From Consultant to Contest Winner

From May to July of 2013, Enzoani and BRIDES Magazine came together to host a special Try-On contest designed to reward one lucky bride-to-be, as well an individual from one of the most important positions in the bridal industry--the sales associate. Sales associates, or bridal consultants, are often the first point of contact for excited brides-to-be searching for the perfect dress for their big day. Through the Try-On program, bridal consultants were encouraged to get as many of their customers as possible to try on an Enzoani gown. Participating in the sweepstakes meant a potential win-win for both the customer and the consultant-- the bride-to-be would be entered into a drawing to win eight Love by Enzoani dresses for herself and her bridal party, plus an all-inclusive bachelorette bash at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, while the consultant would also receive two Love by Enzoani gowns of her choice, in addition to an all-inclusive trip to Las Vegas for herself and a guest.

Jenna Donovan, the lucky sales associate winner, has been a bridal consultant for seven and a half years. After starting as a bridal consultant at only seventeen years old while she was still a senior in high school, Jenna has now been a valued team member at "I Do" Bridal & Tux in Wichita, Kansas for the past three years.

Upon winning the prize, Jenna was overjoyed to receive her Love by Enzoani gowns and share in an incredible experience with her close friends:

"When we started the contest, I jokingly told my co-workers that I was going to win this contest! We set out the [contest] materials and I made sure to let all of our brides know about the sweepstakes and that they could win a bachelorette party in Las Vegas, and all they had to do was try on an Enzoani gown. Not one single bride turned me down! I was diligent about filling out my forms and made sure to get everything submitted on time. If you want to win the lottery, you have to buy a ticket first! I had put the contest out of my mind until I checked my email one day while at work - I saw the email and I screamed so loud my boss thought that I was dying! I contacted Alanna at BRIDES Magazine right away to accept the prize. I selected my Enzoani gowns with Maria and received them by mid-April (right around my birthday!) and booked our trip to Las Vegas at the Hard Rock through Kristin. Everyone was so kind and professional and very excited for me! We had a blast!"

Jenna's win was also a pleasant surprise because it symbolized how her experience with Enzoani was coming full-circle in her journey as a bridal consultant:

"The first gown I sold at "I Do" was Blue by Enzoani's Delaware. I have worked with many different brands and designers through the years, and I am still impressed at the impeccable fit of the Enzoani gowns. Enzoani gowns are always breathtakingly beautiful and uniquely crafted. I personally loved the 2014 collection's touches of gold! I love drama in a gown and that is why I was drawn to the Love by Enzoani gowns E07 and E19." 

Pictured above (L-R): Jenna in Love by Enzoani E19, Enzoani Southwest Sales Rep Craig Eubanks, and 'I Do' Bridal Intern Laura all dressed up at the DEBI Awards

After picking out her two Love by Enzoani gowns, Jenna wore E07 in her engagement photo shoot with Justin Lister Photography at Wichita's beautiful and historic Orpheum Theatre. The warm mocha color of her long tulle gown paired with the theatre's gorgeously rich, antique vibe made for the most luxurious and elegant look. Jenna chose the Orpheum not just for its stunning interior, but also for what it represents: "I have always loved its rich, opulent, art deco details...I love glamour, and the setting really reminds me of the days of mysterious screen sirens and dapper, dangerous men. The Orpheum has been in the restoration process for the past 10-15 years, and there are still many areas that need work - but those dilapidated stairwells and hallways lend the setting an air haunted by history. My favorite part of the shoot was working with our photographer, Justin Lister. Justin is a fabulous fashion photographer, and that was my main reason I wanted to work with him. I love the lighting he utilizes and the framing of his shots. One of my favorite photos is one where Alex and I are in the sea of red velvet seats. The emptiness of the rest of the theatre makes the moment so intimate, and the sheer number of empty seats reminds us that some loves happen once in a lifetime."

Jenna then opted to wear her second Love by Enzoani gown, E19, while attending the bridal industry's 2014 DEBI Awards held during the Chicago market, where Enzoani won the award for excellence in Designer Bridal Gowns. The sleek, sophisticated tulle gown was the perfect dress for the occasion - formal and refined, with just the right amount of flair and bling at the waist.

Pictured above (clockwise from top left): Gainesville, Garaina, Fada, Ines, Justice, Jaime gowns

Jenna shared, "My favorite moments of the DEBI Awards was seeing Miss America, and some famous designers in the industry. I geeked out a bit! The awards show was spectacular, and of course the cherry on top was Enzoani winning the DEBI award!"

While at the Chicago market, Jenna also had the opportunity to take a peek at Enzoani's latest collection for 2015. When asked what her favorite pieces were, Jenna said, "The gowns I love the MOST are Blue by Enzoani Gainesville, Garaina, and Fada. My favorite Enzoani gowns (that I saw at the Chicago market) are Jaime and Justice. I also love the dramatic chiffon cape on the Ines gown."

From Jenna to the Enzoani team: "Thank you for giving me two knock-out gowns. Both gowns are simply stunning and I plan to keep them in my closet for years to come."

Credits

Photographer: Justin Lister Photography

Location: Wichita Orpheum Theatre

Jenna's Hair and Makeup: Jenna!

Alex's Hair: Katelynn Corns for Charisma Salon