Crowned in Love Eternal – Join Our Sacred Celebration!
Save the Date
Date: October 18, 2026
Ceremony: Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 2201 Duncan Ave, Allison Park, PA 15101
Reception: Grand Concourse, 100 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Countdown: Calculating...
Our Story
Our story began on a warm summer evening in 2020 at the Neville Roller Drome. What started as our first date—filled with laughter, a few wobbly laps around the rink, and that instant spark of connection—quickly blossomed into something much deeper. Those playful early conversations soon turned into late-night messages, cozy nights curled up watching The Office, and peaceful hikes along the trails of War Memorial Park.
During our college years at Robert Morris University, we balanced demanding study sessions with cherished weekends away, always supporting one another through life’s challenges. We continued to grow together, sustained by lighthearted humor and unwavering commitment. In the fall of 2025, following a memorable dinner at the Grand Concourse and a thrilling first ride up the Monongahela Incline, the proposal at the summit of Mount Washington—overlooking the glittering skyline of Downtown Pittsburgh—felt like the most natural and perfect next step in our journey.
On October 18, 2026, we are delighted to celebrate the beginning of our forever with you—our family and closest friends. We are truly grateful to share this milestone as we embark on the next chapter of our lives together.
Photo Gallery
Travel Information
Ceremony Venue
Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 2201 Duncan Ave, Allison Park, PA 15101
Reception Venue
Grand Concourse, 100 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Accommodations
Near the Church (Allison Park / McCandless area): Home2 Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh/McCandless (8630 Duncan Ave, McCandless, PA 15237).
In-between the venues (Downtown Pittsburgh): Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown (745 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219).
Near the Reception (Station Square): Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square (300 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219).
Other strong nearby choices include the Hampton Inn Pittsburgh/Wexford-Sewickley and the Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton. We recommend booking early and asking about wedding room blocks or group rates!
Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).
Transportation
Taxi, Uber, or Lyft services are available from the airport. Consider renting a car for convenience between venues.
What to Expect at the Ceremony
Our ceremony will take place at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, part of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. Orthodox weddings are rich in symbolism and tradition, following an ancient rite that emphasizes the sacramental nature of marriage. The service is conducted by an Orthodox priest and lasts about 45-60 minutes. Guests are typically expected to stand for much of the ceremony, as is customary in Orthodox services, though seating may be available for those who need it.
The ceremony begins with the Betrothal, where rings are blessed and exchanged three times, symbolizing commitment and the Holy Trinity. The couple holds lit candles, representing their willingness to receive God's blessings, and their right hands are joined to signify unity.
The central ritual is the Crowning, where ornate crowns (stefana) connected by a ribbon are placed on the couple's heads and swapped three times by the koumbaros (best man or sponsor). This symbolizes the couple becoming the "king and queen" of their new family kingdom, as well as the glory and honor of marriage.
Following this, the couple shares three sips from a common cup of wine, representing the sharing of joys and sorrows in life. The priest then leads them in a procession around the sacramental table three times, accompanied by hymns, marking their first steps as a married couple under the Church's guidance.
The service concludes with blessings invoking biblical figures like Abraham and Sarah, wishing the couple a fruitful and righteous life. There are no spoken vows; the focus is on the symbolic acts and prayers. Photography and videography may be restricted during the service—please check with us if needed. We encourage modest attire out of respect for the sacred space.
RSVP
Please submit an RSVP using the access code provided on your invitation.
Invalid access code. Please try again.
Thank you for your RSVP! We've received your response.
Would you like to respond on behalf of the other members in your party?
Gifts & Contributions
Your presence is the greatest gift, but if you'd like to celebrate with us through a registry item or contribution, we've outlined options below. Thank you for your generosity!
Gift Registries
We've selected items from our favorite stores to help us build our home together. Browse and purchase at your convenience.
