There is something about a classic, black tie wedding during the month of October that will forever make me swoon, and Ashleigh and Nolan's late October 2017 wedding at Hotel @ the Lafayette was everything I could have ever dreamed of photographing and so much more. The entire day from start to finish was laid back yet perfectly polished, their ceremony was incredibly touching and the dance floor was PACKED with family and friends having the time of their lives all night long. I'm so excited to share a small glimpse into their wedding day with you today, along with a few words from the bride and groom on their experience as well!
How would you describe your wedding vision/theme?
The vision we had for our wedding was to keep it classic and timeless. We decided on ivory and black with silver and gold touches for our color theme. I would chose to live in the past if I could, so there was no better place than the Lafayette to offer that classic feel. The marble hallways, original detailed tile flooring, hard wood floor ballroom, beautiful chandeliers with 20+ foot ceilings and the ornate details really just speak for themselves. The venue leaves you speechless without any wedding decor. Add in the candles, lighting and formal seating - and there's nothing more I could even ask for. I had a vision of the whole bridal party in black with just the white dress, and I think that this theme came out flawless. The girls all chose their own dress and designer, the boys wore black tuxedos with the bow tie, suspenders and ivory pocket square. Everything came together perfectly for our theme!
Favorite moments/memories from the wedding?
Walking down the aisle is every little girl's dream I think. Dad on the arm, family and friends filling the church, and the most perfect groom standing at the end of the aisle smiling. That moment I will not forget, ever.
Seeing the room for the first time before the guests entered was amazing. After all the time and effort put in to planning and organizing, I almost cried when I saw it. It was just beautiful and everything I wanted it to be. I also really enjoyed Nolan's reaction because I don't think he knew my vision of the reception until he saw it in person and he was blown away!
Also - the dance floor!!! I don't think I left the dance floor for more than a minute or two at a time, and it was always packed. This was one of my big concerns about the wedding - I needed a fun dance floor! And a fun dance floor is exactly what we got :) Great music and always a ton of people dancing all night long!
Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding?
It will be stressful, but it will also be worth it. Take on tasks one at a time to avoid being overwhelmed, plus checking things off your list will make you feel better than having a bunch of things half complete. Enjoy every minute of engaged life while you are planning! Its a journey that you only get to do once :)
Special shout-out to all the vendors:
Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Aquinas Church
Reception Venue: Lafayette Hotel - Marquis Ballroom
Officiant: Fr. Gallagher
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography (with second photographer Liz)
Videographer: Filmwell Studios
Florist: Flourish
Caterer: Acqua
Cake/Bakery: Blessings Bakery
DJ/Band/Entertainment: CJ Sound
Transportation: Status Limo
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Hair: Claire Sumbrum
Makeup: Mallory Finnegan (MakeUpByMal)
Bride's Dress: Calle Blanche "Paulette" Ballgown (Satin, V-neck, empire waist, chapel length train, with jeweled belt and back)
Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka "Gorgeous" Ivory satin and and jewel embellished heel
Groom's Attire: Black tuxedo, black bow tie and suspenders, ivory pocket square (Tuxedo Junction)
Additional Accessories: Bride - Tennis bracelet from parents, Elizabeth Cole Crystal Ring, Ben-Amun Silver Cluster Studs, simple gold and jewel hair pin on side of bun. Groom - Monogram cuff links to match groomsmen and fathers (Etsy)
Wedding Party Attire: Black Tie - Bridesmaids in all black formal gowns, each individually picked / Groomsmen in black tuxedos with black bow tie and suspenders with ivory pocket squares
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: Decorated ballroom with gold mercury glass candle holders, and different height pillar candles; candelabras on head table. Ivory centerpieces mixed with baby's breath tall centerpieces. Room had gold uplighting throughout. Ivory table clothes and ivory napkins with gold back chiavari paneled chairs
Favors: Our favor was a large donation of food, toys, and care supplies to the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter on behalf of our family and friends, and also on behalf of the two little hound-mix sisters we adopted from there that make our little family complete (for now!)
Late night food/snacks: LaNova pizza and wings
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