YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

June 4th at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum Porter Hall was the place to be! It was a beautiful day outside, and inside was the perfect environment to get married. It was lovely, full of happy people, and covered in flowers. Can’t beat that! I waited inside with Aaron, while Kayla and her girls were hiding out in a bus in front, eagerly waiting for guests to find their spot so they could get inside. While Aaron’s groomsmen sort of mingled around, Aaron hung out in the back, I think taken a bit with nervous jitters. And considering how beautiful Michaela looked, I knew he was going to be blown away when she stepped inside, so I figured a little relaxing now was probably for the best. Soon enough, everyone took their places, and Aaron watched the bridesmaids make their way to the front, knowing soon enough it would be time! And then Kayla stepped out, and I think there was a collective gasp from her guests. She looked wonderful and Aaron was all smiles. She made her way to his side and the nervously took hands and I could tell they weren’t sure exactly what they should be doing. Those moments are extra cute for me. They had wonderful readings and I think after that, they realized how special this moment was and found their comfort. Then it was all smiles and looking into each others eyes and the biggest smiles of all, which is right before I tell them it’s time to kiss! Congratulations Aaron and Kayla! It was an honor to be a part of your day and I know the two of you will continue to have a full and happy life together!

 

 

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again; HayLoft in the Grove is seriously amazing. One of the most beautiful places in this area to be married at! I was lucky enough to be there again on May 29th to celebrate a very special day with Christi and Jeremy. I knew they were excited because all of that energy came through at their rehearsal, along with a little nervousness that it was going to rain on their day and push them indoors. But lucky ducks they are, it was a stunning Sunday and when I arrived, guest were gathered in the sunshine, and groomsmen were nervously and albeit helpfully picking lint off Jeremy, while Christi was posing for pictures with her adorable son Brayden. Everyone around them seemed so happy and excited to spend the day with the couple, outside, and partying! Jeremy definitely wanted everything to be perfect for Christi, so he seemed a little anxious as we headed up the alter. He kept checking to make sure everything was just right, and that they would have an ideal moment together. And that’s exactly what they got! Christi walked up to him and once they looked into each others eyes, they realized nothing else that was happening in that moment mattered except this one. Even Brayden, who wasn’t thrilled as a little fella to be walking around all dressed up, was perfectly behaved and seemed truly interested in the moment! After their wine/love letter box, where they sealed up love letters they’ve written to each other and a bottle of wine for their first anniversary, it was time to come back for the big kiss…now as husband and wife! Congratulations Jeremy & Christi. You’ve know each other a long time and it’s clear you’re excited to know each other for much longer…like the rest of your lives! I wish you nothing but happiness!

 

There is no doubt that Kate and Dan are made for each other. When they met at Mohawk Place after a storm, and Dan was playing with his band Folkfaces, it was an instant match. And on May 21st at the Burchfield Penney, they decided that a couple that well matched should definitely be married! When I caught up with them, they were both pretty chill. I don’t think they were worried about much, because they knew that by the end of the day, no matter what, they would be married, and that’s all that mattered! It was a beautiful day and of course amazing inside the Burchfield Penney. It’s such an amazing Buffalo space and a perfect location to be married. After a very slight setback (where is the marriage license?!) it was time for the big moment to begin. In the auditorium, on the top of the stage, Dan and I watched Kate as she made her way up, while a pianist played Life on Mars on a giant piano next to us. It was an awesome moment to be a part of. Once they were standing face to face, it was the first bit of nerves I saw, but then some small smiles and hand grabs seemed to make the moment perfectly  comfortable for the two of them. When it was time to kiss they didn’t waste it, and looked completely thrilled to be Mr. & Mrs. Congratulations Dan and Kate! I’m so happy that you found each other and that now you can spend the rest of your lives together. Much love!

Ok, the HayLoft in the Grove is super beautiful. This was my first wedding there and hopefully not my last! On May 14th I was able to spend the afternoon with Aeryn and Patrick and the amazingly talented Carla from Costamagna Design, and take part in a beautiful day! I had only met Patrick and Aeryn online, so it was wonderful to meet them in person. Especially when I saw Aeryn and the wrapped me in her arms as a greeting. I felt like I was seeing an old friend again! They were both very excited for the moment, and who wouldn’t be?! It was gorgeous in there, along with a quartet adding to the beauty. Everything was running smoothly (seriously, it’s Carla) and soon it was time to start. While I waited in the upstairs of the barn with Patrick, Aeryn slowly made her way up to us. She looked radiant and Patrick looked so proud that she was about to be his wife! They looked unbelievably happy looking into one another’s eyes, and proved the strength of their relationship by tying a fisherman’s knot, which is the strongest knot there is! It may have taken them a minute or two to get the hang of it, but hey, it shows teamwork already. Finally they grabbed each other for that first kiss, and the audience erupted in cheers! Congratulations Patrick and Aeryn. I’m so glad that we found each other and that you were able to have such a magical day. I know you have a lifetime of happiness ahead of you, and I wish you luck on your big adventure together!

 

May 7th was a lovely day, especially for Kathysue and Louis, who I don’t think could have possibly been happier. At Samuel’s Grande Manor they were both soooo ready for the moment to begin, and their new lives to start as husband and wife. Kathysue hid from Louis with her daughters, as he greeted guests with his son, continually looking to the door even though he knew she wouldn’t be coming in just yet. He couldn’t hide his excitement! As guests gathered in the early afternoon, everyone seemed to know that they were about to witness a special moment, just as I knew I was sharing in one. As Louis gathered himself up and stepped to the alter, it was time to Kathysue to make her appearance. They seemed a little shy to have all this attention on them, so they chose to face me during the ceremony, maybe so they wouldn’t notice how many eyes were on them. Then came the vows. They wrote their own, in a back and forth set-up, and didn’t hold back! There were sweet bits, funny bits, and straight up naughty bits that their guests laughed at, probably not expecting any less from this couple. I think they were most happy when it was time to kiss and step out of the limelight and into their new life as The Fringos. Congratulations Louis and Kathysue! You knew from the first time you spoke that this was your human, and I couldn’t be happier that you found each other. To a lifetime of happiness!

I was lucky enough to spend May 6th at the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure for Nikki & C.J.’s wedding!  A truly adorable couple, I knew this was going to fun as soon as I noticed all the cowboy boots. Especially Nikki’s as she hung out on a big bed, boots out! Everyone seemed very excited, and perhaps C.J. was a little nervous, but his excitement overpowered that. It was a bit breezy out that day, Nikki mentioned that they almost blew over during photos, but that wasn’t stopping anyone from making this the most perfect day. C.J. and I headed out to the little island where they were to be married, and we passed swans and ducks on the way. It’s the perfect environment if you want to be surrounded by animals on your big day! Soon, Nikki made her way out with literally, the biggest smile I think I’ve seen. And one of the biggest cases of the giggles. A wedding ceremony is a hugely emotional moment. You’re standing with the one you love, in front of everyone you know, for this very serious and heartfelt moment. And pretty much once a giant goose starts bellowing, you can’t help but crack up. And that’s exactly what happened to Nikki. And of course, then all the guests start as well! Moments like that are why I do this. They are impromptu and wonderful and leaves a couple with a moment they’ll never forget!
After their vows and rings, Nikki and C.J. took part in a unity ceremony which was unique to them which involved none other than beer. They combined two beers to make their own unique brew, and then shared a glass as an early celebration of becoming husband and wife. After that, it was time for the kiss and the real celebration to begin! Congratulations Nikki & C.J.! I’m so glad I was able to be a part of such of a fun day! Much love!

What a way to end a month! On April 30th I had the pleasure of visiting the Hotel Lafayette again for another beautiful wedding. This time it was Brittany and Matthew’s turn. And after sooo many years together, and two amazing children, they knew that this was the perfect time to say their “I do’s.”
Guests gathered outside in the courtyard on a perfect spring evening, anticipating a magical moment between the couple. As Brittany finished getting ready, Matthew hung out with his groomsmen and his “mini-me” aka adorable son, and joked and laughed about all things. I loved seeing how giddy people get on their wedding day. They may say it’s not a big deal, but their body language tells a different story. They are pumped! There was a short delay waiting for guests to arrive and Matthew kept apologizing for the disorganization. That made me laugh out loud because this wedding was running smoothly. He has no idea the things I’ve seen! Also, no wedding starts on time, so don’t let that ever be a things that worries you. I’ve consider it the new wedding good luck, like rain on the big day. Eventually it was time to go, and Matthew, his groomsmen and I headed to the front to wait for Brittany to make her entrance. After their cutie pie kids came out as ring bearer and bridesmaid, Brittany made her stunning entrance. They looked happy to see each other and maybe a little embarrassed by the crowd hanging on their every word. But they made it through without crying (or laughing too much) and looked ecstatic as I announced them married! Congratulations Brittany & Matthew! You knew from the minute you met that this amazing and hilarious person was your human for life, and I’m happy that I was able to be a part of it. Much love!

April 23rd was amazing in a couple ways. I got to revisit with a lovely couple I married in the past (and meet their new budding family) and I got to marry someone else in the family! Shannon and Ryan were ready for this moment, which I think they knew the minute they met each other. I know that when I met them, I had zero doubts that they were meant to me. At the always lovely Hotel Lafayette, I found Ryan roaming with his groomsmen, checking out all the last minute things so that Shannon wouldn’t have any worries when she walked out. With a single violin playing in the corner of a gorgeous white washed room, it was the perfect atmosphere. By the time Shannon came out, everyone was hushed and anticipating the moment, especially Ryan who was all smiles. Finally they were hand in hand and I’m pretty sure they didn’t notice the beautiful room or anything I was saying. They seemed to be completely focused on each other! They said their vows and happily melted into that first kiss as husband and wife. Congratulations Ryan and Shannon! I’m so glad that you found each other and that your sister found me Shannon! Best wishes for a happy and long life together!

April 10th wasn’t sure if it wanted to be spring or winter, but inside the Barton Hill Hotel, it was all sunshine. I was excited to perform a wedding at a new place that I had never seen before, and it was just lovely inside. I went upstairs to visit with Caitlin (and her dog!) and see just how excited she was. She was ready for the moment to begin. She knew that marrying Shawn was a brilliant thing to do, and even her nerves couldn’t slow her down. Next I found Shawn, hanging out with his groomsmen and repeatedly looking at the door for what I assume was Caitlin so they could start their married life together. After a bit of waiting, it was time, and we took our places as Caitlin made her way down the aisle, right after her sweet pup of course. She saw Shawn and immediately planted a big kiss on him! Talk about not being able to wait! It was such a cute gesture. You could tell that she was just so use to kissing him as soon as she sees him, and this was no exception! They read beautiful vows to each other, and honestly, I don’t know how the entire room didn’t break down in tears. Then it was time for the legit kiss, and they fell into it as I declared them husband and wife! Congratulations Shawn and Caitlin! You’re such a fantastic couple and I’m so happy I got to share such a special moment with you. Best wishes always, for a happy life.