I first met Kelsey a few months prior to her and David’s beautiful wedding day, at Spot Coffee in Williamsville where we were joined by some of her close family – mom, sister, aunt, and even cousin! Kelsey was home from DC on a whirlwind wedding planning weekend, along with her incredible crew of loving and supportive family. This group meeting gave me a peak into Kelsey’s family and instantly, I knew we’d be a great match. While I may not come from a large Tuscan family, I certainly know a lot about being a member of a big family thanks to marrying into a large, tight-knit Portuguese family. And let me tell you – there really is nothing greater than having so many loved ones to call your family, regardless of how crazy it may be at times.
Fast forward to their beautiful (and unseasonably freezing!) wedding day in early September, Kelsey and David were wed in front of close to 300 family and friends in Kelsey’s mom and step-father’s backyard. Tears were shed by many during an emotional ceremony, where Kelsey’s dad was able to take part in marrying them, and where they exchanged their own, personal vows (my fave) under a custom arbor made by Kelsey’s step-father. They committed their love to one another, and to God, and in those moments, truly nothing else mattered.
Following the ceremony there was an elegant celebration held under a huge tent from McCarthy Tents and Events. In true Italian fashion, there was food located at every corner, and “Good” wine bottles were found at each table. DJ Jickster kept the music going all night, with a smoke machine and colorful lights flashing along with it. And at the end of the night, there were fireworks and the largest sparkler send-off I’ve ever seen. In every aspect, Kelsey and David’s wedding was a extraordinary celebration and I’m so excited to share a few highlight images from their day.
But first… some advice from the bride:
Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding?
1. Pray & Prepare. Pray – for your wedding day, for your guests, for your future marriage. Prepare – We are 2 imperfect, different people coming together as one. Preparing for your marriage and for life together is HUGE. Find a married couple, a pastor, or role models to meet with a few times before your wedding. We met with one of our Pastors and his wife 5 times before the wedding and went through different topics to help us see differences and potential conflict areas that may arise in marriage. It was so encouraging. Do it.
2. Right before your rehearsal starts the night before, take it all in and refocus on what is important and what the rest of that day and the next day really means. No matter what little detail doesn’t go as planned or something goes wrong, LET IT GO! You are marrying your best friend. All of your guests are there to support and celebrate the two of you, and besides, they probably wont notice anyway.
Special shout-out to all the vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Parlato Residence (The Bride’s mother & step-father’s home in Darien, NY)
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: The bride & MOB Beth Parlato
Officiant: Pastor Matt Gold (Father of the Bride) and family friend Neil Boron
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography
Videographer: White Washed Creative
Florist: Graser's Florist
Caterer: Kennedy's Cove
Cake/Bakery: Cake by Buttercrumbs Bakery; Cannoli’s and individual bread loaves on each plate from DiCamillo Bakery; Paula’s Donuts; Ice Cream from Anderson’s Ice Cream; Cake pops, Cookies & Oreo truffles by Aunt Patti; Italian cookies by Aunt Holly
DJ/Band/Entertainment: DJ Jickster
Transportation: Limo Bus guest transportation and late night bride & groom pick-up by Advantage Limousine Service
Invitations: Minted
Hair: Jess Tripi from Cielo Salon and family friend, Gloria Moretti
Makeup: Jess and Maria from Cielo Salon
Bride/Groom Attire: Bride’s Dress from M.A. Carr Bridal and Groom’s Tux from Men’s Wearhouse
Accessories: Bride's veil borrowed from Aunt Holly
Wedding Party Attire: Bridesmaid dresses from M.A. Carr Bridal and Groomsmen tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse
Tent Rental & Lighting: McCarthy Tents & Events
Tables, Chairs, Table settings: Tesoro Event Rentals (amazing!)
Decorations: Antique shops and Auctions in WNY, Amazon & the best Maid of Honor & bridesmaids in the world that helped so much!
Landscaping, Handmade Bars, Handmade Ceremony Arbor: Tony Parlato (Step-Father of the Bride)
Wine Labels: Designed by Taylor Dawson, printed by Let’s Do Wine & Buffalo Brew Shop
