When Jenna and Anthony first met, they had no idea it would turn into love. That’s because each was a wingman for their respective friends. “Initially we were both purely there as a favor to our friends, and didn’t have any expectation of a positive outcome,” says Jenna. “Come to find out, they didn’t hit it off, but we did!”
Two years later, they got engaged during a San Francisco getaway, when Anthony, who works in marketing for a beer distributor, proposed to Jenna, a kindergarten teacher. The proposal happened while they were posing for pictures in the oldest photo booth in California. Their families were there as a surprise, too. “It was one of the best days, that I will forever remember,” says Jenna.
Fast forward a year and the couple married at David Girard Vineyards. “The first time I saw Anthony on our wedding day, my heart literally dropped into my tummy and I instantly had butterflies,” says Jenna. “I had more love for him in that moment than I knew was possible.”
Anthony teared up too, describing, “I was so happy in that moment, I couldn’t believe I got to be with her for the rest of my life.”
They did a first look photo session and say they didn’t anticipate how emotional it would be. “We were both so happy in that moment,” they say. “It was nice to have that moment for just the two of us.”
The “short and sweet” outdoor ceremony was full of romance. The leaves had changed colors; flower petals decorated the aisle; and flowers were on wine barrels. The couple wrote their own vows and Jenna’s father was the officiant.
An indoor reception for their 120 guests followed at the winery’s event space. Jenna loved the bistro lights and draping inside the reception, as well as the end of the night balloon release. “It was so magical to see them all floating up into the sky at once,” says Jenna, explaining each balloon had a light inside.
Staying on budget was a challenge for the couple but Jenna was grateful for Anthony’s financial savvy. “Luckily, my husband is the budget professional,” she says.
Their favorite funny wedding moment occurred during the couple’s first dance. “Anthony and I are both goofy at heart,” says Jenna, explaining they danced to a slow song covered by Childish Gambino, an artist Anthony introduced his bride to at the start of their relationship. “The whole time during our dance we were singing to each other and laughing,” she says. “It was so much fun just being ourselves.”
—Kristen Castillo
