It was a random, semi-warm Friday evening in March, when Nate suggested he and Tai’Asia go for a walk around Bushy Run Battlefield in Harrison City.
To Tai’Asia, this sounded like any other date-night, but to Nate, this date was purposeful.
Precisely 11 months in the rear-view-mirror, Nate and Tai’Asia had met in a Sheetz parking lot. And as their relationship began, grew, and progressed, Nate promised that he would propose before the 1-year mark.
So, this Bushy Run Battlefield stroll at 11 months to-the-day was purposeful on Nate’s part, but Tai’Asia was completely oblivious.
Nate told Tai’Asia he would pick her up around 6pm, but in true-womanly fashion, she wasn’t quite ready to go at 6pm. In other words, you can only imagine Nate’s bubbling stew of excitement, anticipation, nerves, and anxiousness coming to a heated boil as he sat and waited for Tai’Asia to finish getting ready. (Also, he was watching the sun outside – it was setting quickly!)
Finally ready, they hopped in Nate’s big white truck and drove down the road to Bushy Run. As casually as possible, Nate helped Tai’Asia out of the truck, and nonchalantly grabbed his Bible to bring with them.
They slowly sauntered out the path, taking their time, enjoying the sunset, talking about their day and how lovely the weather was. They got to the end, read a few of the historical plaques about the history of Bushy Run, and then slowly started to walk back. Now that the sun had touched the horizon was beginning to disappear, the air was getting chillier.
As they strolled, Nate told Tai’Asia that he had something he wanted to read to her. They paused and he opened up his Bible. Tai’Asia listened patiently as Nate began reading – still completely oblivious that this this walk, and this reading, and this night were about to go down as a red-letter day.
Nate finished reading the passage he’d selected and that’s when the air changed. It was like someone had touched one of those metal balls that is charged with electricity and it makes your hair stand up on end – suddenly there was magic in the air. And that’s when Tai’Asia realized what was happening.
Nate set his Bible down on the ground and got down on one knee. A ring came out of his pocket and he said those magic words: “Will you marry me?” (Spoiler alert: Tai’Asia said YES!)
Fast forward just 5 months down the road and this past Saturday was THE BIG DAY. And what a beautiful, wonderful day it was (dodging raindrops and all!)
For full context: Nate is my cousin, so not only did I have the immense privilege of photographing his proposal and engagement photos, but I got to capture the memories of Nate and Tai’s wedding day as well. I never photograph weddings lightly, but Saturday was truly my highest honor – I was so blessed to be part of celebrating with my cousin and his sweet new wife!
Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Nate and Tai’Asia’s wedding day absolutely perfect!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Nicassio Fields in Harrison City, PA
Officiant: Eric Loucks
Unofficial Coordinator: Azzia Berestecki
Invitations: Shutterfly
Bridal Gown: Zelinskis Bridal in Charleroi, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns: AZAZIE
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: AZAZIE
Florals: Amazon
Catering: Pit Take BBQ in Greensburg, PA
Cookies: Nate and Tai’Asia’s Moms, Sisters, Aunts, and Cousins
Cake: Giant Eagle in Jeannette, PA
Emcee: Taylor Vargo
Videographer: Derrick Abbey in Irwin, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA
