2021 Wedding Highlights PART I
I kick started my 2021 wedding season off by celebrating a well deserved love between two people I hold near and dear to my heart. I worked with my bride, Aliya, at Tappo Restaurant for 3+ years before I attended her wedding on the weekend of July 26th & 27th. And to think, we used to share lunch with each other, in between shifts on this rooftop, and now we were celebrating their rehearsal dinner on this rooftop. But ever since our very first rooftop lunch, it’s always been Rob.
We first celebrated the two of them for their rehearsal dinner at none other, Tappo. We reminisced, their friends and families joined together while delicious food + cocktails were passed around.
It’s the days I spend with people like Aliya, when I am reminded of how lucky I am for being able to do this. It was the perfect way to begin the wedding season. So much friendship and love circulated on this day and still radiates stronger than ever now. Today, these two lucky love birds are living their best life in the gorgeous state of South Carolina, always ready to visit us back in Buffalo again.
Wedding #2 welcomed me with open arms. Prior to booking with Luz and Kahlil, I had actually shot Kahlil’s brother, Caleb and his wife, Emily’s wedding back in October of 2020! It was at that wedding when I first spoke to the sweetest, most tranquil little lady, Luz. It was so surreal to me then, to think I was going to continue this meaningful connection with their families.
On a gloomy, yet vital Saturday on July 17th, I met Luz and Kahlil at Kahlil’s parents’ house in West Valley, NY. We took our time as the day began, and didn’t, not even for a second, allow the rain to make us feel like we had to beat it. And even with my, ‘go with the flow’ status quo, the true calm and warm energy was solely brought on by Luz + Kahlil. They’re the best!
Once Luz + Kahlil were ready for their ceremony, we took just a few steps out to Kahlil’s parents’ backyard where they would proclaim their love for each other. And wow, there really is somethin’ so special about a backyard wedding. I don’t know if even the greatest of ceremony venues can top the sentiment emitted when in the presence of your own home.
After they smooched, I was invited to enjoy some wholesome, family conversation while we ate really yummy cheeses. While enjoying myself at the Sarickey home, I was quickly introduced to their bee farm, for which they pride themselves in making their very own, homemade honey! Luz + Kahlil gifted their guests with their own personal bottle of raw, organic honey. In addition to this amazing discovery, I also noticed their landscape of maple trees that were attached to miles of gravity-fed tubing that brought fresh sap into what I’m just going to call, a syrup machine, that produced fresh maple syrup they would eat and sell! How incredible.
Once we were ready to hop in the limo, we already knew we were going to stop at this pretty little lookout point, perfectly located near Ellicottville, NY. Here was where we shot Luz + Kahlil’s romantic bridal photos.
Following our pit stop, we limo-ed on over to West Rose Restaurant, located right in the heart of Ellicottville, where Luz + Kahlil’s wedding reception would take place. And if you haven’t been to West Rose before, this is your sign to make the visit. The atmosphere, the staff, the food, the drinks. Each rated, a solid 10/10. It’s no wonder Luz + Kahlil AND Emily + Caleb both booked West Rose for their wedding receptions.
CHEERS TO LUZ + KAHLIL SARICKEY! Saturday, July 17th, 2021.
Next up! Alycia and Nick! Married on Saturday, September 11th at the beautiful, Sterling at Arrowhead in Akron, NY. I can attribute this wedding connection to my videographer friend and wedding business pal, Mike LoTempio of ML Studios LLC. We booked this gorgeous wedding together, which would actually be our second, and NOT last, wedding captured as a team. I look forward to the 2022 weddings I get to photograph with Mike and the crew!
We met Alycia at non other, SpOt Coffee, prior to her wedding day and I knew instantly then, that she was going to be the most outgoing yet laid back bride. It’s when a woman mentions ‘icing’ the man she’s in love with, when I fall in love with her too.
When it comes to your ‘get ready' location, all I’ll say is, follow the light baby! The Sterling at Arrowhead really blew me away with their spacious, white & bright bridal suite. Alycia and her bridesmaids has such a fun time, frolicking around such a large space! And not to take away from where Nick suited up; the stunning light rays followed me as they shimmered through the groomsmen suite windows.
First look? No first look? Okay but, it’s always going to be a, ‘YES’, for me, to a first look with your dad. Alycia and her father shared the sweetest first look. And yes, I cried. We all did.
After their beautiful & bright ceremony, we walked over to a large field conveniently located next to The Sterling where I gathered their super fun and energetic 14+ person bridal party!
After rounding up the tribe, we ran back over to The Sterling’s dining room to pronounce Alycia + Nick’s love. Her many beautiful guests gathered together where first dances were revered, speeches were laughed through, cake was cut through and prayers were shared.
Remember when I mentioned the ‘icing’ that Alycia would secretly be planning for Nick on their wedding day? Don’t worry, that definitely still happened. Along with copious amounts of dancing! And if Alycia’s smile isn’t any indication of the amount of fun we were having then I don’t know what to say! Her and Nick created some unbelievable core memories.
Congratulations to Alycia + Nick Pollinger! Saturday, September 11th, 2021.
My next wedding was one that felt super close to home for me. Marissa and Ronn are actually from my hometown, Syracuse, NY. I went to high school with Ronn and we were both big kids now. He was marrying the girl of his dreams and I was going to photograph it.
I began the day by greeting Ronn’s identical twin, Ryan, as if he was Ronn, the groom! *hits forehead emoji* and I’m not exaggerating when I tell you, these two are identical! Of course, we laughed it off; it was the perfect amount of self embarrassment needed in order to break the ice and set the tone for the day. We were going to have fun.
After checking in with the guys, I couldn’t wait to see Marissa. I met my stunning bride for the first time at their engagement session last summer and oh my gosh, this woman! She is so genuine, so kind and her smile is one of the most contagious I’ve ever seen! And of course, her smile was so big and evident on this day.
Marissa + Ronn knew they were going to do a first look and wow. As we anticipated the big reveal, Marissa’s butterflies were definitely flowing, just like her gorgeous train. I was getting butterflies, too! Seeing Ronn, see her, for the first time was pure magic. After he checked out his soon to be wife in her wedding dress for the first time, they walked through the venue together and admired all the sweet details that would make their day even more special. Happy tears, hugs, and a couple flower girl twirls prepared us for their bridal photos before the ceremony.
Here are some of my favorite photos from their family and bridal photos at Franklin Square in Syracuse, NY.
Once we got back for the reception, the good times rolled!
Congratulations to the beloved, Marissa + Ronn Bidwell. Friday, September 17th, 2021.
Next up, the very adored, Buffalo lovers, Amanda and Rob. Who are now expecting a little one in July! And that’s how it’s done people. Fall in love, get married, make precious babies.
I started the day, like most wedding days, by visiting my bride at her get ready location. I visited Amanda at her mom’s home in Hamburg, NY and was very warmly welcomed by her mother and sister. Her family members are the kind of people that offer you a warm meal even when you aren’t hungry or give you a place to stay when you have no where else to go. Good people. Great people. People I was so fortunate to spend the day with.
Once Amanda was ready, she wrote her vows and we headed for the door! Amanda & her side of the family, including myself of course, met at Orchard Park Country Club for a first look with her dad & brother before heading over to the ceremony.
Amanda + Rob’s ceremony took place at The Hamburg Brewing Co. located at 6553 Boston State Rd, Hamburg, NY. Three words; amazing draft beer. They chose this venue because of their family-like staff, as Amanda works there as HBC’s Office Administrator. This would also be the HBC’s first ever wedding! How exciting? I know it won’t be the last. After capturing two of the HBC’s anniversary events as well as Amanda + Rob’s wedding, I can attest that this is a great wedding venue that can accommodate a large guest list!
Amanda + Rob’s weather forecast for the day, did call for rain, but luckily we beat the rain just in time for their first kiss as Mr. & Mrs. Immediately after the knot was tied, the newly weds wasted no time rallying their friends and family together for an evening they’d never forget. Wedding day rain water was collected, love was spread around and a lot of people were lifted into the air.
Cheers to the new and growing family, Amanda + Rob Koshinski! Saturday, September 25th, 2021.
Buckle up my friends. This next wedding was my largest wedding of the year! Crystal and Patrick were lucky enough to share their wedding day with 17 bridal party members for a total of 19 people in their party! And from the get, I instantly became attached to each and every one of these amazing people. Enough that I even spent the entire evening with them even after I was done photographing! I just couldn’t let go.
Crystal’s decision to book me as her wedding photographer was a decision she made sure I knew was an easy one for her to make. Not only was this the highest of compliments, it was also a profound honor for me to do this for her as she lost her very admired mother, Rebecca, in 2019. And although I knew before this date, that it was going to be an emotional one, the joy that transpired reached exponential volumes.
Crystal had a special token incorporated into her wedding dress. She had a heart shaped piece of her mother’s wedding gown sewn into her own. The moment her and her father shared as they admired this, is a sacred moment I will remember for the rest of my life.
Once Crystal and her crew were ready to go, we headed on over to the prettiest backyard ceremony where Patrick, their families & friends patiently waited. I know I’ve already mentioned how much I love backyard weddings, this one only affirmed that notion. As everyone gathered, the anticipation only grew stronger. And all I’m gonna say is, get yourself a Patrick. The way this man admired Crystal as she and her father walked down the aisle was like nothing I’d seen or felt before. These families were already so incredibly connected. All of us were in tears. And Crystal’s mother was definitely with us.
After the ceremony, everyone was so elated! They wanted to celebrate! All 20+ of us hopped onto one of those huge Grey Hound type busses, Jameson bottles in hand, and drove over to Cazenovia Lake where we would crush their bridal party photos!
Once we made it back, the celebration began! Heartfelt speeches were expressed, champagne was flowing, and first dances opened up the dance floor for an evening full of non stop gyrating. As the music blasted, a bonfire was set to ignite. We were going to pay homage to Rebecca in the name of TRUE LOVE.
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the most special bride and groom, Crystal + Patrick DeAndrea! Saturday, October 2nd, 2021.
Lastly, but definitely not least on my 2021 Wedding Highlights PART 1, includes a gorgeous young couple, Caitlyn and Colton. This wedding was now my second wedding in great company with Mike & his crew at ML Studios LLC.
Upon meeting Caitlyn and her bridesmaids at the Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, I was immediately welcomed with so much enthusiasm. These girls rocked! They felt like my sisters and treated me that way too. And oh my gosh, Caitlyn’s mother, Sharon, an angel! She was so uplifting and so appreciative of my services. She made me feel so honored to be there! We were going to have a really awesome day.
Caitlyn decided on a first look with her father before her ceremony. My favorite!
After dad made sure his daughter was ready to marry the love of her life, we traveled over to the gorgeously grand, Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna for Caitlyn + Colton’s wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony, it was time to get the party started! Me, the video crew, and the wedding gang stopped at Delaware Park & the Japanese Gardens where the photo fun began. Hanging out with this bridal party felt like I was hanging out with my best friends. We had a blast!
Once we got back to the Hotel Lafayette, we were amazed by how gorgeous the Marquis Room looked with all the guests inside. It’s the largest event space at the hotel which features 25 foot vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and is adorned with hand-crafted embellished woodwork.
During their fun-filled reception, Caitlyn + Colton were showered with tremendous amounts of love through gracious words & warm embraces. They even shared their vows to one other at dinner in front of all their family & friends. There was not a dry eye in the room. These two deserved one another.
Congratulations to the beautiful Caitlyn + Colton Stallard! Saturday, October 30th, 2021.
Well that about wraps it up for this little, yet kind of big, blog post highlighting PART 1 of all my 2021 weddings! Thank you so much for taking the time to check it out! I’m really looking forward to hanging out with all my new wedding couples this year & discovering what 2022 has in store for me. Stay tuned for PART 2, where I’ll highlight all my December 2021 weddings and the weddings I had the opportunity to second shoot, assisting really kick ass photographers in my community.
xo