Jen & Justin | Spring Wedding at Banquets Unlimited in Irwin, PA

There were two phrases that I heard over and over again on Saturday as I photographed Jen and Justin’s wedding.

The first being: “Jen and Justin are the nicest people you will ever meet.”
As I took photos and chatted with the wedding guests, I heard it a hundred times: “We are just so happy that the two nicest people in the world are now married!” Over and over their friends and family told me stories of how Jen and Justin were truly the sweetest, kindest, nicest people ever and how they are absolutely perfect for one another.

The second word I kept hearing over and over again was: “FINALLY!”

You see, Jen and Justin met “forever ago” (their words, not mine).
Friends turned to dating turned to serious relationship.
Jen had some health issues she was working through, and even though she never (technically) voiced her concerns to Justin, she really wanted to be healthy and well before getting engaged and married.

Time passed and just as she was hoping, Jen grew healthy and well again.
And yet, no proposal came.
In fact, so much time went by, that she began to assume that Justin did not want to get married.

And so, you can imagine her shock, when Justin (with a whole speech planned out), got down on one knee. Jen screamed and before he could say anything, she exclaimed: “Are you kidding me?!”
Poor Justin was completely taken aback – this was not the response he was expecting!
“Are you upset?” he asked.
“No, no, no! I’m so happy!” Jen responded and with that, every word of his pre-planned speech went out the window. In fact, looking back, Justin doesn’t even think he formally voiced the words: “Will you marry me?”

Fast forward to this past Saturday and it was “finally” the wedding day of the “two nicest people in the world”. Jen and Justin’s closest friends and family gathered to witness and celebrate these two “finally” tying the knot – and it was the perfect day.

Jen and Justin: I’ve photographed a lot of couples, but I’ve never had wedding guests so excited and eager to tell me all about how much they love the bride and groom. It was such a beautiful, fun experience! You both are truly so blessed to have such a close-knit, sweet group of friends and family standing behind you and supporting you. Best wishes to you both as you “finally” move into married life!

Jen got ready for her wedding day back where it all started: in her parent’s house, in her old bedroom. While she’s moved most of her things over into her and Justin’s new house, her dresser was still there with all of her unicorns and figurines. Jen told me that most of them were gifts from her Grandmother – so of course, I had to incorporate them into a photo!

Jen’s Dad was the first person I met on Saturday and it was fairly easy to see where Jen gets her “nice-ness” from – her parents were absolutely wonderful in every way!

The church Jen and Justin got married in is a very special place – Jen’s parents got married in the same church 50 years ago!

Being that they were married at the same altar 50 years ago, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take Jen’s parent’s photo there! I know it’s not the most creative image and it won’t win any awards, but it was definitely one of the most emotional, weighty images I’ve taken in a very long time.

And then we were off to Banquets Unlimited!
This little venue in Irwin has the nicest garden out back to take photos in – I love it there!

Both DJ Corey & I agreed: Sloan gave one of the best Best Man toasts we’ve heard in a long time! It was the perfect length, the perfect mix of humor and emotion – it was marvelously crafted and impeccably executed!

I know a lot of people are skipping the bouquet and garter toss at reception, but when DJ Corey reversed the roles and had the girl put the garter on the guy – I thought every wedding guest was going to simply explode with laughter! It was so much fun and the perfect modern spin on an old tradition.

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

Ceremony: Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Irwin, PA
Reception Venue: Banquets Unlimited in Irwin, PA
Catering: Banquets Unlimited in Irwin, PA
Invitations: Zazzle
Florals: Lea’s Floral Shop in McKeesport, PA
Bridal Gown Shop: Exquisite Bride in Murrysville, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns: David’s Bridal in Monroeville, PA
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse in Greensburg, PA
Wedding Rings: Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh, PA
DJ: DJ Corey of Moxie Events/Powerbomb Wedding Experience in Mt. Pleasant, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA