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.
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.
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!!!
