YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

On Saturday July 5th, Matt seemed a little nervous. And that made him all the more charming. I found him hiding out downstairs at the Tonawanda Castle and he looked ready to get the show on the road! Heading upstairs, I found Jennifer the exact same way. A couple meant to be! It was a lovely day and guests were exuberantly chatting about the wonderful couple who finally made it to this moment. As I waited up front with Matt, I was feeling his nervous energy and starting to get nervous myself. I was so excited for Jennifer to walk down that aisle! As soon as she was visible, the tears appeared on Matt’s face, which triggered tears and the maid of honors face, which almost triggered mine! It was so emotional and beautiful and I was so happy to be joining these two people together for the rest of their lives. It was short and sweet and after it was over they quickly embraced and held on extra long. Congratulations Matthew and Jennifer! You’ve been together a long time, but you created the excitement of a magical first date. All the best!

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We love Independance day here in Buffalo and we love parties. So combining the two is genius! On the 4th of July, Sue and Joe decided to gather their friends and family at Templeton Landing for food, drinks, and fireworks. What a trifecta! Sue and Joe currently live in Germany after meeting in Ireland, so for being very long distance they really created a beautiful day. The weather was perfect with a breeze coming off the lake while their family happily mingled with looks of absolute joy on their faces. Sue hid from Joe while he walked around checking that everything was set to go. And I practically swooned because of his Irish accent! Soon enough it was time and Sue made her way outside to join Joe who was beaming in the sunlight. Their handwritten vows were extrememly touching and they looked so happy to finally have reached this moment. I can’t even imagine how perfect everything was in the evening when people gathered outside with delicious looking cupcakes and watched the fireworks over the lake! Perfect day for two perfect humans. Congratulations Joe & Sue! I’m so glad that you found me and that I was able to join you on such an amazing day. Enjoy that German food! lake cake

Ok I finally broke. After over 120 beautiful weddings that all really hit me in the feels, Wayne & Joe were the first couple that actually made me cry during their vows. And as I looked out at their witness and photographer who didn’t know them, but came because they were alone from out of town, I saw her crying as well. That’s how magical  June 25th was. Wayne and Joe traveled from Texas to Niagara Falls to make their 20 years of being together official. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a happy couple! They picked a beautiful spot at the Falls with the water rushing behind them and green all around them, and promised to continue loving each other just as they had over the past two decades. As I mentioned, their hand-written vows were so unbelievably heartfelt, and since they couldn’t keep it together, I didn’t stand a chance! After pulling out their rings, the same ones they’ve been wearing for years, now newly engraved and shining, they put them on each others hands and it looked like a key going into a lock…well after a mild fight with Wayne’s stubborn ring! I’m forever thankful that people manage to find me and include me in these moments. Congratulations Joe & Wayne! I’m thrilled I met both of you and found so much inspiration in your relationship. Also, I’m strangely in the mood to watch Gone With the Wind. Thanks a lot Wayne! Much love to both of you for all time.

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It was HOT on June 22nd. And I’m pretty sure that 50% of the Buffalo population was at Woodlawn Beach. It was a gorgeous day to play in the sand and cool off in the water. It was an even better day to be married! Lauren & Todd picked a beautiful spot on the beach for their ceremony, and then a perfectly cool and comfortable spot for the reception. Everything looked perfect…including the beautiful couple. Todd waited out on the beach with his groomsmen (luckily in the shade) and Lauren stayed inside with her parents looking nervous and excited! After guests were shuttled over to the sand, everyone found their place in the sun and waited while listening to a 4 piece string band keep everyone in the mood. Soon enough, we left our shady spot for the sunshine and Lauren was escorted down. Guests were beaming under parasols as their friends shared readings and the couple said their vows. Afterwards, the couple ran to the shade to cool down. Getting married raises your temperature enough as it is! And for me, not only did I get to marry two amazing people, but I got the gift of chocolate after. Perfect. Day. Congratulations Todd & Lauren. Happy 7th anniversary and to many, many more years together!

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June 21st continued to be a beautiful day at the Avanti Mansion in Hamburg. Of course, it’s always beautiful there, so I guess it wasn’t that surprising. What was surprising, was just how amazing Kim looked! What a stunner! She looked happy and excited to get the show on the road, and Chris and I were just so excited that there were bagpipes there. We both love bagpipes! After Chris and I made the long trek down to the alter, we waited for Kim to be escorted down and into the hands of her future husband. After a decade together, this moment was bursting to happen. They laughed and couldn’t stop looking straight at each other and I had one of those moments where I felt super lucky to be doing what I do. It was a beautiful moment and after that final kiss, all the guests waved their white ribbon wands in the air to celebrate the moment. Congratulations Kim & Chris! I’m so glad that you found each other and that you managed to find me to. A lifetime of love!

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June 21st was a perfect day to start off summer. It was gorgeous outside, not a cloud in the sky, and had an ideal cool breeze blowing over the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, NY. After a beautiful drive down, I met with Arielle who looked gorgeous as did her daughter in pearls! And did little Bella know how to spin in her dress! After Arielle’s friends and family continued to tuck her in, I met with Nick…and his crutches. Nick recently broke his ankle and had to have surgery just a couple days prior. But that wasn’t going to stop him walking the aisle to be with his bride! After hobbling down, he put his crutches aside so that he would be able to hold Arielle’s hands when she made her way to him. Nick was getting a little teary eyed, and although he blamed it on the sun, I didn’t buy it for one minute! It was because she looked so beautiful! After their vows and pledges, it was time to kiss, and for Arielle to help Nick back down the aisle. They looked so amazing together. And Bella looked like she was having a great time! Congratulations Nick & Arielle! I wish you continued happiness on your journey together. I’m so glad you found me!

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June 14th was awesome not only because it’s my Grandma’s birthday, but because I had two weddings! My favorite sort of day! And ending your day at the Avanti Mansion is all you can hope for. Again, it was a cloudy day, but the sun managed to come out in full effect to shine down on Amy and Patrick. After getting the entire wedding party down to the ceremony spot (which took some time, I think there were either 16 or 18 of them!), Amy slowly made her way down to Patrick, who was beaming from ear to ear. Amy looked absolutely stunning! I don’t think that helped her nervousness though because she was shaking a little bit and looking down shyly. Patrick was rubbing her hands and squeezed them a few time to let her know he was there and everything was wonderful. They had a beautiful potted tree and added soil from their families houses and water to nuture the tree that would be planted at their home and with them for the rest of their lives. I like looking up and seeing people dabbing their eyes at such a meaningful moment. For a couple that first met when they were 10, it looked like they were falling in love for the first time. Congratulations Patrick & Amy! You’re already a perfect family with the dogs so I know their is nothing but happiness in your future!

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June 14th started off looking a little ominous. The sun was hiding and the threat of rain was in the air. As I drove to Eden to the Marienthal Country Inn, I was worried about what would happen to this outdoor wedding. I needn’t have worried. When it was time for Nate and Desarae to tie the knot, the clouds parted in anticipation and out came the sun! This place was seriously beautiful. It felt like a secret spot they discovered and decided to be married at. The inside was gorgeous with high ceilings and old wood work. The outside was covered with green and flowers and everyone looked so happy to be there. Desarae was upstairs getting ready while Nate walked around with a nervous look on his face while he tried to remember where he put the rings (don’t worry he found them). Soon they met under their handmade arbour and read their handwritten vows to each other. It was a beautiful moment only to be topped by a family member singing to them immediately after. Congratulations Desarae & Nate! I’m so happy I met both of you and your easygoing laid back attitude made for an amazing day. All the best!

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What were you doing on Friday June 13th? Were you feeling superstitious and hiding out? Not Eric and Jim. They embraced Friday the 13th AND a full moon and made it into their wedding day! And even though there was some rain outside, they didn’t seem to mind. Inside the Brierwood Country Club, all was dry and warm and full of love. Guests mingled about either trying to love up on the grooms, or looking at the madlibs Eric & Jim created. Madlibs! Not to mention, I found my favorite cake topper yet! Soon we were ready for the big moment, and the loud techo music let us know this wasn’t like other weddings. I’m surprised I made it through the ceremony because we kept stopping to laugh. The two of them are hysterical! Towards the end of the ceremony they had their own signature cocktail ceremony where they mixed up a special Blue Curaçao drink. I wish I was able to stick around so I could have tried it. It looked amazing. Finally, after the jokes ended, they looked at each other seriously and embraced for their wedding kiss. It was a beautiful moment and I was so happy to have been there. Congratulations Jim & Eric! I’m so happy I met the two of you and enjoyed every moment we had together. Best wishes for more happy decades together.

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