YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

So after marrying Dana & Stephen in the afternoon on October 6th, I headed over to Niagara Falls to the Rapids Theatre for Lucas and Samantha’s musical themed evening wedding! They love musical theater so much that not only did they sing songs to each other on their first date, but they made sure their entire wedding felt like an exclusive performance. I’m just so happy I got tickets!
When I first arrived and found Lucas, he was LITERALLY grinning from ear to ear. He was so pumped. I don’t even think he was nervous. He just wanted to get married to Samantha and as quickly as possible. I was so impressed by their name tags for couples that looked like show tickets, their program that was a legit performance program, and how all the tables were named after musicals. Like I said, they went all out. Including being married on a stage. Also, before the ceremony began, there was an announcement to turn off all devices, where the exits where, and everything else that accompanies a stage performance. I really loved everything and it was so perfect for the two of them.
Finally Samantha made her way out onto the floor and up the stage steps to stand with her soon-to-be-husband. They were so happy to see each other they were practically glowing. They somehow made it through their incredibly touching vows, and then, instead of a sand ceremony, had a glass bead ceremony. It had the same concept of combining two different colors, but afterwards they send it to Unity in Glass to have the beads melted down and combined into a beautiful and unique bowl! After meeting back up under the alter, it was time for that big, passionate kiss as a newly married couple. Congratulations Lucas and Samantha! It was such a perfect day for the two of you, and I know you’ll have a full life of love and musical theatre in your future!

 

 

The Rose Garden at Delaware Park is such a lovely place to get married. And even on October 6th, with fall settling in around us, there were still blooming flowers and some pesky bees to go along with them. Guests started slowly arriving for the intimate gathering, and Stephen was around to greet them. He seemed very excited and nervous, and I was greatly anticipating Dana’s arrival. A few days before had been cold and rainy, so I was overjoyed for them that this was such a gorgeous afternoon. After Stephen made his way up the stage, I saw Dana arrive with her bridesmaid’s, looking beautiful and overjoyed. Things were moving quickly then, and soon it was time for her to make her way to Stephen.
When they took hands and walked up the stage it was very moving. The look they gave each other was one of pure love. And nothing could distract them from this moment. Well…almost nothing.  A couple of bees decided it was their day too, and were flying around the couple, landing on their faces here and there and causing Dana to perform her own bee dance! You don’t forget you’re wedding day, but I’m sure they really won’t forget that moment. It was cute and funny, but didn’t stop them from kissing as they became husband and wife. Congratulations Stephen and Dana! I wish you a lifetime of happiness together and bee-less picnics for all your days.

October 5th was the perfect fall day to be out on the water. You could see students rowing crew in the lake at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse, as chairs were set up near the water, with the Peace Bridge creating the perfect background. I found Richard getting some photos taken, acting cool as a cucumber and waiting for Bronwyn to make her entrance so they could finally do this! Guests already seemed to be having a good time, and there was a relaxed, stress-free air in the room. This day was about having a good time, not obsessing about little things. As Richard and I stood at the alter, waiting for Bronwyn to walk down the aisle, you could tell it was casual. But that’s why it’s good I’m there to make sure people take off their sunglasses and put down that bottle of beer! Someone has to be the stickler! Richard’s mom was playing music from her iPhone, and guests were joking and laughing and having an all around good time. When Bronwyn appeared, everyone quieted down, and Richard slowly smiled as she made her way to him. They took hands, a little bit out of love and a little bit out of a chilly breeze, and we were on our way. I could tell they were really listening and taking the moment in. And everyone was super pumped for the moment, not just guests, but apparently rowers since they were yelling their heads off. I’m going to assume it was for the wedding and not to get their team to row faster 😉
But as always, time goes so quickly and soon enough they were eagerly kissing each other and looking back at me waiting to be announced as a forever Mr. & Mrs. Congratulations Richard and Bronwyn! You didn’t meet in the most typical way and I hope that your whole marriage remains atypical and exciting and wonderful. Much love!

I really do meet the most adorable couples. And that certainly was true on September 29th at Wanakah Country Club. It’s a lovely space with a large outdoor covered patio, and guests were out there sharing drinks and waiting for the big moment. I found Kristen with her bridesmaids and she looked wonderful. So confident and excited. She’s not the kind of bride to stress the little stuff. I feel like she was of the mind that they were here and that’s what was important. I wish I could teach that feeling to brides! You’ll be so much happier if you don’t sweat the small stuff.
I found Alex in a locker room with his groomsmen, which I didn’t know was a men’s locker room until I was being dragged out of there. Don’t worry world, I wasn’t looking at old man golfers in towels! I just wanted to hear from Alex who was happy with a bit of nervousness and we discussed some last minute things, including getting a key to their wine/love letter box that was locked shut. Once that was open and ready for their love letters, I knew we were good to go. I made my way down and soon Alex arrived, taking a long walk down the aisle by himself as people were bursting to clap for him. I could tell people were really looking forward to this moment. After the wedding party made their way out, Kristen made her stunning appearance and it was time to talk all things love. They laughed and held hands and more than once, fought back tears as they said beautiful things to each other. After having a family member do a reading, and saying their vows, and tucking away their love letters in a time capsule, there was nothing left to do but kiss and be married! Congratulations Alex and Kristen. You’re a wonderful couple and that shot immediately after the ceremony solidified that you know how to keep this party going and will know how to keep your marriage going as well. Best wishes always.

September 28th was extra special, not only because it was Dana and Steve’s wedding, but because I’m obsessed with Dana and pretended that I was marrying her myself! 😂😂😂 We have been friends since high school and I was super excited to share in this moment with her.
At the Lexus Club inside KeyBank Center, guest gathered for the big moment that had been cultivating for years. Also, Dana and Steve really know how to party, so I think people were pretty excited about that. We headed outside to a beautiful deck, which at that moment could have been a stand in for Cave of the Winds. Holy windy! As guests watched Dana’s runner blow in the breeze, they all worked together to lay things on top of it to keep it down. Love and teamwork is a beautiful thing. It was perfect for the wedding party and of course their dog, Stella, to make their way down. As I stood there with Steve, eventually it was time for Dana to make her appearance. She was absolutely gorgeous, especially with her veil soaring around in the wind. She made her way to Steve and they took hands, and I could tell they were nervous, but excited.
I was kinda bummed that the wind was messing with the microphone, causing it to cut in and out, because then people couldn’t hear how much I teased them. Especially since Steve is in the metalcore band Every Time I Die, and Dana was in Girl Scouts until age 18. Opposites attract.
They repeated their vows and exchanged rings and my favorite thing at a wedding happened. In the middle of it, Dana turned to me and just said “I need chapstick,” which almost made me lose it. I just love this girl. Soon enough though, they were kissing as husband and wife and it was time to party!
Congratulations Dana and Steve! I’m truly honored to have been a part of your day, and like all weddings I attended, I didn’t get enough pictures, but hey, I was busy dancing. Best wishes always!

 

September 8th was the first day that really felt like fall was around the corner. It was chilly at Bristol Harbour in Canadaigua, but that didn’t take away from the beauty of the venue or of Jessica and Ryan! I first saw the couple outside with their party getting photos taken. With the blowing trees and lake behind them, it was a surreal vision. I can only imagine how amazing those photos turned out! I finally got to see the couple as they headed in to warm up a bit and prepare for the big moment. This was a high energy group! I didn’t see any nerves. Just laughter and excitement as the couple and their closest friends waited for the fun to start. We all made the long walk out to the alter, and while it was overcast, it just made everything else light up. Especially Jessica! She finally walked down last and stood before Ryan and I think I watched the enormity of the moment hit them both. I like to tease couples and have them move closer to each other because sometimes they end up so far away, and I think they feel more nervous. As soon as they step together and can really look into each others eyes, it all clicks and then it’s just a perfect moment.
They had some lovely readings and then it was time for their vows. Which they chose traditional vows that I said and they repeated, they wanted to add a personal message to each other first. It was vows on top of vows and it was the best! It’s your day and you should say whatever you want to that person in that moment. It’s what it’s made for! Then they were kissing and hugging and being called Mr. & Mrs.! Congratulations Ryan and Jessica! It was a magical day and I hope that magic follows you in all your days together!

September 7th was spent at the Hotel Lafayette for the adorably matched Sabrina and Justin’s wedding. I could tell they were a bit nervous from the rehearsal the night before, but I knew everything was going to be perfect for them. I found Justin hanging out with his groomsmen, greeting guests, and he seemed excited and that he was doing better nerve wise. They had done a first look together which I think always helps to alleviate some of the tension. It’s hard not seeing your person all day!
Sabrina was upstairs getting some finishing touches, so I didn’t see her til she pretty much walked down the aisle. Whenever that happens, I actually get butterflies in my stomach waiting for the big reveal. I can’t help it! So when Justin and I waited at the alter, and watched their large wedding party walk out to stand with them, we were both pretty excited to watch Sabrina make her entrance. She looked beautiful and they seemed so happy when they were face to face again. They had written their own vows which were meaningful and touching and I’m surprised they were able to keep it together during them. And then the moment arrives once again, and I’m watching a couple kiss for the first time as husband and wife! Congratulations Justin and Sabrina! You’re so good together and I’m so happy to  have been a part of your day. Best wishes!

September 2nd sounds like a fall wedding, but it was all summer in Buffalo, and gorgeous at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. Danielle and Rick were there, eagerly awaiting their big moment. Danielle looking beautiful, hid out with her party downstairs. Rick was kind of on his own, and decided to head to a room behind the alter for some alone and quiet time before everything became crazy. He looked happily nervous and I liked that he wanted a moment to take everything in by himself. Eventually though, it was time to begin, so I got Rick and we headed to the alter to await Danielle. When she did come out, he somehow looked calmer and more nervous at the same time! I don’t even know how to explain it. They were so happy to see each other though, that they just about kissed at the alter! They went in for it, but then I saw Danielle realize, oh that’s for the end! It was really adorable and people laughed along with them. It was pretty steamy inside the building, but Danielle even reached out to dry the sweat from Rick’s brow. If that’s not love people, tell me what is! They listened to their readings with smiles and repeated their vows with clutched hands, and soon enough I was pronouncing them married! Congratulations Rick and Danielle! You’re such a well matched couple that I know there will be nothing by joy in your future. Best wishes always!