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Bridal Bliss: Jeanne and Jay

For this week's Bridal Bliss feature we spotlight billionaire heiress Jeanne Roberts and her enchanted island wedding as she prepares to celebrate her one year anniversary with hubby Jay Johnson.

 Wife: Jeanne Delores Roberts , 31

Husband: Jay Christian Johnson , 31

Occupations: The duo both work for the Roberts Companies, founded by Jeanne's dad and uncle

Homebase: St. Louis, MO

Wedding Date: August 30, 2008

Wedding Location: Nassau, Bahamas

Unexpected Romance: With their many mutual friends, it was inevitable Jeanne Roberts and Jay Johnson would meet. The duo said their first hellos during Jeanne's 2004 spring break trip to Los Angeles during her first year of law school. Though both were in relationships, there was an immediate connection that bound them as fast friends."Looking back I realize it was love at first sight," the bride admits. After a summer in Italy, Jeanne ended up moving to California as she and her twin brother transferred schools. A few months later, Jeanne and Jay were both single and went on their first date. "I felt like I already knew him a long time," she says. The two quickly settled into a happy relationship.

Bases Loaded: Jay wasn't intimidated by Jeanne's wealthy roots, winning him major points. "He was intellectually stimulating," she says. "It was great to meet a man who could meet me where I am and add new things and experiences to my life." One of those things was an engagement ring he designed on his own. Jeanne thought she and Jay, were just another couple kissing for the big screen at a Dodgers game a few years after dating. As her father and uncle looked on, Jay dropped to one knee and the crowd went wild. Through her tears, Jeanne said yes to his proposal of ever after.

Island Spice: For their special day, Jeanne and Jay decided on a paradise wedding theme in the Bahamas. More than 300 guests traveled from around the globe for the Labor Day weekend affair. (Wedding tip: Planning your destination wedding around a holiday can make the experience more enjoyable for guests, as they turn it into a quick vacation.) Picking bridesmaids was no easy feat for Jeanne, so along with 10 attendants she had 10 hostesses of ladies dear to her heart. Her cousin Candice Edwards, and good friend and fellow Spelmanite Keisha Knight Pulliam served as her Maids of Honor. Even with a Baptist choir, 6-tier wedding cake, Junkanoo parade, 15-piece band and a splash party the next day, Jeanne's favorite moment of her wedding was locking eyes with her husband as she walked down the aisle at The Cloisters. "I started crying and he looked so wonderful," she remembers. "He's an angel to me."

Bridal Budget Bite: Even on a billionaire's budget, Jeanne was dedicated to getting the most for her money, and saving on the small things. She and her mother planned the entire event themselves. "We saved tens of thousands in wedding planners, if not more," she shares. Planning ahead was essential as the duo made the most of each trip to the Bahamas to plan the affair. They also looked into ways to get the maximum use of items - including chairs they moved from the ceremony to the reception, instead renting additional ones.

One Year Later: As the happy couple prepare to return to The Cloisters to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, Jeanne realizes many people are wrong on the opening year of happily ever after. "It's not hard and when you take the time to know the person, it shouldn't be," she says. "I still feel like I'm on the honeymoon."

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RT @essenceonline: Bridal Bliss: Jeanne and Jay Bridal Bliss: Jeanne and Jay @essenceonline
LOVELY! More important than a beautiful wedding, you can tell they started a marriage with a strong foundation. CONGRATS!!!!
Posted at 8/26/2009 9:57 AM by Sienna
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