Josh & Bonnie // Antonelli Event Center Wedding in Irwin, PA

For the second time in her life, Bonnie headed back to Japan.

Bonnie & Josh considered their official “together” anniversary Christmas Day (since it was due to that “Merry Christmas” text Josh sent out, that broke their month-long silence & propelled them into talking every single day). Since Josh had time off in December, Bonnie bought a plane ticket & headed back to Japan, where Josh was stationed with the Navy.

Flying over to Japan was exhilarating for Bonnie. She & Josh were about to be on the same continent for only the 3rd time in their relationship (and does that first time really count, since Bonnie hardly remembers their first meeting?) They had texted, talked on the phone, and video chatted for countless hours (every single day) over the last year & she was so excited to finally see him in person again.

For the short time that Bonnie would be in Japan, she & Josh rented an Airbnb together. That first night when she arrived, they went out to a nice dinner & picked up some food & drinks to stock the fridge & cupboards for the next few days. As they arrived at the Airbnb, Bonnie went into the kitchen to put their groceries away and Josh disappeared. Wondering what he was up to, Bonnie grabbed 2 drinks from their little refrigerator & turned around to find Josh, down on one knee, with a diamond ring in his fingers.

Completely shocked, she was at a loss for words. They had talked about getting married & knew that it was in their future, but Bonnie was convinced that Josh wouldn’t propose until he was back in the states (which would come a few months down the road). With eyes full of love and a shaky voice, Josh asked Bonnie if she would marry him, and of course, she said yes.

Josh & Bonnie: you guys have literally one of the coolest love stories I have ever heard! You’ve weathered the “long-distance relationship” thing like pros & I’m just so excited that the distance has finally come to an end. Celebrating your wedding day was an absolute thrill & I wish you all the very best as you now do life as husband & wife.

YES! In case you are squinting at your screen, wondering about Bonnie’s dress: it is pink! It was the most stunning shade of light pink I have ever seen – it was to die for!!

Bonnie got ready at her parent’s house – the house she grew up in. The house is simply packed with memories and old photographs of days gone by. At one point, Bonnie’s Dad left to go pick up Bonnie’s Grandma & I absolutely love this moment when she walked in the door & saw Bonnie as a bride for the very first time!

If anyone has any doubts about Josh’s love for Bonnie, all they had to do was watch his face as the ceremony started. He was obviously anxious as the ceremony began, but the literal instant he saw Bonnie, he lit up the room with the biggest smile possible – it was so sweet!

There was a threat of thunderstorms & heavy rain all day on Saturday. We had been watching the forecast & radar all day long, just to keep an eye on how things were progressing. As the ceremony ended & we began to take family formal portraits at the church, the sky let loose & it poured down rain. It poured for almost the full 30 minutes of family formals. And then, just as we were finishing up & wanting to head to White Oak Park for more portraits, the rain cleared up & we were absolutely blessed with the most magical, beautiful sunshine. It couldn’t have worked out better!

I love this shot that Derrick snagged of Bonnie’s bouquet – it was stunning!

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

Ceremony Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Irwin, PA
Reception Venue: Antonelli Event Center in Irwin, PA
Catering: Antonelli Event Center in Irwin, PA
Bridal & Bridesmaid Gowns Retailer: David’s Bridal
Bridal Gown Designer: Vera Wang
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Menguin (online company)
Hair: Shari Tumminello from Tease Salon in Murrysville, PA
Makeup: Julie Marckisotto from Pittsburgh Makeup in Greensburg, PA
Invitations: Cards & Pockets (online company)
Florist: Belak Flowers in Irwin, PA
Cake & Cupcakes: Beverly Tumminello from Tasty Bakery in Pittsburgh, PA
Popcorn Bar: The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company in Pittsburgh, PA
Favors: Custom M&Ms from www.mms.com
Bride & Groom’s Ring Designer: McGivern’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts in Davenport, Iowa
Transportation: Vogue Limousines in Jeannette, PA
DJ: DJ Luke from Fine Line Weddings in Greensburg, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA