If your thinking of going the DIY route when planning your wedding, this next post will prove to you how it pays off! Denyea & Brandon’s wedding was a DIY Bride’s dream! I was dooling from the moment I drove into the driveway! Their wedding was the epitome sweet rustic joy! From the cotton blossoms in the bouquets to the wagon ride leading to our photo location! Denyea really thought of everything!

Take that and then top it off with two of the sweetest people I’ve had the opportunity to photograph! Their day was a beautiful reminder of sincere love. The testaments of all of their guests mooning over them is the proof! I loved listening to their story and how this has been an event in the making that everyone was overjoyed to be a part of! I sure was too and I am so thrilled to be able to share these images with you! Thank you so much Denyea & Brandon, it was an honor and a joy!

xoxoxo,
Mabyn

How did you meet?
We met at LeMoyne College, Brandon sat down on a couch next to me and we started talking, then I met him a few weeks later in a kilt and I knew it was love 🙂
How did your fiance propose?
We rode out to my parents hill overlooking Jamesville Beach to watch the balloons come up during the balloon festival… when the balloons had all gone up and the sun started setting, Brandon was on one knee
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding (how did you pick the venue, colors, funny stories, etc..):
We got enganged and were about to leave for Germany for a bit, so we knew we had to act quick. The very night of the engagement, we were so excited we picked the date and the colors, and picked everything out before our trip. Justin’s Grill has great food and one of our friends had a beautiful wedding there, so we were sold. As the planning continued, our original black and white wedding turned into a black and white and… taupe and pewter. Most of the wedding was handmade as I perused the shelves of the Rescue Mission for over 100 vases, created mercury glass candle holders from clear ones, or made the invitations. I became such a DIY bride… which made it ever so special!
What details at your wedding had special significance?
Instead of doing a favor, we made a donation to the CNY SPCA. It felt so good to walk in there and make a donation. We love animals and want to do whatever we can to help! Our wedding song was also really special. Although it is kind of a sad song, it meant something important to us at the very start of our relationship. I can keep going by the way… everything was special!
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day?
Walking down the aisle to meet Brandon- so much excitement, anticipation… everyone is looking at you, but you are looking at him! (Denyea) My best moment was when I got to kiss my wife Denyea. (Brandon)
If you had to do it all over, would you change anything?
Nothing!
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Brandon was accidentally called a wife as the priest was going over the vows.
What was your favorite wedding purchase?
Our HONEYMOON! It was a surprise for Denyea!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Exuma Island in the Bahamas
Any advice for future bride & grooms?
It goes by fast, take every moment in!

Denyea was a stunning bride and I fell in love with her family! Her dad wiping away a tear gets me every time!

St. Matthew’s is absolutely gorgeous! So many beautiful angles to snap moments from!

We had 2 locations to do photographs after the ceremony. The first was the dorm at Le Moyne where Denyea & Brandon first met. The second was a field at Denyea’s parents home. The whole wedding party, parents, family dog, myself, assistant all jumped on in for one giant & amazing wagon ride! How many weddings do that?! My job is AWESOME!

Denyea was a DIY fiend! My jaw literally dropped when I walked into Justin’s Grill! All of the sweet country details that she put so much time & effort into really paid off! I was SO IN LOVE!

Hair: Joseph Anthony and Co.//Makeup Artist: Myself//Dress Designer & Store Location: Enzonie, New York Bride//Jewelry: Swavorski//Veil or Hair accessories: My mom’s veil redesigned by New York Bride//Shoes: Nina//Bridesmaids Dresses: Impressions, New York Bride//Grooms Attire: Mens Warehouse//Ceremony Venue: St. Matthew’s Church, East Syracuse//Reception Venue: Justin’s Grill, East Syracuse//Additional photo venue: Bride’s Parent’s Home//Florist: Melanie Daly//Transportation: S and S Limo//DJ: J Hatch DJ//Caterer: Justin’s Grill//Cake: Sweet Endings Bakeshop, Jamesville//Event Designer: Myself//Wedding Coordinator: Myself and Heather MacArthur and Justin’s Gril//Invitations & Stationary:  Myself//Other: All me!