YellowBird Wedding

Congratulations Nina & Nicholas!!!

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October 31, 2017

Nina and Nick had an amazing October 27th at the new Hotel Henry, and I had my first trip there and hopefully not my last! What a beautiful space! It is definitely like a labyrinth though, so I spent most of my time there looking for the couple who I knew was getting photos someone on the huge grounds. I eventually found Nick and his groomsmen, and I was worried for a second Nick was going to nervous sweat right out of his suit coat! He looked like he was ready for the wedding to begin AND that he needed an extension at the same time. Nerves will creep up on you on your wedding day! After a time, I found Nina, who was stunning (and a bridesmaid I knew from high school), and checked in to make sure she was feeling good. I think she heard only half of what I was saying because she also had that distracted look of someone who is ready to stop talking to people and really ready to get married to their best friend.
As guests gathered in the art-filled wing, Nina and Nick’s huge wedding party (maybe 19 people I think), started to walk down the aisle. They all smiled at Nick who looked cool and collected, until the moment Nina appeared. Then he broke down and cried with love at his soon to be wife. They hadn’t seen or spoken to each other all day, so they really missed each other! They immediately took hands and smiled, looking joyful and ready. They laughed throughout the ceremony and squeezed hands and chocked up a bit on their vows. But they managed to make it to the end where they kissed and began their new life together! Congratulations Nicholas and Nina! You were always meant to find each other and I’m just so happy I could share in this moment with you. I wish you nothing but happiness and love!

Congratulations Angela & Tom!!!

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October 23, 2017

I followed one beautiful wedding with another on October 7th at the Buffalo History Museum. I don’t think these October couples realize how lucky they are with this amazing weather! That we were able to stand outside, on the water, and just have a gentle, perfect breeze sweep through was a dream come true. And I’m so happy it happened for Angela and Tom, who seemed like they were waiting for each other their whole lives. When I first got there I checked in with the couple. Angela looked wonderful as she hid out in the back and Tom looked a bit anxious as he talked to people and walked back and forth and looked a little panicked when I had a couple questions. It was the look of a man who wants everything to be perfect for his bride, but his emotions were running full force! Everything worked out perfectly and once Tom stood up and waited for Angela, he calmed down and seemed to meld into the moment. I do like that while we were up there waiting, he realized he had dry mouth and left the alter to get some water. Some couples get so nervous about following rules, even asking if they can hold hands, but Tom was like, I can’t have dry mouth when I first talk to my future wife! I loved it. Soon she arrived and they took hands and had happy/nervous smiles. The looks that they gave to each other throughout were very moving, and I loved when they did their wine/love letter box they sneaked in a Dr. Pepper as well since it’s what Tom loves. All in all in was a beautiful moment, made more so by the final kiss! Congratulations Tom and Angela! It’s clear that you were meant to be together and I know you have nothing but love and happiness in your future! Best wishes!

Congratulations Kelly & Scott!!!

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October 16, 2017

October 6th was a rainy day. BUT that’s a perfect way for a wedding day to be if you happened to meet in the rain. So I’m pretty sure it was raining just for Kelly and Scott at The Pearl at the Webb. You could tell it sure didn’t bother them! Scott was greeting guests at the door and looked very excited about everything that was happening. I found Kelly upstairs hiding out, and she looked radiant and eager for the ceremony to begin. There were many excited guests gathering around and I could tell that this was going to end up being an amazing party. I’m not sure if the couple saw each other beforehand, but you wouldn’t know if they had from Scott’s face. He looked like he was having a transcendent moment looking at his future wife when she first stepped into the room. The enormity of the moment always hits people at different times, and I think when they first took hands on the alter, it hit them both simultaneously. They looked nervous, but so happy. My favorite moment was when a friend came up to give a reading, and they had a chance to look at each other and smile in a private moment while guests were looking elsewhere. I mean, I was watching them, but I don’t count up there! I’m just a wallflower observer. And I love it that way. They choose traditional vows and said them very seriously to each other and I knew they felt the seriousness of this moment, and meant every word. A big kiss is the only way to wrap up a moment like this. Congratulations Scott and Kelly! Such an amazing couple, I was so glad to spend the moment with you. And thanks for letting me make not one, but two Shaggy references! Much love always!

Congratulations Michelle & Anthony!!!

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October 9, 2017

October 1st is how I want every October to start. It was the most perfect weather and you could see leaves changing colors over the lake behind Templeton Landing. I found Michelle hiding out looking stunning, making sure Anthony wouldn’t see her until right before the big moment. While things seemed serious with her and her bridesmaids, checking on rings and the marriage license, things were definitely different with Anthony and his groomsmen. These guys were hysterical! When they weren’t teasing Anthony, they were teasing each other. And when they weren’t doing that, they were watching the Bill’s game on someone’s cellphone. And the Bill’s were winning so it was a very happy group. Anthony kept asking about Michelle, making sure he could step into the hallway without seeing her, and mentioning things she liked, or something she would comment on. You could tell he just loved her so much and was so excited to be marrying her! After everyone was lined up, and we convinced his best man that he couldn’t wear his sunglasses no matter how sunny it was outside, we headed upstairs to the balcony with the beautiful waterfront back drop. By the time Michelle made her way out, everyone looked so excited. And that includes the bees that I don’t think left the couple alone for a moment. But they were focused on each other and didn’t seem to notice. Their vows were incredibly moving. Michelle was crying, but managed to keep it together and I’m not sure how she did! Everything just felt so perfect and I was honored to be witnessing this moment. Finally the hard part was over and it was time to kiss. And kiss they did! Congratulations Anthony and Michelle. It was clear the moment we met that you were meant for each other and I’m happy knowing that a couple like you exists. I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Congratulations Sabrina & David!!!

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October 5, 2017

September 29th was a lovely day. Especially at Asbury Hall for Sabrina and David’s wedding. As always, it was gorgeous inside, and I love watching guests walk around with their heads up admiring their beautiful surroundings. The happy couple was hiding out downstairs, drinking champagne and posing for pictures with friends. David seemed a little nervous, but he told me he was feeling good and ready to go. Sabrina looked beautiful and her eyes seemed to find Dave wherever he was in the room. After everyone was seated, I headed out to the alter with David to await his bride. Once Sabrina made her way to him, they seemed lost in each other. They looked when there was a reading, and smiled at things I said, but I felt like they could have been in a room with just themselves. It’s a beautiful moment when you can tell a couple is realizing how big this moment is, and that they are taking it all in. They had written love letters to each other that they locked up in a time capsule, and by the end of the ceremony, you could tell David had been holding on to that kiss because it was big and delightful. Not to mention, I left with a present, and what a present it was! Can you really top homemade mom cookies? I don’t think so. Congratulations David and Sabrina!!! You’ve been together a long time waiting for this moment, and I’m so happy that it finally arrived. I wish you nothing but the best on all of your future adventures.

Congratulations Ashley & Cam!!!

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October 2, 2017

September 23rd was a beautiful day, especially inside the Hotel Lafayette. Ashley and Cam are a young and fun couple that march to the beat of their own drum. I mean, they met at an anime convention. But while they added some “unique” moments to their ceremony, the wedding was classically beautiful. In a ballroom covered with flowers, Cam nervously greeted guests and looked like at some point, she might faint. Or throw up. Or wrestle someone for a Xanax. Ashley stayed outside in her limo, hiding out until the big moment. People were excitedly filling up the room, and I kept checking on Cam to make sure she was keeping it together. When it was finally time she looked so excited that she was about to see Ashley, but so revealed that it was finally about to begin!
When Ashley did make her entrance she looked beautiful, and I’m pretty sure her parents immediately had tears in their eyes. She made her way up to Cam and they smiled at each other and looked overwhelmed in a good way. Then things lightened up a whole lot when it was time for their vows. And Cam, with a straight face and all seriousness, began her vows. “I’m never gonna give you up…” Yep. She rickrolled her future wife on their wedding day. Savage. Ashley laughed and then joked that her vows were much more serious, and everyone teared up as she started reading. They finished the ceremony with a symbolic painting ceremony, and of course that amazing first kiss as newlyweds. Congratulations Cam and Ashley! You were obviously made for each other and I know there will be nothing but fun and love in your future. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Christy & Dennis!!!

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September 27, 2017

This was a wedding week like no other. I married friends 3 weddings in a row! That’s never happened before, but I sure could get use to it. So on September 22nd I headed to the Roycroft Inn to marry a high school pal who was pretty much always too cool for school. So I think officiating this wedding really uped my street cred. Christy has always been a hilarious and open minded person, so I knew she would be marrying a stand up guy and I wasn’t wrong. From a friendship that started from a far, to a love that was definitely here and now, it was truly a perfect match. It was HOT the day of their wedding, like every day this September, and I was immediately thankful for their good judgement to have the ceremony inside where we could breath. While Dennis was chilling outside, having some beers with his friends, Christy was inside feeling a little stressed. It might have had something to do with the florist thinking the wedding was tomorrow and her leaving her future husband’s ring at home. I guess that could create some wedding day worries. But Christy is a go-with-the-flow human, and she laughed off most of the woes. And I feel because of that, the flowers made it in the nick of time, and a friend had a wedding ring that could stand in for Dennis’ real ring at home. After checking in with some old high school pals, it was time to head to the alter to await Christy’s entrance. And what an entrance it was! I’ve never seen so many people taking so many pictures. It looked like paparazzi. She was laughing by the time she got all the way down because of the sheer number. And really, the laughter never stopped. I joked a lot about Christy in high school and her relationship with Dennis, and I can tell you, this was an audience that wanted to laugh! Everyone seemed so happy and in the moment, it really felt like one of the best ceremonies I’d ever experienced. And while both of them tried to play it cool, I could see Dennis’ nervousness in his eyes and Christy couldn’t 100% make it through her vows without some tears. Of course, that was replaced with laughter as she started putting her friends ring on her husbands finger. Amazing. 10/10 would officiate again. Congratulations Dennis and Christy! I’m so glad that you asked me to be a part of this day and that the two of you found each other again. Much love always.

Congratulations Megan & Steve!!!

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September 26, 2017

September 18th was a really special day. I got to marry a couple of humans that I love so much. Megan is this amazing little person that, in a perfect world, I would be able to carry around with me in my pocket. And Steve is the guy I would have picked for her if she had given me control of her life. So when they planned a Monday wedding in Alleghany State Park, preceded by a weekend of camping, I was so in.
It was such a beautiful location. The leaves were just starting to change and the cabin that the reception was in was perfect. Everything looked exactly as I always pictured Megan’s wedding would look. Meg and Steve were able to spend so much time together and with friends and family, that I’m not sure why everyone doesn’t have a camping weekend wedding. It was a group effort to set things up and friends were there to take photos, cook the meal, play the music and of course, officiate! Everything felt so calm and natural, that as Megan was escorted down to Steve, in her cowboy boots, everything felt right. It was a warm day and you could hear a small creek going by alongside. But that’s when things got fun! I have front row seats to peoples emotions on their wedding day, and Megan was cracking me up. I could see her eyes fill with tears, so then she would definitely look away and I feel almost remove herself from the moment. Then she would come back, look at Steve, her eyes would fill with tears, and she would drift again. It’s amazing! Steve was just all smiles and laughs (my favorite laugh) and by the time they took hands, I could have started crying. They kissed and everyone erupted in happy cheers! Congratulations Steve and Megan! I was so happy to be a part of your day. The two of you are meant to be (married and homesteaders) and I’m excited for all of our future double dates. Much love!

Congratulations Nichole & Steve!!!

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September 25, 2017

September 16th was awesome because it took me to the Rapid’s Theatre in Niagara Falls for my graduate school BFF, Nichole’s wedding! We met back in library school when we were kind of freaked out by most of the other students. It was a strong bond and I was so happy when she asked me to officiate her wedding. Her and Steve are such a sweet couple, and being around them proves that oppositse can attract and can make each other super happy.
When I arrived at the Rapids Theatre, I found Nichole looking gorgeous and hanging out with her bridal party. She was so pumped! She didn’t even seem nervous. She’s a very outgoing, confident person, so once she realized Steve was the one for her, everything else that happened made perfect sense. Nothing to be nervous about! Steve was tucked away behind the stage (Rapids Theatre is an actual concert venue), and his groomsmen where calming their nerves with a bottle of whiskey. Although I’m pretty sure Steve was too laser focus to take part in any of that. Steve is a quiet guy so I wasn’t sure if he was nervous, or just his usual contemplative self. Soon enough though it was time to make our way to the stage for the ceremony to begin. It was so fun standing up their with Nichole. We smiled and joked and her and Steve looked so happy when they were looking at each other. After their sand ceremony, they came back for the first big kiss, and that’s when the real magic happened! Being a concert venue, they were equipped for pyrotechnics. So as they kissed, about a dozen went off, shooting 5 foot flames into the air. IT WAS AMAZING! And my first fire wedding. A fitting way to welcome in a new life. Congratulations Steve and Nichole. You’re a perfect pair and I’m so glad that I was able to share in your day. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Rachel & Teddy!!!

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September 20, 2017

I was back at the Hotel Lafayette on September 9th for the magical event that was Rachel and Teddy’s wedding. Two beautiful humans that couldn’t love anything more than they love each other (except probably dental health since they are both dental professionals). When I first arrived everyone was very excited that the ceremony would be starting soon. Their reception room looked so beautiful and I couldn’t help but laugh at their happy teeth cake topper and that for one of their favors, they were giving away the toothbrush and toothpaste baggie that you get when you go to the dentist. Even as I typed that I started laughing. Rachel looked incredibly beautiful and while Teddy seemed a little nervous about the small details, I knew that when they came together, everything was going to be perfect.
They found their way to each other out in the courtyard and grabbed hands looking so unbelievably happy! I do have to say that out of everything, my favorite part was when Teddy started reading his vows and his hands were shaking so much! It’s hard to anticipate how much love and emotion you’ll be feeling in the moment, but it’s safe, it kind of throws you for a loop. And I always have front row seats to it which I love so much! They placed love letters that they wrote to each other in a box with a bottle of wine to enjoy on their first anniversary, and then just like that they were kissing as husband and wife! Congratulations Teddy and Rachel! You were meant to be together and I can’t help but feel that I was meant to be your officiant. I wish you nothing but the best for all of time!