An eye for beauty: Jenna and Jacob’s DIY wedding

Making her bridesmaids feel like “runway goddesses” was this bride’s pleasure for her DIY wedding.

Jenna Barlow married Jacob Fulop on January 29, 2016, just three months after their engagement. “We had decided pretty early on in our relationship that we wanted to get married and after the proposal we didn’t want to wait too long,” smiles Jenna, aged 25.

She had met Jacob, also 25, while studying Liberal Arts at Campion College Australia, NSW – the same location the couple celebrated their reception. “It was through an appreciation of our studies that we were able to meet, so having the wedding reception at the gorgeous campus was hugely sentimental for us,” says the bride.

So with the perfect, sentimental venue in mind – the bride got planning the finer details of the day – many made herself or by family and friends. “We have a lot of talented friends and some creative skills ourselves, so we figured we could do a lot of stuff on our own,” she says. With the help of her mum, Jenna made her own gown and headpiece, and styled the bridesmaids with their choice of dress from various stores. Her maid of honour even wore a jumpsuit!

“I get such a thrill out of aesthetics and making people feel beautiful, so styling the bridesmaids was the one of the best parts of the day for me,” describes the bride. “I wanted them to look like runway goddesses and they all looked and felt gorgeous, which was incredibly fulfilling for me.”

Photos courtesy of Samantha Heather Photography.

“I remembered that I had bought some applique for a sewing project years ago, so I pulled it out and used it as a headpiece,” says Jenna.

“I was after something quite natural with a Protea in it, to honour my South African heritage,” describes Jenna of the voluminous bouquets.

“Zita is a family friend who goes to our church and she kindly offered to make the bouquets and favours,” says the bride.

“She has such an eye for composition and story-telling,” Jenna says of their photographer, Samantha Heather.

The couple’s unusual and eye-catching cake was made by their friend Evie.