YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

March 12th was beautiful and a touch historic at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site right here in Buffalo NY! I’m embarrassed that as a resident of the city I’ve never stopped by, but this was a perfect occasion to finally make it, because it was Marissa and Scott’s wedding! With a small, intimate group of friends and family, and of course Marissa’s lovely daughter Hailey, they stood in a room with much history and prepared to make their own. Scott looked very serious before we started. I realized later that’s because he was very focused on holding back his tears. And that proved much too difficult once he began reciting his vows. It’s hard to know how much a moment is going to move you until it’s actually happening. Even after almost a decade together, you can’t diminish the love and emotion at your wedding! And it wasn’t just Scott feeling it. While Marissa had to keep reaching for a tissue, it was Hailey that shed the most tears! And it was heart-wrenching and adorable! She was just so happy that her mom and Scott were finally saying their “i do’s” and she was happy to be a part of the ceremony. They brought her up between them and promised to always love and include her. Then they all tied a braid together to symbolize their togetherness, and topped it off with a bracelet for Hailey. I really almost found myself in tears! Beautiful little girls crying is just about too much! Congratulations Scott and Marissa (and Hailey)! You’re an amazing couple and the world seems a better place for you having found each other. Much love!

Ok, another impossible blog post for me to write, because it’s about another best friend’s wedding that I was lucky enough to officiate. These ceremonies are always difficult because I’m so torn between writing words of love and just straight up making fun of my life long friend. Hopefully, I found a happy middle at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, where I went to honor two humans that I love an incredible amount. After a couple days of Vegas partying, on February 13th, Jen and Nick said there I do’s in front of friends and family that traveled thousands of miles to be a part of their day. I usually keep the close friend posts short because it was a crazy night full of friends and a haze of love and laughter, but Jen and Nick were meant for each other (#double wedding present fail) and I was honored to bring them together and watch them combine sand from their childhood hangouts, connecting themselves in a beautiful and lasting way. Usually when I hang out with Jen, our lives are on the line, so it was a real treat to spend a fearless day with her. Best friends since 14 and going strong. Congratulations Nick & Jen! I love both of you so much, and can’t wait for our next adventure together! You’ll always have all my love, and I’ll always have your house key because I forgot to give it back. BFF4LYFE.

and a little bachelorette party love.

and a little bachelorette party love.

I will be out of town from February 10th to the 17th, so please forgive any late responses. I’m flying to LA, and driving through the Mojave desert to marry my best friend and my travel companion (there they are on our trip to Nicaragua), to her true love in Las Vegas. I’ll get back to everyone as soon as I return. Love and sunshine, straight ahead!!!

January 30th was like no other January 30th. Not only were Laura and Kevin about to be married at The Foundry, but more so because it felt like a spring afternoon. And you can’t take that for granted in Buffalo! I really enjoyed hanging out with Kevin beforehand…a lot. He is funny, charming, talkative and an all around good guy. By the time the ceremony started I felt like I was marrying old friends. Mostly because while waiting at the alter we discussed Vegas, a fear of flying, Laura and their relationship, and of course, the weather. Kevin was very excited that he hadn’t seen Laura yet and wanted to be as surprised as he could on his wedding day. Well I saw her, and knew he was in for a treat. She looked stunning. I had a feeling I would be seeing some tears when she first stepped out in front of him, and I wasn’t wrong. Laura slowly walked towards her groom and his eyes welled up with love before she reached him. They looked so happy to see one another! They were smiling and whispering and I knew, they weren’t hearing much of what I was saying. Which was proven when afterwards Kevin told me he didn’t hear the first 10 minutes of the ceremony. He was in Laura Land. This wedding was also exciting because they had a unity paint ceremony, which is the first one I’ve done. It went really well! They both painted on a canvas together to symbolize their joining, and like the colors, couldn’t be separated again. It was lovely and I think their guests really liked it. Congratulations Kevin and Laura! You’re a wonderful couple who is obviously made for each other. I know you’ll have a happy, and love filled life ahead of you.

 

On January 13th at 8pm, I received a phone call from a guy called Bryan. “Any chance you could marry me and my fella this Saturday, outside?” I can’t help but love spontaneity, so of course I said yes. As my hands became useless ice blocks half-way through the ceremony, I may have wondered about my sanity for a moment, but seeing Bryan and Will brought to tears by their personal vows, I knew I had made the right decision. Couples like this prove you don’t have to plan for 2 years for a huge blowout just to marry the person you love. You can do it on a snowy hill, with a handful of friends present, and feel the love just as much. Congratulations Will & Bryan! I’m glad that you called me and that I was able to be a part of your flash wedding. Next event, I’ll be sure to bring my gloves 😉 Best wishes always!

So my heart swells yet again for my 2015 couples that left me such beautiful reviews. I am always honored to be asked to perform a wedding, and am pretty sure I have the best job in the world!
I’m honored to be in the top 5% of wedding professionals worldwide for the 4th year in a row! I couldn’t have done it without your support! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Thank you everyone for another amazing year!
With 57 weddings this year, you kept me busy and smiling and I’m so grateful for it. I can’t wait for 2016 and to add to my 213 weddings performed so far! I really can’t stress enough how much I appreciate everyone I meet, and everyone who takes a chance on sharing a huge moment with someone they only recently met. I can tell you it means the world to me, and YellowBird Wedding will always be here to join lovers on their big day. Much love!

I get a little sad as the year winds down and I know that I have fewer and fewer weddings scheduled. But luckily, one of my last for the year was with Renee and Grant, and they are so adorable, you can’t feel sad even for a moment. At the Statler on December 5th, this happy couple prepared to give each other the greatest Christmas gift ever, albeit a few weeks early!
Grant was super nervous when I got there and I loved it! He was so focused on making everything perfect for Renee. There was a little running around involved (it’s hard to remember to grab the marriage license off the coffee table on such a big day), but eventually everything was on track for a perfect day. Renee looked gorgeous and although a little nervous and excited, I knew she would be the one to bring calm to the moment. Which is exactly what happened as soon as Grant saw her walking towards him. It looked like all of his nervousness evaporated and was replaced with pure bliss. Even I was all smiles when the two of them took hands and looked into each others eyes on this magical day. They vowed to love and care for each other, and everyone there knew that these words would live on throughout their lifetime. After watching them combine sand during their sand ceremony, it makes you think about the symbolism behind it, and the idea that you’ll never be separated from this person you love again. How comforting is that? Then  the kiss happened, and like the whirlwind that weddings are, it was over and time to party! Congratulations Grant and Renee!!! Truly, you were both a beautiful and brilliant couple and I’m so happy you found each other. Thanks for finding me as well.

November 28th was another lovely fall day, even though it was much closer to winter time! At the Foundry, everything was warm and comfy and full of love. There were some nerves in the air as well. James was sneaking a pre-wedding cigarette to calm his nerves, and Gina was still running around with her hair up and her dress off! I love seeing the behind the scenes of a wedding. It’s a pretty fun insight to such a big day. It took awhile to round the guests up because they were already having a great time talking to each other. Soon though, they knew it was time, and that this moment would be more exciting than any before it. As I waited with James, we watched the cutest little humans walk up the aisle, making everyone laugh and coo, before they were silenced by Gina coming out looking gorgeous. Gina doesn’t love being in front of people for such an intimate moment, and had let me know she was looking for short and simple! All of the nerves and worries, were gone once that kiss happened and they realized they were not only married, but didn’t have to stand in front of everyone anymore! It was time to party! Congratulations James and Gina! I’m so happy that the two of you finally talked to each other after years of crossing paths. It’s pretty obvious when you’re around both of you, that you’re meant to be. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.