YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

August 25th was another beautiful day at the always beautiful Avanti Mansion. Lisa and Marty were there, ready to get the party started! Lisa looked stunning as I checked in with her, and she seemed nervous, but mostly excited, handing me her vows to hold before the big moment. I could tell she was nervous about it, but knew that she would make it through. Marty was hanging out with his groomsmen and seemed more excited than anything else. And I was lucky enough to have a chance to walk around and look at their tables which were marked with different photos of their pets! You know this is a couple in love since they have multiple cats and Marty is seriously allergic. Allergy pills = love!
Finally it was time to head outside, and I loved watching them meet up with each other at the alter. Marty had jokes. He kept saying little things and squeezing Lisa’s hands and she laughed or lovingly rolled her eyes at him. Always my favorite part of a wedding, and I feel lucky that I get to witness the little things other guests do not. They made it through their vows with some slightly shaking hands, but before too long they were kissing and laughing, recognizing they were now married! Congratulations Marty and Lisa! It was such a beautiful day for beautiful people and I wish you happiness going forward!

I love weddings at the Hotel Lafayette, so I was pretty pumped to head there on August 24th. Mari-Jo and Adam are so incredibly cute, and hearing about Mari-Jo’s wedding plans, I knew I was going to love this wedding. She made her bouquets out of old books and since my wedding was full of old book flowers, you can tell we are a great fit!
Everything looked perfect in their reception space. Classy, yet perfectly tailored to their Buffalo personalities. There were little buffaloes all over everything, including Adam’s tie, and it couldn’t have been cuter. When I met up with them, they were simply glowing, and I knew there wasn’t anything that could happen that would take the wind out of their sails. I headed out to the courtyard to watch the wedding party walk in, and once Adam and Mari-Jo were near each other, forget about it…it was their world! They maybe heard a snippet here and there, but they were so focused on each other and smiling and laughing that it was hard for me to remember I had a job to do and had to keep reading and not just fawning over them. After their Wine/Love Letter Box sealing, they came back for that giant kiss and were finally married! Congratulations Adam and Mari-Jo! You’re such a lovely couple and I know you’ll have a long and full life ahead of you! Best wishes always!

Ok. August 23rd was amazing. I reached a new milestone and a new record. FOURTH WEDDING IN A ROW THAT HAD A DOG IN IT! I really couldn’t be happier. When I arrived at the Timberlodge at Arrowhead for Jessica and Tylor’s wedding, I was greeting by a little wiener dog in a tutu. This is my life and I’m really happy about it.
I checked in with Jessica when I arrived who was very excited and had amazing hair. I asked where Tylor was and she directed me and warned me that he was already in tears. I love an emotional groom so much, so there was a lot to love in Tylor. He was hanging with his groomsmen and immeditaly warned me that he wasn’t done crying, so I knew I had to brace myself for the adorableness that was coming. We headed out to the alter and watched the wedding party make their way out (wiener dog Ella included), and as soon as Tylor saw Jessica, he was all tears. They were both so moved by the beauty of the moment, I looked out and saw that it was moving the whole audience. What a day! It wasn’t easy but they made it through their beautiful vows to each other and I could tell were so excited to kiss and to finally be married! Congratulations Tylor and Jessica! There is no doubt that you were made for each other and I wish you a long and happy life together!

Oh how I love me a backyard wedding! And August 16th was the most perfect day for one. I headed over to Sarah and Tim’s lovely home (with so many tomato plants), and excitedly waited for their ceremony to begin. It was such a stress-free moment, with Sarah going to get ready, Tim picking out the wine bottles for their unity ceremony, and pups Pai and Bria taking in all the action. They decided to have the ceremony in front of their amazing vegetable garden (I’m telling you, tomatoes for days), and it was charming and intimate and perfect for the two of them. Tim and I made our way in front of guests, and Sarah was escorted out and they both beamed at each other. Weddings like this are really nice because there is less pressure on the couple, so they get a change to listen more to what is being said and are able to react to it, either laughing or making faces at each other or squeezing hands. They combined white and red wine as a symbol of unity, and soon enough they were kissing as husband and wife! Congratulations Timothy and Sarah! It was a perfect afternoon and I’m so happy that I got to spend it with the two of you. Best wishes!

Thank you world for providing me with all of these weddings with dogs. I’ve had a good run of them and August 10th, at the Buffalo History Museum was no exception. I found Holly and Mike outside in the sunshine when I arrived, both looking beautiful (but hard to top pup Hunter), and so excited for everything to begin. It was an intimate wedding and guests slowly gathered as the band played tunes to get everyone in the mood. Mike seemed a little bit nervous, but it only takes a few of Holly’s very positive smiles to make everyone feel comfortable. We stood outside and watched the wedding party walk up the grand steps and take their place, and even though I had already seen Holly, she looked even lovelier as she made her way to her future husband. They smiled at each other and made it through that emotional moment that you can never be sure how you’ll handle. They finished their unity ceremony and by the time they came back together to take hands, I could feel and stress leave them to replaced by pure joy. Moments later they were covered with streamers and guests happily congratulated them! Congratulations Mike and Holly! You’re such a wonderful couple and I wish you nothing but the best on your future together!

On July 27th I found myself at the Mansion on Delaware for Laura and Ryan’s beautiful moment. They were outside taking pictures with family, guests happily watching on. When they finally had the chance, they sneaked inside to find some of their wedding party, and enjoy a quiet moment before all the hub-bub really started! They were joking around with each other and I knew they were excited for everything to start. And start it did…almost without the groom and officiant! As Ryan and his groomsmen lined up inside, we waited for the wedding planner to give us the go ahead. But soon Ryan realized the music was playing and the planner and started the ceremony…without the groom and officiant! We hurried ourselves outside and although it was stressful, we were able to laugh about it. Mostly because we made it! I’m not sure how Laura would have felt walking out to a missing groom! She did make her way out though, and that’s when Ryan really fell apart. His body wasn’t sure if it should laugh or cry or shake or all of the above (all of the above won). It’s always very moving for me to see couples hit with emotion during their ceremony. I know that they are really focused on what is happening and how huge it is and it’s a wonderful moment. They made it through their vows, which was difficult and I had to distract myself so that I didn’t get too emotional, and soon enough they were in each others arms, kissing as husband and wife. Congratulations Ryan and Laura! It was a perfect moment for a perfect couple and I wish you a lifetime of happiness! How could you not with Sophie there!

July 20th was a perfect summer day, and I mostly knew this because at the Avanti Mansion, Larry kept telling me it was a perfect summer day! He was so excited for how lovely a day it was for Britnie and himself, and his energy was contagious.
I checked in with the couple when I arrived, Britnie with her bridesmaids getting the final touches, Larry outside with his groomsmen, making sure people pick up their little container of bubbles for afterwards. When we did walk to the alter, I realized how much I liked talked to Larry. He’s so genuine and caring, and I could tell he was happy to see his friends and family and couldn’t wait for the ceremony to start. And when it started…oh boy! He saw Britnie and his whole face lit up. When the were finally standing side by side I realized, they weren’t going to hear a word of what I was saying, because they were in their own place. A place of love and happiness and nerves that goes by so quickly. They made it through their vows and sand ceremony, smiling and laughing and looking more ready than ever for that big kiss! Congratulations Larry and Britnie! It was a beautiful moment for two beautiful humans and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. Best wishes always!

On July 19th, I was lucky enough to have a second wedding at the Botanical Gardens! When I first arrived, I bumped into Jacob in the parking lot, who was just arriving. It was a small and intimate wedding, which gave him the freedom to walk around and talk to guests. Unfortunately just as we arrived it started raining, so everything had to be moved inside. Luckily, the inside of the Botanical Gardens is even more beautiful than the outside, so it worked out very well! Jacob seemed very excited for Anisha to arrive, and he busied himself talking to guests while I helped moved some chairs around. Soon enough, Anisha arrived, looking stunning, and they seemed so happy to see each other. Jacob and I headed to the alter, mildly sweating at this point since it can be a bit warm in the tropical plant room, and awaited Anisha’s grand entrance. They grabbed each others hands and the way that they looked at each other was so beautiful. You could feel how this moment meant the world to them. They had a sand ceremony to signify their unity, and after all their vows were said, which would make ANYONE tear up, they jumped over a broom to show that they were now Mr. & Mrs.! Congratulations Jacob and Anisha. I’m so happy that you found each other and can blend into one happy family. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

On Friday July 19th, I got up nice and early to head to Darien Lake’s Campground fom Desiree and Bryan’s 10am wedding! No better way to start the day. It was supposed to be scorching hot out, but luckily it was overcast and breezy, so it was a perfect day to sit outside with friends and family, enjoying a marriage and of course, a good BBQ.
When I arrived, it was typical camper atmosphere. No one was dressed, the beers were open, and kids were playing tag! But Desiree can keep all things in order, so after the kids were ready, she told Bryan to get dressed and she got ready for the big moment as well. Bryan is shy. Like REALLY shy, so this moment wasn’t going to be easy for him. He’s the kind of guy who would rather wrestle a bear than show emotions in front of people, so I was really curious about how this was going to go. As I headed to the alter with Bryan and his best-man, he stood pretty far away. I told him he could come closer and he told me, eventually… Nervous part one. When Desiree started walking down the aisle, he turned away and faced me because tears were running down his face. I was a little worried for him, but Desiree got there and smiled at him and although he was still mildly tortured, he smiled back at her. They made it through their vows and rings, with emotion still sweeping over both of them. And by the time they were kissing at husband and wife, they were so happy to finally be married, and to possibly not have to stand in front of everyone anymore!
Congratulations Bryan and Desiree. You’re such a lovely family and I’m so happy that I got to share this moment with you. Much love!

What an amazing day. On July 6th I found myself in the gorgeous Lake George, specifically Burlap and Beams for Eileen and Eddie’s wedding day. I don’t often drive 5 hours for an event, but I can assure you, this one was worth it!
I was a little nervous at first because for the entire drive the rain would start and stop, and I knew that the couple would be stressing. When I finally arrived though, I found them hanging out together, perhaps a little worried about rain, but mostly just enjoying every moment together. I think they realized they wouldn’t have control over the weather and just told me to pretty much run if it pours and don’t worry about those unity candles! Luckily, that didn’t happen and it ended up being a perfect evening. The venue was stunning. Everywhere you looked it was rustic and comfortable and I could tell that guests were gushing as much as I was. I was excited to start and I watched Eddie first and then Eileen make their way up, as a musician strummed the guitar and sang. It felt perfect. And of course Eileen looked beautiful so that didn’t hurt anything!
They took hands and smiled and read such beautiful vows to each other. I was moved along with them, and even more so when they had their moms come up to light unity candles with them as they became one family. By the time they were kissing not only was there no rain, but they were now husband and wife!
Congratulations Eddie and Eileen. You were meant for each other and I’m so happy you had such a beautiful day. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it!