Gorgeous Jobina | A Halfpenny London bride
Stunning bride Jobina Fortson-Evans and new husband Bradley Evans celebrated their wedding with a stylish, joy-filled ceremony in California’s wine country. The couple and their guests were so excited to be celebrating together and it’s clear from these images how much fun was had by all.
Jobina hadn’t tried any wedding dresses before visiting our wonderful stockist Kelly’s Closet in Atlanta, Georgia, and it ended up being the first and only dress shop she visited.
“I live in Oakland, California, but I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia,” Jobina said. “I used to walk past Kelly’s Closet all the time and admire it from the street. My mom and sister still live in Atlanta, so I abruptly decided to fly home for a long weekend and buy a dress. Everyone working at Kelly’s Closet was so kind. I didn’t feel any pressure, they listened to me, and genuinely wanted me to be happy with my choice, even if that meant shopping elsewhere. I tried on some previously-worn dresses because I’m not a believer in wearing something once. The gowns were nice, but didn’t feel like me. I hadn’t done any dress research prior to my visit, so I was unfamiliar with Halfpenny London. I don’t know who picked up the Ivy skirt, but the moment I put it on, I loved it!! I didn’t have a top that I loved to pair with it, so I sadly left the shop empty handed. I stayed up almost ALL night researching Halfpenny London and discovered the Riley corset top. I reached out to Kelly’s Closet and they had it! I went back two days later and tried on the whole look. We all knew I had found my wedding dress. I now realize how risky my plan was to buy a dress I loved in one weekend, but it all worked out. I chose the Ivy because it embodies how I would describe myself- it’s stylish and fun. The Riley corset top offered a nice classic balance to the skirt. I love the whole look together.”
Jobina completed her look with some embroidered gloves which read “Mrs Evans” as a surprise for Bradley when he placed the wedding ring on her finger during the ceremony, an inspired touch! Finally, hair and makeup stylist, Keli Jenee, added rhinestones to the ends of Jobina’s eyelashes, which really complimented her Tracee Ellis Ross inspired ponytail.
Jobina is passionate about reducing clothing waste, and buying bridal separates allows her to wear it again, and again. In fact, I’m thrilled to see she’s already re-worn her top on honeymoon in Cape Town. We do always encourage our brides not to think of their wedding garments as single wear items as there is so much scope to style separates with other pieces from your wardrobe, or shorten the hem of a dress or skirt.
I adore these images by Vivian Chen Weddings and thank you so much to Jobina and Bradley for sharing them with us. Huge congratulations to the lovebirds!
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xxx