Not all those who wander are lost|Buffalo Wedding Photography

"Not all those who wander are lost..."

(J.R.R. Tolkien)

I slowly walked through Hotel Layfayette capturing all of the little details lovingly picked out by the bride and groom. They had successfully turned a Buffalo, NY staple into their very own version of home and I was struck by how awe inspiring this particular wedding really was. Nick, originally from Oregon, moved to Alfred, NY to attend art school. Lindsay, originally from Buffalo, moved to Alfred, NY to attend art school. They met, fell in love, and began to travel all over the world together. 

I met Nick and Lindsay through "Help Heather Heal". I was auctioning off a wedding package to help a local family struggling with a rare cancer. Nick and Lindsay put in the winning bid and the rest was history! Because of their short time spent in Buffalo this year, the wedding needed to be planned much quicker than a typical couple would have. Almost all of their vendors were friends and family and they opted to be married on a Thursday to ensure they were able to have their dream venues.

Mr. and Mrs. Geankoplis currently reside in Beijing China, so relying on friends and family to help get all of the details worked out for their wedding was a must! Hair design was provided by Shannon Isch, makeup artistry was by Melissa, the gorgeous flowers were designed by Chickory Kin - Sarah Borodzik, wedding cake was made and decorated by family friend Teri, the cake topper was hand made and painted by Ursula Hilsdorf, printed invitations and accessories were designed by Aubrey Dosman under the art direction of Andrea Napchan and Jenna Bloodough. All of the fantastic Chinese themed decor was either made, bought, or brought in from China by Nick, Lindsay, and an array of family and friends! 

Of course we can't go on giving props without including the always fabulous Hotel Layfayette! The art deco theme and arcitecture that has brought this building back into Buffalo's hayday is always a pleasure to photograph. Staff is courteous and the food is always great. Nick and Lindsay decided to go with a Buffalo themed buffet with all of our local favorite pub food (chicken wings, gourmet pizza, celery and carrot sticks, ect). These were definate crowd pleasers.

Lindsay and Nick's day was filled with happy tears and the love of their close friends and family. It was clear that this couple is not just loved, but adored by everyone present. Guests traveled far and wide to help make Nick and Lindsay's day complete and I think everyone had laughed and cried at some point that day. Lindsay gave out antique hankies to catch happy tears for her bridemaids and mothers, and that was a very good thing! 

With touching vows and stories told by their friend and officiant, speeches given by their maid of honors and best men, and completed by an epic that was created to tell the story of their lives. There were a lot of those happy tears! I'll be honest, I cry at every wedding I capture, but this was the first one that brought me to tears multiple times.

There is so much I could go on about, the awesome bar code luggage tag favors that were coded with each guests information, Chinese takeout center pieces, Jenga guest book, or homemade photobooth, but I will let pictures do what they do best :)

Nick and Lindsay, it was a joy to be chosen as your wedding photographer. You have been incredibly inspiring with your stories and art. Your hearts are incredbily big and generous. I am so happy we could collaborate to help a family in need. May your lives be filled with all of the adventure and love that you both deserve. You are beautiful souls and I am honored to have met you.