Lauren + Alex, Buffalo, NY {Wedding}

Lauren + Alex's wedding day was nothing short of incredible. I remember talking to Lauren about how she and Alex met and their story could be the basis of a Lifetime movie. Lauren went in for a routine dental visit and there was a new dentist...Alex! Due to obvious reasons, their wedding plans were revised, and changed again four weeks before the big day. With a communal effort, everything fell into place beautifully to celebrate these two amazing humans. Lauren's parents backyard was transformed into a festive wonderland and the couple made sure to sprinkle in some lovely traditions from Alex's Ukranian heritage throughout the day.

The girls started the morning in style, getting ready in the Presidential suite at the Marriott Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo, NY. The view of the Buffalo waterfront was spectacular! Lauren, her bridesmaids and some family members hung out, drank mimosas and got ready for the big day. Everyone was super relaxed as the weather went from pouring rain to the sun peeking out behind the clouds just before it was time to leave. Jaime Ruggiero had everyone looking absolutely gorgeous and Dan O'Brien, Kristen Franco, and Kelly Hausler created the most beautiful hairstyles! Everyone looked amazing! 

Lauren chose a simple and elegant off the shoulder, Vagabond Alpha gown with button detailing down the back from Lovely Bride Rochester. She paired it with a low bun and loose curls. Lauren completed her wedding look with nude Badgley Mischka satin and crystal heels and a custom clutch made from her mother's wedding dress. She looked stunning! The bridesmaids wore unique dresses to fit their individual styles and all were in the champagne, ivory and beige color scheme. They looked so good!! The bride's bouquet was beautiful with white and ivory blooms and greenery created by Williams Florist. The bridesmaids' bouquets complimented their dresses perfectly with white roses, pale pink blossoms and sprigs of greenery. Lauren and her father share a special bond. This was evident throughout the entire day. They shared a daddy daughter first look in Lauren's hotel suite just before the ceremony that was incredibly sweet and memorable. 

Lauren and Alex were wed at Saint Michael Church in a traditional Catholic ceremony where the priest shared a thoughtful and personalized homily with the couple and their families. To celebrate and incorporate the groom's heritage, a traditional Ukrainian crowning ceremony was included. After the ceremony, the wedding party headed over to a neighbor's property for some photos. It was as if we had entered into an enchanted garden! After some quick photos, the Limo bus headed to the reception. Lauren and Alex had not seen how her parent's backyard had been transformed. To say they were surprised would be an understatement! First, they were greeted by their pup, Mosely, who sported a navy bowtie for the occasion. After a few loving licks, they continued down the white hydrangea lined driveway into the entrance of the their wedding reception. Guests were welcomed into the white tent decorated with lush greenery and twinkling patio lights. The first tent contained a bar and candlelight adorned hightop tables for cocktail hour. The second tent contained the most beautiful decor ready for a lavish dinner party. Every little detail was taken into consideration. Guests names and table numbers were written in calligraphy on parchment with gold accents. Multiple arrangements of white and pale pink florals sat on each table surrounded in candlelight. Menus were placed at each table setting and accented with a simple green sprig. Everything was gorgeous! 

Lauren and Alex had their first dance as husband and wife while Vin DeRosa played. Lauren's father thanked everyone for coming to the wedding and explained how everything came together in just 4 weeks after many changes from the original wedding planning. With the help of many family members and friends, they had created the most beautiful wedding space in their backyard. It is incredible how beautifully everyone and everything came together. Lauren's father, her two brothers and Alex's sister all gave such warm and heartfelt speeches. They had everyone both laughing and crying. Lauren and Alex are two of the most selfless people. There is so much love between these two families and everyone was so excited that Lauren and Alex had found each other. 

Oliver's catered dinner featuring perogies, seabass and NY strip steak. Everything looked delicious and guests enjoyed a fun Affogato Bar after dinner. Lauren and her father shared a lovely first dance and Alex and his mother danced to a Ukrainian song full of twirls and laughs. Then, everyone got on the dance floor as the band played favorites from all generations! Threads of Ivory got it all on video and we can't wait to see it! 

Sometimes plans must change. Some things are out of our control. This was a situation where two people who are so in love, found a way to celebrate their marriage in the middle of a pandemic. Their family and friends came together asking how they could help and in the end, created something extraordinary. This is a day that Lauren and Alex will always remember. A beautiful light in a strange year.

We are so honored to have been a small part of your story. We hope we served you well, and please know, that you two have inspired us! Lauren and Alex, you are surrounded by so much love.
​Best wishes for a wonderful life together!  

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

Wedding Planner: Marilynn Militello
Hotel: Marriott Harborcenter
Florist: Williams Florist
Makeup:  Jaime Ruggiero
Hair: Daniel O'Brien, Kristen Franco, Kelly Hausler
Dress Designer: Vagabond 
Dress Boutique: Lovely Bride Rochester
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
​Rings: Reeds Jenss
Groom: Bonobos
Invitations: Rust Belt Love
Ceremony: Saint Michael Church
Catering: Oliver's
Band: Vin DeRosa Music
Video: Threads of Ivory
Photography: Rooted Love Photography
Second Shooter: Mary O'Sullivan