Brides & Weddings Magazine
Over the years of publishing a local planning guide, I have probably met thousands and thousands of brides at wedding shows. I enjoy hearing about their plans and helping them find the people & places to make their perfect wedding day.
At the recent Washington Wedding Experience, I had the pleasure of meeting DC bride Johnna Wright, planning with her fiance Harry Gonzales, a May 24, 2014 wedding. Johnna was totally caught up in the spirit of wedding planning and was happy to share her story – and I want to share it with you.
Johnna & Harry met online, but not in the usual Match.com or EHarmony way. They met “back in the day” 14 years ago through a gaming site (both are voracious card players). The site had a few chat rooms where players could take a break and get to know each other a little better. And that’s where Harry met Johnna.
The two embarked on a long distance romance – she was living in the District and he was living in New York City. Johnna jokes, “I went all the way to New York to find a man!” They took turns taking the bus, up and down I-95. “I’d cry just like a baby every time I’d leave,” say Johnna. After a year, Harry made the move and settled in DC with Johnna.
Things were going well for the couple, but people – especially Johnna’s father – kept asking them when they were going to tie the knot. When Harry met Johnna’s dad, her father, she says, took him for a long drive. Upon their return, her father said to her, “He’s a good man – better treat him right.”
Unfortunately Johnna’s dad passed away before they decided to marry. On March 23rd of this year – Johnna’s birthday – Harry took her to Atlantic City for a weekend of strolling the Boardwalk and, of course, a little casino action (remember, they do like their cards!).
Harry gave Johnna a beautiful diamond pendant at Saturday brunch for her birthday, but the surprises weren’t over. While dining at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Harry popped the question with an engagement ring and the proclamation, “Boo – I love you!”
When it came to setting the wedding date, Johnna kept thinking about her dad and while looking at the 2014 calendar, saw that May 24th – his birthday – fell on a Saturday. “I thought, that’s going to be my day,” says Johnna.
The theme of Johnna & Harry’s wedding is “Computer Love” – complete with tables with names like “AOL” and “Google” and DIY invites and favors incorporating the computer motif.
Both the ceremony and reception will take place at La Fontaine Bleue in Lanham, MD. And it will be a family affair, with Johnna’s godson performing the ceremony, Harry’s sister and daughter serving as bridesmaids, his son and brother acting as groomsmen and Johnna’s daughter playing the role of maid of honor.
Thank you Johnna, for sharing your story with me … best wishes to you and Harry for a long, lovely marriage!
Everyone has a love story to tell … tell me yours and I’ll post it on bridesandweddings.com. Just send me an email with your contact info and let’s make time for a chat!
Cindie Reinhold, Publisher
