The smile on the bride in this week's real wedding story is just so radiant you just can't help but feel her joy.
If there's one thing we love more than sharing in photos of our brides on Still White, it is seeing the smile on the faces of girls on this happy day.
"Ben and I had been living in San Francisco for about a year, when he told me to take the entire weekend off work, he was taking me away for a surprise trip. We drove to Carmel Valley and Ben had us booked into an amazing resort. I adore horses and on the Saturday, all Ben told me was to throw on jeans and a top. He had organised an entire day horse riding and a private lunch with champagne in an outdoor pavilion on the ranch. 'At Last' was playing and Ben dropped to his knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Such a romantic.
As we were living in San Francisco we wanted to find a venue in Sydney that took care of everything. The Verandahs at Terrara House Estate was our venue. I would e-mail Terrara pictures of things I loved and they would make it happen. Terrara organised everything from the cake to the flowers." Jenna drew inspiration from blogs and websites such as Blumenthal Photography, The Lane, Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Wedding Channel and Planning Elegance.
"Living abroad, it is always exciting to come home, but to come home for your wedding is like nothing I have ever experienced. To have every single person that means something to us in the one place at the one time was truly magical. Our wedding day was everything we could have ever wanted, thanks to my mum, sister and Terrara House Estate.
Two highlights of our day are when my sister and Ben's brother surprised everyone by actually marrying us. We had a celebrant with them on the day to oversee it, but they actually conducted the ceremony. It was so special to have two people who we love so dearly, do something so special. The second highlight was when Ben surprised me and our guests by singing - with the band, The Proclaimers; 'I would walk 500 miles.'
After trying on about 20 dresses, I was close to going with a Monique Lhuillier until I 'suddenly' came across the Oscar De La Renta. As soon as I slipped the masterpiece on I was sold. Never before had I seen such an amazing dress. Whenever I had fittings, without a doubt, every customer in the store would be in awe. I know this is cliché, but I believe you do not choose the dress it chooses you.
When I told my family and friends I was selling my dress, they were in complete shock, and to be honest I understand where they are coming from. I wish I could wear my dress every day, I love it that much. I even thought about having it altered/shortened to wear as a cocktail dress, I have tossed up keeping it for my future daughter. But then I thought it is far too magnificent to be boxed up for the next 20 to 30 years for no one to admire. So this is how I came to the decision of selling it. I want to give someone else the joy it gave me."
We love the smile on Jenna's face in all these photos. Such a happy day! Thank you for sharing them with us Jenna.
Update - Jenna and Ben will be using the money from the sale to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary, with the traditional gift of paper. A ticket for an overseas holiday!
By Ingrid Szajer
Lindsey