YellowBird Wedding

Congratulations Nikki & Ryan!!!

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July 9, 2018

Ok June 30th wasn’t messing around. It was the beginning of everyone you know complaining about the heat. The sun was in full effect at Templeton Landing, and although it was on the water and just stunning to look at, you might have wanted to hide under a giant sun umbrella. Although when I met up with Nikki and Ryan, they didn’t seem fussed. They were hanging out with their party, having their own pre-party…drinks and wings included. They seemed excited to get married, but not really nervous. Just enjoying every moment as much as they could. They also made sure to stay in that air-conditioned room until the last moment. Smart cookies. Eventually we lined up to walk outside, and although it was hot, it was just so lovely with guests gathered that it didn’t matter. I waited with Ryan who took a bit of encouragement to take off his sunglasses. I guess he doesn’t love looking directly into the sun like he was (weird), but he didn’t seem to notice as much when Nikki came out. They are a fun and silly couple, so I definitely had to tease them a bit during the ceremony, which was all in good fun. They laughed and smiled at each other, and while Nikki had tears in her eyes, I could tell Ryan kept looking away so that the same wouldn’t happen to him. Finally the moment was here and they kissed as everyone broke out in applause! Congratulations Ryan and Nikki! You’ve been on this path for a long time now, and there will be so many more happy years in your future. Take care always!

Congratulations Jordan & Stephen!!!

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July 6, 2018

June 23rd was a beautiful day, but I sure didn’t mind being inside the gorgeous, (and air conditioned) Statler City. I was especially happy to see Jordan and Stephen again. They are such a beautiful couple, so I knew their wedding would be no exception! When I first arrived I found them hanging out together in a back room. They looked so happy and comfortable, honestly not nervous at all. But I’ve seen that before! Since couples are used to seeing each other everyday, there comes a point where they are comfortable and it starts to feel like just another day where you’re wearing fancy clothes. Well let me tell you, that changes in the big moment. And I watched it happen here. Steve and I headed out to the alter with his groomsmen, and while he was laughing and joking with them, his demeanor started to change. He began to show those nerves, and when Jordan stepped out, even though he had been with her for hours, had seen how she looked in her dress, he looked as though he was seeing her for the first time. I think a lot of guests turn around and watch the bride walk up the aisle, but I would also recommend turning back around to look at the groom. You can see a lot in their expression. Steve seemed happy when Jordan finally made it up to him, and it was easy to go through the ceremony with them, knowing I could tease them about Jordan thinking Steve was a loudmouth when she first met him, but we all know he was just trying to get her attention. You could tell that their friendship was so very important to them, and as I looked up to see guests beaming back at them, I knew this was a special and meant to be moment. Time flies by when I’m up there, so soon enough they were in each others arms as the new Mr. & Mrs.! Congratulations Steve and Jordan! You’re an amazing couple and I know there are many smiles and adventures in your future. Best wishes!

Congratulations Rachael & Matt!!!

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June 29, 2018

June 22nd was threatening rain all day, but when you’re as meant to be (and lucky) as Rachael and Matt, you don’t have to sweat it. I found them at Holiday Valley, surrounded by beautiful green hills as well as their own smiles. They didn’t seem at all worried that it might rain. With a bag of umbrellas on hand, they just looked ready for the moment to begin. They were hanging out together, but soon Matt headed outside to greet guests and wait for the moment to begin. They had such a beautiful backdrop and I was really excited for them to finally stand at that alter. I hung out with the groomsmen for a bit, explaining suit coat button rules, and mentioning how many time I’ve had to listen to Bruno Mars “I think I wanna marry you,” until it was time to take our places. Matt started to look a little nervous as the music began and bridesmaids started making their entrance. And his face was one of pure elation when Rachael rounded the corner. She looked stunning as her parents walked her down and they seemed so happy when they could be hand in hand. It was so easy to create a ceremony for them, especially since I got to tease them for being math nerds, and they laughed and looked as relaxed as could be. They made it through their vows and exchanged rings, and started to get giddy as they could tell I was wrapping up the ceremony. They went in for that kiss and it was another perfect moment! Not to mention, while the tiniest, tiniest drops of rain came down occasionally, the second the wedding was over and we stepped inside, downpour! They missed it bu 5 seconds. How’s that for wedding luck?! Congratulations Matt and Rachael. Only the two of you could fall in love over Calculus, so there’s not doubt you’re meant to be. Much love always!

Congratulations Amy & Josh!!!

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June 27, 2018

On Thursday June 21st I had two options: I could go to my regular 9-5 job, or I could spend the morning in a wooded creek with Josh and Amy as they got married. Yeah…NO BRAINER! So I found myself, at 9:30am, at Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve with Josh, Amy, their three adorable (and matching) kids and Wendy from Wendy Mitchell Photography. It was a stunning day and we started hiking down a grassy hill on our way to the creek. The blackberry prickle bushes might have given a little bit of pause, but soon we were covered by trees in the woods and finally emerged into the sunshine down at the water. We all hopped into the creek, sometimes trying to stay on rocks, sometimes following little Cole deep into the water, and walked down until they found the perfect spot for the ceremony. And perfect it was! A rock wall off to our side, trees surrounding us on the other side, and the three of us in the middle of the creek, barefoot and happy as Josh and Amy held hands and made this dream a reality. There may have been some crying coming from little humans who fell in the creek, and they managed to parent and get married at the same time. This is a couple who knows how to make it all work. At the edge of the creek they had their own sand ceremony, where all the kids had sand as well as Josh and Amy, and they combined them in their fish bottle to keep for all time…well or at least as long as it lasts since I then saw little Cole add a bunch of water to it…All in all it was a gorgeous moment in a gorgeous place and I was so happy to be there. Congratulations Josh and Amy! It’s very clear that you were meant to find each other and create this family and spend your days in the sunshine enjoying the Earth. Thanks for sharing it with me and much love always!

Congratulations Christina & R.J.!!!

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June 26, 2018

June has been a wild month. Lots of beautiful days and even more beautiful weddings. I found myself back at The Foundry on June 15th for Christina and R.J.’s high-energy wedding. From the moment I met Christina and R.J. face to face, I knew this was an awesome wedding to be a part of. They were so excited, didn’t seem at all nervous, just beyond pumped to be getting married. I hung out downstairs with R.J. and watched him greet guests. There is no doubt that he has a theater background, and is full of confidence and joy. Everyone seemed so happy to be there, and it really felt like it was a reunion for guests. Everyone seemed to know everyone! R.J. headed to the alter early to joke around and make people laugh as he waited for his bride. He was directing guests and I could tell he was kind of bursting with excitement for the moment to begin. Finally, Christina appeared, looking absolutely stunning. Not to mention the ADORABLE flowers girls that preceded her. The couple took hands and we began, me making a few jokes about them that they belly-laughed at, because they are so easy going and fun. It felt like the ceremony flew by and soon enough they were having that first, dramatic kiss. Congratulations R.J. and Christina! You were always the Peter Pan and Wendy who were supposed to meet and I know you’ll have a beautiful life ahead of you. Much love always.

Congratulations Savannah & George!!!

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June 22, 2018

June 10th was such a beautiful day, and I was so happy about it because by this point, I had really fallen in love with Savannah and George. I couldn’t wait to be a part of their big day at the Marcy Casino in Delaware Park, so I got there early to check in. A bonus on top of my perfect day was that Ayres Photography was there, and I love working with them.
I found George still setting a few things up, looking excited and nervous as we walked through the amazing space. The ceremony was outside near the water, and everything was tented or things like the cake and table were inside, and you couldn’t decide which was a nicer spot! I found Savannah, glowing as per usual, and knew that we’d be starting soon because they wouldn’t be able to go much longer without being married. We all gathered on top of a stone staircase, to take down to the ceremony spot. George and his groomsmen came down with me, and after the bridesmaids, we got to watch Savannah slowly walk down by herself, looking beautiful and confident, until she made it to George’s hands. They were so cute and smiley and some tears were involved, but they made it through until the kiss and I think I clapped the loudest. Congratulations George and Savannah. I’m so glad Savannah randomly handed you a concert ticket George because it’s clear to anyone who meets you that you’re meant to be together. I wish you nothing but happiness for all time.

Congratulations Megan & Kaleb!!!

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June 18, 2018

June 9th was a perfect day to get married outside in a beautiful courtyard. And that’s exactly what happened at The Foundry for Megan and Kaleb. I first found Kaleb in the bar area, nervously waiting with guests. It’s always great to see couples again if I haven’t since we first met, so it was a nice reunion. He told me where to find Megan, and after seeing how beautiful she looked, I knew this was going to be a great day. Guests were gathering in the beautiful space, taking in the decor and decorations. I’ve seen so many weddings at this point, but nothing prepared me for what I was going to find at Megan and Kaleb’s. And that would be the cheesecake table. Oh lord! Not picking something off of there took all of my willpower. Afterwards Megan told me that while she was excited that all her friends and family would be in one place, nothing had her more excited than the cheesecake table! And let me tell you, I get it.
After pulling myself away from that, it was almost time to start the ceremony. I headed outside with Kaleb to await the bridal party, as they slowly made their way out. And then Megan appeared, looking stunning, and Kaleb’s whole demeanor changed. I could tell it was one of those moments where no one else existed anymore but her. They held hands and shared their vows. I felt that at the most intimate moments, Megan would look at me as a defense mechanism. Because once she started looking at Kaleb, the tears started as well. They shared in a wine ceremony where they poured from a bottle of white and a bottle of red, and shared in the new drink they created together. Then they were back at the alter, sharing a kiss and becoming husband and wife. Congratulations Kaleb and Megan! You’re such a lovely couple and I know there is nothing but happiness in your future. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Evelyn & Marcus!!!

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June 12, 2018

I found myself on June 2nd at Pearl Street, gearing up for Marcus and Evelyn’s wedding. It was a lovely day, and inside I found guests slowly coming together. What I didn’t find was the happy couple! After waiting around for a bit, I hunted them down in their hotel room, and Marcus told me there was a never a chance they were going to be on time. It’s good to know yourself! Evelyn was still getting ready and Marcus sure wasn’t about to rush that! The space looked lovely, with a perfect amount of sunshine streaming in, and I knew it would be worth waiting for. Marcus eventually came over with his son and friends and soon the bridesmaids arrived hiding Evelyn and her daughters. Everyone looked happy and eager to begin, so before long Marcus and Evelyn made their way to the alter to smile, laugh, cry, whisper, complain that one-person-wrote-vows-even-though-they-said-they-weren’t, light a candle, and eventually, kiss. It was a beautiful moment, especially the very moving vows. Marcus had written down some words, which made Evelyn scold him since she was just going off the top of her head. There were a couple false starts as Evelyn was crying to much to talk, but eventually they were able to say all they wanted to each other. After that, things flew by until that big kiss! Congratulations Marcus and Evelyn!!! You always knew you were perfect for each other, and now you get to spend the rest of your lives together with your new family. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Taylor & Zac!!!

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June 8, 2018

May 26th was a gorgeous day. It felt like summer had arrived and everything was blue skies and green life all over the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church for Taylor and Zac’s wedding! Taylor and Zac are an adorable couple, so I was not only excited to perform my second wedding of the day, but for such a perfect couple. When I first arrived at the church, I found Zac sitting all alone in a back office. His groomsmen were seating people, so there he was, alone with his thoughts. He definitely looked a little nervous, but that’s what happens when it’s just you and your brain! We chatted for a minute and then I went to find the lovely Taylor, hiding out downstairs with her party. And it was more like a party down there. Talking and laughing and hugging as everyone prepped for the big moment. I kinda felt bad for Zac, but soon enough his groomsmen joined him and it was time to tease him and wish him well. One the string quartet started, we made our way to the alter and waited for Taylor to make her entrance. And what an entrance it was! It’s a long walk to the front of the church so I got to really take in the beauty of her dress, and the expression of love on Zac’s face. I could tell when they were finally hand it hand how excited and nervous they were. After their vows and exchanging of rings, they had a Wine & Love letter box ceremony, where they added letters they had written to each other to be opened on their first anniversary. They also let their friends and family know that there was another box at the reception, where they could seal up their own words of love that the couple could read together a year from now. Truly an amazing idea. After that everything speeds by and before you know it, it’s time to kiss as husband and wife! Congratulations Zac and Taylor! You’re a beautiful couple and I was happy to share in your beautiful day. Much love!

Congratulations Ginny & Mike!!!

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June 5, 2018

May 26 at Lasalle park proved you don’t need a big wedding for it to be a completely lovely event. On a perfect spring morning, I met Ginny and Mike at the park as they got ready to marry one another in front of their close family and friends. I was extra excited about this wedding because Mike’s son, William had started calling me the Wedding Fishy instead of the wedding officiant, and I was all about it.
When I first saw the happy couple, they gave me a box of chocolates, so needless to say, they are on my good list. They were very calm and collected, and were just looking for the perfect spot near the water to share their vows. Once we started their were some early tears for Ginny, but as a bicyclist (aka dumb guy) used the bike bath we were standing on to ride past, about a foot from the couple, we were all laughs and everything seemed less serious and more natural. Their vows were very heart felt, Ginny having memorized what she wanted to say which is no small feat! They held hands and looked at each other with love, and every time I looked up, I could see their guests beaming at them. It was the epitome of simple is beautiful and I couldn’t have loved it more. Congratulations Mike and Ginny! I’m so happy that a love of trivia drove you together and I know you’ll be happier and fuller people from this moment on. Best wishes!