One NJ Bride’s Search for the Perfect Wedding Gown

Posted on January 20, 2025
By Molly Gregor

Finding the perfect wedding gown was a high priority for Lia Gaccione, a speech language pathologist from Morris Plains, New Jersey. Lia first met her fiancé, Jason Hill, in high school in 2016 and the couple got engaged on August 17, 2024.

With plans for a ballroom wedding on January 9, 2026, at Crystal Plaza in Livingston, Lia wanted to find a gown that reflected the formality of the day. Their theme will have an elegant and classic aesthetic, with a romantic garden look and a color palette of navy, silver, white and gray.

Lisa Ivler of Lisa Ivler Events will be by her side—not just as the wedding planner but also as a friend of the family. Lia and Lisa’s daughter were childhood friends and Lisa planned Lia’s Sweet Sixteen party eight years ago. It only made sense that Lisa would re-create the magic on a grander scale this time for her wedding.

A Visit to White House Bride

After an appointment at a smaller salon in Northern New Jersey, Lisa suggested that Lia book a private appointment at the brand-new White House Bride in Edgewater. Owner Stacie Hiras personally escorted her throughout the shop, curating a breathtaking selection of formal gowns. With designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Rivini by Rita Vinieris, Steven Yearick, Steven Khalil, YSA Makino and Zuhair Murad, White House Bride offered a large variety of styles and silhouettes.

Lia was specifically looking for a two-in-one bridal gown preferably with a detachable skirt for both a princess and party feel. “I knew about the detachable skirt idea, but I didn’t have much else of a vision,” Lia explains. “I wanted to be fully in the experience and keep an open mind to all.”

Her Look

Magda Nyitray of Magda Designs Beauty, with more than 20 years of experience in the beauty and bridal industries, was on hand to make Lia look and feel like a princess. “The look I created was inspired by a number of factors—the bride’s vision, the gown, her features, location and the complete vision of her wedding,” Magda explains. “Lia is beautiful and she really can carry many different looks because of her facial features and amazing hair.”

In the consultation, Lia explained that she really wanted her hair to be down but with some pieces possibly up. “I suggested that we definitely pull up the hair and create a half-up, half-down style leaving some softness around the face. I wanted the style to not take away from her features, as well as not create too many shadows on her face. Lia has a great jawline and cheekbones. I believe that this style helped to accent her bone structure.”

When discussing her makeup look, Lia explained that she likes makeup and wears it every day, but does not want to be overdone. She likes a soft glam look with lashes. “Lashes are a must,” Magda says. “I decided to create a soft smokey outer corner with the Tom Ford RunWay Quad Palette. I also blended in a little bit of rose-gold shadows on the inner lids. The mauve tones mixed beautifully with the rose-gold shimmers.”

Being a skincare specialist, Magda added that skin is super important. “I pre-treated her skin with a super hydrating creme from NeoCutis and layered the ZO AOX Serum on top for additional hydration and its illuminating ingredients,” she explains. “I then applied the stick foundation Vanish Seamless Stick. This kept her skin looking radiant and natural. I used the Armani luminous silk cheek tint for a pop of natural color, again keeping it very soft and natural. I then applied the Dior forever glow maximizer. This added the perfect amount of radiance/glow.”

“The look was created without knowing which gown she would choose,” Magda adds. “Depending on the gown she ends up selecting, I may adjust her style slightly, but only with her approval. I always listen to what my bride is looking for. I may make suggestions and explain how we should make some adjustments if I truly believe the style is not the best fit, but their vision is super important.”

Magda Designs Beauty offers this service for any bride who would like to see the completed look while dress shopping. “I actually highly recommend these services, since it helps the bride really envision her look,” Magda adds.

The Gowns

First up was a romantically formal all-over Alençon lace ballgown by Monique Lhuillier with spaghetti straps, paired with a removable floral-lace long-sleeved jacket.

Next came an elegantly modern sheath gown that fit Lia like a glove. A voluminous overskirt was added for an elegantly formal effect.

Then came an A-line gown with more of an ethereal feel with corset top, spaghetti straps, floral lace and organza skirt.

Everyone loved the “Eve” dress by Steven Khalil—a structured ballgown with a fitted bodice, voluminous skirt and tiny rows of beaded pearls at the top.

This allover lace strapless ballgown with a corseted top was another flattering option. Lia looked and felt like a princess.

The showstopper was the strapless “Mabelle” gown by Steven Khalil with a corseted top, overflowing skirt punctuated with whimsical organza starbursts, and a simple bow belt at the waist. If you’re looking to make a statement, this dress is a breathtaking option.

Her Favorite Gown

Lia’s favorite was the “Eve” ballgown by Steven Khalil. “I loved the plain dress with the beaded top, because I felt so elegant and beautiful as myself—not because the dress had so much going on to make me feel beautiful,” Lia explains.

“It was such a fun day,” Lisa adds, “She’s a great client, and I felt Lia looked great in every dress!”

Did She Find The One?

While Lia ultimately said yes to the dress at Kleinfeld in New York City, she treasured her day at White House Bride and the white-carpet treatment and expertise that Stacie offered.

“It felt like a DREAM!” Lia says. “Not only did I feel like family, but I just felt gorgeous in everything I tried on. Everyone was so nice, and for the first time I felt like a bride instead of just a girl who got engaged.”

Lia was especially thrilled to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with her parents: “It was the most important moment for me. I needed them both there to give me their opinions on all the dresses. As a Daddy’s Girl, I couldn’t have said yes without my dad there.”