Grace and Floyd are the type of people you meet that you instantly wish you could hang out with everyday. They're super laid-back and at the same time, uniquely creative, thoughtful, and just freakin' hilarious. They also love Michael Jackson songs, which is amaaaaaaazzzzzing and that alone let me know we were going to get along just wonderfully on their wedding day! Actually, just go ahead and pull up P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by MJ on Spotify or something now, and listen to that track while scrolling through the images in this post. You won't regret it!
Their wedding day started out with the ladies getting ready at Grace's dad's office – my favorite company to work with and one of the best ad agencies in Buffalo, Crowley Webb. When Grace was ready, we walked across the street and had a first look between her and Floyd in a little tucked away corner of Buffalo near their wedding venue, Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. We walked around the block, photographing them with their wedding party with rustic textures and graffiti touches, and then headed straight to the ceremony and reception. It was such a low-key and relaxed day, and because everything was so close, we were able to take full advantage of our time for wedding portraits and have fun with it, too. I love that they trusted in me to do something a little different for their portraits, as we went with the less traditional portrait backgrounds and incorporated rustic and unique portrait backdrops that were perfectly fitting for their alphabet wedding touches.
Before diving into the photos, I'd like to share a few thoughts from Grace + Floyd:
How would you describe your wedding vision/theme? Above all else, our vision was to have a relaxed, super fun day with all of our favorite people. We envisioned a rustic, naturally beautiful theme for the venue, floral arrangements, and decor. Pearl Street presented a perfect venue with exposed brick and natural wood with the lovely touch of string lights hung everywhere. Our florist created all succulent, moss, and fern arrangements, which added a lush, non-fussy feeling throughout the room. Our band and DJ set a great tone for a fun-loving, energetic evening : )
Favorite moments/memories from the wedding? I think one of our favorite memories was our first look. We both talked about how nervous we were before that moment and after we saw each other, all the worries and stress of the day melted away. It's such a great reminder that your partner can provide an overwhelming sense of calm by just being near. Another favorite moment was our first dance. We chose an unconventional rock song ("I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness) and it just suited us and the overall mood so perfectly.
Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding? I think something we both learned throughout the process is to be patient, thoughtful, and grateful. We were so lucky to have such supportive and energetic family and friends behind the scenes making our dream wedding a reality. Just when you think you're too overwhelmed to continue on (we had many of these moments), just remember that everything will work out. If it doesn't, no one will notice! Embrace the imperfection and just remember that you get to marry your favorite person at the end of it all : )
Eeep! Alrighty... So excited to share this one. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy!
(Aren't their details with the cake topper and table centerpieces just adorable?!)
Special thanks to all the vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, 3rd Floor
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Various coordinators at Pearl Street, Stephanie Cirringione was our main coordinator : )
Officiant: Ira Berkowitz: longtime family friend, full-time badass
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography (Best photographer in the universe) : )
Florist: Succulent arrangements by Flowers By Nature: Cheryl Gicewicz
Cake/Bakery: Chrusciki Bakery: Lancaster, NY
DJ/Band/Entertainment: DJ: Ryan McNamee, Band: Boogie Monsters
Table Numbers, Escort Cards, Favor tags: Mia Maria Design (now Maria Bond Design)
Hair & Makeup: Salon-a-Go-Go
Bride's Dress & Accessories: The Wedding Shoppe: Berkley, MI
Groom's Attire: Aand Tux on 9: Ferndale, MI
Shoes: DSW ; )
Wedding Party Attire: Bridesmaids: Own choice / Groomsmen: Tux on 9: Ferndale, MI
Favors: Traditional Italian almond bags (Mia Maria Design and Oh! Nuts) / Take-home succulent centerpieces (Flowers By Nature)
Any additional vendors used you'd like to mention: I think I included everyone, but I can't say enough how amazingly wonderful each and every one of our vendors was. I can't recommend them all enough : )
