YellowBird Wedding

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!

Congratulations Rachael & Todd!!!

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May 29, 2018

What a couple and what a day! May 19th was a truly beautiful day. It had rained a little in the morning, but by later in the afternoon, everything just looked glistening and healthy and perfect. Especially at Knox Farm State Park where everything is beautiful anyway. And it made perfect sense since two beautiful humans were getting married that day. I immediately felt a connection with Rachael and Todd when I first met them. They were just so well matched and funny and sweet that I was very much looking forward to this day. I arrived at Knox Farm to the stunning manor house and found Todd with his nerves turned up to 9. He was asking me some of the most adorable questions as his nerves took over such as, how will I know when to kiss her??? Don’t worry Todd, you’ll just know! Rachael was upstairs getting ready and she looked calm, cool, and stunning. I told her that Todd was nervous and she seemed to love that. As we all gathered in the lovely little room where the ceremony would take place (albeit quite hot), the large wedding party joined Todd as we all waited for Rachael to make her entrance. There was an audible intake of breath and when she reached her groom, we were able to start the ceremony. They looked so happy looking at each other, and often at me where I could smile back my excitement of being there. They had a couple readings (eventually after one of the readers realized she was supposed to bring it) and made it through their vows and ring exchange to land at the big moment. When that kiss came, Todd didn’t hesitate at all. He knew it was the exact moment to kiss his new bride! Congratulations Todd and Rachael! I’m so happy that I got to be a part of this day since the two of your are a real treasure. Also thank you Rachael for the cutest compliment I’ve ever gotten. Afterwards you said you were so hot and nervous that your heart was pounding, but you found calm by looking at my green eyes. Can you see now why I love them? Best wishes always!

Congratulations Alicia & Patrick!!!

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May 10, 2018

As I’ve said, WAY too many times this year, it’s been a rough spring. Chilly and rainy, but nothing takes the sting out of that like a beautiful wedding, and that’s just what I got on April 28th with Alicia & Patrick at Karpeles Manuscript Museum. When I first arrived, guests were milling about, and I could see the groomsmen all hanging together, but it took me awhile to find Patrick. He was way in the back hiding out, and I felt kinda bad that they stuck him back there all by himself for so long. That’s just too much time alone with your thoughts right before this big moment. Too much opportunity to get nervous. I know that Patrick was so happy for this moment, so when I found him he seemed to be handling things pretty well. But then again, he hadn’t seen Alicia yet…
Guests took their time finding their seats. I love the manuscript museum because it’s beautiful and has such amazing sound, but I’m always a little sad doing ceremonies where the reception isn’t because I don’t get to see any of the amazing decorations or the cake. I think the cake is one of my favorite parts! But I made do until Alicia arrived, looking stunning and excited as she gathered with her bridesmaids in the great lobby. I made my way down to the front and picked up Patrick who at this point, was all emotion. I mean all of it. I think the moment his toes hit that alter, tears were welling up in his eyes. Then as parents walked down and their little baby son, there were some tears streaming down. But the moment he saw Alicia, we’re talking fully crying. I’m only human so it’s hard for me to watch and not get emotional! It’s just so beautiful!
Alicia made her way down and they were finally together, only distracted by their adorable son running around after grandma lost control. He was cute and I think helped them come back to the moment and be fully present. They said their vows and exchanged rings and looked so happy to wrap each other up in their arms for their first big kiss. Congratulations Patrick and Alicia! It was a beautiful moment for two beautiful humans and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. Much love always!

Congratulations Frances & Adam!!!

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May 3, 2018

April 21st was an amazing day. Not only was it sunny outside, but inside the Niawanda Park Pavilion, there was a serious party going on. I can honestly say that this was my first pre-wedding ceremony that was playing the loudest, club-like music I’ve ever heard. Now THAT, is how you start a party! And it fit the style of Frances and Adam, who were super excited to start their married life together. The space also looked completely unique, and from this day on I recognize that all couples deserve a throne to sit on after they are married! 😉
After watching guests laugh and catch up, I found Adam who seemed a little nervous about everything. He had the kids there with him and Frances was running a little bit late…not unusual for a bride, but I could see Adam checking the door and answering all last minute questions people had. Finally the moment arrived and there was Frances, already looking beautiful even though she wasn’t in her dress yet. Her friends and family gathered around her to hug her and help her get into her gown. Soon enough, everyone was lining up, including the cutest ring bearer and flower girl you ever did see. As Frances made her way out to Adam, she looked shy and nervous, and he just looked so happy to be standing there with her. They shared their very beautiful vows with each other, and there was even some joyful calls from the audience who couldn’t contain their happiness. Finally, it was time for the kiss which happened swiftly and deeply. And I was lucky enough to see my first dance because they immediately went into that, which was incredibly touching and beautiful. Congratulations Adam and Frances! You’re such a wonderful couple and family and I know there will be nothing but happiness in your future!

Congratulations Jaci & Steve!!!

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April 23, 2018

As we all know, Spring has been quite fickle this year. But on April 14th, no one inside the Tonawanda Castle seemed to care at all. They were there for Jaci and Steve, who after more than a decade together, were finally tying that knot! When I got there and found them, I found two totally relaxed and happy people. No nerves here! This was less difficult for them than talking in high school gym class all those years ago. People were very high energy! The wedding party was cracking jokes and laughing, and there were a couple very smiley moms. I had to keep focused after I saw all the donuts that were available and remind myself, I was there for the ceremony and not the desserts (it’s often a challenge for me).
Everyone lined up and we began to make our way in. Steve and Jaci are so well matched, and his face truly lit up when she walked in the room, even though he had just been with her in the next room over. They perhaps seems a little nervous when they were finally standing face to face, but they ended up laughing and cracking jokes at each other, and I could see the nerves melt away and it was just the two of them again. I could hear some audible mom crying and knew that they were so happy for this moment to finally happen. Then, that beautiful kiss happened and they were husband and wife! Congratulations Steve and Jaci! I’m so happy I met the two of you and was able to share in this wonderful day. Best wishes to you always!

Congratulations Erin & Mike!!!

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April 13, 2018

Erin and Mike are real troopers. They made the journey from cold DC to cold Buffalo, and yet somehow looked like the happiest people ever. Erin isn’t the kind of bride who is frazzled by little things. She felt that so long as everyone she loved could make it to the wedding, who cares what was happening outside. Especially if she was there with Mike, there are few other things that mattered. Now that’s the way to get married!
I found them waiting around at Statler City on April 7th, hanging out and drinking champagne with their wedding party, looking free of nerves and just ready to get this show on the road! Erin looked beautiful and was absolutely glowing. She’s the kind of person who is more worried about the happiness and comfort of the people around her than she is of herself. Everyone looked so happy to be a part of their day, and I was thrilled when finally it was time for Mike, his groomsmen and myself to make our way to the front. Mike might have started to look a little bit nervous, but once Erin made her entrance on her parents arms, he had the look of a man who knew exactly where he was supposed to be.
They immediately took hands and while they looked into each others eyes, I could tell they were very present, reacting to everything I said and really taking in the whole moment. It felt like the whole thing went too fast because just like that, I was watching them happily kiss and being their life as Mr. & Mrs.
Congratulations Mike and Erin! You are truly a perfect couple and I wish you a happy and bright future together. Thanks for letting me be a part of your big day.

Congratulations Amanda & Robert!!!

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March 27, 2018

March 24th was exciting not only because I actually had a need to wear sunglasses, but I found myself at a new venue with an amazing couple. New York Beer Project was a super cute and hip spot to get married, and had a low key environment which was perfect for Amanda and Robert. That had been together a long time and had a little Robert already, and were just looking to have a beautiful moment for the two of them. I felt very lucky to be included in such!
As guests started to gather, I looked around for Amanda and Robert’s sand ceremony, but couldn’t find the set up. There had been a mix-up and it never made its way to the venue. Luckily we were in a brewery, and was able to grab some grains and malt which made for an even better moment! They combined the grains and malt from two containers into one, symbolizing their joining together. It was a sweet, appropriate moment, that fit the two of them. Their vows were incredibly beautiful, even though I could tell I was getting looks from the audience when it was Robert’s turn because I didn’t give him the microphone. But he told me beforehand that moment was just for him and Amanda, and it didn’t matter if anyone else heard. It was a very sweet gesture and she seemed very moved. Finally, the took hands for the last moments, tears in both of their eyes, and leaned in for that first, perfect kiss! Congratulations Robert and Amanda! It’s hard to imagine a more perfect couple and I know you have nothing but happiness in your future. Much love!

Congratulations Angie & Chris!!!

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March 14, 2018

The only place you would have wanted to be on March 10th was a big warm room, full of people you love. So, lucky for Angie and Chris, it was their wedding day and exactly that! At La Galleria, guests slowly filtered in as I checked in with Chris (doing very well in the tears department) and Angie (doing not as well in the tears department) as they continued to get ready for their big day. Chris hung out and made jokes with his groomsmen and camera man. No nerves there, just pure excitement! Angie might have been nervous, or just full of love, but the tears were happening and her bridesmaids were lightly teasing her about it. I did too by the time the couple made their way to the alter. When Angie saw Chris and stood by his side, she looked like she was using all her self control to keep it together. I told her she was going to make it very hard on me (seeing people cry from happiness is hard!), and she laughed and I think relaxed a little. After a reading and vows it was time to exchange rings, and finally Chris seemed a little nervous! He was shaking a bit as he put her ring on and I knew they would both be happy when it was time to kiss and they could get out of the spotlight. So I announced them husband and wife and the room erupted! Congratulations Chris and Angie. I’m so happy after all this time you finally got married and had your special moment. I wish you a happy future together.