After more than 13 years together, high school sweethearts Kate and Nick finally became husband and wife on the most beautiful August day at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York. Their wedding was filled with endless intentional details, and an unadulterated joy that radiated from the sun-filled sky to every person’s demeanor in attendance.
When I walked into their tented reception space that morning, my jaw quite literally hit the floor. Gorgeous wooden farmhouse chairs lined each table, a custom bar (hand-built by the bride’s dad!), and the florals scattered everywhere… oh my word. These florals! My pink-loving heart could have burst. Terri from Meant to Bee Flower Farm continues to outdo herself, and I swear each wedding I photograph with her grows more stunning than the last.
Narrowing down my favorite details of this day was next to impossible, but if I’m forced to pick a few they’d have to be….
- Kate’s Anthropologie BHLDN Gown + Nick’s Dark Olive Suit
These two absolutely nailed their entire wedding design. From Kate’s dreamy Anthropologie gown to Nick’s stylish dark olive suit, every detail was perfectly executed to encompass their “garden chic” vision. Kate’s best friends wore blush pink & floral dresses. Varying tones of lush pink flowers and textured greenery were present around every corner. High top tables topped with stunning patterned tablecloths basked in the golden light of cocktail hour. I found myself drooling over the way the every last detail harmonized so perfectly. - Handmade Doilies from Kate’s Grandmother
Perhaps the most sentimental detail of the entire day: delicate, handmade doilies crafted by Kate’s late grandmother. She made hundreds of these treasures throughout her life, and they were thoughtfully integrated into the wedding details and decor. The most special one of all (created specifically for Kate’s wedding before she passed) rested on the welcome table. Even though her grandmother could not be there in person, her love and artistry were woven into so many pieces of their celebration. - The World’s Most Handsome Flower Guy
Instead of a traditional flower girl, Kate asked her sweet 92-year-old grandfather to fill this role, and goodness, did he absolutely crushed it. Her grandpa proudly filled that whole aisle with petals wearing the biggest smile on his face. His personality was sweet beyond words. I even had the honor of chatting with him about his wife before the ceremony began (yes, the same grandma who made the doily on the welcome table!) The way he spoke about their love brought tears to my eyes.
Honorable Mention: The Blush Pink Napkins
Just wait until you see these beauties in the blog; they really stole the show. Hahaha– ok, I’m totally kidding. The pink napkins are just EXTRA special to me because they were my very own wedding napkins! In the sweetest twist of fate, Kate’s mom and my mom crossed paths through work and realized the connection! Since our color palettes were so similar, my mom passed along some of our décor to Kate’s family. It felt surreal (and so stinkin’ fun) to see an element from my own wedding woven into the celebration of one of my couples seven years later!
Kate and Nick-
You are the most kind, gracious, intentional, and loveable humans any photographer could ask for. Patience has GOT to be y’all’s superpower, as you booked during my maternity leave when my email responses were comparable to the 1860’s Pony Express. And may we never forget the super fun (and totally not embarassing) time I was stung by a bee on your wedding day. Not once, but TWICE. Where I danced around yelling and flashing the world in an attempt to get the dang thing out of my dress. I truly feel like our relationship has reached new heights after you witnessing all my chaos in its purest form. HAHAHA!
I will never understand what I did to deserve you two as my clients, but I am so thankful I now get to call you my friends. My heart is so full after this past weekend. Thank you for allowing me to have a front row seat to this next chapter of your incredible love story!
The sweetest vendor team for the sweetest couple– Thank to you to everyone who helped bring Kate & Nick’s “Garden Chic” wedding to life!
Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography, @hannahbryerton
Venue: The Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown NY
Tent Rental: Caya Canopies
Day-of Coordinator: Bobbi-Sue Roller
Officiant: Spencer Erickson, best friend of the couple
Hair Stylist: Jaclyn Haskell, @hairbyhaskell
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Bajer (Alyssa Bajer)
Flowers & Floral Design: Meant to Bee Flower Farm, Terri Witherell
Band: The Swooners
Musicians: Peter van Scozza (ceremony violin)
Catering: 3 C’s Catering
Bride’s Dress: BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: Lacobucci Formal Wear
Stationary: Reverie Press
