It’s been a minute since I’ve had time to share a wedding from this season, and I just knew Kara and Ian’s was the one I wanted to share to “break the radio silence” as they say. Elegant and romantic, intimate and yet WILDLY fun, this was hands down one of my favorite weddings of 2021. Largely in part because it was filled with some of the most sincere, kind, and insanely fun people I’ve ever been lucky enough to meet. I mean, seriously guys, I left wanting to be their best friends because their entire group – wedding party, families, and all – were THAT amazing.
Kara and Ian had originally planned for a larger wedding at another venue but with the uncertainties brought about in 2020, they decided to change their wedding plans. With downsizing their list and the new venues they chose for their ceremony and reception (Karpeles Manuscript Museum and Curtiss Hotel), I honestly couldn’t imagine their wedding any other way. It was the perfect size group, and both venues lended to the vibe they wanted for their day. And holy smokes shout out to William’s Florist for killin’ it like always on the florals. DANG this wedding so good and I’m so excited to share.
But one last thing before diving in to this AMAZING day recapped in images, here are a few thoughts from Kara and Ian!
What were your favorite moments/memories from the wedding?
The moment after walking back up the aisle and finally being able to say you did it and ready to party! Walking up to Curtiss rooftop and seeing a pink and orange killer sunset going down and the surprise of seeing the vision you had for the reception space come to life for the first time! And of course staring out from the sweetheart table with my HUSBAND and seeing all our favorite people in one spot enjoying the night.
Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding?
Do your wedding the way YOU both want to. At the end of the day it should be how you both envisioned it and family/friends will accept it. Be prepared to just roll with it when things go wrong on the day of the wedding, because they will whether big or small, and trust me no one will notice besides you so just have fun! Also try to consciously be in the moment and have moments of gratitude throughout the day that this special day you’ve been waiting for is actually here. Everyone says it but the day truly does fly by.
And now… if you’re still with me reading this… dun dun dun. Here are some highlights of Kara & Ian’s epic and gorgeous day!! Ahh! So stoked. <3 Thank you, guys, for trusting in me for your photography needs and being so amazingly wonderful in every way. Congratulations again!!
Special thanks to all the vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum- North Hall
Reception Venue: Curtiss Hotel
Officiant: Kim Salt of Kimberlily Creek
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography
Florist: William’s Florist|
Caterer: Curtiss Hotel
Cake/Bakery: Cookie Buffalo
Ceremony Music: Brian Donat of Lakeside Strings
Reception Music: Whirlin Disc
Transportation: 716 Limousine
Invitations: Minted
Hair: Jessie of Joie Salon in Hamburg (brides hair and half of the bridesmaids) and Bella Paolini of salon187 in Orchard Park
Makeup: Shannon Danahy
Bride/Groom Attire: Bride- Bridal Chateau, Groom- Men’s Wearhouse
Shoes: Vans
Accessories: Hairpiece- Dareth Colburn
Wedding Party Attire: Groomsmen- Men’s Wearhouse, Bridesmaids- all different stores
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: William’s Florist
Favors: Watsons Chocolates
