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) Bongiovanni April 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) Bongiovanni Charles & Donna's Son and Daughter-in-Law St. Mark's Catholic Church, Sea Girt, NJ - April 19th, 2008 Michael & Rebekah (Garner) Bongiovanni Charles & 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' Parents June 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 Gown Father 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. Patricks, Chesterton, Indiana 4 * * * * * 4 Name of Baptized: S 9 Parents: 0 Godparents: A 0 By: F 9 Date / Location: S 4