Ryan and Jake’s wedding party of nearly 200 family & friends experienced every ounce of magic (and mayhem) that Chautauqua Institution holds while traveling to Western NY! From 40+ mph wind gusts at the welcome party, to cloudy skies, rain, and even moments of radiant sunshine… last weekend brought one of the most unpredictable Memorial Day Weekends that I can remember in a long time.
Let me preface this entire blog post by saying: if any human on planet earth can make lemonade out of lemons, it is the one & only Ryan Murphy. I am fully convinced that joy and genuine kindness naturally permeate from every pore in her body. When I met the entire Murphy family five years ago at her sister Kathleen’s wedding (on ironically another rainy and brisk Memorial Day Weekend!) I vividly remember leaving that day and thinking, “how on EARTH is this Ryan girl single?!” She was not only breathtakingly beautiful, but quite literally one of the funniest and most effervescent humans I’d ever encountered.
One of my favorite parts about this career is having the opportunity to keep in touch with my clients and their families, even after a wedding day passes. Needless to say, I was utterly obsessed with the Murphys and admittedly got way too excited when I started seeing sweet Jake’s face pop up on Ryan’s social media. Even more so? When I caught word from her sisters that the whole family loved him, too! COULD THIS TRULY BE THE REAL DEAL?!
Spoiler: it was very much the real deal.
Jake is the PERFECT match for Ryan. And while I know that sounds wildly cliche to say about a couple whose wedding I photographed three days ago, I mean it with every fiber of my being. Their love and adoration for each other are nauseatingly adorable. It’s hard to even find words to describe it, so frankly, I’m just going to let their endless candid photographs do the talking instead.
As you scroll these images, you may find yourself thinking, “there is no way these two humans are THAT in love or THIS excited to be getting married…”
And, if I’m being totally honest, I actually feel like these pictures don’t even BEGIN to scratch the surface of just how authentically ecstatic these two were to be marrying one another.
At one point I even said, “With most couples, you have to force poses or create moments that appear candid, but with you two, everything is just so natural and fun. I wish the world could see you two in real life.” And the even crazier part?? It wasn’t just the two of them together. That day, they were surrounded by an entire room of people who matched the same energy. Family and friends came from all over the country to celebrate their love accordingly; I have NEVER witnessed anything like it in my career! I think this wedding will go down in history as one of the most joyful, heartfelt, and authentic celebrations of all time.
Ryan & Jake–
If I asked AI to create me the quintessential couple and wedding celebration… I can confidently say it would never come close to you two. This past weekend was pure joy & I’m still so insanely proud of the way you handled every curve ball that was thrown your way. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this amazing celebration, and, as always, welcoming me into your home as one of your own. I cannot wait for your future trips to Chautauqua and will continue to fangirl (alongside the rest of the world) over your love story for the rest of time! xoxo
Thank you to all of the amazing people who came together to celebrate Ryan & Jake’s beautiful wedding weekend at Chautauqua Institution!
Photography: Hannah Bryerton Photography, @hannahbryerton
Wedding Planner: Ryan Murphy, @murfpup_productions
Wedding Coordinator: Kristin Zimmerman, Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution
Ceremony Venue: Hall of Philosophy, Chautauqua Institution
Reception Venue: The Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua Institution
Content Creator: Amanda Rumball, @sipnlearnsocial
Hair Stylist: Christina Miranda Hair, Christina Bratton @christinamirandahair
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Laurel Costello, @beautybylaurelcostello
Florist: Francesca’s Floral Design
DJ: H&H Entertainment, DJ Dan
Transportation: Chautauqua Institution
Cake: The Cakery, Fredonia
Catering: The Athenaeum Hotel
Bride’s Gown: Pronovias, @pronovias
Groom’s Attire: Armani
Custom Stationery: Map on Invitations – Madee Moran Designs, @madeemorandesigns
If you’re planning a wedding here in Western New York, I can promise you there is nowhere else like Chautauqua. As the saying goes: “It isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling.” Between the historic architecture, lakefront views, and endless one-of-a-kind Chautauqua charm, it’s a place that truly sets my photographer heart on fire! Want to see more photos I’ve taken at this iconic venue? Click HERE!
