loved the modern lace details (especially on the back) and the soft sandy-colored tulle underneath- this gown was truly special and so unique. The fabric was breathable for the beach and moved with me when I danced all night long! It was literally like a second skin.
What moment from your wedding will you never forget?
I will never forget my Mother walking me down the aisle to meet my husband standing there waiting for me! When he saw me for the first time, he cried so hard! It took everything I had not to fall apart myself. Our ceremony was perfect… The sun setting over the ocean, our vows, seeing all of our friends and family there with us. We felt our fathers’ smiling down on us! We couldn’t have asked for a more special wedding ceremony.
"It fit like a glove- I felt like it was made just for me!"