Jenna Duncan and Brian LaMendola met me out Walter Jones Historical Park in Jacksonville, Florida for their engagement, which just so happened to be the place Brian proposed. My two sweethearts actually met at church back home, but it wasn’t until Brian saw Jenna in passing during her freshman orientation at the University of Florida. Brian worked up the courage to message her on Facebook and after a month knew he was in love. Jenna loved Brian as her best friend, but their friendship soon turned into true love about a year later.
Compassion is what drew Jenna to Brian as both a friend and partner. As she describes it, “he would do anything for the people he cares about no matter how much it inconveniences him. He’s just a really kind person who knows the value of the people around him.” Brian loves how much love Jenna has to give from her friends to family. He also loves her “uplifting attitude” that will always bring a smile to his face.
Brian and Jenna had talked about the idea of marriage and decided together that they were ready. Jenna isn’t one for surprises, so it was important to her that they were ready together. Brian of course respected this, but still wanted to make the plans for how he proposed a little bit of a surprise. After a nice dinner at Seasons 52, he took Jenna to the Walter Jones Historical Park. Jenna felt like the drive from dinner to the park was the longest drive of her life and the suspense was overwhelming. After arriving and walking up to the beautiful old wooden home on the property, she was in awe of what she found. 500 paper cranes, each lovingly hand folded by Brian, were strung along the alcove with tiny lights. It was pure magic!
The dedication and time it took to create such a beautiful piece was symbolic in Brian’s dedication for his love to Jenna and that just like his creation took time and love, he would put his heart into their marriage, a marriage built on love that would be for forever. Before the night ended, Brian dropped to one knee and asked for Jenna’s hand in marriage. Jenna of course said “yes” surrounded by the beauty of Brian’s wonderful paper crane masterpiece and the love of his heart.
Venue: Walter Jones Historical Park
