Real Brides: Gina

We met in 2013 through mutual friends with no intentions of falling in love the way that we did. The more time we spent around each other at gatherings, the more we couldn't keep our eyes off of each other. There was most definitely physical attraction, but then came more. So suddenly, and so unexpectedly, we started talking and grew closer and closer. When I say closer, I mean it was hard to be apart. We've both been in relationships previously, but the feelings that came between us were unlike anything either of us have ever felt. Like a need to be involved with each other's lives in all of the best ways, and more than we were at that point. It was hard, because unfortunately, when we met, I was currently in a relationship, and he wasn't. Things didn't work out the way we would have wanted it to. There was confusion, there were hard times, we remained friends, but that was all. Fast forward 4 years to 2016. Although we were not as close as we once were, and haven't seen much of each other as before, there were a couple opportunities to be in the same place at the same time again. All it took was one time and something clicked. Something was still there, and this time there was no way we could ignore those feelings. We had to make something of it, because clearly for the both of us, it was something that felt like it was truly meant to be. I've never been had so many butterflies and my heart has never felt as full as it did the day I decided to show up on his door step on Labor Day weekend 2016, and to never leave. We moved in together right away, and for the most part it was a testy situation but we were up for the challenge. All of the years spent apart and the longing to be together, it was time. We lived together, and dated for 3 years before we got engaged on one of our favorite yearly trips to Hocking Hills, Ohio. In the pouring rain, he asked me to marry him and at that moment, I've never felt more complete. How could I be any happier than I already was? Fast forward again to the happiest day of my life, September 14th, 2020. Covid couldn't stop us, and neither could a hurricane. 2020 was a crazy year. After cancelling our large Ohio wedding, we had decided to have a small intimate family wedding at Miramar Beach, FL during a family vacation. Turns out, Hurricane Sally wanted to come to our wedding as well. Being the adventurous couple that we are, we weren't going to let anything stop us. We take what we get and we make the best of it. Always have together. With an entire storm right behind us that day, we got married right before it hit. As I'm typing this, I can't help but to get butterflies thinking of the pure happiness we both felt that day. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, a better memory, or a better way to get married. It was perfect, and we are so excited to spend our lives together and to see what the future holds. I had previously went dress shopping with my 3 sister in-laws who all got married over the 4 years that Tony and I were together, but never thought about myself in a wedding dress, until my day came. I had no idea what to expect or what I would love and end up in. I was open to suggestions, and Lavender Bridal Salon in Dover, OH was my first choice salon as I've heard many great things about the place, and loved that it was appointment only and very private. I tried on 12 dresses total, with "the one" being the very last one I tried on. After having my top 3 gowns picked out and "the one" not even being a contender at the time, my dress was actually sitting on a mannequin in front of me the entire time. After many different styles, I kept seeing the beauty of Moonlight Couture Style H1378. I asked to try it on, and it was the very first one I felt like a bride in. It felt like I was supposed to get married in that dress. I cried, and knew right away that even though it was a little out of my budget, there was no other dress that would compare to the way I felt in that one. I will always miss wearing it. Photos by Sarah and Paul Photography