YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

November 14th was gorgeous inside Statler City in Buffalo. What a beautiful spot to get married! I like standing on the second floor and watch guests as they come in, looking all around and taking in the old building. I then like finding my groom, nervous in all ways! Christopher was sort of keeping to himself, as his groomsmen joked around, he stood off to the side, with a contemplative look. I think he wanted it to be a perfect day for Sara, and goofing around beforehand just wouldn’t do! I checked in with Sara who seemed a little more laid back. It could be because her photographer had her spread out on a chaise lounge, but I think she was mostly excited for the moment to begin. Everything looked perfect, especially their photos aligning the aisle that they soon would walk down. Guests couldn’t help but smile as they looked at all the different images. Soon it was time to start, and the groomsmen got very serious. There was tie fixing, ring checking, and triple checking that they were walking and standing the right way! I love attentive groomsmen. Christopher and I waited for Sara to make her grand appearance, and once she did, everyone stood to take in her full beauty. She made her way to Christopher smiling, and they almost looked like they wanted to laugh once the moment began. When it came time for their vows, even though they had sent them to me beforehand and I knew what was coming, they were undeniably magical in the moment. So full of love and emotion, that I don’t know how there could have been a dry eye in the house. Congratulations Christopher and Sara! You’re a wonderful couple and the happiness that you share with each other everyday, will leave you with nothing except a super happy life. Best wishes always!

What’s better than one Halloween wedding? Well two of course! I was exposed to eat A LOT of candy on this weekend, and I didn’t disappoint myself. At the amazing Pearl at the Webb, I checked in with Sharifa getting the finishing touches on her makeup and hair, (and she already looked amazing, sans dress) and Chris nervously waiting on guests and greeting family. He had a hint of nerves, but definitely seemed ready to be married to his bride. I was casually milling about, ignoring the enormous table covered with candy, and taking in how beautiful the room was. As guests began to fill it, everything seemed more real, and groomsmen started taking their responsibilities seriously, and making sure that everything was perfect for their friend. Once the adorable ring bearers and flower girls appeared, everyone was ready for this moment to begin. Eventually Sharifa made her way out and she looked stunning! I don’t know how anyone can manage to look so good and such a high stress day, but she pulled it off. They seemed so happy once they were standing side by side, and I knew that they were thinking about how long they had know each other, and what a journey it was to arrive at this moment. I was very moved by the looks they gave each other, the nervous laughter that escaped, and of course the giant kiss that followed at the end. I guess there are some things better than candy. Congratulations Chris and Sharifa! I’m so glad the two of you found me and that I was able to share in such a beautiful and important moment. Best wishes for all time!

Halloween weddings are exciting. There are many different reasons, but I’m going to get down to it. There is lots of candy involved. And that was the case at the Niawanda Park Pavilion where Ruthie and Matt shared their vows. It was a beautiful fall day, and they both seemed very excited for the moment. They had an Alice in Wonderland theme, so the centerpieces were super cool! Otherwise, they were definitely going for a laid back, comfortable affair. It’s nice to see weddings with lots of kids running around. Then you know that you have a couple that can have fun with each other no matter what is happening around them.
The groomsmen were very funny, checking in with Matt a lot and talking about what they did to make the moment perfect. It’s nice to see guys put the bravado aside and just be happy and nervous for their friend. Ruthie looked ready to begin and get next to Matt, so we started as soon as everyone grabbed a seat! They spoke their words of love to each other, and when Matt’s eyes filled with tears, I felt so happy to be sharing in another amazing moment. And of course, always happy to watch the kiss that joins them in marriage. Congratulations Matt & Ruthie! It was clear from the moment I met you that you were made for each other, and I know you will have a full and happy life together. Always!

This year has been amazing. I’ve married so many people that I love and adore, and October 30th was no exception. One of my favorite humans walking around on this Earth, married the love of her life, and I was lucky enough to help usher in the beginning of their new lives together! At Timberlodge at Arrowhead, Chelsea and Andy prepared to be the wonderful weirdos that they are, just in a fancier way. I was truly honored to be a part of this, and wasn’t surprised when Chelsea stepped out looking absolutely beautiful in a dress her mom made, from her grandma’s wedding dress. Yep. They are perfect. Andy was cute and excited and a bit nervous, which is exactly how I like my grooms. It was hard to look at them while I was speaking because it was such a beautiful and emotional moment. Especially when Chelsea’s eyes teared up. But we made it through, and then it was all about watching Chelsea and Andy lose their minds on the dance floor. And me eating more Paula’s donuts than anyone should EVER eat. I wish I had more photos, but it’s hard at these weddings when I’m too busy chatting, dancing, and obviously eating.
I love you Chelsea. You are a wonderful friend and I don’t know what I’d do without you. And Andy, anyone who is as skilled as Pictionary as it turns out you are, will always be a-ok in my book. Congratulations to two people who were obviously made for each other! All my love, and don’t forget to include me in snuggle time.

When I showed up at the Botanical Gardens on October 18th, I can honestly say I didn’t expect Travis to be dressed like a king. But man-oh-man, was I happy! He looked amazing in his stag crow, tunic, and super sharp looking sword. His groomsmen also fit the part and I knew this wouldn’t be like any other wedding. Kristy looked outstanding! She has green undertones in her dress with leaves throughout. Their love of all things trees and nature is what first brought them to the Botanical Gardens, and to meeting each other. And I can tell you, they are perfect for each other! I was also lucky enough to see Wendy Mitchell Photography there, so I knew that everything would be captured, which is good because there was a lot! When it was time to begin, Travis walked out to the Game of Thrones theme song. I mean, of course he did. Then Kristy came out with music from The Lord of the Rings. At this point, they are my favorite people. They went through their ceremony looking at each other like no one else in the world mattered. They choose to have a handfasting ceremony, and they were slightly shaking as I tied their hands together. Of course there were tree charms on the ribbons I tied their hands with. They are nothing if not consistent. Soon they kissed and became Mr. & Mrs., or perhaps King and Queen. The only thing that could top this moment was their Hobbit house cake with Gandolf watching over. This whole wedding pulled on my nerd strings so hard. I’m only sad that I left before the first dance…which I found out was actually a sword fight. Best. Day. Ever. Congratulations Travis and Kristy! May your uniqueness keep you happy and fascinated for a lifetime. And make sure to give me a call when GOT book 6 comes out. We have lots to talk about!

October 9th I found myself at the Foundry for Jackie & Justin’s wedding. Excitement was definitely in the air. Guests seemed super eager for the ceremony to begin. I checked in with Jackie & Justin and found them nervous, but excited. And then I found out that Justin made their amazing cake topper and I couldn’t stop gushing to him about how cool it was! There are some crazy talented people out there. Soon it was time for the big moment, and they quickly took their spots, excited to finally have reached this moment. Justin and I stood near the fountain (maybe a little too close says my wet pants), and watched as Jackie made her way out, all smiles and nervous giggles. They greeted each other and took hands, and I’m not sure they ever broke eye contact. They looked like they were in their own little world, and that everything in that world was beautiful. I felt so happy for them throughout because I could really feel their love. And I really loved Jackie’s little nervous giggles that would come out in big emotional moments. People don’t realize how many different things you’ll feel on your wedding day! Soon they were in each others arms and it was time to party! Congratulations Justin & Jackie! The two of you were obviously meant for each other and I’m overjoyed that I was the one who was able to join them in marriage! Much love from now til eternity!


 

I meet really amazing couples. And often, I’m lucky enough to not only share in their day, but to hear how they felt about their ceremony after. Special thanks to Stephanie & Michael Mroz and Trisha & Andrew Wrobel for leaving me these reviews today. What a way to start the day!!!

“When my fiance and I first began the search for an Officiant, we were a little unsure where to start. My fiance’s family is very religious and I had no doubt they hadn’t even fathomed the thought of us getting married outside of a church. The problem is I am not a practicing Catholic and in addition to that, we both agreed that we wanted an outdoor ceremony. So, we knew we needed a non-denominational Officiant and just sort of accepted that we’d meet with a few until we found one that we clicked with. Thankfully, Michelle was the first one we met with because we knew as soon as we left our meeting with her, that we wanted her to officiate our ceremony. She is so down to earth, easy to talk to, and really helped put us at ease about what the ceremony would be like and how it would flow. She seemed genuinely interested in learning about our story, details about us personally and our journey that brought us to where we are today. She also gave us some helpful ring exchange and vow ideas to use or build off of as we saw fit – Both were extremely helpful! Our wedding ceremony turned out to be absolutely beautiful, and all of our guests agreed. Michelle put such a personal touch on the ceremony, there were several guests that thought we’d been friends with her for years! We received so many compliments on the ceremony, many of them complimenting her specifically. She really did such a wonderful job and it was exactly what my fiance and I had hoped for. Michelle, we can’t thank you enough! Thank you so much for making our ceremony truly beautiful. It was a pleasure to be able to work with you!”
Stephanie & Michael MrozWe couldn’t have asked for a better officiant! We were confident that Michelle would do a good job based on other reviews and family personal reviews but we never expected her to make us feel like we were the only two people in the world and personalize her words to fit us so well. We are more spiritual than religious and we were worried that our families would be offended/ disappointed not having scriptures from the bible. Also, we were worried it would be too short since we though there wasn’t much to fill in the time without that kind of stuff. We had a wine ceremony which Michelle did wonderfully with the meaning and story of it. She went above and beyond with quotes and her own words to make a beautiful ceremony for us that we will never forget. She didn’t attend the rehearsal, which she states in her first meeting and on her website, unless it’s necessary. She didn’t need to come. She did a fabulous job and having never heard what she wrote before, we were genuinely stunned and it added so much to the authenticity of our ceremony and truly showed our love that day.
Trisha & Andrew Wrobel

 

October 3rd was an amazing day. There may have been a chill in the air, but when you’re near Jessica and Tom, you feel nothing but warmth. At the Fox Valley Club I found guests gathering excitedly for what they knew would be a beautiful evening. Jessica and Tom are a lovely couple and I was excited that I was going to share this day with them. They both looked calm and ready for the moment (although watching Tom sneak off and nervously chug water beforehand made me smile), and everything looked perfect inside. I had spoken to Jessica’s mom, Jill many times over email, and I knew how excited she was for this day. It’s amazing what joy a wedding can bring to family and friends, and I love the time I get to just watch people gather and talk about the day. I’m a wallflower at life’s most exciting events!
Soon it was time to begin and Tom and I made our way up front with his groomsmen close behind. That’s when everyone starts to get that nervous energy that keeps hands fixing suit coats and feet moving from spot to spot. Finally Jessica walked into the room, looking stunning, and everyone took to their feet, looking amazed. She made her way to her future husband and they took hands and looked absolutely comforted once their met eyes. They had a candle ceremony where they invited their moms up, and it was exciting to see the transition from being the person they were, to the person they are becoming as a wife and a husband. They finally kissed and it was official, more so when guests showered them with white sprinkles! Congratulations Tom and Jessica! I’m so happy that you found me and that I was able to share in such an extraordinary day! To a lifetime of happiness!!!

October 2nd was the first fully fall day of the year. And with that it brought some chilly wind. But that wasn’t gonna stop Staci and Dan from having their moment under the gazebo at The Lancaster Country Club. So guests huddled inside, building up their warmth, before it was time to head outside! Staci and Dan both seemed so happy though. It wasn’t about weather, it was about each other. So after checking in with both of them, and feeling their energy, I wasn’t worried about being cold outside anymore. Soon it was time and we headed out. Dan’s mom wasn’t able to be there, but she was there through facetime, which was such a lovely idea. No one would want to miss this moment!
Soon, Staci came out, looking beautiful, and made her way to Dan. They started laughing and I’m pretty sure it was at a gust of wind that came whipping in. It takes such a magical couple to be able to take a non-perfect situation and make it their own. In that moment I knew they wouldn’t have changed a thing. They said their vows and did their wine ceremony, and kept giving me that expecting look which I’ve learned means, “is it almost over?? We want to kiss!” I was happy to finally announce them husband and wife and watch them grab each other for the best moment of all! Congratulations Dan and Staci! I’m so happy that I got to spend that moment with you. It beat out any warm, boring spot there is. I wish you a lifetime of happy days and long, beautiful falls.

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.