shannon + nick // Hotel @ the Lafayette Wedding

Shannon and Nick are that couple who started dating in high school and never lost that fun loving youthful energy of the “good old days”. You want to be near them in hopes that just a little of their amazing energy might rub off onto you, and if you spend more than a few minutes with them then it surely will. The excitement in the air on their wedding day was tangible! It was so sweet how evident it was that they just wanted to have fun and love each other for the rest of their lives. You could see so much affection and all the years of friendship in their faces every time they looked at each other. They couldn’t wait to spend all day together, surrounded by their family and friends, laughing and embracing and showing off their serious moves on the dance floor all night. It was such a fun filled day and we’re so grateful to have been a part of it!

Shannon and Nick shared a few words about how they met, how Nick proposed and why they love each other so much. Scroll through to feel their incredible energy and read all about it!

Shannon: “I had probably tried on 40 dresses and was starting to lose hope in the process when I had my appointment at Bridal Chateau. Their shop is unique in that they let you look through the racks and pull dresses for yourself which was really fun. I actually pulled what ended up being my dress, and I don’t think any consultant ever would have brought it for me because it was so far from what I was describing that I wanted. But when I saw it, even on the rack, I was just drawn to it! I had my mom, sisters, aunt and cousin with me and as soon as I came out in the dress they seemed to know what I knew- it was the one! The reason I knew beyond at doubt is because it was the only dress that I had fun wearing (I really couldn’t stop smiling in it) and I did not want to take it off. I loved how it moved and how unique it was! I was a little nervous how Nick would react to the bold style, but of course he agreed with me that it was perfect!“

Shannon: “Getting ready with my friends and family was so much fun, and way more relaxing than I imagined. I felt so supported by the amazing women in my life and it was nice to enjoy the morning with them. What particularly stands out is the little champagne toast we did, it was such a nice moment to tell them all how much I love and appreciate them and shed some happy tears together.“

Shannon: “Nick and I met in high school in 2007 through friends. We immediately connected and had so much fun together! We have been best friends ever since. Because we were so young when we first started dating, we really didn’t have an official first date. We hung out with friends as a group a lot before becoming a couple, typical high school stuff!“

Nick: “Our First Look was so special for me. I kept thinking about how we basically grew up with each other and the past 11 years had culminated to this day. Also I couldn’t believe the dress, she looked so beautiful.“

Shannon: “My first look with Nick was exhilarating and romantic. My heart was pounding coming around that corner to greet him, but as soon as he turned around and I saw his huge smile all I could do was smile back (and you basically won’t find a picture of me without a huge smile for the rest of the day).”

Shannon: “Nick had planned an amazing day for us. It was a random Sunday, so I suspected nothing – we had brunch and spent some time shopping (Nick says that he was carrying the ring around all day and fidgeting with it in his pocket). Then, Nick arranged for my mom to ask me to go to Canalside to go ice skating with my parents and sisters. Unfortunately, it was a warmer March day and the rink was closed. We decided to walk around by the water to see the sunset and take a few family pictures instead – my sister’s boyfriend had brought his camera. As we got closer to the water, Nick took my hand and started telling me he loves me and talking about our relationship. Before I knew what was happening, he was on one knee! I barely remember what he said, just being so excited to say YES! It was perfect because family is so important to us, and I am so glad we were able to share that moment with them. He also had made dinner reservations and when we arrived at the restaurant, I was surprised again by his family joining us. It was a perfect day.“

Shannon: “We both value family. We chose to build our life together in Buffalo because we are both very close with our immediate families (and each others).“

Shannon: “We love trying new restaurants, watching cheesy scary movies on Netflix, spending lazy Sundays enjoying our home, shopping (Nick is the best mall partner), and spending time with our families.“

Shannon: “One of the moments that sticks with me the most is when I first stepped into the ceremony space with my Dad. I was in awe of how well everything came together it looked so beautiful. I was overcome seeing everyone I loved all at once, and then looking to see the person I love the most smiling at my at the end of the aisle.“

Nick: “One of the emotions that has stuck with me the most is how nervous (but in a good way) I was before the ceremony. I did not expect to feel that way at all! I started to calm down when Shan read her vows and I was really in the moment at that point.“

Shannon: “The ceremony as a whole was definitely my high point for the day. Having Nick’s Dad officiate made it so personal and really made me feel loved and welcomed by my new family. He even had picked my favorite poem (‘I Carry Your Heart in My Heart’ by EE Cummings) to include in the ceremony without having known it was my favorite. My moms reading touched me so much as well. Finally, exchanging our vows which we had written ourselves. I could barely read mine through happy tears, but it felt amazing to declare my love in front of everyone who loves us.“

When asked “What are the things that make you want to spend the rest of your lives together”, Nick said: “It’s like in high school when the teacher would ask you to show your work and you feel like you just know the answer, but can’t explain how you got it.“

Shannon: “I feel like Nick makes my life better in new small ways every day. He goes out of his way to make me laugh, believes in me, and just makes me happy.“

Shannon: “For my perfect night in, I would probably make something for dinner that I know we both love. Nick would clean up after dinner, and then we would curl up on the couch with our cat, Ace, and watch a movie. Eventually I’d have a dessert craving, and Nick would run to Wegmans. When we go out, we really like trying new places downtown or near our home in Amherst. My favorite is when I come home from work and Nick says that he has an unexpected night out planned for us! We both enjoy dressing up occasionally. We don’t mind waiting a bit for a table because we like to get a drink at the bar and catch up on our weeks before dinner.“

Shannon: “So much of our reception decor was DIY! I am so lucky because my sisters are both talented artists. Jess my maid of honor does calligraphy (@jesswritesonthings on Etsy and Instagram) and Sam paints. Jess made our welcome sign and our table numbers and they collaborated on our signature drink signs which were a small detail that I loved. Nick and Jess worked together on our seating chart, which helped set the gold geometric decor theme. My aunt Val made the amazing pink backdrop for our cake table by hand. My mom, sisters and I spent a marathon session making the ribbon wands for our exit. All of these little things were such labors of love that made the day really special.“

Nick: “I had a blast at our reception. It was so fun to see loved ones from all aspects of our lives come together and just be happy.“

Nick:  “I liked the speeches because they were so much more meaningful to me than I expected. I am not a crier at all but my new father-in-law’s speech definitely had me choked up. I have always felt welcome in Shannon’s family but it was nice to hear it like that.“

Nick: “Throughout the day I loved seeing how proud my parents looked. I kept thinking that I found the perfect woman for me and they knew that. I really felt it during my dance with my mom.“

Shannon: “Our first dance was to ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran. While I’m sure this was a common wedding song that year, it just feels like it was written only about us. The story of the song being about young love maturing into a forever partnership is exactly ours. The moment I first heard it I was in tears imagining us on our wedding day. Even now it takes us back.“

Shannon: “I danced with my dad to ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ by Frank Sinatra. Neither of us are dancers so we wanted to pick a fun song that we could just enjoy. We ended up laughing the whole time and I was definitely leading! My dad is one of my best friends so it was very us to just have a good time.“

Nick: “My mom and I danced to ‘The Perfect Fan’ by Backstreet Boys. Me and my mom used to listen to BSB together in the car all the time when I was a kid, so I wanted a song that was a throwback to that time. Plus the lyrics are true, my mom has always been my biggest supporter.“

Shannon: “After a day filled with so much love and emotion, it was a blast to just unwind and have fun with our friends and family. It’s hard to pick a specific moment. We love to dance so it was great to goof around partying with our friends.“

Shannon: “At the end of the night, we snuck off to the courtyard for a few last pictures. This quiet romantic moment was a nice time to reflect on the meaning of the day just us. The courtyard is so lovely at night.“

Some great planning advice from Shannon: “Stay organized – my planning binder was a great resource. Depend on your friends and family, especially if you’re someone who finds planning stressful. As we got closer to the wedding, I felt so overwhelmed with DIY projects and things to remember. When they saw that I was stressed, my mom and my sister Jess came over and folded my laundry for me just to get something off my plate!“

A few sweet and thoughtful words about what it was like to work with us: “I can’t speak highly enough of the Ayres Photography experience, top to bottom. Jenn was available to me anytime I needed help with questions, starting more than a year before the big day. As it got closer, the planning calls with her went such a long way in helping me understand the day. I haven’t even been to many weddings so I was clueless – Jenn walked me through a timeline of every minute! On the day of, their expertise and professionalism shown. They guided my sometimes rambunctious wedding party through the photo process, even making it fun for the guys who were dreading posing for hours! Ben went out of his way to make the guys crack a smile and those are some of my favorite pictures. As for the final product, I couldn’t love my pictures more. If you can, have Jenn and Ben both. They work so well together and their photo styles are complementary. My pictures help me relive the best day ever and I am so grateful for that. Can’t forget Rachel, she was so patient and helpful through my edits of the album process, and my albums are so gorgeous. I know this is way more than a sentence, but I loved working with you guys!“

Obsessed with Shannon and Nick’s cake display? Click here to see more amazing dessert tables!

Wedding Vendors Include:

Venue: Hotel @ the Lafayette
Invitations and Programs: Hoopla House Creative
Hair and Makeup: Hair Reformation by Natalie
Dress Shop: Bridal Chateau
Dress Designer: Morilee
Bridesmaids: MA Carr
Groom’s Custom Tux: Bureau
Groomsmen: Tuxedo Junction
Florist: Wild Blossom Hollow
Cake: Ohlson’s Bakery
Signage: Jess Writes On Things
DJ: Toy Bros

Vendor Spotlight: quaint vintage rental & design co

There are so many ways to personalize your wedding day, from the invitation suite to the flowers, even your officiant can be personalized! (Having your ceremony officiated by a family member or a friend – can’t get much more personal than that!) But what about your venue? Sure, you picked it. You’re having a florist add some color to it… BUT – did you know that you can take things a step further?! That’s right! You can now personalize your venue!! How?? With rentals! And not just any rentals. We’re talking gorgeous, one of a kind vintage rentals from quaint vintage rental & design co (yes, it’s a lowercase “q”, and don’t you forget it!).

Hoping to add a little vintage glam to your reception? quaint has it. Want to bring in some comfortable and unique seating to your cocktail hour? quaint can do it! Want to sit on a thrown at your head table like the qween you are? quaint. Want your dessert table to look as incredible as your desserts? quaint. Want someone to set up an entire lounge area in your backyard so that the grass is transformed from empty outdoor space to a quirky outside living room, enticing your guests to get cozy on the couches while they breath in the fresh air and watch the sun set on your perfect day, putting their feet up on the coffee tables, laughing and joking and talking late into the evening as the twinkle lights above mimic the amazing stars in the sky because, oh yeah, YOU’RE SITTING ON A COUCH OUTSIDE?! *breath* I think you get the point. :)

Rebecca Duda, quaint’s owner and lover of unique furniture finds, took some time to answer a whole slew of crazy questions we had for her! Read on to hear more about her, her awesome shop, and the ins and outs of booking a Pop Up Wedding! What the heck is a Pop Up Wedding, you ask? Well, keep reading and you’ll find out.

How would you describe yourself in three words or less?

Energetic, kind, unique.

Tell us a little bit about quaint!

quaint is my baby! We started with only a few pieces, and now we offer a wide range of sofas, chairs, custom farm tables, plenty of large & small props, glassware, etc. Our inventory is constantly growing! Being able to see these one-of-a-kind pieces being used in couples’ wedding days, and other fun events, really makes me happy. Bringing a touch of charm to such a special day is what we do. Our pieces add that unique element that gets guests talking and really remembering that particular celebration. I always say that great conversations happen when our pieces are present. :)

How did you decide to start your own rental business?

I worked with a wedding planner for several years, and found that there seemed to be a lack of unique rental items in the industry. I’ve always loved antique items, and am considered an old soul by many, so when I was seeing unique furniture pieces and props being used in different ways, in different areas of the country, I thought it was a great idea to bring to this area! It’s so much fun searching for new inventory pieces and creating new items to add to our always growing collection. The hunt is always the most fun!

What type of items do you have available for rental?

We have: sofas, love seats, chairs, 22 farm tables, coffee & end tables, dressers, vanities, hutches, trunks, rugs, pews, mantels, doors, arbors, brass shelving, bar carts, suitcases, brass candles, books, mirror trays, china, tea cups, chandeliers, lanterns, and lots of other fun and unique options! As we mentioned before, our inventory is always growing!

What services do you provide to your clients?

We offer styling services with our pieces and can help with the layout design as well. We also handle the delivery and pick ups of all items.

What is it about Buffalo that makes you love living and working here?

I’m a proud Buffalonian! I always thought I wanted to get away from here, but when I went to college in LA, I realized Buffalo is actually a great place to live and grow! Especially with all the good that’s happening now, I’m so excited to bring quaint to this area!

What is your favorite thing to do in Buffalo?

I love to bike ride throughout WNY. It’s so relaxing and you get out and see so many different places and people! Also the food is fabulous, so exploring new restaurants and eateries is always a good idea :)

Summer or Winter??

Definitely a summer gal!

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love finding and creating new inventory pieces for quaint. Also being able to meet new clients and vendors is such a great experience. I’ve met some wonderful people through this business, and I hope to continue for some time to come!

Cats or dogs?

Dogs!

What is it that keeps you coming back to this job day after day?

quaint is my passion. I work another full time job, so having this small business allows me that creative outlet that I crave and need in my life. The rental business can be tough, but at the end of the day I love what I do, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Being able to see the happy faces of the brides and kind comments when we drop off and style spaces, is really what makes me keep going! It’s such a joy for me to share my vintage beauties with others!

Where do you get all of your rental pieces from?

Many places! I get them from estate sales, flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores, online garage sales, craigslist, side of the road (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure :). I also get pieces from people contacting me with items they’d like to go to a good home. We constantly acquire one piece at a time.

Anything new in stock this season??

We have some new coffee tables, love seats, singer sewing machine, lanterns, etc. We’re always adding something new. I currently have a love seat getting reupholstered in a lilac velvet…I can’t wait to see it completed! I have several more reupholstering projects down the road as well.

What’s the most unique item that you’ve ever come across in your treasure hunting?

I’d have to say my pink velvet, 3 piece sectional sofa. Colette was a random find, and I was in awe when I saw her! I knew I had to have this! I could just stare at this piece all day, it’s so lovely. It was created specifically for a congressmen’s wife here in Buffalo, back in the 50’s. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind piece.

What do you love most about working in the wedding industry?

The wedding industry is always changing and there’s something new always happening. I love how no 2 weddings are alike, and it’s so great seeing the personalities of each couple being showcased with unique design choices throughout their big day. It’s an exciting industry to be in, and I love being a part of it so much!

What’s your favorite movie?

The Notebook!

What is your favorite type of couple to work with? Who would you consider “your people”?

I love working with clients that aren’t afraid of the eclectic looks. Using different pieces throughout a wedding or event, really makes it stand out and create a fun and beautiful environment for guests to be a part of. Who wants a cookie cutter wedding?! Having unique rentals can really help add that touch of charm!

What was the most fun or unique wedding/event decor that you’ve ever been a part of?

Sometimes it’s the smaller shoots or events that seem to be the most creative fun! I loved putting together the Mad Hatter shoot for a family photo session in the woods. It was so great being able to create a scene that comes to life and really tells a story! I also loved throwing the 60th birthday party in the woods. Taking beautiful pieces and placing them in settings you wouldn’t typically see, really brings that unique look and feel to the event. Overall, I love putting together spaces that will enhance or take you to another place. Why not create those magical backdrops that truly allow for the guests to be immersed in a different world for a little bit. Just makes life more fun, don’t you think?

What’s your favorite color?

Black – it’s classic :)

Tell us about your new “Pop Up Weddings”! What are they? How does it work? Give us all the details!

I’m so excited to offer these intimate weddings! Pop Up Weddings are 90 minute, all-inclusive ceremony celebrations for couples and about 20 guests. There is a set package price which includes:

– The venue
– Photographer
– Florist – ceremony decor, and a bouquet and boutonniere
– Officiant
– Baker – couple’s cake and dessert for each guest
– Hair & Makeup
– Beverage station
– Rentals & styling by us

Each Pop Up Wedding will be different and have a different theme/style. We announce the next pop up through social media, and it’s a first come, first serve basis when booking. Think of these weddings as an elaborate elopement. It’s for those who just want a quick celebration with a few family and friends, and then they’re free to go off after the 90 minutes and have a nice dinner or plan a backyard bash! It takes the stress out of planning and offers couples an intimate and unforgettable wedding, for a set price tag. All they have to do is pick out their attire and send out invites, we handle the rest!

And lastly, share some fun facts about yourself! Anything that will amp up how awesome we already know that you are!

1. I’m a big Disney fan! I love Disney World. I love Walt’s idea of wanting to create a place where people could go to forget about the real world for a little while. I feel like that’s what we try to do in some ways with my rental company. We are just trying to create spaces that can hopefully give guests a fun and unique environment, where they can relax and forget about their problems for a little bit. Everybody needs this mental escape. Disney World is definitely mine! :)
2. I work at a local toy company full time.
3. I have THE best family and friends, and an amazing and supportive boyfriend!

That’s all folks! :) Thank you!!!

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