April & Bobby | Spring Wedding at Oak Lodge in Stahlstown, PA

As we were getting ready to leave the bridal suite to head up to the first look, a lot was going on. Last minute touches were being put on bridesmaids’ hair and makeup, friends and family members were coming and going with decor and details, bouquets were being passed out, the weather forecast was being checked (it was raining outside) – and yet with all the flurry of activity, April was standing calmly at the door. She was waiting for the venue coordinator to pick her up to drive her up to the first look and you could just see the slight smile, anticipation, and excitement creeping over her face.

“I know this probably sounds silly – but I miss him so much!” she said as we were walking out the door. “It’s only been a few hours since I saw Bobby last, but I can’t wait to see him right now!”

Back in the fall of 2021 – at Andrew & Casey’s wedding – Bobby (who was one of the groomsmen) was talking to the best man. He was telling Bobby that he’d only dated his girlfriend (now wife) for four months before proposing.
“When you just know, you know!” he said.
And Bobby realized right then and there: he knew.

Fast forward to spring of 2022 – April was going to California for a five-day work training. She invited Bobby to come with her – sure she’d be in this training, but they’d also have time to explore, enjoy the beaches, and relax together – and Bobby instantly knew it would be the perfect time to propose.

He bought a ring, packed it carefully, and told April: “There’s only one thing I want on this whole trip.” He explained that he wanted to hike along the west coast, watch the sun set, and then go out to a fancy dinner.
April said, “Yeah – I’m sure we can do that one night!”
But Bobby said, “No, I want it to be the first night that we’re there.”
April responded, “But I don’t know what the rest of the group will be doing – I’d rather stay flexible – we’ll do that one night though.”
And again, Bobby said, “No, it has to be the first night.”

And just as he planned, that first night in California – they went hiking. The sun was setting, everything was stunning – it truly was a dream come true.

As they walked along, Bobby suggested they stop and take some photos – so they did.

And as they stood there taking in the sunset, April turned to Bobby and said, “This is so nice, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you and get married one day.”
DING. The angels literally began to sing as Bobby saw his proposal door swing wide open – he turned to April, dropped down to one knee, pulled out the ring that had been in his pocket all day long, and said: “I’m so glad you said that: will you marry me?”

And April lost her mind. She was utterly shocked – she had no clue he was planning on proposing (even with his insistence on the plan for their first night in California) – and for a moment, she thought it was a joke. That is: until Bobby insisted she give him an answer and she actually saw the beautiful ring Bobby was presenting her.

Of course: she said yes.

April and Bobby specifically chose May 13th to get married for a very specific reason: it is April’s parent’s anniversary. On Saturday, they celebrated 34 years of marriage as they celebrated with their daughter and their new son-in-law on the Day 1 of their marriage.

April and Bobby specifically chose Oak Lodge as the location of their wedding because April used to spend time there with her Grandparents.

So, to say that Saturday was full of meaning and memories would be an understatement.

Yes, it did rain – but it truly rained at the perfect times (while everyone was getting ready, during the ceremony, and formal portraits) – and then the sun came out after dinner so everyone could dance outside! It was a truly marvelous day.

Bobby – always the jokester – wrote this “grocery list” for the officiant to hand him during the ceremony. He started to read it during their vows (as an “oops, wrong paper!”), which made every single person laugh so hard!

April and Bobby chose to do a First Look and I’m SO glad they did! Not only did we get all of their bridal party portraits and a lot of their bride and groom portraits out of the way before the ceremony, but we were able to squeeze it all in during a break in the rain!
Plus, it very obviously eased any nerves April and Bobby had – and it solved the whole, “I miss him so much” dilemma! First Looks for the WIN!

Because of the rain (and it being mid-May) everything is just starting to bud and grow – and everything is so GREEN outside right now! I LOVE it!!

APRIL – you are RADIANT!

Emotions were at an all time high as a moment of silence was held for April’s Grandmothers and Bobby’s Mother and Father.

Several guests of the wedding were deaf, so there was an interrupter for the ceremony, and main moments of the reception – it was so beautiful.

Instead of a cake, April and Bobby decided that they wanted to cut a PIZZA instead!
(Now that is a new tradition I can get behind!)

Look at all of these sweet couples (I’m especially partial to the first couple!)

We snuck out of the reception for just a few minutes of quiet – the sun was poking out, it was glorious!

April and Bobby knew that most of their guests were either married or in committed relationships, so a traditional bouquet and garter toss wasn’t really an option. So, they put their own spin on things and simply invited anyone out who wanted to participate, in a plushie toss!

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make April & Bobby’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony and Reception: Oak Lodge in Stahlstown, PA
Venue Coordinator: Matt Hegan
Officiant: Reverend Dina from A Soulful Commitment in Pittsburgh, PA
Catering: Oak Lodge in Stahlstown, PA
Hairstylist: Create Beauty Salon Makeup in Greensburg, PA
Makeup Artist: Bella Beautiful Beauty LLC in Pittsburgh, PA
Florals: Sola Wood Flowers
Bridal Gown Shop: Marwin Bridal in Irwin, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns: AZAZIE
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Brilliant Earth
Wedding Cake: Patti’s Pasticceria in White Oak, PA
Favors: Etsy
DJ: DJ Corey of Moxie Events/Powerbomb Wedding Experience in Mt. Pleasant, PA
Second Photographer: Darcie Lindsay Photography in Pittsburgh, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA