I’d never met Erica and Frank when they hired me, and I have to say I was so happy to see how adorable both of them were!

They really wanted a beautiful outdoor wedding under a gazebo, but unfortunately it rained bucketloads that day, so they moved things inside. They weren’t at all upset though….they knew at the end of the day they would be married, and that was what was most important to them.

Erica’s mother was terminally ill with cancer, and Erica put the wedding off several times hoping her mother would get better. Unfortunately she didn’t and died a short time before Erica and Frank’s wedding. But before she passed away, she did something so beautiful, I don’t have the words to describe it…..She left a video tape for the couple in which she wished them happiness and gave them advice for a long lasting wedding. The kind she had with Erica’s father for 30+ years.

Erica is from up north, and Frank is from Canada, so there was some fun there. Many many America vs. Canada jokes.

Erika did everything pretty much on her own. During a big move to Texas, she and Frank managed to get the whole wedding and reception together, and all of this while dealing with their grief. I was amazed by their courage. They are truly some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

And as you will see below, the ring bearer should never, ever, ever, suggest that the groom smash cake into the bride’s face. Because maybe, just maybe the bride will smash the cake into the ringbearer’s face….all was happy though, and Erica helped him get all spiffy again.

I hope you enjoy their photos of their big day together.

Mary and Lance knew soon after dating that they were in love, when every time they looked at each other, the just thought, “Wow!”
They enjoy movies, dinners together, and riding around on Lance’s Harley, and loving on their dogs, a Lhasa Apso named Patches, a Grate Dane/St. Bernard mix names Louie (man that’s gotta be one giant dog!), and another Great Dane/Blue Healer mix named X. Mary said they just have so much fun together, that a whole day can whiz by without getting one constructive thing done.
Lance was telling Mary that he planned to build a house right next to her parents house, and when Mary seemed surprised, Lance told her that she needed to “set the date” so he could get started. She made him say those beautiful 4 words, and of course she said “yes!!!”.
I asked Mary what her favorite part of the wedding was, and she said it was her Rev. Don Carrol. Her favorite part of the reception was seeing friends and family having so much fun. She had a blast dancing the night away.
When asked what advice she would give to other brides, she replied, “Set your date far enough in advance and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Also, we are so happy that we used local vendors. We were able to have several face to face meetings with our vendors to discuss the details of our wedding. You can’t beat in person meetings when you are planning the most important day of your life! We feel that we made some new friends too. Enjoy the process and as one of our vendors told me - don’t forget to breathe!”
Bridal Dress: Maggie Sottero from Terry Costa (Konnie consulted)
Floral: Sherrill’s Floral Design
Cakes: Nikki J of Absolutely Edible Cakes
Catering: Sara Holsted of Woodbridge Golf Club
DJ: Kenn McSperitt
Music and Vocals: Kenn McSpreritt
Rings: Jarred’s
Cookies: They came all the way from Savioa Pastry in Rochester, NY where her family has purchased from for years.