YellowBird Wedding

Congratulations Ashley & John!!!

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October 2, 2015

Lovely people pick lovely places to be married. That sure was true on September 19th at Wanakah Country Club. We already know it was raining down on weddings all over Buffalo, so Ashley and John had to move their party indoors as well. They didn’t seem too upset about that though, they mostly just seemed excited. John and his groomsmen were getting ready doing the usual guy stuff. Which is mainly trying to figure out how to pin boutineers on. If I had a dollar for every boutineer I’ve pinned…and the girls were hiding upstairs taking some last minute pictures. There were a lot of guests gathered and they were excitedly talking and waiting for the big moment. I checked to make sure that Ashley and John were ready and had their love letters ready for their Wine/Love Letter Box, and headed out!
As I waited with John, he was all smiles, but none was as big as when Ashley stepped forward. They suddenly seemed nervous, realizing what a huge moment this one. They grabbed hands to calm each other and it was a breeze. During a reading, John looked at me with panic, realizing he forgot to bring his love letter out for the ceremony! When the time came, I handed him the marriage license in it’s envelope and no one was the wiser! It looked like I was just holding his letter for him. Disaster averted! Ashley could tell and she started laughing a bit. I’m pretty sure these two are laughing all the time. They finally kissed as husband and wife and the crowd erupted! Congratulations John and Ashley! You’re a beautiful couple and all the rain only solidified a lucky marriage. Best wishes always.

Congratulations Stephanie & Michael!!!

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September 30, 2015

Seriously, I’m over writing about the rain. It’s like it’s just haunting my weekend ceremonies. It’s a good thing I meet so many awesome people that don’t freak out when it rains on them on their big day. Stephanie and Michael were the kind of awesome couple I’m talking about. Their ceremony was at the beautiful Templeton Landing, and the rain wouldn’t take a hint. Until it did stop! And then started 10 minutes later 😦 But then it stopped again! But started 10 minutes later 😦 This went on for a bit. Stephanie and Michael decided to just risk it and start the ceremony in one of those 10 minute breaks. We all know how this story ends. I’m waiting up front with Michael and gorgeous Stephanie steps outside. Guests immediately stand because, well, she looks amazing and they are so excited. As soon as she takes her first step towards Michael, rain. RAIN. WTF. But she kept her cool and I really think that just looking at him was enough for her. I greeted her and commented on what a lucky and refreshing day it was, and once they laughed I knew they were doing ok. It’s not about weather, or favors, and even food. It’s about this moment. Two people who love each other and can’t wait to tell everyone they know that they are planning on spending forever together. And I for one, loved every second of it. Rain and all. Congratulations Michael & Stephanie! You’re such a strong, and amazing couple. I imagine it’s only sunny skies from this point forward! Much love and happiness.

Congratulations Amanda & Joelle!!!

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September 25, 2015

Days like September 18th don’t come around very often. I was so honored to officiate the wedding of my best friend Amanda and her amazing, amazing wife Joelle! I’ve known Amanda since we were 15 and have been friends longer than we haven’t been. Yeah. 20 years. So obviously, I have a lot of love for this person. Between the ceremony and my reception speech, there isn’t much more that I can say about the two of them and how perfect they are for each other. All you had to do was peek Amanda’s cuflinks that Joelle got her, that had the latitude and longitude of where they first met and where their wedding was, to get an idea of how they were made for each other. It’s such an amazing feeling to see someone you love so happy, and I got to see that all night long, starting at Larkin Square for the ceremony, and The Foundry for the reception. I don’t have many pictures of how beautiful everything was like I usually do, because I was so swept up in that night. And with almost 300 guests, it was an endless celebration of love and friendship. Since I don’t want to actually start crying as I type this, congratulations Joelle & Amanda! I love you both and couldn’t have been happier that you asked me to officiate your wedding. You’ll both have my love always, and god knows you’ll have each others.

Congratulations Kristen & Ray!!!

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September 24, 2015

There are some couples that rain will not hold down. Kristen and Ray are definitely one of those couples. At the Bristol Harbour Resort, they weren’t going to let a few showers dampen their spirits on September 12th. And by a few showers I mean torrential downpour. When I arrived, people were scrambling to get this wedding covered, but still outdoors. It was warm and comfortable out, the rain just wouldn’t quit. So everything moved from the grass to a covered space and still looked perfect. Now that’s a venue! They can accommodate no matter what!
Kristen and Ray were both adorable when I found them. Super excited, super happy, super ready to be married. The girls hid out in the bathroom while Ray ran around making sure everything was perfect for the moment Kristen made her debut. I love watching the grooms make sure everything is perfect. It’s a gift they are giving their new bride, and she doesn’t even see it happening! Soon it was time to make our way outdoors, and get ready to make some newlyweds! The ceremony started off lovely. And then, you know, they had Kristen’s cousin come up and sing an opera! Yes an opera! It was amazing and beautiful and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. The couple looked blown away by it, and guests pretty much had the exact same expression. Kristen and Ray were so cute with each other. Smiling, laughing, saying little things to one another. It’s exactly how you hope a ceremony to go. They also brought a sapling with them that they watered and added soil to, preparing it to be planted at their home together. I’m just a sucker for this stuff. I love the tree planting ceremony. Every day you’ll have the chance to step out into your yard and be reminded of an amazing day.
They loved, they planted, they kissed, and they were married! Congratulations Ray and Kristen. You’re an adorable couple and I’m so happy that you found me and that I was able to share in your day. Much love always!

Congratulations Stacy & Michael!!!

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September 21, 2015

September 6th continued by remaining crazy warm, and crazy lovely. Heading over to Kloc’s Grove it was time to join Stacy and Michael in matrimony! Guests were milling about and I may have gone up to Michael’s brother instead of him (they look so much alike), but eventually I found my couple and saw that they were very excited to begin.
Guests were having such a good time, it was hard to get everyone to sit down for the ceremony. Energy was up, and it was a great party before it even started. Soon though, Michael and I headed to the front and guests excitedly took their seats, knowing that it was about to begin. Stacy came out looking beautiful and made her way up to Michael…where they were both nervous. I can always tell, because they will look down and away and try not to stare at each other because they are worried they will cry. A perfect moment was when Michael said his vows. He looked right into Stacy’s eyes, and you could see why he was avoiding that before. During the middle his voice cracked with emotion as he fought back tears. It was by far and away my favorite moment of the ceremony. I think they were happy and relieved when the kiss came that not only were they husband and wife, but that they were out of the spotlight.
Congratulations Michael and Stacy! The two of you are perfect for each other and I hope that one amazing day leads to an amazing lifetime. Best wishes always!

Congratulations Julie & Dominic!!!

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September 17, 2015

The sun was out on September 6th, and it was no joke. The streets were cooking by 11am as I headed out to Orchard Park to marry Julie and Dominic in a beautiful backyard wedding. They were planning a 12:00 wedding, so I arrived at 11:30 to check in and see how things were going. Well Julie wasn’t messing around! As soon as I walked in the door, she decided we should start in case it was possible it could get any hotter out! She was afraid her guests would be cooked alive outside! I quickly found Dominic and headed for the back door. What an amazing yard! Enormous and full of flowers. Most venues don’t even look this nice. The walkway leading to the spot was a good indication of what I was in for. Dominic and I waited for Julie, sweating the whole time, but excited for her to appear. Once she did, even though the sun was in his eyes, Dominic found her face and smiled as she approached him. I tired to keep it short and sweet so that everyone could find the shade, but guests seemed happy to be there, and didn’t notice the heat. Soon enough it was time for a kiss surrounded in sun beams and another couple became husband and wife. Congratulations Dominic and Julie! It was a beautiful day, in a beautiful place, with a beautiful couple. Best wishes always.

Congratulations Johana & Chris!!!

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September 11, 2015

September 5th was amazing. It was a beautiful day, and Diamond Hawk Golf Course was the perfect place to be. It was nice and cool inside and the room was set up to match the couples’ love of sailing, which they do every Sunday. Each table was named after a different part of a sailboat (I learned a lot), and room looked ready for a party. I saw Chris when I arrived and was immediately greeted with one of his wonderful smiles. He’s quite a charmer and you could see guests flock to him, simply happy for his happiness. He was a bit nervous, but mostly because he accidentely knocked the bride wedding topper off, and had to rush to clean her up. No worries though, the cake still looked perfect! He was also feeling quite proud because the arbor that they would be married under, he had built by hand. And it was gorgeous! I was impressed when I saw it, and knew that it would make a beautiful addition to their backyard.
I found Johana who was hiding out in the bathroom with her bridesmaids and daughters, who were the CUTEST little flower girls. She looked a little worried because one of the little ones (obviously) got something on her dress, and Johana wanted everything to be perfect. As I was looking around at how beautiful everything was and how full of love everyone was, it was funny to think she didn’t yet know that this was a perfect day already. But I knew that as soon as she walked out and saw her husband-to-be, she would realize that nothing else mattered except that moment.
Soon enough it was time, so we made our way to the arbor under the hot sun and watched Johana make her walk down to Chris’ arms. I could tell he was fighting back tears because he had the sniffles from the moment she appeared. And a reminder to guests: while you are supposed to stand when the bride walks down, don’t stand in the aisle! Chris’ view from Johana was blocked a few times, and he was very upset about that. He wanted to see her every moment that he could. All distractions aside, they found each other, they vowed their love, they kissed, and they were married! Congratulations Christopher and Johana! I’m so happy you found each other and will be able to build a life together until the end of your days. All my love forever!

Congratulations Jessica & Kyle!!!

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September 10, 2015

September 4th was filled with geese, swans, and I’m pretty sure I heard a camel somewhere in there. But this is to be expected at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure where Jessica & Kyle decided to tie the knot! It’s one thing to be surrounded by nature such as trees and water, which they had, but to be surrounded by animals is a whole new level and it’s amazing!
I checked in with Kyle who was in the process of getting teased by his groomsmen. He said he was the last of them to get married, and that they were really enjoying this opportunity to mess with him. All in good fun of course. It was a scorcher of a day, so we hung out inside until we knew Jessica had arrived and would be ready to begin. Not to mention, I was a little worried about all the geese. Those birds can find a real attitude, but luckily, they were in the wedding spirit and were well behaved. Kyle and I headed to the alter and awaited Jessica’s beautiful entrance. Her show was almost stolen by the couples’ ADORABLE two little girls who acted as flower girls for their mom. Guests were laughing and clapping, but then there was silence when Jessica appeared. Having people awed into silence is a pretty grand way to enter! She made her way up to her groom, and they got close to each other and held hands, smiling nervously at one another. They had brought a ~~crazy enormous~~ healthy sized apple tree with them, to water and add soil to on their wedding day, before taking it back home and planting it. The only hitch was that apple trees don’t grow well alone, so Kyle knew he’d probably be buying more apple trees soon enough, and dragging them around. They laughed as they watered their tree together, and it’s exciting to think about it growing in their yard over the years of their marriage.
Then came that big kiss and the applause of happy friends and family that have been looking forward to this moment. Congratulations Kyle and Jessica! You’ve already created such a beautiful family together, this was just another moment of showing each other just how much you love one another. Happiness always!

Congratulations Kate & Matt!

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September 8, 2015

Picture it. The sun is out, the temperature is ideal, and you’re at a farm/vineyard with everyone you love. Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? Well that’s exactly what Kate & Matt got to enjoy on August 29th at Becker Farms. And I was extra happy because Ayres Photography was there, and they are kind of my favorite people. The day was lovely and everything was going perfectly…Kate just needed a little reassurance of that! She had some bride jitters and you could tell she just wanted this to be a flawless day. I reassured her as much as I could, knowing that in a little bit, she would be so happy and excited, she would forget she ever thought this could be less than a perfect day. I hung out with Matt and his groomsmen as they teased him and made him nervous. He jokingly said he could use a shot, and like a best man should, a flask appeared and Matt’s nerves were calmed. I love watching guys in the moment. They try and act like they take everything in stride, but from someone who is behind the scenes a lot, I can assure you, they get just as nervous as their brides-to-be!
Soon enough it was time to begin the big show, and Matt and I waited for Kate to make her stunning debut. Matt got a little misty eyed, and smiled as his bride joined him by his side. They had written vows to each other, but a lot of what they said seemed to come from the heart in the moment instead of what they had written down. It was beautiful to hear how they felt about each other, and I laughed to myself as I watched guests pull tissues up to their eyes. They made it to the end and went in for a big kiss and an even bigger smile. It must be an amazing feeling to look at the person next to you and know they are your spouse now! Congratulations Matt & Kate. You’re a lovely couple and I’m just forever happy that you made it through the Polar Vortex and to this magical moment. I wish you the best, always.

Congratulations Angela & Patrick!!!

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August 27, 2015

Statler City is a beautiful and historic Buffalo building. As soon as you see it you think, I bet there is a classy-as-hell wedding going on in there. And on August 22nd, you would have be right! Walking in the doors and seeing Patrick’s groomsmen in tuxes, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable evening. And of course, it was designed by Costamagna Design, which is the best of the best, so everything was stylish and sophisticated and perfect for Angela and Patrick. The happy couple was hiding out together in a back room, waiting for the moment to begin. They were surrounded by their bridal party, but they kept finding moments to steal glances at each other. They both looked gorgeous and didn’t seem at all nervous for the big moment that was approaching. After years together, they knew this wedding was always inevitable. Soon it was time, and their guests quieted down, anticipating seeing the couple for the first time. I made my way to the alter with Patrick and his groomsmen, and that’s when Patrick seemed to become a little nervous, an anxious look sneaking onto his face. Even though they had just been hanging out together, now it was real! Angela came from around the corner and began walking towards her future husband, and things were never going to be the same again. In the best way imaginable! After their godparents gave some beautiful readings, the happy couple held hands and vowed to each other, through nervous laughter, to love each other for a lifetime. When I looked out to the audience, everyone was smiling ear to ear and you could tell that Angela and Patrick weren’t the only people in the room that had been anticipating this moment. Congratulations Patrick and Angela! I’m so glad we were able to find each other across the country and that I could share in this magical moment. Enjoy every moment together for all of your days!