ELKHART -- Holly Blessing and Patrick O'Connell were married July 4, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church by Pastor Kathleen O'Connell.

A reception was at Nelson's, Wakarusa.

The bride's parents are Ron and Kathy Blessing of Elkhart. The groom's parents are Jane O'Connell of Elkhart and the late John O'Connell.

Angie Gorden of Elkhart was maid of honor. The bride's sisters, Heather Hahn and Haley Blessing, both of Elkhart, and Bridget O'Connell of Elkhart, the groom's sister, were bridesmaids. Jessica Gorden of Elkhart was junior bridesmaid.

The groom's brother, Tim O'Connell of Elkhart, was best man. The groom's brothers, Danny and Mike O'Connell, and the groom's brother-in-law, Cliff Dittman, all of Elkhart, were groomsmen. Mike Bevins of Elkhart and Steve Hahn of Wakarusa, the bride's brother-in-law, ushered.

The couple honeymooned at Maui, Hawaii.

The fireworks: The couple met on July 4, 2005, and became engaged on July 4, 2008, while they were at Silver Beach. Pat and Holly felt it appropriate that they marry on July 4, 2009.