Elias & Asha // The Fez Wedding in Aliquippa, PA

This may come as a surprise, but it’s not entirely uncommon for a couple to get married before their wedding. I can honestly think of a whole handful of couples who have confided in me that they were actually married before their formal wedding ceremony & reception date arrived on the calendar. Most keep it a secret, not because they did anything wrong, but because most don’t want to explain their reasons to their friends & family (who might not understand).

Asha & Elias fall into this category. Their story is no secret though. Having been together for 7 years, it was pretty obvious to everyone that marriage was in their future.

Asha teaches kindergarten & last May, Elias surprised her by showing up in her classroom – an overflowing bouquet of flowers in his hand & a ring in his pocket. He got down on one knee, right there in the front of the classroom & asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. As if getting engaged wasn’t enough, Elias had recently moved to Virginia & Asha was in the process of following him there.

Just two weeks after they got engaged, Asha was rushed into emergency heart surgery to prohibit her from going into cardiac arrest. She came through the surgery well & recovered surrounded by her friends & family who showered Elias & Asha was all of their love.

With the impending move and her recent health scare – Elias & Asha decided to simply get married. Quietly, they went to the courthouse & pledged their lives to one another – just 6 weeks after getting engaged.

Originally, they hadn’t planned to have a large or ornate wedding. But a celebration of life & love surrounded by their closest family & dearest friends seemed fitting. So, this past Saturday, they got married – again! This time surrounded by people who absolutely adore them & couldn’t imagine being anywhere else the day before Easter, but celebrating with this sweet couple.

Elias & Asha: I know the day simply flew by on Saturday, but I hope you can carry the love & support your family & friends have for you through the rest of your lives. I loved getting a small glimpse into your sweet love for one another – you both are truly blessed!

Isn’t this grumpy little ringbearer the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen?!

Asha! You are absolutely stunning!

If you loved the grumpy ringbearer from above – meet his counter-part! Equally handsome & absolutely adorable in every way!

So, during dinner, this handsome little dude came over to me. We chatted for a while & I asked him if he was going to dance when dinner was over. He nodded his head vigorously: “Oh yes, I’m the very best dancer in the whole entire world.” “Wow,” I said, “That’s a pretty big claim! I can’t wait to see your moves!” He paused for a moment, thinking: “Well, Michael Jackson..” “Oh, you’re right, no one can compare to him.” He smiled. I went on, “So, if Michael Jackson is like way up here,” I held my hand up over my head, “You’re right below him, right?” He broke into a huge smile, “Yeah! That’s it!”

I must say: he did not disappoint! This kid had the moves! I want to photograph his wedding in about 18 years.

Another funny story: I met Asha & Elias thru this girl, right here! I was meeting with a couple about their 2019 wedding at the Panera Bread, here in Irwin, and after they left, she came up to me & asked if she could peek thru my albums. Her best friend was getting married in a few months & didn’t have a photographer yet. She was having a tough time because she lives in Virginia but was planning a wedding in Pittsburgh. And that’s the story of how I came to meet Asha & Elias!

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

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Fez in Aliquippa, PA
Catering: The Fez in Aliquippa, PA
Bridal Gown Retailer: Bridal Beginnings in Mt. Lebanon, PA
Bridal Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids Gown Retailer: David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Florist:
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Brenda McGee in Pittsburgh, PA
Cookies: Provided by the family of the bride
Invitations: DIY by the bride & her family
Bride & Groom’s Ring Designer: Kay’s
Favors: Amazon
DJ: DJ Alex Homer in Pittsburgh, PA
Photobooth: Pittsburgh Photo Booth in Pittsburgh, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA