RealBrides

Real Brides, Real stories told from accross the globe from four stunning brides who open up about their special day.

Seven years ago Sarah met Josh through mutual friends. At the time, Josh’s only interests were that of riding his motorcycle and his work, however two years later, after Josh had been involved in a serious car accident and was in rough shape, they went on their �rst date.  They were inseperable after that and �ve magical years later came the proposal.

One Saturday morning in the Spring of 2011, Josh asked Sarah if she’d like to go for a hike and he promised it would be an easy one (for anyone who knows Sarah, she’s not a hiker).  After an hour and a half of climbing over roots and rocks, they �nally reached the top of Minnekhada Ranch in Coquitlam, BC.  Sarah was tired and miserable, their puppy was acting up and it was not what you’d think would be an ideal time to pop the question.  However, undeterred, Josh reached in his pocket, pulled out a beautiful Birks ring and asked, “Would it make you happier if I asked you to marry me?”.  Sarah squealed and was, of course, very happy.  Within a few weeks the date was set for July 21, 2012... just enough time to �nd the PERFECT dress.

Surprisingly, dress shopping was short and sweet.  Sarah tried on three dresses, two of which were Enzoani, and she, with no hesitation, said yes to the Dillon dress as soon as she put it on. It

almost killed her to keep it a secret for over a year but she managed to only show it to her mom, sister, and two bridesmaids (all of whom agreed couldn’t be more perfect or more beautiful).

Fast forward over a year and she was walking down the aisle.  The look on Josh’s face was one she will never forget.  It was a mixture of pride, awe, happy, and stunned... he said he’d never seen her look so beautiful (of course) and that although he never really wondered what her dress would look like, he was expecting something poofy and “bride-ish” and was more than pleasantly surprised to see me in such a timeless piece.

They will never forget their wedding day and how perfect it was and beside the beautiful venue, delicious food, happy guests, and great entertainment (they had a falcon as their ring bearer who soared down the aisle onto the best man’s arm... talk about one upping every other wedding)... it was truly the dress that de�ned it all.  The perfect

construction, �awless lace, exquisite belt detail, and over-all stunning design was what stole the show.  Sarah has had her dress preserved and knows that if she has a daughter one day she’ll no doubt be wearing that same Enzoani dress.

-Photography: Dan Fontaine Photography &

Golden Ears Photography

SARAH WRAY

I am from Kent in England and got married to my childhood sweetheart, Mark, on May 5, 2012. I was 24, he 26. We met at secondary school, (high school) and have been together since I was 16 and he 17.

As soon as I tried Fatima, a dress from Enzoani’s 2011 collection, I fell in love with it instantly. I know a lot of brides say that, but I really did! I was certain that I was not going to wear a full skirted wedding dress, but with the compromise of the corset ending by my hips, Fatima showed off my waist and emphasized the fairytale dream that was that day.

As I married in a Catholic Church, (the one I grew up in), the meaning of my dress’ name became more relevant. Many Catholics recite prayers based on Our Lady of Fatima, which is the famous title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I would like to thank you so much for designing and making such a gorgeous, beautiful dress. Everyone who attended our wedding loved it and I am proud to say that I wore Enzoani that day. Best of all, my husband said I couldn’t have chosen a better dress...simply stunning.

Charlon and Gleidy were familiar with each other, but it was at the International Sailing Festival Regatta 1997, which was held in Bonaire, when they of�cially spoke to each other. They became very good friends. Gleidy secretly started to like Charlon a lot, but she was aware he had a girlfriend. However, they started spending lots of time together.  January 11th 1998 was a day they would never forget. Unfortunately, Gleidy moved to Holland with her mom and Rosally on September 26th 1998. It was a very sad day, but she and Charlon both promised to �ght for their love and also to �nd a way to be together soon. It took 3 years for that to happen. On February 11 2001, Charlon moved to Holland. This decision was very dif�cult for him, because he had to leave his family behind.

Then , in 2011, Charlon and Gleidy decided to get married and wanted to use the opportunity when Charlon’s parents were on vacation to announce it of�cially. Gleidy was happy, but she expected that Charlon would pop the question romantically.

On July 23, 2011 they organized a dinner with their parents at a Greek Restaurant

in Utrecht. Everyone knew the intention of the dinner. They ordered a ring but the ring did not arrive on time for the dinner (that was what Gleidy thought). When the time came, all the lights were turned off, a waiter came out holding a bowl of ice cream with �reworks around it. Gleidy still did not realize that this was meant for her. The magnitude of the event hit her when Charlon went down on one knee and asked, “Wil je met me trouwen (will you marry me in Dutch)?” Blinded with tears of joy all she could manage to do was to hug and kiss her future husband. Gleidy without hesitation said, “YES!” Their lives together have been ful�lling and exciting. With each other’s support they have overcome any challenges they have faced in their lives and careers. Now, after several years of living together, they are thrilled to take the next step by getting married and start living their lives together as husband and wife. 

-Photography: Nadia de la Rosa

GLEIDY THOMASPENNY SHORRICKS

After a protracted engagement and many years living apart, Richard and I decided on our new home - the quaint seaside town of Queenscliff - as the destination for our wedding.  Friends and family �ew in from interstate and overseas to join us in celebrating what many thought was a very long and overdue union. 

Themes for the day were friendship, music and wine and all three �owed in copious amounts. We were lucky enough to have two of our favourite songs - Kate Miller Heike’s ‘Space They Cannot Touch’ and Lior’s ‘This Old Love’ - played during the ceremony, leaving few dry eyes. A local acoustic player kept us entertained over champagne and canapes and Richard’s ‘hit list’ kept us on the dance �oor for most of the night. The night was topped off with sweets and cakes from the dessert buffet - my one ‘must have’ for my wedding. 

It was a fun, casual, heart-warming day that seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, but a day on which I truly did feel beautiful in my gorgeous Enzoani gown.

-Photography: Nikole Ramsay

ALEXANDRA WYATT

enzoani.com