Kelsey + David's Committment to Love | An Elegant Buffalo Wedding | Buffalo Wedding Photographer

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

Jillian + Matthew's Buffalo Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Mansion on Delaware Avenue | Buffalo Wedding Photographer

One of the fondest memories I have from Jillian and Matthew’s wedding day at the Mansion on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY this past September is when I asked Matthew’s son, Wylie, what he was most looking forward to that day. His response was: “seeing someone very special to me join our family.” Isn’t that what a wedding is – and should be – all about? Families joining and loved ones coming together to celebrate. It really is as simple and significant as that all at the same time.

From start to finish, everything about Jillian and Matthew’s wedding day was true to them, which made every minute that much more special. Everything took place at the Mansion – bridal prep, ceremony, all the portraits, and the reception – allowing them to keep the flow of the day uncomplicated and centered around their desire to spend time celebrating with loved ones. They did an informal first look where Matthew just came to Jillian’s room to see her, and they invited everyone to the dance floor after each of their formal dances. Even their ceremony felt laid back and casual, with Jillian making her way to Matthew and Wylie through a crowd of loved ones with her parents on each arm. The floral arrangements from William’s Florist, were a beautiful pop of color throughout the venue (and everything Jillian hoped for!); their wedding cake shaped like a hot-dog will always be memorable; and the band, Nickel City Pimp Choir, kept the dance floor moving late into the night. It was such an honor to photograph this beautiful wedding day and the joining of two incredible families as one.

Carly + Paul's Romantic Wedding at The Sinclair of Skaneateles | Finger Lakes Wedding Photographer

One of the first decisions couples make when planning a wedding is the WHERE. Where will you have your family and friends gather to witness your exchange of vows? And where will everyone gather after to eat, drink, mingle, and dance like there’s no tomorrow late into the evening? For Carly and Paul, their decision to hold their ceremony and reception at an old chair-factory-turned-wedding-venue, The Sinclair of Skaneateles, could not have been more perfect. The venue itself provided an on-site ceremony with the cutest little church pews and the most beautiful woodland backdrop, and the building where chairs used to be manufactured provided a rustic/industrial space that was perfect for the intimate dinner and wild night of dancing for their reception. There is even a beautiful suite upstairs available for the wedding party to get ready in, filled with charming old chairs and furniture, where Carly and her girls spent the morning prepping.

From the laid-back prep of both bride and groom with their crews to the beautiful ceremony with an exchange of personal vows to every wild moment on the dance floor later that evening, it truly was THE most perfect day. And I’m so excited to now share a little peak of the highlights from this special day of love and celebration!

Before diving into their images, here’s a quick word of advice from the bride + groom:

Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding?

Have fun! We sometimes wondered if we were being too quirky with some of our details (like the guinea pig invites, the Harry Potter reading, or the 90’s pop music) but everyone loved it. Those things are what made it ours. Not everything for a wedding has to be so serious

Special shout-out to all the vendors!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Sinclair of Skaneateles
Officiant: Kathleen Jacques
Photographer: Dawn Gibson (the best photographer EVER)
Florist: Blooming Gals
Caterer: Gance’s
Cake/Bakery: Cake was made by family friend, Valentina Yalanzhi
DJ/Band/Entertainment: Sierra Yaple
Transportation:
Invitations, Programs, and Signage: Alison Kenyon (The Invitation Oven)
Hair: The Traveling Stylists
Makeup: The Traveling Stylists (bridesmaids & MOB only), Bride did own makeup
Bride + Groom Attire: The Black Tux & Something Bleu Bridal
Shoes: Michael Shannon (found them on clearance for $15!)
Accessories: Hairpiece from Etsy shop (AnnaHandwelleryAccs)
Wedding Party Attire: The Black Tux & Azazie
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: Most of it came from the Sinclair! Other things we purchased from Etsy shops or craft stores and put together ourselves.
Favors: Treat Yo’ Self candy bags from Etsy shop, StampsJubilee
Guest Book: Etsy shop, Bleudetoi

Katie + André's Catskills Wedding Weekend at Carey Institute for Global Good

My first weekend back to photographing weddings this year was a full wedding weekend celebration with Katie and André out in Rensselaerville, NY at a beautiful Catskills wedding and event venue, Carey Institute for Global Good.

After arriving at the venue and checking in, Katie and André had a ceremony rehearsal with their wedding party, followed by an intimate dinner with their close family/friends. At the end of the night there was a Welcome Bonfire with smores at the Stonecroft building on the Carey Institute’s campus. Upon arrival at the venue, it was raining pretty heavily, and the forecast for the following day was looking to be just the same. There was a heavy fog in the air outside, and yet nothing but lightness and joy for the bride-and-groom-to-be and their families.

After all the worry about rain in the forecast, everyone woke on the wedding day to blue skies and sunshine, and it was PERFECT. I could go on forever about this day, but what I loved the most was how special every single detail was to Katie and André and their story. Katie’s parents have both sadly passed, but she wore charms with their faces and favorite phrases on them, so they could be with her as she walked down the isle. And she also wore a necklace that her mom wore on her wedding day. A close friend married them during their ceremony. They wrote their own vows. Since Katie’s mom loved and was known for her needlepoint work, they incorporated that in the beautifully intricate and handmade ring pillow and table numbers. Their signature drink was the Pina Colada (appropriately named Pineda Colada) – the drink they had many of while on the vacation where they got engaged. They had cookies and pie as dessert – two of Katie’s dad’s favorites. And of course, who can forget the truly unique additions of not one but TWO bouncy castles for all the kids (and of course for themselves) to enjoy and the piñata smashing they did instead of a traditional cake cutting. The dance floor was packed all night long with their favorite music – not a single person was at their seats! And because of the venue being out in the Catskills, the night was clear and crisp – allowing everyone to celebrate under the stars and Milky Way! From beginning to the very end, it was a joyous day of celebration and love.

If you’ve ever been at the tail end of a wedding day, you’ve probably seen the rushed goodbyes given out to the bride and groom. It’s a whirlwind, and at the end of such a busy day it’s really hard to take it all in. But one benefit of having a wedding weekend is that you don’t have that. Katie and André were able to celebrate ALL NIGHT LONG and then woke Sunday morning to enjoy a full-spread of delicious food and reflective conversation at their morning-after brunch. Guests filled their bellies before their travels back home and the bride and groom passed out warm, genuine hugs to everyone.

It was such a beautiful and meaningful wedding weekend, and it was such an honor to be there for every single moment. Katie and André, congratulations again and thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your story!

Bride and Groom’s favorite moments/memories from the wedding? This question is SO HARD. Every time we pick one, we think of 5 others that were just as great. So here's a not-so-short list:

- The dance floor. We both love to dance, and we get really into it. We each had a song when people spontaneously formed dance circles around us and people chanted our names. It was so, so fun. Will never forget how it felt to be surrounded by people we love celebrating with us

- The piñata! Instead of cutting a cake, we had a cake-shaped piñata bashing. The piñata came with a stick to break it with – didn't work. We upgraded to a broom, and we broke the broom while smacking the piñata. Then André bashed it with a chair, but the piñata still didn't break. Everyone was cheering us on and laughing. We had to take the piñata down and stomp it open. It was hysterical!

- The bouncy castles! Katie wanted bouncy castles SO BADLY. Jumping in them together was so silly and great.

- THE WEATHER. It had called for rain all week, but the night before the wedding, the forecast cleared. It was sunny and gorgeous on our wedding day, so our guests got to enjoy swimming/hiking/tennis/relaxing, and we got to have bouncy castles and cornhole. The night sky was so clear – I couldn't believe there were so many stars. You could even see the Milky Way! We had glow sticks and light up shutter shades, and many of our guests went outside the tent and had a mini-rave.

- The afterparty. We all just hung out on this beautiful patio, listened to music, and talked to our friends and family. Such a perfect end to the day.

- Right after I walked down the aisle, and before our officiant started talking, André kissed me, and everyone laughed about it. We were both just so excited and couldn't wait till the end of the ceremony.

- My uncle walked me down the aisle, and as we walked he gave me a running commentary of all the wonderful things around us – the weather, how beautiful I looked, how so many people had come to share this special day, how much love was around us.

Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding? For us, the most important parts of planning were to be a team and compromise, and find the best vendors. Our wedding could not have happened without the incredible team we had that day!

Get EVERYTHING you can done before the wedding day! The day is so fast as it is, so if there's anything you can get off your to-do list beforehand, take care of it!

Also, paradoxically, plan some time the week of the wedding for some solid self-care/relaxing. You'll want to be ready to go on your wedding day!

If you/your future spouse is prone to stress/getting overwhelmed, plan a breather for yourself after you eat! Have a good friend check in with you and take a walk. It can help you reset and re-focus from any stress you're feeling so you can go back to your party and have fun.

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Special shout-out to the vendors!

Ceremony, Reception, and Lodging Venue: The Carey Institute

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Majority of Planning: Bride & Groom; Venue Coordinator/Planner: Tina Stannard; Day of Coordinator: Heather of Cullen Creations

Officiant: Chris Jackson

Photographer: Dawn M. Gibson Photography

Florist: Jess at Farmhouse Floral Designs

Caterer: The Carey Institute - Head Chef John Murray

Cake/Bakery: Cake: Treatie Beatie Cakes by Evelyn; Other Desserts: The Carey Institute

DJ/Band/Entertainment: DJ Benj

Invitations: Precise Continental

Hair: Lari & Assistant of Lari Manz Hair & Make Up

Makeup: Jess of Aranda Artistry

Rings: Greenwich Street Jewelers

Bride/Groom Attire: RK Bridal / Robbie & Co. Men's Shop

Shoes: Shoes of Prey / Aldo

Accessories: Hair Pins: BHLDN; Necklace: Bride's Mom; Shoe Charms: OOAKResinDesigns @ Etsy; Cufflinks + Ties: Robbie & Co. Men's Shop

Wedding Party Attire: Bridesmaids - Weddington Way; Groomsmen - Men's Wearhouse

Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: Decoration & Design a joint effort between bride & groom, Heather at Cullen Creations, Jess at Farmhouse Floral & Design, and Tina at the Carey Institute

Bouncy Castles: Jumping Bean Party Rentals

Table Numbers: Handmade by bride, Emily, Jessica, Caitlin, Annie & Co Needlepoint, and by kathrynslater @ Etsy, who was kind enough to rush orders for us!