Even though her beloved silk and chiffon gown can’t quite zip up any more, Auckland teacher Jasmine is happy her wedding dress doesn’t fit.
“Two kids later, I had to be realistic!” she exclaims. “When I put it on again, yeah, it was a gentle reminder that maybe I should go to the gym more often, but I really don’t care it doesn’t fit. I’m much happier now than when I was a size 10.”
Trying on her dress for only the second time since marrying husband Mark at the Auckland Domain Wintergardens in December 2006, Jasmine (38) – who is now a mum to William (4) and Katherine (2) – says it makes her remember how lucky she was to have found the missing piece to her puzzle, and all in such a short space of time.
Its no longer a perfect fit, but this bride wouldn’t have it any other way. Jasmine Johnson. PhotoMichelle Hyslop.
“I met Mark in March 2006 and we knew within a couple of days we wanted to get married,” she says. “I know it sounds weird, but I can’t explain it. We just knew.”
Planning for the wedding began eight weeks before the big day, putting Jasmine under tight time constraints to find a dress – and she wasn’t even sure that a white gown was what she wanted.
“Mark actually insisted on white,” she remembers. “I was happy to get married in just a pretty dress. I didn’t want a white wedding, but it turned into this fairytale. I loved it!”
2006
With money tight, Jasmine managed to find a dress for only $600 and grew to love it. “I like it. It’s a classic style that hasn’t dated yet. I really adore it now.”
And even though she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to fit into her dress again, Jasmine insists she’ll never sell it. “It’s a symbol of the past, but it’s a reminder of my beautiful marriage,” she says.
“I may have gained weight, but I’ve gained so many other things in my life – wisdom, experiences, two amazing children and not to mention an incredible husband.”
Emma Rawson & Kelly Bertrand
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