Brian + Erin

Erin and I go way back. We met back in college when we were both studying art at Munson Williams Proctor in Utica. Our young lives were full of many shenanigans, some of which I'm sure I can't remember, and some of which I'll never forget. Even when she moved to Baltimore to further her studies at MICA, she would still make the drive back for a surprise weekend visit every now and again, and eventually this led to convincing us to move down there; because why not? So we spent some time as roommates and had many a Maryland adventure. Later on, she moved into a different place down in Baltimore, but we still saw each other often. Eventually though, Jake and I made the decision to move back to New York, and even though we saw each other during a couple of trips we made back to Baltimore, we didn't keep in touch the way we should have. Sure, there's Facebook, but that's not the same. I'm sad to say that there is a huge chunk of each other's lives that we just missed out on the past seven years. Like her meeting Brian, and having a beautiful (and gigantic) baby boy. When she asked if I would photograph her wedding, I was overjoyed at the prospect of seeing her again, and meeting fiancé Brian and baby Liam for the first time. But it was more than that too; we got to see the rest of  her family that we hadn't seen in years. Mom Colleen, and her many brothers and sisters, some who I hadn't even met yet, or were so young that I didn't even recognize them as adults! We made the trip to East Aurora, where she grew up and spent the weekend catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Erin and Brian got us a room at the beautiful Roycroft Inn where we enjoyed our stay. She told me a fun story about how when she was little, she used to live near the hotel (which was not open at the time) and sneak into the courtyard with her friends to play that they were getting married. So of course, we took some pictures there before heading to the ceremony site, which was at a family friend Martha's home. Martha's place was absolutely beautiful and full of fun, whimsical spots which we explored after the first look. Not only did she provide the venue, but she also prepared the delicious food for the wedding guests. Erin's brother Patrick performed the sweet and funny ceremony which had everybody laughing, and we even had a rabbit pop in to overlook the event. It was a beautiful day and I'm glad I got to be a part of it! Congratulations to you both; we wish you years and years of happiness! It was great to see you again, Erin, and it was a pleasure to meet you, Brian! I hope we get to catch up again sometime, hopefully not too far in the future.

Erin at the courtyard where she and her childhood friends would play "getting married".

Time to leave the Roycroft and head to Martha's for the First Look!

Liam getting on his boutonniere.

 

We snuck back out into the twilight for a few more shots in the fading light.

And then there was dancing. Lots and lots of dancing.

My husband and daughter brought their instruments, and after the DJ broke down and the night was coming to an end they played a few songs. One of them was very special; it was written years ago by Jake when we still lived in Utica, and it was about what happens when you whistle with a mouth full of crackers. The subject of the song is an unfortunate person named Erin, who happens to be in the way. Based on a true story.

Venue: Martha's Garden
Hotel: Roycroft Inn