Who in their right mind, has their wedding at the beginning of March in Syracuse, NY? Only MY crazy clients whom I absolutely adore for doing so! I mean, I’m pretty crazy so it’s only befitting that my clients are on par right?
Katie & Mike took a huge risk setting their date for that time of year, it could have easily resulted in blizzard like conditions and a postponed wedding date. However, their gamble paid off BIG TIME! I’m practically dancing with joy that I get to share this wedding with you. Between the gorgeous details, the hilarious moments, and the magical snowy formals I’m in photo heaven!
Oh by the way, you’re welcome Syracuse that I brought up a little North Carolina weather for you. That week was literally the first week it had gotten out of the 20s for months! We had a balmy 40 degree day (break out the bermuda shorts!) with light flurries throughout. Perfectly magical shooting conditions! Throw in a seriously rockin’ party and some hilarious guests and we’ve got ourselves a mad cocktail of Irish awesome!
Now, Katie & Mike will swear up and down that they’re super awkward in front of the camera. Maybe they feel that way, but they sure don’t look it! They’re such a funny and lovable couple I could seriously take pictures of them all day long…Mike wouldn’t like it, but I’d do it anyways…unless I gave him beer, then he’d be okay. 😉 Oh these two, why do they live in Brooklyn? Can’t I just teleport them here to NC? Sometimes it’s tough meeting such amazing people only to have them in your life for a short time. Regardless, I am so glad I’ve gotten to know these two and incredibly honored to get to document their love. You know the next time in the NYC we’re totally hitting up that Doctor Who bar!
XOXOXO,
Mabyn
P.S. Mike – I’m glad your head is okay. 😉
– Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding: We really wanted a wedding experience that reflected our tastes, blending our love for Brooklyn (where we live now) with our Upstate roots. Mike and I are Le Moyne College alums, and had entertained the idea of getting married on campus. We had toyed with having the whole shebang there, but when we realized that wasn’t feasible, we shifted gears. My mom and our wedding planner, Betsy sent us a link to SKY Armory’s website on the same day (great minds!), and we were intrigued by this new venue that had this urban loft space feel in the heart of Syracuse. I took a gamble with the wedding date, March 7, because there’s nothing like Syracuse around St. Patrick’s Day. I also not so secretly love snowy pictures (did I mention I’m Irish Catholic and crazy?).
– What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day? Walking with my dad in downtown Syracuse before dawn. Like many brides, I had difficulty sleeping that night and fortunately my dad was awake before the sun came up. I’m so grateful for that time with him. Another memorable moment was walking with Mike to Grewen Hall following the ceremony. We were greeted with claps and cheers by 50 fellow alums, the snow falling and bagpipe music in the background. It felt magical.
– Funniest memory from your wedding day? After walking down the aisle, and my parents hugged Mike and gave me away, Mike greeted me as he usually does, by going in for the kiss! I pushed him off and said, “not yet!” Everyone laughed, and it really helped break the ice and set the tone for the day. Oh, and being denied entry at a bar after the reception because I didn’t have my ID. I guess a bridal gown isn’t worthy identification. All of our guests trounced to Kitty Hoynes, who accepted the rowdy bunch with open arms.
– If you had to do it all over again would you change anything? Yes! I wish I could have tried the ice cream sundae bar!
– Any advice for future bride & grooms? Stay true to yourselves. There’s so much to consider when planning a wedding, and you can begin to lose sight of your priorities and values. At the end of the day this is about you and your partner. Remember that when you’re arguing about napkins or where Aunt Sally is going to sit. It doesn’t matter. What matters is you making a commitment to one another in front of people who love and care about you. And if you can throw a rocking party in the process, well then that’s icing on the cake. Oh, and have a drink of two before the ceremony.
– What was your biggest fear before hiring me? Did it come true, and if not, what happened instead? Our biggest fear was that we would look incredibly awkward in photos. Although we felt a bit goofy at the You + Me shoot (unfortunately, we are awkward!), you eased our fears and we had a really great time. The wedding day was a breeze. Those fears had disappeared.
– What, specifically, was your favorite part of working with Mabyn Ludke Photography and why? Mabyn and her team are incredibly warm and professional. You feel like you’re spending a day with a dear friend, and someone who can really take charge – which is so great to have on a crazy-hectic day such as a wedding. We knew the photos would be stellar and would capture who we are. Mabyn was knee-deep in snow taking photos – she does whatever it takes to get the perfect shot! (see photo below)
– If you were to recommend Mabyn Ludke Photography to your best friend, what would you say? Mabyn is an absolute gem. She is kind, smart, friendly, hard-working and passionate about what she does. She will make you feel beautiful and put your mind at ease. We loved working with Mabyn. She came so highly recommended and did not disappoint. We are so grateful she could make the trip to snowy Syracuse!
It’s a good thing I’ve been doing a lot of squats, gotta get that hover juuuuuust right! 😉
Hair: Syracuse Makeup Artistry (Danielle Leubner-Key) // Makeup Artist: Syracuse Makeup Artistry (Riki Lebied) // Dress Designer & Store Location: Victoria Nicole from Wedding Atelier (NYC) // Jewelry: Engagement ring and wedding band from Greenwich Jewelers (NYC); earrings from Glow boutique (Brooklyn); bracelet was the game-time decision “something borrowed,” provided by the MOH, which she got from the soap opera The Guiding Light. No joke. // Veil or Hair accessories: Hair pin from Etsy; Veil made by Jessica Ormsby (aunt/godmother of the bride) using Irish lace donated from the bridal veil worn by Kay Denny (grandmother of the bride) over six decades ago. // Shoes: Betsey Johnson Champagne Sparkle Heels via BHLDN // Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew and Nordstrom // Grooms Attire: Michael Kors suits
Ceremony Venue: Panasci Family Chapel, Le Moyne College // Reception Venue: SKY Armory // Florist: Backyard Garden Florist // Transportation: J&J Limousine // DJ: DJ Philly C // Caterer: SKY Armory // Cake: Made by Katie Stefanik, friend of the bride & groom // Event Designer: SKY Armory // Wedding Coordinator: Betsy Guilfoil // Lighting: SKY Armory // Invitations & Stationary: Made by Shawn Roling, friend of the bride & groom // Other: Cocktail Band: The Poor Cousins (an Irish duo who the bride met while passing through Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn!) // Bagpiper: Dale Bloss
