Joe & Steffani | Wedding at DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant in Latrobe, PA

Remember 2020? That weird season at the beginning of the pandemic when we all spent countless hours on social media, posting pictures of our “bubble”, doing the best we could to “stay safe”, while still staying “connected”?

Well, Steffani’s “bubble” revolved around her dog – a tiny 8 lb. Mal-Shi (a mix between a Maltese and Shih-Tzu).
And Joe’s “bubble” revolved around his dog – a massive 80 lb. Golden Retriever.
And as we all cautiously began to step out of “quarantine mode”, it only made sense that Joe and Steffani would continue to build their friendship and relationship around their dogs.

One of their favorite things to do was to while dating was to go on long walks with their dogs. And so, it only makes sense, that Joe would propose while doing the thing that they loved most in the world.

And what better way to throw Steffani off the scent of a possible proposal – because not only was it their favorite thing to do, but it was the most normal thing for them to do.

So, at the end of October in 2022, Joe took Steffani to a lake with a walking trail around it – and they brought Joe’s dog (because, duh). And while some guys go to great lengths to make their proposals different, Joe was determined to surprise Steffani because of how normal the day was.

Unknown to Steffani, Joe had gotten a custom bandana made for his dog, but as they started off on their walk, it was all rolled up around the dog’s neck (something I can only imagine would be fairly normal with a Golden Retriever!) As they walked, they talked, and the day could not have been more routine.

And, that’s when everything changed. As they arrived a the spot that Joe had specifically scoped out, he stopped to unroll his dog’s bandana. And to Steffani’s complete surprise, it said: “Will you marry my Dad?”

As you can imagine, Steffani was 100% shocked and surprised, but her answer was the easiest she’s ever given: YES.

And this past Saturday was the wonderful, perfect, big day.
I know a lot of wedding photographers toss around the word “perfect” when it comes to wedding days (because, let’s be honest: no matter what happens, as long as the bride and groom get married, the day is “perfect”), but Steffani and Joe’s day was perfect. Perfectly on time, perfectly laid out, with perfect weather – personally I think it’s all thanks to Steffani’s careful organization and planning – the day truly could not have been anything but perfect – and it was simply marvelous.

Gosh – isn’t she the most beautiful bride?! Steffani was truly radiant!!

Joe and Steffani elected to do a first look so we could do all of their portraits before their ceremony! This not only gave us plenty of relaxed time for photos, but allowed Joe and Steffani to join cocktail hour and visit with their guests!

In my mind, I was secretly hoping to be up on the train platform above DiSalvo’s when a train went by, but since I couldn’t find a schedule online at all, I knew that the chances of it actually happening were pretty slim. We wouldn’t have a ton of time to be up on the platform, waiting around for a train – so while it was a hope in my mind, I really wasn’t planning on it happening.

And then – literally as soon as we all walked up onto the platform – what came around the bend, but a TRAIN! It was amazing and perfect and so much fun! (Also, very windy and loud, but hey, a gigantic train was flying by just feet away from where we were standing!)

The subsequent photos we took up on the train platform are some of my favorites ever! There was a slight breeze that kept picking up Steffani’s veil – it was just a dream!

I love this photo Derrick got of the ceremony! You can see Steffani and Joe over toward the left, with all of their guests sprawled out to the right – it was quite the magnificent sight!

And this is why having a second shooter at your wedding is amazing – the top image is the one I took, while the following image is the one Derrick took! Two completely different perspectives on a beautiful moment!

The speeches given at Joe and Steffani’s wedding were some of my favorites EVER.
Steffani’s sister gave the most heart-felt, tug-on-your-heartstrings toast to her sister and new brother-in-law. While Joe’s sister gave the most hilarious, honest-to-goodness toast to her brother and new sister-in-law! Both were epic in their own ways!

Can’t get enough of Joe and Steffani? Go back and check out their engagement photos HERE!

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

Ceremony and Reception Venue: DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant in Latrobe, PA
Venue Coordinator: Mike Fosatti
Catering: DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant in Latrobe, PA
Bakery: Prantl’s Bakery in Greensburg, PA
Getting Ready Location: Springhill Suites Pittsburgh Latrobe in Latrobe, PA
Hair and Makeup: Haley Matta
Invitations: Zazzle
Bridal Gown: The White Orchid in Rostraver Township, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns: AZAZIE
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
Wedding Rings: S. Kauffman’s Jewelers in Pittsburgh, PA
Florals: Sola Wood Flowers
Guestbook: MPIX
DJ: CJ the DJ in Latrobe, PA
Shuttle Service: Urso Bus LLC in Glenshaw, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA