Despite working at Blush Bridal Salon as the director of operations, as well as part owner of the store with her three sisters, Nikki Vu only tried on three gowns in her search for “the one” for her September 2024 wedding to Drew Gallman.

“One of the designers we carry let me pick from any collection and had the dresses sent in all the colorways for me to try,” Nikki says. “When I saw it online, I kind of had a feeling. It was the last one I tried, and it was just perfect.”

Nikki’s Martina Liana gown is what she calls “the best of both worlds,” with the fitted, embellished gown complete with a detachable overskirt to deliver a wow factor for the ceremony.

“I call it art,” Nikki explains. “It has a lot of detail, with plenty of glamor and sparkle. I knew I wanted to be extra.”

Nikki and Drew’s wedding pulled from that same sentiment, with Nikki and her planner, Amy Shrader of Amy Hazel Events, as well as Sarah Stevens, focusing on every small detail, from custom ordering linens for the tables that would seat some 350 guests, to countless candles courtesy of Truly Haute, which delivered Nikki’s vision of dreamy romance.

The transformation of the Hilton Capitol Center’s ballroom was complete with sentimental touches like the performance of a dragon dance in a nod to Nikki’s Vietnamese heritage, as well as a friend of the couple’s acting as the DJ.

“The day comes and goes so fast,” Nikki says. “Throughout the day, I kept reminding myself to be present in the moment, and I’m so glad I did.”

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Hear from Him & Her

What is one detail that stands out when you think back on your wedding day?


Nikki: As I was waiting to walk down the church aisle, I had a wave of emotions. I have been waiting for this exact moment during our 10-year relationship. I personally felt like I was going to get sick, but I pulled it together. Before I started walking down the aisle, I took a moment to look around the church to see everyone.

Drew: Just having all our close family and friends in one place to celebrate us!

What personal detail were you proudest to include?


N: The dragon dance was important to me to include. Our lives were becoming one, and it was important to include my Vietnamese traditions.

D: Our dog Suki on our cake.

If you had one piece of advice for engaged couples, what would it be?

N: Firstly, you must celebrate! Secondly, be open to each other’s ideas, include each other in the process, delegate tasks and talk about the budget.

D: Soak in the moment and enjoy the process because it will go by quickly!

CEREMONY: St. George Catholic Church // RECEPTION & CATERING: Hilton Capitol Center // PLANNING: Amy Hazel Events & Sarah Stevens // CAKE: Tredici Bakery // FLORIST: Forage Floral Design // INVITATIONS: The Keeping Room // DRESSES: Blush Bridal Salon // TUXEDOS: After Five // HAIR: Shae Juge // BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Kelsy Nguyen // BRIDAL PARTY MAKEUP: Faces by Leah // VIDEOGRAPHER: Congo Nguyen // ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Dad/Southern Lotus Lion Dance // OTHER VENDORS: Truly Haute candles/Urquid Linen/Southern Blink/Mama Meaux Designs/Jeaux Jumps/C&C Linens/Spot On/Party Central Lafayette/Riverside Limousines