Micaela and James are really the sweetest couple. They are deeply loved by their many friends and family members. This Christmas wedding was beautiful on so many levels. The church, the venue, but most of all, the love that Micaela and Jamie share and the reflection of that love shining back on them from those closest to them. 
Micaela and the girls began the day with hair and makeup by Morcelle Salon and Little Lou Beauty at the Buffalo Club. They all looked gorg and if you want to feel like royalty in the Queen City, this is it! From the dark woodwork covered walls, heirloom paintings, awe inspiring hallways topped with golden chandeliers and massive staircases, this venue is the epitome of historical elegance. Micaela chose her wedding date because the Club would be decorated for Christmas. The holiday decorations are something to be seen! Lovely Christmas trees, wreaths, strands of garland and white twinkle lights adorned every room, staircase and mantel. 
Micaela decided on a stunning long sleeved, ivory and lace David Tutera gown with a touch of sparkle that she found at Dalia’s Bridal. She paired her dress with some really fun silver, jewel encrusted shoes by Betsey Johnson. A low updo with loose curls and a mid length veil completed her wedding day look. She looked like a princess! The bridesmaids were winter perfection in their burgundy, floor length gowns and fur shawls. Bouquets dripping with winter florals and evergreen sprigs from Maureens Buffalo Wholesale were the perfect accent to Micaela's color palate. The guys hung out at Jamie's house before the ceremony. They all looked great in their suits from Jos. A. Bank and classic bowties. 
Micaela + James were married in an abbreviated Catholic ceremony at the most impressive Saint Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo which was also beautifully decorated for Christmas. After the traditional ceremony and some family photos, we headed back to the Buffalo Club. Cocktails were served in the main hall, amidst the massive Christmas tree with a pianist playing in the background. Guests were invited to sign the guestbook and found their name cards with a beautiful key styled keepsake that directed them to their dinner table. Dinner tables were clothed in white with monogramed Buffalo Club stemware and lovely winter florals. Each guest received a sweet treat with Mickey and Minnie Mouse on the front as an affectionate reminder of where the Disney loving couple got engaged.  During dinner, everyone enjoyed listening to the thoughtful speeches and heartwarming words directed toward the newlyweds. There were several laughs and a few happy tears. After dinner, Micaela and Jamie shared their first dance as husband and wife. Dessert and coffee were served in the library. Attendees noshed on brownies, lemon squares and tiramisu. Finally, everyone moved to the ballroom where Silver Arrow Band was playing. Micaela and her dad had a sweet first dance, as did Jamie and his mother. Everyone joined the dance floor when the band started playing Taylor Swift and some heavy singing and dancing ensued. Late night tacos were served and everyone sang and danced well into the night. It was really such a beautiful day, full of wonderful people and Mary and I were so honored to be a part of it. 
Congratulations Micaela and Jamie! We hope you had the best time on your first honeymoon in Charleston, SC!! Yes, first! Italy is up next for these two!!!!! 

Thank you to all of the amazing vendors who helped to make this day so special! 

Ceremony: Saint Joseph Cathedral
Venue and Cake: Buffalo Club
Bride's Hair and Makeup: Morcelle Salon (Gina Pattie)
Bridesmaids Makeup: Little Lou Beauty  (Leah Rennie)
Dress Designer: David Tutera
Dress Boutique: Dalia’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Groom's attire: Jos. A. Bank
Band: Silver Arrow Band
Florals: Maureens Buffalo Wholesale
Invitations: Party Harty
Photographer: Rooted Love Photography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

We made our own orange slice garland this year and it was really so easy! This is not an in depth tutorial but I will explain what we did, if you would like to try it. I also took so many photos that they needed a place to live, so here we are!
 I used 8 oranges and made four strands of 6' garland. You may also use clementines, tangerines, whatever you want. I sliced the oranges pretty thin, about 1/4 - 1/8", blotted with paper towels, and placed on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.  We baked the slices at 250 degrees for 3 hours. I flipped them once and removed oranges as they browned a little. Then, we let them sit on baking racks for 3 days. Yes, for 3 whole days, the orange slices just sat out on the counter. I don't know if this is necessary everywhere, but the flesh may tear when you stitch the slices if there is still moisture and it was still humid in Orlando during November.
We strung the oranges about 6" apart on twine, using a yarn needle. I am fine with the slices sliding around a little so we only used one stitch through each slice. Just insert the threaded yarn needle near the rind, and again through the other side of the slice. The boys were able to stitch the oranges themselves. Tess needed some help but was also the most enthusiastic helper. 
Our garland is not perfect, but it looks festive and we decorated the whole house for Thanksgiving. These pretty little orange slices may even stick around through Christmas. Right now, I have them alongside some evergreen garland on the stairs and it looks cute. I might pull some off and attach to gifts when I start to wrap all of our packages! 
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Tea parties, jumping on beds, this whimsical family session was every little girl's dream! Sisters are forever friends and it was fun to see this sweet friendship beginning to blossom! ​

Baby Adrianna at one year. This is really such a sweet age. Crawls turn to wobbly steps and this new independence inspires exploring everywhere. I believe this is usually when parenting becomes an all day cardio event! I remember the curious pointing, everything going in their mouth and the most adorable belly laughs. Our tiny babies morphing into little humans! 

My favorite images are, quite often, those that happen during the in between moments. When children and families are interacting and connecting in a way that is truly them. During this session, the kids found an apple tree and were having the most fun picking the small apples and showing off their treasures. The sound of their laughter as the sun peeked out from between the tree branches, showering them all in golden light, was such a happy moment that I felt was just meant to be remembered. As I watched them playing together, I thought these are the images I will love. And as a mother, I would like to have remembered this part. When my kids were being kids and their little personalities were shining ever so brightly in that afternoon light. I just feel like there is such magic in the uniqueness of each and every family and I wanted to share that beauty as I saw it. 

Krissy and Brian are two the most warm and kind people I have met. They are just easy to be hang out with and to laugh with. They also happen to be the cutest together! It is always so wonderful when our couples know other friends who we have photographed on their wedding day. Lucky for us, Krissy and Brian know several! I was cracking up as they listed off all of the couples they know and recalling some of the weddings we have all been a part of. I am truly so grateful for all of the amazing couples we have been fortunate enough to work with and honored to be included in one of the biggest days of their lives. We can hardly wait for Krissy + Brian's wedding next year!!  

Every stage is truly so special. They grow up much too quickly for my liking! 

Aralyn + Jacob's wedding day was so much fun and bursting with love! The girls began the day at The Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, NY where they sipped champagne, chatted and laughed while a very talented girlfriend did their hair. Ava Grace did a beautiful job on makeup while babies were fed and passed around to many loving aunts.

Aralyn chose two dresses for the occasion. She selected a traditional, strapless princess gown, with delicate lace details that she found at a trunk show for her ceremony. She chose a more fitted, satin gown with a jewel encrusted bodice for the rest of the day and evening. Rose gold jewelry and shoes added a hint of color and sparkle. A side swept, relaxed updo completed Aralyn's look. This momma looked amazing! Since momma had two gowns, it was only fitting that Aralyn's 5 month old daughter, Elly, had two outfits as well. She was so cute! The bridesmaids wore different shades, textures and dress styles, all in a rose gold hue. The men were outfitted in gray suits from Men's Wearhouse with vests and black bowties. 
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Aralyn + Jake had a really sweet first look. Daughter Elly stole the show when she was brought over to see mommy and daddy. It was so beautiful to see there little family of three all together on one of the happiest days of their lives. Aralyn's nephew, Tommy, was also part of the wedding. He and Elly are close in age and they were both so good for the entire day. They were simply adorable! The bride and groom are highly allergic to flowers so Aralyn's mother-in-law created a unique bouquet for Aralyn and each of her bridesmaids of white peacock feathers and heirloom pearls and jewels. Aralyn honored her late grandfather with a rendition of his image attached to her bouquet. 

The bride and groom were married in a lovely ceremony under a simple white arbor adorned with willow branches and twinkling lights at Kloc's Grove.  Jake got a little choked up when he was saying his vows, leaving very few dry eyes among the family and friends in attendance. Jake + Aralyn have such a fun and playful relationship and their wedding day reflected that! 

We were so honored to be a part of such a special day. Seeing Aralyn, Jake and sweet baby Elly, together as a family of three was so wonderfully heartwarming. The excitement we witnessed from their families who came together from different countries and the other side of the world was so beautiful. It was truly a joyous event and one that we will never forget!! 

We wish you all the best, Aralyn + Jake and your adorable daughter Elly! Hope you have an amazing honeymoon in Punta Cana!! 


Venue: Kloc's Grove
Makeup: Ava Grace
Hotel: The Millennium Hotel
Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse
Entertainment: DJ “Shyguy” Shawn
Videographer: Dan Richardson
Day of coordinator: The Wedding Connection
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan

​I want to remember it all. The curiosity, the faces they made, that wispy baby hair. These days when they are young. They are long, but the years somehow pass us by in a blink. The memories continue to build up as I try to grasp at them to hang on. Finding new ways to connect as they grow and no longer need to be held. Thinking about this as I snuggle my youngest baby, hoping she doesn't ever get bigger. Knowing that every child must grow up.

I met Stephanie + KC for maternity photos at their home, just a week before the arrival of their new baby girl. Stephanie is one stunning mama! This amazing view is what they look out at from their home, every day!