{SBB BRIDE OF THE WEEK} Gena
Gena
+
Donnell
{November 14, 2025}
{Photos By: Trysh Yaegar}
She looked so amazing!
Introducing our beautiful bride, Gena!
Gena wore a gorgeous chiffon gown from Something Blue Bridal
{Photos by: Trysh Yaegar}
The flowers Gena had? PERFECTION!
Monarch Florist in Saint John did such a beautiful job!
{Photos by: Trysh Yaegar}
Gena married her hubby, Donnell, in a beautiful ceremony at The Design Barn located in Hebron, IN.
{Photos by: Trysh Yaegar}
After Gena and Donnell said “I DO,” they headed into their reception which was also held at The Design Barn!
{Photos by: Trysh Yaegar}
How did the newlyweds meet?
“We actually met in high school at a teen dance club when we were 17! Donnell asked me to be his girlfriend on 11.14.89. We were married at 20 and had our daughter at 22. We were divorced about 6 years later, and both went on to remarry and found ourselves divorced again. After being divorced for 22 years and not seeing each other for 10 years (since our daughter graduated high school), we reconnected at our daughter's 28th birthday. One kiss and our hearts found their way back to each other! We were remarried 36 years to the day he asked me to be his girlfriend!”
How did Donnell propose? Did Gena see it coming?
“Our favorite place for date night is Sips and Stones in Saint John. He proposed to me there during date night! I knew it was coming - but didn’t expect it that night - so it was kind of still a surprise!”
She said yes, it was time to find the dress!
“I came to Something Blue with my mom and two daughters. Everyone had an opinion and wanted their dress to be the one! :) The staff were so patient and helpful! I think I tried on 10 dresses! It was a fun day!”
How did Gena know she found “the one?”
“I knew my dress was the one because it met both the form and function requirements! It looked great, fit perfectly, and was comfortable.”
What was her favorite {and least fav part} part of the planning process?
“My favorite part of the planning process was having weekly meetings with Donnell! He was so patient and content with us having the wedding we never had, but he was engaged and gave his opinion about everything. I also loved that we got to focus for one hour each week on communicating and getting on the same page. It was actually a glimpse into our future!
I like being in charge and getting things done. It was a real test of my character to trust the vendors to execute our vision. It was very hard to let go. But I have to say that they far exceeded my expectations!”
What was her favorite moment of their wedding?
“It is so hard to choose one thing. The day was as close to perfection as a day can be! If I have to pick one, I would say our Unity candle lighting. We had picked a very meaningful song that was a few minutes long. I wanted to play it all and asked the pastor to have our friends and family use the time to pray over us. We held hands and prayed, too. It was such a moving 4 minutes! When we got our pictures back, there was one from the back of the room that captured that moment, showing everyone praying with their hands lifted towards us. So powerful!”
What is the best piece of advice Gena can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their big day?
“ The best piece of advice I can give brides-to-be is to make your wedding day your own. You don’t have to do everything the way books or other people tell you. Your wedding day can be a reflection of who you are as a couple while also honoring tradition. Be bold! “
Congratulations, Gena & Donnell!
Check out the rest of their stunning pictures by Trysh Yaegar in the gallery below!
