Bar Marco Elopement
So sweet and refreshing: A & J prioritized what matters to them most — their family. Their wedding reflects that fully! I love a good elopement, and the Pittsburgh Courthouse is exceptional for such an occasion.
What helped you make the decision to hold a Bar Marco Elopement celebration?
I wanted my husband and I to enjoy our wedding day. To make it for us and not to entertain or cater to those around us who have expectations or opinions. We aren’t big fans of dancing, especially not in front of people, or drinking. A long day with a big drawn out reception was not something either of us saw as enjoyable. We wanted to share this intimate and special moment with our closest family while keeping it simple.
Advice to share with brides planning now?
On your wedding day no one except for you is going to know if the wrong song was played, your flowers were the wrong shade, or any other detail was a little messed up. Don’t let the small stuff ruin the big picture or your outlook for the day!
How did you and your spouse meet?
In 2005 I attended a new church and youth group with my sister and mother. The first Wednesday night there I saw a boy on stage playing the drums I thought was SO CUTE. My little 11 year old self could have died when later that night he walked into the youth group room twirling his drum sticks in his hands. Que our first real relationships and first loves that lasted until 2008. Fast forward to 2023 we were both single, living across the world from each other in Hawaii versus Pennsylvania. I receive a call out of the blue from Josh telling me he’s in California, already halfway, asking if he could fly out to come see me the very next day! I was shocked to say the least but I welcomed a visit and was excited to show him around the most beautiful place on earth. From there we did everything we could to keep seeing each other. After way too many flights in a 4 month span I made the decision to move back to Pennsylvania to start our lives together.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
Our original dating anniversary from childhood was February 14th so we booked a Valentine’s Day and Anniversary trip to St. John! On the second night there we planned to catch sunset before dinner at a location the internet had raving reviews for the most beautiful sunsets. We both dressed up, drove into town, and walked to Frank’s Bay with my heart in my throat. I had an idea of what might happen. When we get to the amazing Frank’s Bay we were a little confused on if we got the location wrong. It was on the side of the road, along a brick wall that was falling apart, rocks the size of our fists mixed with some loose rubbish, with a power plant buzzing from the other side of the road. This was not it and thankfully Josh knew it too. With a tear in my eye we went to our fancy dinner and headed home. The next morning while watching sunrise on our Villa terrace overlooking the sea Josh asked me to come look at something by the pool. Barefoot with bedhead, dressed in my favorite pajamas, Josh asked me to marry him in front of the most amazing view. It was intimate and beautiful 🙂
What was your favorite memory from your Bar Marco Elopement?
My favorite memory we created was revealing the gender of our twin girls to our family!
Photography: Steven Dray Photography
Ceremony Location Name: Allegheny County Courthouse
Make-up Artist Name: Antonette Medved
Reception: Bar Marco
