YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

Saturday September 20th was exactly as you hope a fall day will be. Warm air, a cool breeze, some leaves changing colors, and a lot of happy people gathered outside waiting for a beautiful moment! I was of course happy when I realized that Ayres Photo was there because they are my favorite photogs in town! I went to find Tim in his hiding place with his groomsmen which was behind the lovely Botanical Gardens, near a tree where people have been etching their love for years. Tim was very excited since he hadn’t seen Christine yet that day and was missing her and anxious to see how she looked. Well it was worth the wait! After we walked out to the alter, Timothy stood before family and friends, and a couple tears started to roll down his cheek. These emotional moments are what make each wedding so unique. The bridesmaids smiled at him as they walked by and took their place, and then the big moment arrived! Christine stepped around the corner and Timothy absolutely beamed. Once she met him up front, I’m not sure if they remembered I was there because they were locked into each others eyes and laughing and whispering and making this moment theirs alone. I did tease them a little at one point though and they burst out laughing so I know they were paying  attention a little bit!  Soon enough Tim grabbed Christine and pulled her in for their first kiss as husband and wife. They are so loved they couldn’t even make it back down the aisle without hugging and kissing family. My face was sore after the whole ordeal because I had been smiling so much! Congratulations Timothy & Christine! I’m so glad I met both of you and that you’re together forever now. If only I could finally get that copy of Dark Side of Oz from you…

Etched with names and hearts of lovers!

Etched with names and hearts of lovers!

 

When I first met Rachel and Mike, I knew they wouldn’t end up getting married at any place I had ever been before. They are such a unique couple who I ended up talking to much longer than most couples I meet. And I ended up being right when they decided to wed at the Spring Garden in East Aurora. It was a perfect spot for the two of them! Lots of land, trees, and a rustic cabin filled with music, flowers, and mismatched plateware that pulled the whole look together. Mike was very excited when I showed up. It was the perfect weather for the two of them, and he couldn’t wait for Rachel to arrive and take it all in. Mike was checking in with everyone, talking to the band, asking last minute questions to the planner, and making sure everything would be perfect when his bride-to-be arrived. We walked across the huge yard under a handmade alter and waited for Rachel’s parents to drive her down to the ceremony spot. Instead of music, they had me read a poem as she walked down the aisle, which summed up how they felt about this moment. Rachel stepped out looking beautiful, and excitedly approached her groom. It was a beautiful and intimate moment, even though there were guests around watching. It felt like just the two of them! Finally the last kiss arrived and the happy couple could remove themselves from being the center of attention. In truth, they would much rather be camping together or talking about hockey! Congratulations Mike and Rachel. I’m so glad your mutual love of hockey brought you together and I know you’ll have a long, happy life together!

Friday September 12th was nice outside, but it couldn’t compete with the inside of Babeville! Such a gorgeous building, and Amy and Dathan looked perfect inside it. Dathan had that standard nervous look on his face and a comfort beer in his hand. Amy was positively beaming as she hid downstairs. No matter the different looks, they were both ready for this moment to begin! Dathan was back and forth greeting guests and making sure that everything was set up. After some generous teasing from his groomsmen, it was finally time. As we waited up front, Dathan’s entire demeanor changed when he saw Amy walk out. Finally the stress of that long day made perfect sense! Amy immediately put her hands in his and they took their place in front of their friends and family to say the words they had been saying to each other for the last (just about) decade. Everyone was very touched including Dathan’s sister who made it through her reading until the end when she peered at them and tears flooded her eyes. Everyone was so happy for the beautiful moment! After that final kiss they walked out to “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys which is one of my favorites, so I looked as emotional as the guests! Congratulations Dathan & Amy! The story that you shared with me about your relationship was beautiful and I know there will be nothing but adventures in your future. Best wishes always!!!

September 6th continued to be an amazing day as I headed to the Botanical Gardens to marry two people that I adore all the way down to my toes! Kara and Chris met at that same place I met them, working at the downtown Buffalo Library and became quick friends. The biggest bummer was when Chris ended up leaving to take a job elsewhere and the two of them lost contact. But not me! I stayed pals with Chris and ended up inviting him and Kara to a big summer party I had. They came and had a good time. Well, at least I think they did because I didn’t end up talking to either of them all night. They were too busy talking to each other. And that was the beginning of a lifetime of conversations. They’ve been together since that day and finally decided, since they already knew they never wanted to stop hanging out, that it was time to get married. And it was an honor that they asked me to officiant the wedding. So I’m taking all the credit for hooking these two up!!!
Kara looked amazing when I showed up at the Botanical Gardens. The color of her dress was stunning and I’m just mad I didn’t get a picture of her shoes. They were gorgeous! Chris looked dapper and nervous, and I think they were both looking forward to the “after ceremony” part of the wedding. After their guests were seated outside, surrounded by the beauty of nature, Chris and Kara made their way out together. Kara looked very emotional and it was only later that she told me Chris had looked at her right beforehand and told her that he loved her, and of course she broke down. I’m glad I didn’t see that because I don’t think I could have kept it together! Kara held her paper flowers bouquet in one hand and Chris’ in the other as they said their vows and promised to continue loving each other forever. The shaking hands made it the perfect moment and soon it was time for me to tell Kara that she could now kiss her groom! Congratulations Chris and Kara! I love both of you and couldn’t be happier that you found each other again and realized this was your forever. Much love and thanks again for letting me be a part of your day!

 

 

 

 

I was nervous on Saturday September 6th. I had two weddings and rain was threatening all through the day. I was looking forward to being outside at Kloc’s Grove since it’s so beautiful, and I feared we’d have to move everything inside. Well Christina & Mike had luck on their side because not only did it not rain, it was the perfect temperature for an early fall wedding. After finding Mike and his groomsmen goofing around and enjoying the day, I checked in with Christina who looked beautiful and excited, if not a little nervous. Soon though, there as no time to be nervous because it was time to start! Mike and his groomsmen waited patiently for the bridesmaids to make their way down, followed by Christina. They seemed a little more nervous once they were both at the front with all their guests starting at them! They looked into each others eyes as they recited their vows and for a moment, seemed to forget their was a crowd around them. Then it was the best time which is a giant kiss and bubbles surrounding them as their guests celebrated their happiness as well! Congratulations Mike & Christina! I wish you nothing but the best and that you forever remember this happy day!

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I knew I liked Olga and Michael right away when I met them. And it’s not just because they are adorable next to each other since Michael seems to be about a foot taller than Olga…but because they were laid back and excited at the same time. I knew their wedding at The Buffalo History Museum was going to be lovely. And come August 31st, lovely it was! The building itself is so gorgeous as soon as you walk in and you’re swept up in the history and decor all around you. Michael greeted me and he was rushing around making sure everything was perfect. I checked in with Olga and I imagine that my eyes just about bulged out of my head when I saw how beautiful her dress was. I think it’s my favorite so far! Guests kept filing in, taking in their surroundings, and then heading out to the back to stand on the stone steps overlooking the lake and surrounded by ancient columns. Very picturesque. Soon, we were ready for the big moment and Olga’s parents walked her down to Michael and hugged her tight and they watched her go up to her soon-to-be husband. Between the readings they had which were perfect for them, it seemed like it went by so quickly. I think I just didn’t want it to end! Congratulations Michael & Olga!!! You’re both adorable and I’m so glad that you included me in your day. Here’s to always getting to live together now, and for a long and happy life!

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history

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Ok, if it magically becomes a perfect world, and you have limitless funds, then you should book Asbury Hall for your wedding. It is seriously beautiful in there, especially on August 23rd for Diana & Craig’s wedding. Not to mention everyone kept telling me how good the food is, and since I was there on an empty stomach, it smelled like heaven. From the minute I stepped foot in the door, Craig was ready to start. He didn’t want to wait around until the 5:45 start time, he wanted to go now! I checked in with Diana who was hiding in the greenroom downstairs of her guests, and she looked just as excited to begin. Eventually, Craig won out and at 5:30 he said that we were doing it…so we did! I love an eager groom! When Diana was escorted upstairs she looked stunning, and Craig whispered to me that he was NOT going to cry. He just had to avoid looking at his adorable dad who was already getting misty eyed. He did a pretty good job, until the last sentence of his vows. His voice cracked as tears filled his eyes and everyone laughed at how cute the moment was. Diana looked at him so lovingly that he was a little embarrassed and I think it took the pressure off her! They made it through the rest of the ceremony, laughing and teasing each other and made it to the big kiss! Congratulations Craig & Diana! A lifetime of happiness to you both!

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Saturday August 16th was so beautiful I thought, one wedding isn’t enough, how about two?! So after Halle & Brian’s ceremony I drove to Geneva, NY to Ventosa Vineyards to spend a lovely evening with Shannon and Andrew. I know I’ve said this before, but every time it’s true and this is no exception. This was one of my favorite weddings ever, and it is all because of how adorable Andrew is! So when I first got there Andrew was nervous. Not about marrying Shannon, of that he was super duper sure, but just about the moment going well. I think he was overwhelmed by how happy he was feeling and how much love he had for his bride. There was A LOT of deep breathing going on. And while his groomsmen joked around, he stayed very serious, even telling them to quiet down when he felt things were about to start. Soon we stepped outside to wait as his family was seated and for the lovely bridesmaids to make their way down. More heavy breathing. Big exhales and fighting back tears. I loved every second of it. I was thinking, he’s so excited, what’s going to happen when he sees his bride? And then he did. Shannon came out, looking gorgeous and Andrew lost it! Not only did her start crying, but he had to cover his face in shock of how amazing Shannon looked, and then he actually started jumping up and down. Now, I’ve done a lot of weddings and seen a lot of things, but I’ll be darned if that wasn’t the cutest yet. I have no idea how I didn’t cry. I’ve told the story to people since then, and just me telling the story made them cry! It was touching and I’m sure Shannon felt very lucky and very loved. There was light rain coming down proving that it really is for the luckiest couples. Right before their Wine/Love Letter Box ceremony, Andrew looked so anxious and said, “oh man, I thought it was over…I just want to kiss her!” Well his moment came at last and they rushed into each others arms. Congratulations Andrew and Shannon. You’re perfect. That’s it. I’m so happy that you found each other because you’re meant to be.  ❤

Halle and Brian know how to throw a wedding. Of course they had the wonderful Costamagna Design  to help them out, so everything at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora looked amazing. With quotes from their favorite movie painted on wooden signs (The Princess Bride…you can’t go wrong), and the little peoples name holders (my personal favorite), there was a touch of unique on everything. Including Mr. Benjamin Pickles, the most handsome ring bearer in town. Although he seemed less interested in his vest and more interested in rolling around on the grass looking for treats. The guests couldn’t stop joking with Brian and his groomsmen, and had to be persuaded to sit down to get the ceremony started. Brian greeted each bridesmaid as she made her way up, letting them know it wasn’t against the rules to talk to him. They laughed and the guests loved it. After Halle made her way up, looking stunning, all eyes were on her and Brian as they held hands and teased and joked each other. After two readings that were perfect for them, they shared their touching and personal vows with each other. Halle started with an excerpt from the book The Princess Bride and Brian finished off his vows with a Letterman’s top 10 of things he promised Halle, and kept it legit by throwing the cards after he read them and of course, his best man came in with sound effects. It was hilarious and it seemed that people never wanted this wedding to end. Finally though it did, with a passionate kiss and two glowing faces. Congratulations Halle & Brian. Without a doubt the two of you were made for each other and will have a long, hilarious life together. All the best!

 

 

The gardens at Samuel’s Grande Manor were in full bloom on Friday August 15th, for Katelyn and George’s big day, and it couldn’t have looked more beautiful. After checking in with a nervous George, who let me know he wasn’t nervous about marrying Katleyn, but just wanted to get the whole thing moving, I found a very excited Katelyn who was hiding from guests with her bridesmaids, peeking out looking excited. After all the guests had gathered out in the gardens, George followed out his groomsmen to a round of applause! People were so pumped for this wedding! Soon it was Katelyn’s moment to awe her guests and get her groom to start glowing. They both met each others eyes and you could tell they were no longer nervous, they were just ready. I love watching couples fall in love all over again at the alter and this was no exception. Congratulations George and Katelyn. All the best in your long life together!

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