YellowBird Wedding

Congratulations Julia & Chris!!!

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September 13, 2016

Some couples know each other better than others, and know exactly what they want for their wedding day. That was definitely the case for Julia & Chris on September 5th. They know each other as well as they know the back of their hand, and they wanted to make sure that there wedding was special and represented them. I felt especially honored that they picked me and trusted me to make it happen! At the Linehan Chapel at Nazareth College, everything was coming together to make one lovely day. In the stained-glassed chapel, I found Chris checking every last detail before Julia was to make her entrance. He looked nervous, but excited and I could tell he was ready to get the show on the road. Julia looked beautiful as she hid in the back, waiting for guests to gather. I think she was a little more nervous than she had anticipated which of course if my favorite. Unexpected emotions can’t be beat! Soon though, it was time to start and I headed to the front of the chapel with Chris and his sister to await Julia’s entrance. And when she did, his whole face lit up in an instance, and then I think he was immediately on “emotions detail.” Focusing on not crying in front of everyone he knew! They looked into each others eyes as they listened to readings from family and did their vows. By the end, they were holding hands and looked lost in the moment. Perfect time for a kiss! Congratulations Chris and Julia! The two of you couldn’t be more perfect together, and it was definitely fate that brought you together. Best wishes for a happy and full life together!.

Congratulations Rachael & Joe!!!

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September 8, 2016

I just love weddings! And on September 3rd at Kotecki’s, I knew that I was in the right spot when I was greeted at the door by “ring security” (check out his photo below). I love how every wedding is just different enough to see the couples’ personalities comes out, and every one of them is exciting in its own way. I found Rachael right away, hiding behind a wall, trying to peek out at what was happening and not be seen. It didn’t seem like an easy task, but her bridesmaids were there to run around for her and make sure that she was happy on her big day. When I found Joe, he looked a bit more nervous than Rachael. I think he was ready to get started so that the pressure of this moment would release a bit and he could finally exhale. It was another hot one (literally all of them, all summer), but guests didn’t seem to mind the sun, and were eager enough to head out to their seats without any prompting, I think perfectly ready for the moment to happen. I walked out with Joe, and although we were a little blinded by the sun, he made sure that he would have a perfect view of Rachael when she came out. And he’s lucky he did because she looked beautiful! Their vows were lovely and heartfelt and you could feel what a powerful moment this was between the two of them. There were some tears, but more smiles, and of course an even bigger kiss. Congratulations Joe and Rachael! It’s been a long time coming and it wasn’t hard to see that the two of you are meant for each other. Thanks for letting me be a part of your beautiful day!

Congratulations Eloisa & Thomas!!!

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September 2, 2016

It’s hard to top a beautiful late summer drive to Ithaca NY, but following it up with a beautiful wedding sure gets the job done! On August 27th I went to the amazing Firelight Camps to spend the afternoon with Eloisa and Thomas for their big day. It was another scorcher, but you didn’t mind as much since there were trees to shade you and so much to look at it! I was a truly unique spot and I’m not sure how they ever found it! When I got there, things may have been running a bit behind. I say that because Thomas was still in the shower! Although it’s hilarious that Eloisa was deep into getting ready, Thomas was only in the shower, and he still finished up before she did. Being a bride is no joke.
Thomas was finishing up some last minute touches, getting the rose petals on the grass for Eloisa to walk on, getting the dirt from their engagement spot to sprinkle on there unity ceremony tree they were planting. And of course, finding out how Eloisa was feeling. I checked in with her and she was definitely ready! She was incredibly excited and kept saying, “I’m so ready to marry this man!” Finally, after guests were gathered, family members were dialed into skype, and the couple was ready, they headed down the aisle to greet each other for the first time that day. They looked beautiful and happy and I think Eloisa told Thomas she loved him about half a dozen times throughout the ceremony. I’m lucky to have a front row seat to these moments, because I’m not sure anyone can see all the magical moments that pass between a couple. Soon enough they were husband and wife and it was time to celebrate! Congratulations Thomas and Eloisa. After all of those years together you can now hold the hand of your husband or wife and know that the journey led to something incredibly special. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Shauna & Andrew!!!

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August 26, 2016

August 20th was another hot one, but there was a breeze to go along with your sunshine down at the Niawanda Park. Shauna looked radiant as she hid in the back of the pavilion watching guests arrive. People kept trying to sneak a peek, but were happy enough to congratulate Andrew after he showed up. I have to say he looked down right adorable, but I have a real soft spot for newsboy hats. I could tell they were both ready for the moment, so I began to usher people outside and around the alter. That was easier said than done! It was sunny outside and you couldn’t really catch any shade by the alter. The only shade was off to the side and that’s where everyone ended up gathering! I think once they realized they could see and hear the whole thing from the shade, there was no reason to be front and center. It was kind of a nice effect for Shauna and Andrew as well, because while they were technically surrounded by friends and family, if they looked straight out it seemed like an intimate affair with just them and their party. They didn’t seem to notice the heat as much as they smiled at each other and focused on not crying. There were boats breezing past in the background and it was a truly spectacular moment. After using a little early marriage teamwork getting those rings and very hot and swollen fingers, they raced into the first kiss as I pronounced them husband and wife. Congratulations Andrew and Shauna! I’m so happy to have been a part of your day (and your next day 😉 ) and to have shared in such a lovely moment with such lovely people. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Hilary & William!!!

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August 24, 2016

I love marrying people I know. And on August 19th, at O’Brien’s Sleepy Hollow, I was able to marry someone I’ve know since I was a little girl. Hilary and I haven’t kept in touch over the years, but our dad’s are best buds, so when we were young we saw each other all the time, at baseball games, at house parties, at moments where our dad’s told awful jokes and stole our noses. So that creates a hell of a bond! So I was honored when she contacted me after all these years and asked me to officiate her wedding. It was a beautiful day, and I was happy to see Bill looking excited and nervous out in the sunshine. It was also nice to see my dad as a guest, hanging out with Hilary’s father. Especially since her dad was at my wedding just a week earlier. It felt like a real family event!
Hilary was hiding in the back and she definitely looked beautiful and ready to start the show! As guests took their seats, Bill and I made our way to the front to await Hilary’s arrival. Soon enough she was on her dad’s arm, making her way down the aisle as they both fought back tears. Bill is the kind of guy who wouldn’t necessarily want to cry at a wedding. And they both really kept it together…until the end that is! At one point I asked them to look into one another’s eyes, and Bill’s eyes started to get wet, which brought the tears down Hilary’s face. I love those moments! It was honest and beautiful and I’m so lucky to have had a front row seat. Congratulations William and Hilary! You’re perfect for each other and may your life be filled with more baseball and love than you can handle.

Rick & my dad!

I’m Back!

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August 18, 2016

Thanks to everyone for your congratulatory emails and for patiently waiting for me to return. I’m back and I’m a MRS! I’m feeling good and can’t wait to continue the love at your wedding!

Time to get married!

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August 9, 2016

Hello lovers,
After marrying 241 couples, I thought I’d try it out myself! On Friday August 12th, this Little Dipper will be marrying her Big Dipper, so I’m taking a couple of chill days and won’t be able to get back to you until around August 18th. Feel free to email me at michelle.rae.snyder@gmail.com and let me know your plans, and I’ll be sure to get back to you once I’ve locked this down.
Much love!

Congratulations Jenna & Daniel!!!

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August 8, 2016

How was the Avanti Mansion on June 31st? Absolutely perfect. It was gorgeous out which seemed appropriate because Jenna was looking gorgeous, as she sat snuggled up next to her Daniel waiting for guests to arrive and for the big day to start. The couple seemed really relaxed. They were already joking with each other, and although there was the rumored threat of rain, it looked beautiful out and that seemed to be only a passing concern for them. Everyone arriving seemed very excited, and there was a lot of chatter as guests either found their friends, greeted parents of the couple, or checked out the beautiful surroundings, and the island the couple would be married on. Soon enough Daniel, his groomsmen and myself headed down to the ceremony spot so that Dan could watch Jenna walk down the long staircase on her journey to be his wife. She looked amazing when she did and Daniel was all smiles watching her approach. The couple was immediately focused on each other, and I’m pretty sure they didn’t hear a word I said because they were too busy joking and laughing with each other! Although they did seem to notice the thunder that kept sneaking up. I have to admit, I was a little afraid the sky was just going to open up, but it held off as the couples first wedding present! After having family members come up to do a joint reading, and their ring bearer have all the guests touch their rings to put their well wishes in them, it was time for Daniel to smash the glass and Mozel Tov themselves into husband and wife! Congratulations Daniel & Jenna! You’re an amazing couple and I think your love will keep all the rainy days at bay. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Laura & Drew!!!

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August 5, 2016

Monday weddings are all the rage. Well, not really, but I love when they come up! On Monday July 25th, I had the honor of marrying Laura and Drew at the always amazing Botanical Gardens in Buffalo. Laura and Drew live in San Francisco, but wanted to come to Buffalo for an intimate wedding with just their closest friends and family. I’m going to be honest here…Laura and Drew only recently contacted me, and I had already decided that I wasn’t booking anymore weddings for the summer because I was full. But then I heard Laura speak, and her English accent was so adorable I couldn’t resist! And once Ayres Photography was on board, I knew it would be a lovely afternoon. So after a bit of a rain scare in the morning, the sun was out for Laura and Drew’s big moment. Drew showed up with some friends and was setting up seats and getting everything ready for when Laura arrived. Drew didn’t want to see her until the last possible moment, so he hid in the garden and when Laura got there, she sneaked up on him for their first look. I may have been hiding nearby so that I could be a part of this beautiful moment as well. I couldn’t help it! They made their way together into their gazebo, and said their vows while smiling at each other . It seemed even more beautiful because it was such an intimate moment. Simple really is beautiful, and all you need is each other to make a moment special. Congratulations Drew and Laura! I’m so happy that you found me and that I pretty much fell in love with the two of you. I’m honored to have been a part of such a special moment. Best wishes always.

Congratulations Lisa & Lawrence!!!

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August 2, 2016

July 23rd was awesome. At The Creekside, I was honored to be a part of a unique wedding with an awesome couple who brought what they loved into their wedding and made it their own. Although Lisa did tease that there was A LOT more Lawrence there than her. But when I saw how most things were purple, I figured it was pretty equal 😉
The first thing you noticed was an awesome electric guitar that was there for guests to sign! I had never seen anything like that before and guests were loving it. I can imagine Lawrence jamming out on it later, with all the names of the people he loves most on it! Guests were excitedly chatting and waiting for the moment, a tad reluctant to head outside because of the blazing sun and heat, but when it was time, they happily complied, knowing that this moment between Lisa and Lawrence was worth it. As I headed outside with Lawrence, we knew it was time to start when the ring bear came out. No, I didn’t spell that wrong, the ring bearer was a ring bear! Lisa’s son came out in full bear costume to present Lawrence with the rings! It was hilarious and adorable and he managed to stay in character minus the heat and his heavy bear costume. After everyone stopped laughing it was time for Lisa to make her entrance. She looked amazing and Lawrence’s face lit up immediately. They held onto each other and smiled and it was lovely moment for everyone who was there. After a big kiss at the end, they happily held each other, knowing they were finally married. And it didn’t hurt when the walked inside that they were greeted by a giant ice sculpture of a bass fish! Lawrence really loves fishing! It was a fun and wonderful surprise and you could tell how much guests loved them to have figured out a way to sneak in an ice sculpture! Congratulations Lawrence and Lisa. You’re already so happy together, this marriage can only be the cherry on top. Much love always!