Amy & James win for the couple who’s traveled the furthest to acquire my services. They live in LA & had their wedding here in Syracuse. Ok so maybe they didn’t fly here just so I could shoot their wedding, most of their families are based in the area, but they still traveled the furthest (plus Amy’s family came straight from Korea)!
I wont lie, I was waiting for this wedding alllll summer! When Amy first told me about the idea’s she had planned, I was so excited. The day did NOT disappoint!
I started with the guys getting ready…which was really James’ brothers & significant others hanging out and giving cheesy toast suggestions to James. It was very entertaining! I then ventured over to the Jefferson Clinton where Amy was getting ready, she was cool as a cucumber. What I didn’t expect was for James to come strolling in and see Amy before we even did the “First Look!” Neither of them seemed to mind so I rolled with it and did an impromptu “First Look” right there in the hotel room. We managed to squeeze in some time for a few formals at Franklin Square and then we jaunted off to LeMoyne Chapel for the ceremony. It was very sweet with some very funny moments…and by funny I mean awkward 😉 Amy & James know what I’m talking about! Hee Hee!
I was thrilled to find that Amy & James were still interested in taking some formal shots outside of LeMoyne & on our way to the reception I spotted the Art Supply store on Erie Blvd. Black & White stripes + Bride & Groom = awesome sauce! And speaking of awesome sauce, Dinosaur BBQ was all sorts of Wango Tango Awesomeness! I may have drooled a little bit as I entered their upper room. Mary from Fairy Tale Weddings & Amy’s vision fit like a glove in the Dino’s natural habitat. The evening was filled with outfit changes, props, drinks, laughter, and LOTS OF DANCING! I had such a blast capturing it all! Thank you so much Amy & James for choosing me!
xoxoxo,
Mabyn
How did you meet?
We met when we started graduate school at the University of Chicago. Amy was the only girl in many physical chemistry classes. We dated all through graduate school (6 years of chemistry!!! yikes!) and then about a year ago moved to sunny California.
How did your fiance propose?
We were visiting the Getty Center and while we were walking around the outdoor garden, we were talking about our future and then we decided that it was about time we got married! ( Sorry no exciting proposal story from us…)
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding (how did you pick the venue, colors, funny stories, etc..):
We initially thought about getting married in Los Angeles in the winter time. But, we thought it might be easier for James’ family if we got married out on the East coast. James really really loves the food at Dinosaur BBQ. Our initial plan was to rent a lake house along the finger lakes and then have Dino cater the food but once we found out about the upstairs, we were sold. We booked the venue even without looking at it.
What details at your wedding had special significance?
We didn’t care that much about most of the details. We really wanted it to be casual and rustic and pretty small. The most important thing was for our guest to have a good time. We really enjoyed planning the polaroid guest book, buying dinosaur figures for the table numbers, and the spices for wedding favors. (we love to cook and all those spices were inspired from various neighborhoods in Chicago that we miss so much.)
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day?
We are not sure if we can pick one. We did enjoy the whole day. It was so nice to see many of our friends and family.
If you had to do it all over, would you change anything?
We don’t think so. We feel that our wedding was “very Amy and James”.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
We did think the priest was a bit weird. We remember not understanding how the stories he was telling was related to us… but we still have a good laugh about it…
What was your favorite wedding purchase?
We love our dinosaur figures. James loves his reception shoes and Amy loves her reception dress.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We are headed to Korea for a second reception. We both have many business trips planned for the next few months so we decided to wait a year for a honeynoon. We have been talking about Ireland… we shall see.
Any advice for future bride & grooms?
Relax and have fun. Do what you want to do not what people tell you do to do.
There were so many cool details at this wedding. I especially loved James’ astronaut cufflinks…so cool!
The rooms at the Jefferson Clinton made me drool! Great light, great decoration, great photos!
LeMoyne Chapel was interesting to shoot in. It’s a giant circle so anywhere is a good shot!
And those fans they made…how cute can you get?!
Amy & James don’t think they’re photogenic…I beg to differ, aren’t they AMAZING?!
Oh Dinosaur BBQ, how I love thee on so many levels! What a fantastic party!
Hair: Artisry of Hanover\\Makeup Artist: James’ aunt Pat\\Dress Designer & Store Location: Nordstrom bridal boutique\\Jewelry:Nordstrom\\Veil or Hair accessories:hair clip from Nordstrom, veil from David’s bridal\\Shoes: cole hann\\Bridesmaids Dresses: Jcrew\\Grooms Attire: Custom made tux from Korea (bow tie from “mainebows” they have an amazing selection!\\Ceremony Venue:LeMoyne chapel\\Reception Venue:Upstairs at Dinosaur BBQ\\Additional photo venue: Franklin Square\\Florist: James’ flower\\DJ: Great Music Company\\Wedding Coordinator: Mary from Fairy tale weddings\\Invitations & Stationary: save the date – gift from bride’s brother, invitations – Costco
Music:
First Dance: Billy Holiday
