An Elegant Beach Wedding With a Gorgeous Galia Lahav Gown

Well, ladies and gents, wedding gown genius Galia Lahav has done it again.

We’re not shy about how utterly obsessed we are with her work—I mean, this stunning Tahoe wedding is a full love letter to the bride’s Galia Lahav look. There’s just something about what she’s able to do with sheer fabric and floral appliqués.

That’s why we’re so excited to give you a peek into Kristi + Michael’s elegant beach wedding in Mexico! 

The whole wedding—an elevated black + white event at Blue Venado in Tulum, orchestrated by the planners from Lucy Gallagher Boutique Weddings—was nonstop seaside sophistication. And a gorgeously designed day like Kristi + Michael’s means that a special dress like Kristi’s fit and flare plunge neck Galia Lahav look got to shine all the more brightly.

“We strived to create an energetic and vibrant atmosphere for our special day, infused with the organic modern essence of Tulum,” says the couple. “By blending sleek, contemporary elements with bohemian touches like rattan, pampas grasses, and lush greenery, we achieved our vision of the perfect beach wedding aesthetic.” 

Destination celebrations are notoriously not easy to pull off, but WOW did Kristi + Michael do it. And we’ve got beautiful photos from Andre Gouin to prove it.

Kristi + Michael’s minimalist wedding invitations from Weddings Creative Lab set the tone for the day’s chic simplicity.

There’s something so classic + glamorous about a simple engagement ring with a single stone and gold band.

Getting Ready

Matching PJ sets—like the breezy botanical ones that Kristi’s girls were rocking—make such thoughtful bridesmaid gifts!

We are so charmed by the story of how Kristi found her wedding dress: “I have often been teased as the perpetual bridesmaid, never “the bride.” With 12 stints as a bridesmaid and witnessing my friends navigate the journey of choosing “the dress,” you could say I had gathered some insight along the way. When my turn finally came, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore all the gorgeous gowns, approaching the process with an open mind…”

I mean…😍. How could you not fall for this modern-yet-feminine Galia Lahav beauty?!

“My first destination was The Dress Theory in Seattle, renowned for its stellar selection and featuring my favorite designer, Galia Lahav,” remembers Kristi. “The moment I slipped into the second GL Gala dress, I was smitten. However, I hesitated, knowing it was early in my gown search and wanting to ensure my decision. Next, I visited Nyanza, another bridal boutique in Seattle, with my sights set on the Galia Lahav Couture line. Leaving the appointment even more confused, I found myself torn between two breathtaking gowns from the Couture collection.”

“At my mother’s suggestion, we revisited The Dress Theory the following weekend to reevaluate my initial favorite GL Gala gown in comparison to the Couture options. It turned out to be a pivotal decision because we met Val. I’ll never forget her or her words. Val retrieved the GL Gala beaded gown I had admired but then promptly declared, ‘This is gorgeous, but this is not your gown.’ Without hesitation, she retrieved another GL dress and declared, ‘This is your dress.’”

“Though initially uncertain, I trusted her judgment and tried on the mystery gown she selected— and sure enough she was right! The moment I slipped it on, I knew it was THE dress, even before seeing myself in the mirror. The way it hugged my figure and lifted my spirits was unparalleled. When the curtains were drawn back, revealing the dress to my mother, she was moved to tears. Without uttering a word, she knew it was “the dress” too.”

The First Look

How sophisticated does Michael look in this ivory jacket tux!?

Check out our A to Z rundown of men’s formalwear to find the degree of fancy that feels right for you.

There is so much to love about a first look. Absolutely adorable pics like this one, for example!

Pre-Ceremony Portraits

If you’re into Kristi’s curve-loving bridal silhouette, you definitely need to explore our favorite mermaid wedding dresses.

Want to hear something heart-melting? Michael proposed on a bench at the dog park where he and Kristi shared their very first date. 🥰

Sandra Carolina was the hair + makeup mind behind Kristi’s beachy waves and effortless glam.

Kristi + Michael’s guests absolutely nailed the bright-yet-sophisticated beach-ready wedding guest fashion.

Still hunting for looks for the wedding you’ve had on the books? Look through our semi formal wedding guest attire ideas and black tie optional style guide for lots and lots of ideas.

Hand-woven fan wedding guest favors with monogrammed ribbon-tied tags help guests beat the heat.

This adorable ring bearer took security very seriously.

Completely captivated by this hanging installation! Palm fronds! Woven lanterns! Disco balls! There’s so much to love.

Plug In Audiovisual was on the scene to cue up the music for Kristi + Michael’s first dance and to keep the tunes coming all night long.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
1. Do not overlook the finer details! Incorporate a personalized logo or design element that can be woven throughout your wedding, from the menus and signage to the napkins. These small, personalized touches tie everything together and make your special day uniquely yours!
2. We firmly believe that a destination wedding is always a fantastic idea! However, it's crucial to do your research and assemble a reliable team to assist you. Consider hosting a welcome party to greet and mingle with your guests before the main event. This ensures that you can fully enjoy your wedding reception on the dance floor rather than spending precious time greeting guests for the first time. Planning a destination wedding may present its challenges, but the memories you create during this once-in-a-lifetime trip will make it all worthwhile!
3. When it comes to music, diversity is key. Opt for a varied playlist that caters to everyone and keeps the dance floor bustling! Enhance the atmosphere with fun accessories like glow sticks, bracelets, glasses, and even props like sombreros, which are sure to be a hit with your guests! Guests may not remember the little details, but they WILL remember having fun!
4. Prepare for your first dance by enrolling in dance lessons! Our instructor, Catherine at Abayas' Ballroom, worked wonders and transformed us into confident dancers. She choreographed a routine that challenged us yet still felt genuine in the moment. After dedicating hours to practice and perfecting the routine, we both felt comfortable on the dance floor. Plus, it provided the perfect date night excuse leading up to the wedding, giving us a structured activity to enjoy together outside of planning!

You really don’t want to miss the GORGEOUS wedding video that Sea & Love put together.

Congratulations, Kristi + Michael, on your breathtaking beach wedding in Tulum. Total destination celebration dreams. Complete with a Galia Lahav look for the ages! GWS wishes you all the best.