As a seasoned Western New York wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy and absolute privilege of documenting countless love stories at The Annex WNY. (It’s truly one of my happy places– from the space itself to the remarkable owners and staff. I truly feel at home whenever I walk in the doors!) But to say Kara and Nick’s wedding at The Annex was just another celebration would be an extreme understatement. This entire weekend was so deeply personal for all of us!
This bride is the precious, beloved sister to Samantha and Stephane (the passionate sister-in-law duo and owners of The Annex!) Knowing how much love and heart Sam and Steph pour into every single client’s big day, you can only imagine what happened when it was time to host their sister’s wedding. Last weekend was an event that went above and beyond everyone’s wildest dreams. It was a masterclass in customized luxury, family devotion, intentional details, and endless celebration!
Setting the Stage: A Full Week of Prep
This wasn’t just a one-day affair; it was an all-hands-on-deck production. This incredibly talented vendor team spent the entire week leading up to Saturday on-site, meticulously installing custom design elements and hanging dramatic burgundy draping high across the venue’s soaring ceilings. Every corner of the space was transformed into a moody, romantic paradise with lush greenery cascades, crystal chandeliers, and warm, ambient lighting.
When Saturday arrived, guests weren’t just attending a wedding—they were stepping into an immersive, day-long experience filled with intricately curated, extremely thoughtful touches. Personalized monogrammed details popped up at every turn, reflecting Kara and Nick’s playful, yet elevated style! A few of my favorites included:
- The Welcome Bar: With custom monogrammed fan programs and mini bottles La Marca Prosecco for every guest as they walked The Annex sidewalks to the outdoor ceremony
- The Cigar Bar: A sophisticated setup where guests could unwind with custom-wrapped cigars during cocktail hour
- Ice Sculpture Luge: Adding an extra element of fun and luxury to the bar service
- “Travel to Your Seat” Seating Chart: Where guests could find their table number, as well as a personalized luggage tag
- The Dessert Library: A breathtaking spread packed with custom, handcrafted desserts (that were equally as delicious as they looked!)
- The “Woj & Co.” Hat Bar: A wall placed by the dance floor, where guests picked up branded hats featuring their pup’s face, “Woj & Co,” and the couple’s wedding date—an absolute hit that kept the dance floor looking iconic all night!
- Late-Night Eats: Sliders, fries, iced coffee, beignets. All the fuel to keep the energy high until the final song
- Surprise Fireworks: At the end of their first dance, a firework show filled the sky behind The Annex to give guests the perfect opening to a night of dancing
The Ultimate Star of the Show: Nellie!
While Kara was a vision in her multiple gowns throughout the day, and Nick looked dapper as ever in his tux… there was one guest who undoubtedly outshined everyone in the room: their sweet pup, Nellie! To say she is the light of their lives would be putting it SO lightly, and the evidence was found everywhere you turned at this wedding!
Nellie wasn’t just in attendance… she was the undisputed highlight of the entire celebration. You’ll find her sweet face woven throughout the entire wedding design, from custom cufflinks, to subtle touches at the bar or dessert library. Nellie moseyed around the ceremony while her parents exchanged vows, and, of course, posed like an absolute pro every time a camera was pointed her way! Truly the most darling pup you may ever lay eyes on, I swear!
Kara & Nick-
It has been an indescribable honor getting to be part of this season of life for you all. From the most iconic, whirlwind of an engagement session, to the months of planning for your welcome party & wedding celebration… I truly don’t have words for how special every ounce of our time together was. You have a gift of making everyone in your life feel so loved and cherished (even me…your little old wedding photographer who was a perfect stranger just over a year ago!) My heart aches knowing this season of planning and celebration has come to an end, but I cannot wait to see where life takes you guys from here. I will miss you so much (like, genuinely, I may just show up at the Armstrong’s for Christmas this year….) but I am confident this is just the beginning.
Forever cheering you on, Mr. & Mrs. Woj! Here’s to a lifetime of adventures, full of intentional, heartfelt days… just like this one <3
This day truly never would have been possible with the collective effort of SO many vendors & their teams. Thank you to the incredibly selfless, hardworking, and dedicated individuals that made Kara & Nick’s dream celebration a reality!
Venue: The Annex WNY
Event Conceptualizing & Branding: Social Maven Event Co., Bushel Events, B-Sweet Designs, and Sincerely Melissa
Wedding Planning, Design, and Coordination: Social Maven Event Co.
Draping, Floral Design, Furniture Build-Out & Rentals: Bushel Events
Desserts Confection & Styling: B-Sweet Designs
Welcome Signage, Seating Chart, and Hat Display: Sincerely Melissa
Stationery and Paper Signage: Purple Wagon Designs
Floor Monogram Decal: B in a Bonnet
Catering: Partyman Catering
Bar Service: The Annex WNY
Videographer: Conti Media
Photographer: Hannah Bryerton
Content Creator: Curated by Rao
Makeup Artist: Little Lou Beauty
Hair Styling: Ana Alcorn
DJ: Tori Vee,Washburn Entertainment
Fireworks & Cold Sparks: Skylighters
Cigar Roller: Nice Ash
Restroom Trailer: Zuechs Environmental
Live Painter: Corinne Yancone
Audio Guebook: After the Tone
Keychain Photobooth: Roc Your Event
Ice Luge: Ice is Nice
Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola
Tabletop Rentals: Petunia Rose China, Tesoro Rentals
Seating: Hank Parker
