lauren + james // times beach nature preserve

It’s the best feeling in the world when I meet with people in person (or via Skype!) and it all just clicks perfectly into place. I know immediately when “my people” have found me, and Lauren and James are definitely “my people.” They value family and friends above all else and make an effort to spend quality time with the people they love. They’re getting married in the backyard of the home where Lauren grew up, and where her parents were married. And, we all know how I feel about backyard weddings, sentimentality, and the sacredness of home. They are my favorite kind of people, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them.

I asked Lauren and James what makes them want to spend the rest of their lives together, and their answer was absolutely perfect. ;)

“Things like pushing each other to be better people everyday, and feeling loved and supported regardless of the situation make us want to spend the rest of our lives together. We truly feel like we are each other’s partner in crime. Also, we have perfect seats on the 50 yard line at New Era Field right next to each other. And neither of us is planning on giving them up.” 

Lauren: “Our story begins like any other; we met through mutual friends. Except instead of love at first sight and a ride into the sunset in each other’s arms, we began our friendship with regular Monday evenings at the Salamanca Bowling Alley with our friends. As is typical in the beginning of any relationship, we acted like we were not interested in each other, and were also convinced that the other was not interested either. Now fast-forward to St. Patrick’s Day. Enter Jim and Robin Holtz (my parents).

I happened to have spent the weekend in Erie, PA with my friends from college to celebrate the holiday. In typical Gannon Alumni fashion, I awoke at 5am that day for Kegs and Eggs at The Cellblock. Sometime that evening, my parents stumbled into The Gin Mill and were tended to by James. After several St. Patrick’s Day cocktails, and having no knowledge of mine and James’ friendship, my mom assured James that he should ‘date her daughter’ (seriously, when does that ever work?).

Soon after, James and I exchanged phone numbers, and shared our first kiss on the roof (yes, the roof) of Balloons in Ellicottville after a prom-themed party.“

Lauren: “James proposed on December 24th, 2016 at the final Bills game of the season. James happens to have a lot of friends within the Bills organization who were a huge help in planning the surprise. After tailgating with our friends, we arrived at the field early, as we had on-field passes. James was able to get us on the field during warm-ups, where he proposed. After the proposal when I realized what was happening, I looked up and all of our friends and some of our families were there cheering us on.“

Lauren: “James and I enjoy riding our bikes when the weather is nice (fun fact- we were in a bicycle gang called “Bells Angels” when we lived in Ellicottville). We also enjoy exploring Buffalo’s range of eating and drinking establishments (both new and old favorites). Also when the weather is nice we like to grill outside. We love having fun with each other and spending time with friends and family.“

Lauren: “Our perfect night in would start with a home cooked meal, some craft beer or a nice red wine, a pile of cozy blankets and whatever TV series we are binging on at that time.“

Lauren: “We have two versions of the perfect night out. One would be going to our favorite South Buffalo spot, Conlon’s. We are mug club members here and they make our favorite chicken wings.

Another version of a perfect night out would be to stop for drinks at one of our favorite spots downtown, then do dinner at another of our favorite restaurants.“

Interested in working with us? Get in touch here to find out if your date is available!!

Why First Looks with Dads are Awesome

One of the most memorable parts of your wedding day is the moment when your dad finally gets to see his little girl all dressed up for the the day she’s been waiting for (and he’s possibly been dreading) for her entire life. Father/daughter relationships are so special and unique, it’s no surprise that dad just might turn into a puddle when he witnesses his baby girl all dressed in white and looking like a picture perfect bride. This once in a lifetime moment can bring tears, smiles, laughter and long lasting, unbreakable hugs that you and dad will not soon forget. It only makes sense that a moment so priceless as this should be arranged and captured!

The “First Look” is a newer wedding tradition that is becoming more and more popular with our couples because it allows for a much more flexible wedding day timeline, and maximizes the time you can spend together as a couple on your big day! (Click here to read more about why we highly recommend doing a First Look!) Another trend that’s on the rise is setting up a First Look for the bride and her dad. It’s definitely something our couples are requesting more often, and we like to suggest they consider this idea when we help them prepare their wedding day timelines.

If your timeline allows for it, we strongly suggest you build in time for a moment like this with your dad (or step-dad or even your mom!) After all, your soon-to-be spouse isn’t the only one who will lose their breath the first time they see you in your wedding dress, and we want to be there to document every tear, every smile and every embrace of this beautiful moment. (We also recommend making sure that your dad is fully dressed in his wedding attire and ready to be photographed for these special moments). Scroll through for some of our all time favorite father/daughter First Looks!

Did you do a “first look” with your dad (or step-dad or both parents)?? If you did, tell us about it in the comments!!  If you’re still in the planning phase, is this something you think you’d like to do? Why or why not? We’d love to hear from you!

Interested in booking your wedding with us? Check here to find out if your date is available!