#EnzoaniRealBride: Jackie + Steven

Jackie and Steven said “I do” to one another on August 2, 2014 at St. Anne’s Parish in Downtown Annapolis, Maryland with a reception at The Loews Hotel. This happy couple was surrounded by loved ones at their romantically nautical wedding and anyone watching could definitely see the love in the air. The red brick church was the perfect background for the newlyweds as it made Jackie’s gown completely stand out.

Jackie looked absolutely radiant in her Heather dress as she said her vows. This strapless mermaid gown was a perfect choice for her with its sweetheart fit and flared skirt covered in lace appliqué. The chapel length train flowed behind her as she was walked down the aisle. She couldn’t have looked more beautiful!

"The Enzoani Heather was everything I dreamed of and more. I was completely torn between the Enzoani Gretchen and Heather in the bridal shop. They both had the fitted mermaid style I wanted and were full of tulle. I had to have tulle! My deciding factor was my wedding theme. I had already incorporated lace into my bridesmaid dresses, so I thought it was the perfect touch to go with the Heather which has the double lace overlay. I added a belt and a cathedral length veil since my ceremony was taking place in a traditional 1800’s church.  I was looking for that “wow” factor and by the amount of compliments I received; I would definitely say that this dress was it!"

"Steven and I met 4 years ago in Annapolis, MD. Actually, a couple blocks from where we were married. I was fresh out of college and just beginning my career in the insurance industry. Steven was in sales and had been living in Annapolis at the time. My cousin was a friend of Steven’s and invited him to a restaurant with us, thinking that we would make a good match. A week later Steven called me and asked if he could take me out to dinner (alone this time), and of course I said yes. Fast forward, 3 years and we now had a small apartment in Old Town, Alexandria and a dog named Gracie.  Steven had a new job where he was traveling the country Monday through Friday of the week. August 2nd, 2013 (exactly a year to our wedding date), Steven came home early from a business trip and surprised me but standing on a pier while I was walking to meet friends for dinner. There he asked me to marry him. We decided that since Annapolis was where we first fell in love, that it was completely perfect for our wedding. Steven is the funniest, most caring man I have ever met and I am thankful every day that he picked me to be his wife."

"Right before we started the processional, I actually broke the rules a little and peeked out this hidden door in the church to see Steven. He couldn’t see me, but I was able to see him. That completely calmed me of any nerves I had. Once I had seen him I knew I was now ready to go. Everyone was set up to go down the aisle and in that moment right before they opened the ceremony doors, I kept repeating to myself, “I got this. This is a piece of cake. I got this.” And after I took that first step, all I could do was smile! I was just so happy! Everyone I loved was in one place. I kept reminding myself that this was a moment that cannot be repeated. I will cherish that forever!"

Advice to other brides: "Know that the day will go by so fast! I even had a night mare about my wedding going completely wrong AFTER my wedding. I guess my body hadn’t realized that it had already happened and was flawless. So just try to soak in every minute and make sure there are a lot of pictures!"

"One of the best decisions I made while planning was the use of local vendors. I got to meet and build a relationship with so many fabulous people. They made this entire experience perfect!"

Vendors

Photographer | Jax Photography of Chesapeake Beach, MD

Wedding Planner | Holly Greve of the Loews Hotel Annapolis, MD

Florist | Floral Expressions of Owings, MD 

Dress | Heather, From Enzoani's 2013 Collection

Enzoani Retailer | Serendipity Bridal and Events of White Plains, MD