Small Town Roots. Big City Dreams. Memories That Will Last Forever.
Some trips change you. Some trips stay with you forever. For the girls of GG Formals in the City: Season 2 — Hayden Barlow, Molly Grace Wall, Lillian Maybin, and our 2025 Salesperson of the Year, Carleigh Claxton — New York City was more than just a destination. It was a dream realized, a memory made, and a moment they’ll carry with them forever.
From subway mishaps to Tiffany necklaces, from BonBon candy hunts to Broadway dreams — every second was packed with laughter, heart, and a whole lot of sparkle.
Day 1: From Jovani Racks to Broadway Lights
We landed bright and early and were immediately whisked away in a stretch limo straight to The Westin Times Square — because obviously, GG girls only arrive in style. After a quick change out of our airport clothes (because NYC demands better), we made our way to Jovani headquarters where we got a private look at all the newest designs with our favorite rep, Caitlyn.
It was one of the first "pinch me" moments of the trip, but it definitely wasn’t the last.
Later that evening, decked out in sparkles, gold, and silver, we headed to The Great Gatsby on Broadway — and it left a mark on everyone’s heart. Molly Grace Wall, who grew up dreaming of being on a stage like that, shared,
"Seeing Broadway live was emotional for me. As a dancer, it’s always been a dream, and watching that level of talent in real life opened my eyes to how much more there is beyond my little town."
We wrapped the night up like true champions with a late-night Raising Cane’s dinner — laughing so hard we nearly cried. The bond between the girls was already strong, but that night, it got even tighter.
Day 2: Big Bagels, Big Feelings, and Tiffany Blue Dreams
Day 2 started with a very important mission: get Molly her authentic New York bagel. (And yes, it was everything we hoped for — worth every single bite.)
Fueled up, we headed to The Edge — the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere — where the crazy winds gave us an unexpected runway moment. Hair everywhere, outfits flying, but memories being made.
Later, after a quick stop for NYC pizza, we visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It was heavy. It was real. It reminded us all to stay humble, stay thankful, and never take a single day for granted.
Afterward, we needed something light — and Fifth Avenue delivered. What started with Molly picking out a special souvenir from Tiffany’s quickly turned into a whole-group bonding moment when the girls decided to buy matching Tiffany bracelets.
Hayden Barlow said it perfectly when she reflected on the trip:
"This wasn’t just a trip. It was a reward for the work we put in. Coming from a small town and seeing how big the world really is was eye-opening."
We ended the day with shopping bags in hand, Tiffany blue boxes tucked safely away, and memories that felt as sparkling as the jewelry.
Day 3: Shooting Stars in the City That Never Sleeps
Our final day was straight out of a dream. We spent the morning traveling across New York in a limo, shooting with @shotsnyc_ at all the iconic spots: Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Cornelia Street, and even The Met.
The girls were glowing, and not just from the flash of the cameras. They were confident, radiant, full of life — exactly what GG Formals is all about.
Lillian Maybin summed it up best:
"This trip was even more than I ever imagined. From the photoshoot to exploring the city, every moment was so special. I’m so thankful to GG Formals for giving us this opportunity and for helping me grow not just as a model but as a person."
After the shoot, we had lunch at our favorite little Mexican restaurant on Cornelia Street — a GG Formals tradition — and finally conquered our mission to try BonBon Swedish Candy. (Yes, it took three days and a few subway wrong turns, but we made it happen. Worth every second.)
That night, dressed to the nines, we celebrated with dinner at Keens, the oldest steakhouse in New York City. We sat around the table, sharing stories, laughing at our subway disasters, talking about dreams and goals, and soaking up every last moment together.
Carleigh Claxton said it beautifully:
"Going to New York was a dream come true. Every detail of the trip was so thoughtful. Suzanne and Matt put so much care into everything, and it made me so proud to be part of this team. Working with them motivates me more than ever to keep pushing, and I’m so thankful for everything they’ve done for us."
Meet the Full GG NYC Crew
Of course, this unforgettable trip wouldn’t have been complete without the amazing people who helped make it happen behind the scenes (and behind the camera). Traveling alongside the girls were:
KB Lake, the official GG hype girl, content queen, and big sister of the trip — always with a camera in one hand and lip gloss in the other.
Cam Myers, KB’s boyfriend and biggest cheerleader
Bennett Lake and Keaton Lake, sons of Matt and Suzanne and forever part of the GG legacy
Stella Brantley, Bennett’s fashion-forward girlfriend
And of course, Matt and Suzanne Lake — the founders of GG Formals, the heart behind the brand, and the reason this dream came to life
From cheering the girls on through photoshoots to capturing behind-the-scenes magic, this group made the trip not just fun — but truly unforgettable.
To Our GG Family: Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible fans, families, and customers who support GG Formals every single day.
You believed in these girls.
You believed in this dream.
And you made it possible for four girls from small towns in Georgia to have an experience that will shape them for the rest of their lives.
From the bottom of our hearts: thank you.
Thank you for shopping with us.
Thank you for cheering these girls on.
Thank you for helping make dreams happen.
Season 2 was unforgettable.
Season 3?
Let’s just say… you’re not ready.
From subway laughs to Broadway lights, from chicken fingers to Tiffany diamonds — thank you for being part of our GG family.
Love always, The GG Fam🗽✨👑