Out of the hundreds of wedding stories I have heard, this one is a favorite. Sean and Jenny are truly the sweetest couple, and I’m certain they had as much fun retelling the tale of their love story as I did hearing it! We shared their wedding in the Summer ’11 issue, featuring Brandon Kidd’s gorgeous images for the first time. (He is also a joy to work with!) Below, I give you a sneak peek of this romantic love story. Get your tissues ready, girls! xo ~robyn

Good things come to those who wait. Joy, excitement, mystery, love. In a world where desires are too often met with instant gratification, Jenny-Lee Schionning and Sean Kramar found that waiting can be an adventure that leads to true happiness. The two met serendipitously in Jenny’s hometown of Dunedin, New Zealand in 2006. Sean had recently arrived from Philadelphia to study abroad for a semester at the University of Otago, where Jenny was studying dentistry. They had noticed each around town, and a bit of flirtatious eye contact gave her the courage to maneuver into line next to Sean at a church luncheon one day. Lost in conversation, he says, “Neither of us touched our food.” They found themselves immersed in stories of family and future aspirations, and Jenny knew instinctively that “things were going to get complicated.”

Not long after their first encounter, Sean gave Jenny a copy of one of his favorite children’s books, Cork on the Ocean, a tale of a little cork who floats at sea and eventually finds a lovely bottle to share his adventure. Looking back, they both laugh at what he thought was a perfectly subtle way to share his affections. She says, “It was anything but subtle!”

The two came from very different worlds. Jenny was raised on a fourth generation farm in South Africa and moved to New Zealand with her family at the age of thirteen, while Sean grew up in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Nonetheless, their instant connection was captivating, and thus began a five year cross-cultural adventure of long distance romance that would eventually lead them to the altar.  (For the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the new Summer issue.)

Florist:  Waiheke Flower Gallery (Waiheke Island, NZ)

Invitations/ Stationary:  Bride and Groom

Caterer: Mudbrick Vineyard.

Cake:  Cupcake (Auckland, NZ)

Favors:  Makana Confections (Kerikeri, NZ)

Entertainment: Jabsco Sounds (Waiheke Island, NZ)

Gown Designer: La Sposa

Bridal Salon/Gown Store:  Fashions by Farina (Sydney, AUS)

Hairpiece and Veil:  Flowers pins from Etsy, veil borrowed from a friend

Hair and Makeup:  Lexia Dyer Hair and Makeup

Formal Wear (Men’s): Frank Casey Formal Suit Hire

Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie

Wedding Rings: Tiffany and Co.