We ended our 2017 wedding season in the most magical way! We had a double-header weekend with two incredible couples, and two truly unique weddings. We loved that Tanya & Wally’s wedding highlighted aspects of their blended Ukrainian, Polish, and Hawaiian heritages. Their day was also made extra special thanks to the presence of their darling baby girl.
They chose The Hotel at The Lafayette for their ceremony and reception, and each prepped in a suite upstairs. They chose some stellar Buffalo vendors to rock their day! Wally was looking dapper in his custom Bureau suit, complete with personalized embroidering. And Tanya was a dream in her tropical flower crown by William’s Florist, and one-of-a-kind dress by made by anatomy. She actually wore her mother’s wedding dress, which had been reconstructed to have a new look and perfect fit. How cool is that!?
They shared a sweet First Look in the courtyard of the hotel before taking off to the Dnipro Ukrainian Center. This is one of the coolest hidden gems in Buffalo, and if you haven’t popped in for a beer or a fish fry, you’re missing out. Wally’s grandparents danced many nights away in the Dnipro ballroom, so in addition to being a gorgeous backdrop, the building held a lot of significance for T&W. We were even able to get to the roof for some fun shots before the sun set. I loved so many spots inside this place, but had a special affinity for the ladies room! That floral wallpaper, and funky, colorful chair collection… yessss! It was the perfect spot for some shots of the girls, and a dreamy backdrop for a quiet break, as Tanya nursed her baby girl, creating a breathtakingly beautiful moment.
Afterwards, we went back to The Lafayette, where the Marquis Ballroom was perfectly set for their ceremony. After a lot of laughter, and a lot of tears, T&W were pronounced husband & wife, and it was time to party! There were so many great moments during this day, and the reception was no exception. The groomsmen led the Oczepiny song and hat ceremony, in honor of Wally’s Polish side, and Tanya performed an incredibly touching hula dance in honor of her father. She danced to an old recording of her parents singing the Hawaiian wedding song, and had whole the room in tears!
Thank you, Tanya & Wally (& Baby Kai), for helping us end an incredible year surrounded by joyous, lovely people celebrating a non-stop series of happy moments! We loved being there to capture it all!
Vendors Who Rocked This Wedding :
Photographers : Erica Eichelkraut & Stephen Gabris
Ceremony & Reception Site : The Hotel at The Lafayette
Tanya’s Dress : made by anatomy
Wally’s Suit : Bureau
Hair/Makeup : Salon A Go-Go
Florist : William’s Florist
Limo : Triple Crown Limosine Service
DJ : Jermey Grodek
Bakery : Jennifer Garrigan