Bongiovanni Family Baptismal Gown Handcrafted by Donna Bongiovanni

Bongiovanni Family Baptismal Gown

Our family gown was created from a “eureka”

moment in August 2011 when we realized we

were blessed to have four generations of

wedding dresses.

This book tells the stories of the brides from

each generation, and how we used pieces from

their dresses to create a unique heirloom gown

for our grand-daughter.

Donna and Charles Bongiovanni

Charles & Donna (Smith) BongiovanniApril 28th, 1973

St. Thomas More Parish (Newman Center), Indiana, PA

The lower skirt of Donna's dress became the body of the gown.

Michael & Rebekah (Garner) BongiovanniCharles & Donna's Son and Daughter-in-Law

St. Mark's Catholic Church, Sea Girt, NJ - April 19th, 2008

Michael & Rebekah (Garner) BongiovanniCharles & Donna's Son and Daughter-in-Law

St. Mark's Catholic Church, Sea Girt, NJ - April 19th, 2008

The lining of Rebekah's dress became the lining of the gown.

Benjamin & Edith (Costanzo) Bongiovanni - Charles' ParentsJune 11th, 1946

Mount Saint Peter Catholic Church, New Kensington, PA

The fabric-covered buttons from Edith's dress were used on the back of the gown.

Frank & Concetta Costanzo (photo on their 50th Wedding Anniversary)Charles' Maternal Grandparents

Married in Western Pennsylvania, July 4th, 1908

The pearl embellishments of Concetta's dress became the decorative details on the front of the gown.

Blessing of the GownFather William P. Saunders, Pastor

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Sterling, VA - August 27th, 2011

Baptismal Record

Name of Baptized: Samantha Christina Bongiovanni 9

Parents: Michael and Rebekah Bongiovanni 0

Godparents: Amy and Andrew Garner 0

By: Father Meade 9

Date / Location:September 10, 2011 / St. Patrick’s, Chesterton, Indiana 4* * * * *

4

Name of Baptized: S

9

Parents:

0

Godparents:A

0

By:F

9

Date / Location:S

4