YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

Oh wow, what a fun day! I found myself on October 2nd, about to have a blast at a Thursday wedding at Timberlodge at Arrowhead with Minde and Joe. They are so fun themselves, it was hard to not get swept away in the joy of this moment. Minde looked so beautiful and so jazzed when I saw her, and Joe had an excited energy that was contagious to his friends around him. They were READY for this moment, so it was very wonderful when Joe and I got to stand there and watch Minde make her walk out to him. They stood in the sunshine, holding hands and smiling, probably thinking about how this was the person they were going to get to play UNO with for the rest of their lives 😂
They said their vows with some tears and then kissed the most joyful kiss as the audience erupted! Congratulations Joseph and Minde! I was so happy to share in such a wonderful moment and am happy knowing you’ll have so many more ahead of you.

I love Pearl Street weddings. They not only look so good, but are organized and feel like a perfect spot to get married, and then to party! So I was very happy on September 20th, when I got to celebrate Heather and Scott’s wedding there. I found them hanging out on the balcony with their wedding party, seeming to already be having the best time. I knew this was going to be a good moment, because they were ready for it to be the most fun party they had ever been to! But first, they had to stand at that alter, looking so gorgeous and happy, and hold hands while they said their vows to each other and exchanged rings while smiling and laughing. Soon enough it was time to kiss and then get to the bar for a Baily or Josie drink (named after their puppers)!!!
Congratulations Scott and Heather! You both deserved a perfect moment and it seemed like you got that. Enjoy every moment after!

I was very excited for September 14th, because it was Layne and Christians 10:30am Sunday wedding, intimate, in a gorgeous spot —Spring Lake Winery,– no bells and whistles. They were only there for the ceremony and they were going to make it the best it could be. It perfectly matched their personalities and I was happy to be a part of it. It was surprising when I saw Layne’s mom, and we realized we were old work friends from two decades ago! It made me feel even happier to be there, to get to officiant her daughter’s wedding!
It was a perfect moment. I stood in the sunshine with Christian, one of the most down-to-earth feeling guys who just wanted his girl to come out so he could marry her. And when Layne did walk out, looking so beautiful, you could see how happy they both were. They stood under their gazebo, reading vows they had written to each other which was just another bit of understanding of how meant to be they were. Soon enough they were kissing as husband and wife!
Congratulations Christian and Layne. It was such a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you, and know we share a family bond! Much love always!

You hope for a perfect day for your wedding, and Eliza and Danny surely got one. It was beautiful at O’Brien’s Sleepy Hollow as it should be for such a special couple. I found Danny hanging out playing some games with groomsmen, but when something wedding related came up, he was at attention! He was excited and wanted this moment to be as perfect as can be. He was so happy to see all his friends and family around, stopping to hug everyone he passed. Eliza was also ready for this moment, and she looked so gorgeous as she hid out, counting down until she’d be side by side with Danny. And I could tell the guests were maybe the most excited, since they were already all sitting and waiting, when usually you have to corral people outside! Soon enough she was walking towards him, and they beamed knowing they were about to become husband and wife. I was lucky (as always) to have a front row to their smiles and tears and vows that they shared with each other. And the best part of all, pronouncing them husband and wife and watching that most special kiss of all!
Congratulations Danny and Eliza! Truly, you’re such a remarkable couple and I’m so lucky I got to share this moment with you.

September 12th was a beautiful day for the beautiful Katie & Matthew at The Falconwood at Beaver Island State Park. I found Matthew walking around, definitely nervous that he was going to miss the start time I think, which was hilarious. I was thinking, if you and I are standing here, it sure can’t be starting! Katie was with her wedding party waiting for this show to begin, and she looked radiant and eager. Soon enough we were out there watching Katie make her walk towards us, as Matthew fought the tears in his eyes. During the ceremony, Matt’s Grandma shared a prayer that was so meaningful, and you could really see the love shared with these families. They shared their heartfelt, personal vows, and I watched them thinking about all the times they could have met in life, but how it waited until the right moment. Then soon enough, they were sharing that first, big kiss!
Congratulations Matthew and Katie! You’re so wonderful together and I wish you a happy and wonderful life!

August 30th was exciting not only because I got to see the ever joyful Emily and Kevin, but I got to do it at a new place! I’ve performed just shy of 600 ceremonies, so it was exciting to get to visit Brooksholm Wedding Barn, which I hadn’t seen before. What a beautiful space and perfect for Emily and Kevin.
When I arrived I saw Emily, so happy and beautiful and she was sitting around with her bridesmaids, all laughing and enjoying every moment. Kevin looked dapper as he tried to play it cool, but I knew it was all going to come out during the actually ceremony (and it did he got cute and emotional and smiley and perfect)!
The altar was in the woods, surrounded by gorgeous trees, and Kevin and I stood there watching Emily make her way up to him. It was so perfect out and was truly a magical moment for them. They said their vows while staring into each others eyes and soon enough I was yelling out that they were husband and wife!
Congratulations Kevin and Emily! Your love deserved this perfect moment and I was so lucky to share it with you!

Oh what a day August 29th was! It was perfect out, and especially beautiful at Binksberry Hollow. When I arrived I found Alex, pumped up as heck and ready to have this moment with his love. He was carrying around his vows book, which I asked if I could hold for him, and he was like, oh no, I lost this once and I’m not losing it again! 😂
Jessica was getting some photos taken by the wonderful Mike Argento Photography (I married him and his wife too!!!) and everyone just looked like they were bursting with happiness.
Soon enough Alex and I were standing on that big hill, waiting for Jessica to make her way up to him. I’m sure it felt like forever for him, because he was so excited to have her next to him. The moment was beautiful. Their vows were so heartfelt and moving and you could tell everyone there was affected by them. It was such a happy moment when they finally grabbed each other and kissed for the first time as husband and wife!
Congratulations Alex and Jessica! I’m so glad you had such a beautiful moment since you’re such beautiful people. Much love!

How to start off a beautiful August 23rd day? How about a 10am wedding at the Botanical Gardens??? Sounds perfect to me! And especially if you get to spend time with the wonderful Madalyn and Dylan, one of the cutest couples ever. They wanted something sweet and low key, and having just a ceremony at the Gardens was a perfect choice. It was a very intimate event, just a few guests there to witness the beautiful moment, and especially the beautiful Madalyn, who looked stunning as she made her way to Dylan. They just looked so happy and moved by everything, and after they kissed as husband and wife, they immediately went into their first dance, and I felt so lucky to be able to witness it. I miss so much at weddings leaving after the ceremony, and it was nice to see their love on display for us all to enjoy.
Congratulations Dylan and Madalyn! You’re perfect together and I know your life will be full of beauty and happiness.

August 15th was perfect and Bear Ridge Destination was amazing! It was such a beautiful spot for Aly and Mike. When I arrived, I spied them taking some photos. I love watching couples for a minute as they laugh and smile and hug each other for their amazing pics. Then I checked out the gorgeous spot they would be getting married. It was like being in the woods, but without any hassle. I couldn’t wait for this to get started!
As I stood at the altar with Mike, I could see he was feeling a bit nervous. I know couples think that if they see each other before the ceremony they will be less nervous, but once Aly made her beautiful debut, it was like they were seeing each other for the first time. They took hands and smiled and repeated their vows to one other that I know they will always keep. And soon enough, that magic kiss was happening and it was time to party!
Congratulations Mike and Aly! I’m so honored to have been a part of this moment and to have shared in the beauty. Much love!

August 2nd was a beautiful day where I happily found myself in a new venue, Grandview of Ellington. It was a perfect spot for Amanda and John’s wedding. Amanda had been a bit stressed beforehand, so I knew seeing the beautiful space would help her feel at ease. John was greeting guests, his only real goal to keep Amanda calm and happy, and he reached that goal! By the time we were standing outside under the gazebo, everything was as it should be, and Amanda made her beautiful enterance into John’s open arms. There were smiles and laughs, and a first kiss to rival any before it!
Congratulations John and Amanda! It was a lovely moment and I wish so many more of those moments in your future together!