YellowBird Wedding

because simple is beautiful

Karpeles Manuscript Museum never fails to elicit a sound of wonder from first time visitors. It is a beautiful building, and was even more so on August 10th for Careesa and Mike’s wedding. It was a beautiful day and as their guests filed in, the happy couple hunkered down below waiting for their big moment. They didn’t look nervous at all! Just complete happiness. As the strings swelled in the magnificent room, Mike and Careesa made their way to the front to share their love with their closest friends and family. For a love that began in high school, it was a joy for all to finally see it completed through grasped hands. Congratulations Michael and Careesa! I wish you love and happiness, but don’t doubt for one second that you don’t even need my wishes…you’re perfect together!

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Niagara Falls is a perfect place for out-of-towners to get married. Not only is it unbelievably beautiful, but it’s one of the wonders of the world! And I think April and Amy took full advantage of it’s beauty. It was a small ceremony on August 8th, just the two of them and a witness, but it was as full of meaning as any wedding could be. Complete with two blue balloons, which were there to honor April’s mother, which they let go and watched soar above the falls. It’s difficult planning things from out of town, but when it’s as important to you as this day was to them, you figure it out! Congratulations Amy and April! Although we only met the day of the wedding, I feel like I know you pretty well from all those emails! Best wishes and endless happiness!

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August 3rd was a great day. I had two weddings (which makes me really happy) and the second one was between the adorable Jaclyn & Ryan! At the fancy Adam’s Mark Hotel I found Ryan who was doing a pretty good impression of a non-nervous person (that image faded when we were at the alter) and a gorgeous Jaclyn who was working on the finishing touches. As the crowd gathered, Ryan waited up front for the moment to begin. As we stood together, his nerves came out. He told me he doesn’t like speaking in front of people and I assured him that the ceremony would be painless (it really is!). Soon enough, Jaclyn came out and Ryan seemed to forget he was ever nervous. They looked at each other with excited eyes and ended up almost whispering their vows to each other which was intimate and beautiful. Their sand ceremony was Sabres colored which is one of those touches that helps make a wedding your own. Congratulations Ryan & Jaclyn. I’m so glad I met both of you and look, you made it through the ceremony! Nothing but good luck for the two of you!

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Ahh Pearl Street. How I adore weddings there. And Friday August 2nd was no different. I was extra psyched about this wedding because I had spoken to Alyssa the night before and she was so excited that it spread to me! I showed up early and waited for the guys to join the party. Ryan had a drink to calm his nerves, but still looked quite nervous. I asked if he was and he was like “well, yeah!” which I loved. Alyssa arrived and hid from her groom, looking gorgeous. She could have walked off the cover of a bridal magazine. They met under a unique, handmaid alter and shared their moment. It was a bit rowdy in the other parts of the bar so the noise level was swelling, but we assumed it must have been the rest of the place celebrating for them! If you saw them you would have too! It was a perfect moment for a perfect couple as they carefully placed their love letters in a box for each other. Perfect moments don’t just happen, they are made, and Alyssa and Ryan worked for it. Congratulations to both of you! I’m lucky to have met you and shared in such a beautiful day!

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I like a couple that doesn’t mind a little rain! And that couple was Amber and Kristen on Saturday July 27 outside of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Although there was only a tiny sprinkle coming down, it could have sent some couples running. Amber and Kristen have been waiting a decade to be married and a little drizzle wasn’t about to stop them! We gathered outside with their closest friends and family as Amber and Kristen gazed into each others eyes and finally made it official. Their readings were meaningful and hilarious and you could tell everyone was so happy to be gathered there. After their kiss they were surrounded by bubbles as everyone (myself included) blew our good luck towards them. Congratulations Kristen and Amber. I’m so glad I was able to share in your beautiful moment!

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When I first met Lara and Moray it was clear that they were happy, classy, and hilarious! That remained the same when I saw them again on their wedding day at the AMAZING Burchfield Penny Art Center on Friday July 26th! First off, the Burchfield Penny is beautiful and it really matched the couple! Moray was hanging around with his groomsmen and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Since Moray is hilarious (nice dry, British humor) I assumed his groomsmen were similar. And from their smiles I think I was right. When Lara arrived and I first saw her, she had a slight nervous shake going on which just made the moment even better. After walking down an aisle of rose petals, they came together for their moment. The readings were perfect and looking out into the audience, there was nothing but smiling faces. There was a slight delay when a groomsman passed out (it was a bit hot, but remember don’t lock your knees!), but after everyone realized he was more embarrassed than injured, the ceremony resumed until the big kiss! Congratulations Dr. and Dr. Campbell! I wish you nothing but the best!

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What was everyone doing on Thursday July 25th? Probably the usually, boring Thursday stuff. But not me! I was lucky enough to spend it marrying Debbie & Joe! After a decade together, they finally decided to make it official at the Brierwood Country Club in Hamburg. It was a perfect day. You couldn’t have asked for better weather and they were married right in the sunshine. With their kids on both sides beaming, they were ready to make it happen. And I have to say, for as calm as Joe was before this all started, he seemed a bit nervous as soon as Debbie walked out! They were looking for something simple (and you know, simple is beautiful) so after a short, sweet ceremony, they were in each others arms for their first kiss as husband and wife! And I think they both looked ecstatic and relieved! Congratulations Joe and Debbie. I’m glad you finally decided to take the plunge. It only took repelling down a building to find the courage to do it!

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Let’s talk about July 14th. You may remember it as the hottest day of the year so far. I remember it because of Melanie and Steve’s wedding! (and because seriously, it was the hottest day of the year). The first thing that hit me (again, besides the killer sun) was how beautiful Melanie looked. Followed by how excited/nervous Steve seemed. As we waiting outside, Steve and I joked a lot about how hot it was, and I’m pretty sure I saw his dad melting! None of that seemed to matter though when Melanie came out. She walked up to him, huge smile on her face, and that magic moment happened when couples seem to forget where they are. Although it’s hard to forget the Kenan Center because it was gorgeous there! My favorite moments, besides their amazing vows, was when they both decided that they were done holding hands because it was too hot and sweaty! Everyone laughed including them. A couple that can have fun together on their wedding day seems to already know the secrets of a good relationship. After it ended they danced back down the aisle in a fantastic mood and you realized that hot or not, it was a perfect day. Congratulations Melanie & Steve. You met in a hilarious way and I can tell there will always be humor and love in your life.

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The temperature was climbing on Saturday, July 13th, as Josh and I hung out in the shade looking at our suit coats like they were the enemy. It’s hard to stay upset about the shining sun though, when you’re at the always beautiful Botanical Gardens. It’s is one of my favorite spots to perform a ceremony (and the place of my first wedding ever). We finally had to put our coats on and head out to meet the gorgeous Aimee, as her limo pulled up and she got out, beaming, and ready to marry her love of 8 years. The moment was beautiful and hilarious, because Josh and Aimee are an adorable and fun-loving couple. I think my favorite moment was the high-five in the middle of the ceremony. Or perhaps when Aimee took out her handkerchief to wipe away some tears, and Josh said “I’m going to do that too, for different reasons” and pulled his out to wipe down his sweating brow. I’m sure most of the guests will agree it was the funniest wedding they had ever been too. Congratulations Josh & Aimee! I’m so happy I was able to meet the two of you and share in your day. It’s couples like you that keep me coming back for more!

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