Sam & Abby // Antonelli Event Center in Irwin, PA Wedding

Sam had a seemingly endless list of ideas as to how he could propose to Abby. Big & bold ideas, quiet & romantic ideas – but ultimately, he knew that the most important thing to Abby, was to have her closest friends & family nearby to be a part of the moment.

So, on June 1st of last year, Sam set all of his plans into motion.
Both Sam & Abby work in downtown Pittsburgh and as a 7th grade science teacher, Sam’s workday is typically finished up before Abby’s. He had let her know that on this particular day, he was planning on hanging around in the city for a while after work – he had made plans to grab a beer with a friend – so he would stop by Abby’s job & pick her up when she was done for the day.

It wasn’t a lie: he really did have about 90 minutes to kill in between his day finishing up & Abby’s day being complete, so he really did go meet a friend & grab a drink. He then walked over to Abby’s building & met her at the door. There was a new bar opening up in the building that Abby’s Dad works in & Sam suggested they take a walk to go check it out.

Their walk took them over the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and as they neared the end of the bridge, Sam suddenly stopped short: “Oh no, I think I forgot my wallet.” Needless to say, this statement did not exactly make Abby happy. It was a hot & humid day, and the thought of walking all the way back to pick up Sam’s wallet was simply frustrating. Since he was coming from school, Sam had all of his stuff in his backpack, and he plopped it down on the ground to look for his “missing” wallet.

Down on one knee, rifling thru his backpack, Sam suddenly exclaimed, “Oh look! I found it!” Abby sighed a huge sigh of relief – they wouldn’t have to walk back after all. Sam continued, “Oh, and look what else I found.” Abby turned around to see Sam offering up an engagement ring.

She was so utterly shocked that she could hardly process what was happening, must less stammer out a wholehearted, “Yes” to Sam’s question.

As the moment began to sink in & the reality of the beautiful diamond ring on her finger made the proposal so real – Abby & Sam continued walking. And to Abby’s continued surprise, as they arrived at this new bar – they were greeted by their closest friends & family members – who were all waiting there to celebrate with the newly engaged couple.

This past Saturday was the big day. It’s rare that a wedding day arrives in northeastern PA with 0% chance of rain predicted – but that was the case on Saturday! It was a glorious, sunny, warm day to celebrate Sam & Abby officially tying the knot. That doesn’t mean the day was without it’s weird little missteps – some tiny little “problems” arose behind the scenes that I guarantee the guests had absolutely no clue occurred. And that’s the way it should be – just little small things that will give Sam & Abby reason to laugh as they look back at their wedding day: “Do you remember when..?”

Sam & Abby – Saturday was literally a dream & I couldn’t imagine it being any other way. Your friends & family are obviously so important to you both & the love they radiated back to you was infectious. It was my deepest privilege to be a part of celebrating with you & I trust you both are off having the most incredible honeymoon in St. Lucia!!

I can’t lie: I absolutely love when a bride & groom can get ready in a home – mostly because that usually means the family pet can be involved in the getting ready process!

The back detail of Abby’s dress was simply incredible!! I’ve never seen anything like it!

I love when a groom is so laid back on his wedding day that her personality can really come out! And that was definitely the case with Sam!

The new Mr. & Mrs.!

We left the church and went to Indian Lake Park in Irwin, PA for portraits! Thankfully, even though it was a gorgeous day, there weren’t many people at the park (and it’s not “goose” season yet, so no avoiding “goose bombs” either!)

This is literally one of my favorite photos EVER – I can’t even stand it!

Omigosh – if you can’t tell, Abby is just drop-dead gorgeous!

And then it was on to Antonelli Event Center in Irwin, PA for the reception!

Okay, so, Ronit, Abby’s Maid of Honor, officially wins the award for best Maid of Honor speech ever!! Not only did she completely bring the house down with her stories of her & Abby growing up together, but she had the staff at Antonelli’s bring out a special gift – 4 huge containers of Ranch dressing as a gift for Abby (who apparently is a Ranch dressing aficionado). And then, as if that wasn’t enough, she presented Sam with a special gift as well.
Future speech-giving-maid-of-honors-and-best-men! Take note! Giving special, thoughtful, hilarious gifts during your toast will win you all the points!! (I honestly felt really bad for Eddie, the best man, who had to follow up Ronit’s speech! He did a fabulous job though!)

See Sam & Abby’s Twin Lakes Park engagement session highlights here!

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

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Joy Church in Pittsburgh, PA
Reception Venue & Catering: Antonelli Event Center in Irwin, PA
Cake Bakery: Moio’s in Monroeville, PA
Hair Stylist: JaKay’s Salon & Day Spa in Plum, PA
Makeup Artist: Allison Renock Makeup in Pittsburgh, PA
Bridal Gown Designer: Allison Webb
Bridal Gown Retailer: Bridal Beginning in Pittsburgh, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns Retailer: David’s Bridal in Pittsburgh, PA
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jack’s Tuxedos in Pittsburgh, PA
Bouquets & Corsages: Johnston the Florist in Monroeville, PA
Ring Designer: David I Helfer Jewelers in the Clark Building in Pittsburgh, PA
Transportation: Elite Coach Transportation in Pittsburgh, PA
DJ: DJ Bryan Hoover via DJ Joseph Costa Entertainment Company in Pittsburgh, PA
Videographer: AGL Media in Brookville, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA