Wendy Mitchell Photography

This past Saturday, I photographed my third Spoth Family event. Last July I photographed Kelly’s wedding to Nick, in January I photographed Eric & Sheila’s at-home-reception after their wedding in St. John US Virgin Islands, and now I have just photographed Kevin’s wedding to Kara. They have one more younger sister and I’m looking forward to hearing from her whenever she’s ready!

As I drove to Glen Oak Golf Course late Saturday afternoon, little did I know a tornado was touching down just a few miles east of my house. I was well aware of the torrential downpour that had just passed, and I drove through several yank-the-steering-wheel-right-out-of-your-hands puddles driving on the back roads between Alden and East Amherst. I arrived not knowing what to expect. I knew the ceremony had been planned for outside at the gazebo. When I saw the standing water in the grass where the chairs would need to be, I knew it didn’t look good. I did a couple of detail shots then headed upstairs to see Kara.

I got there in time to see Kara put her veil on, with the help of two of her four sisters-in-law.

The veil was handmade, as were the bridesmaids’ jewelry and shawls. The beautiful flowergirl gave me a run for my money, but I did get a few nice shots of her when she wasn’t on the move!

The ceremony had to be moved indoors because of the rain, so they got married on the dancefloor with everyone sitting at their dinner tables. With this kind of love, I think they could have gotten married inside an abandoned warehouse and they still wouldn’t have stopped smiling!

A glimpse at a few more of the handmade items – the cake topper (funfetti cake courtesy of Kevin’s mom!) and the signature quilt:

Kara’s dad gave a great toast that ended with, “I hope this marriage is fruitful… you get me Kevin?” Haha. Kevin’s dad and brother also gave great toasts which turned Kevin’s cheeks a little pink. He survived.

We managed to sneak in painfully few formal photos before it got started raining again and got dark, sorry guys.

On an unrelated note, I have to share this picture I got of Kevin playing with his ring during the receiving line because I genuinely love when I can see evidence that a man works with his hands. For anyone reading this who thinks Kevin looks familiar, you have probably seen him at Spoth Farm Market on Transit. It’s a great place to check out if you’ve never been!

As the reception got underway, I think this was my first ever experience with songs being played on an actual record player. Kevin was very particular about the music and I definitely think the authentic record sounds added more depth than a remastered mp3 ever could.

Just one more that I can’t resist sharing:

Kevin & Kara – I’m a little bummed that things didn’t go as planned but I was so happy to share the evening with you guys. I’m excited about seeing you again… whenever that may be! Don’t forget to ship me some peanut butter balls!!

On Friday afternoon, I arrived in Orchard Park and was greeted by Sarah who was all smiles. Very relaxed and eager for the ceremony, she was gorgeous in her dress and graciously admitted me to the gun show although I had not bought tickets.

We went out into her parents’ back yard for some photos and I met a wonderful, very soft doggie whose name I can’t remember.

When we went back into the porch to wait for the limo, I saw Sarah’s dad moving three watermelons. I asked if they were for the wedding. Her mom said, “No, we just eat a lot of watermelon.”

As the girls were talking about “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” Sarah’s mom retrieved her “blankie” – it was every bit as raggy and loved as it looks.

We went over to Hamburg’s St. Peter & Paul for the ceremony.

Although the plan was to do all posed pictures at her grandparents’ house, I thought it would be a shame not to take advantage of such a beautiful church.

We drove a few minutes to Sarah’s grandparents’ house where we took this group picture, which is three generations of Sarah’s mom’s family. Sarah’s grandparents have 10 children, and I was told this is all of their children and grandchildren minus just one person.

At the reception (Romanello’s South), I think Sarah’s little cousin was trying to steal my job.

Because of all the kids, there was a certain exuberance to the dancing that I’d never seen before. The dancefloor was literally packed the entire time I was there.

Thank you Josh & Sarah, I had a wonderful time and I hope you don’t need that bicycle helmet anytime soon!

When I got the call for this wedding, it was from my friend Matt’s younger sister Jen. She called to ask me if I was available on the 11th. I was in the car at the time, and not having access to my computer I told her I was pretty sure I was already booked, but to check my site. She checked my site and I was indeed already booked for the 11th, but it turns out I was needed on the 18th, which was available! I had never heard Jen so excited before! Soon after I had a phone call with Jackie to go over details and that’s how I ended up in Fredonia last Saturday night.

I met up with Jackie & her girls at the White Inn in Fredonia while they got dressed.

From Fredonia, I drove out to the Luensman Overlook Park for the ceremony, and it was a gorgeous afternoon! Jackie didn’t want to be the only one with bling, so she gave all her bridesmaids matching necklaces.

They got married under the pavilion and the sky was just wonderful.

Jackie’s sister and Doug’s brother eagerly signed their siblings’ lives away, then we did a few quick formal shots…

…and then back to the White Inn for the reception.

Jackie’s friends did a nice slideshow for the couple, which of course included a few embarrassing shots!

Then the dancefloor opened and everyone had some good, clean fun (except for the one YMCA incident… bridesmaid who shall remain nameless + strapless dress = a few people got an eyefull).

Congrats and best wishes you two… Hope to maybe see you around at a King family 4th of July in the future!

After photographing Mike & Sarah’s wedding back in February, I was honored to get the call to photograph little Mikey yesterday!

Congratulations, you two – that’s one beautiful little boy you have. Best of luck to the new parents!

This is my neighbor, who is 39 weeks pregnant. Her husband got an air rifle for his upcoming birthday and they were testing it out in the backyard this evening.

Air rifle? Check.
Chevy Trucks t-shirt? Check.
Camouflage slippers? Check.
Fully viable fetus? Check.

You go Michelle! I can’t wait to meet your little one when he/she arrives. Also, Happy Birthday Scott!