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Brittany + Joel's Larkin Square and Hydraulic Hearth Wedding Celebration | Buffalo Wedding Photographer

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Sometimes in wedding planning, things don't always go as originally planned. Brittany and Joel unexpectedly needed to change their wedding date a few times over the course of their engagement. Their last change in wedding dates came with only a few weeks notice, and I firmly believe that it was without a doubt the day meant to be their wedding day. Britt and Joel's incredible family, friends and wedding party members helped pull together all the last minute details needed to make their wedding day a complete success in just 2 weeks time, including finding a new location for their ceremony and celebration. Vendors who were still available switched dates without hesitation, and other vendors who were needed last minute filled in like rockstars. Friends and family dropped plans and came from near and far to be witness as they said their I do's and celebrate along side them the whole night through. And most important of all, Brittany was able to walk down the isle with her dad by her side and Joel was blessed by signs of his brother watching over them throughout the entire day. It was an emotional day filled with tears and laughter, and above all, so, so much love. It was perfect in every sense of the definition, and it is such an honor to provide Britt and Joel photographic memories of their wedding day that will be cherished for years to come.

Before diving into the photos, a few words from the bride + groom:

How would you describe your wedding vision/theme? Our theme was rustic and chic but I would also say it was love and family. Our wedding coordinator, Jess, really took care of making the day beautiful and following the theme Hydraulic already has going on with a little extra sparkle.

Favorite moments/memories from the wedding? Britt: I have shot a lot weddings with Dawn over the years and always felt like the first dances were pretty but just more for the tradition aspect. Joel and I picked a song for our first dance that may be a little uncommon but we love it!! (Only Wanna Be With You - unplugged by Samm Henshaw) It just such a romantic song and says a lot about us. We've been together for 9 years, he's my best friend, we're there for each other through everything, all the time, no matter what. This song represents that. I never imagined that our first dance would mean so much to me but it did. Everyone we loved around us clapping along. It made for a perfect start to a perfect night! My first dance with my dad was something i'll never forget. We chose the song together (Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder) and practiced dancing in the living room for fun a few days prior (where he told me i needed to step my dance game up before the big day haha). On the big day we danced our little hearts out and had a surprise for the guests at the end! We had our favorite song come on (S.O.B. by Nathanial Rateliff and the Night Sweats). This may seem like an odd song choice but we know every word and wanted to start the dance party off right that night! Overall, the dancing all night was my absolute favorite part of the day....can we do it again soon??? // Joel: I have a few favorites from the big day, starting with the first look before the ceremony. It was extremely hard not to turn around when I heard Britt coming but when I did she blew my expectations away!! I was happy to have some time to ourselves to soak everything in. People say your wedding day flies by and it does so take any opportunity you can!

Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding? Don't take the day too seriously. In the end the whole day is supposed to be fun. There is a lot of pressure to make the day over the top or to make everyone happy. Take a breath and realize that the day is about celebrating the couple and nothing else matters. We planned a majority of the wedding in just 2 weeks and it was hectic at times but one of the best decisions we could have ever made. Our main goal for our wedding day was to have a great night filled with dancing, drinks and memories to last a lifetime. Some of the best moments of the day were the ones that were unplanned. For example when the limo broke down, we found a school bus on the side of the road, bribed the driver $$$ haha and sped to the ceremony. Things that seemed a little chaotic at the time are the funny moments to look back on. We had a ball and that's all that matters!

 

Special shout-out to all the vendors!

Ceremony Venue: Larkin Square
Reception Venue: Hydraulic Hearth
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Jessica Cleary
Officiant: Timothy McCrone
Photographer: Dawn M Gibson Photography
Videographers: Ben Richey, Ro Rosado, Tony Vescio and Bill Sheff
Florist: Williams Florist
Caterer: Zambistros
Cake/Bakery: Sweet Beginnings Bakery
DJ/Band/Entertainment: Nickel City Pimp Choir
Hair: Alexandra Damis & Mary Kate Reinagel
Makeup: iLashNY
Bride/Groom Attire: Bridal Chateau and Men's Warehouse
Shoes: JCPenny
Accessories: Hairpiece from Something Blue Bridal
Wedding Party Attire: Alfred Angelo & JCPennny
Decorations/Decor Design or Rentals: McCarthy's Tents & Events (tables, chairs, linens)
Favors: Candy!
Late night food/snacks: Sweet Beginnings and Paula's Donuts

** Note to website visitors and vendors, please do not take images off website for use without photographer consent.
If you are interested in sharing photos, please email info@dawnmgibsonphotography.com. Thank you! **

Buffalo and WNY Birth Photography at Sister's Hospital | The Hornbuckle's Birth Story

One of the things I love most about birth photography is how unique every birthing experience is. Whether you're a first time parent or it's your third time around, every labor and delivery is different, and the stories – and little humans – that come of it are truly priceless.

Back in February, the Hornbuckles welcomed their very first child into this world! As sometimes happens, their birth story went differently than they had hoped, but through it all they had the most amazing support system with the staff at Sister's Hospital and most of all, from their dearest family members. Both the sets of grandparents-to-be, and mom's supportive aunt, cousin (and also best friend), and Nani waited with them at the hospital throughout the bulk of the labor, taking turns checking in and offering encouragement along the way. But I have to say, dad – as you'll see in the photos to come – was such a pillar of strength and support for mom throughout the entire lengthy labor she had. He deserves a medal for dad of the year, 1,000%.

I had the fortunate experience of being with the Hornbuckles to document their labor and delivery over the span of 2 days – plus a bonus extra day – and loved reliving this time with them as I was selecting favorites for this post. I make no apologies for how long this post is, and hope you stick with me through to the end. It's so worth it.

With one of my birth story offerings, I also offer next day coverage. So if you're looking for photos with loved ones meeting baby, or posed photos of your little one, this is something that can absolutely be added to your birth story coverage. Here are a few from my next day with the Hornbuckles!

First-hand feedback from the Hornbuckles about their birth photography experience:

Did you have any hesitations having your labor & delivery photographed, and if so, what were those hesitations? Brian and I had a few hesitations at first about being photographed during birth, because never having been through it before as first time parents, its hard to know what we'd be comfortable with in the delivery room, and sharing photos via your blog is a little scary, as well! But our desire for photos far outweighed the fear of sharing something so personal, and we KNEW you'd be very discreet and easy to work with!

Why was having your baby's birth photographed important to you? Having our baby's birth photographed was important to us because it is one of the most special days of our lives. Bringing a child into the world for the first time is special and I personally knew I'd want to relive the experience, whether good or bad, afterward. I had a feeling I'd be a little distracted (just giving birth, no big deal!) during the whole process and might miss certain things, like the weighing of the baby, etc. After carrying a baby for almost 10 months and going through labor, I knew I'd be sad if I missed seeing my baby's first few minutes of life!

How would you describe your thoughts/reactions to your photos? When I saw the photos, I cried! Because of the medication I had to be on during the labor, I was groggy and didn't remember a LOT of the labor and delivery. I was not expecting to be so out of it the whole time, so I am especially grateful for the photos! Not only of Levi, but the photos of my husband with me and taking care of me are precious. 

If you have another baby, would you want birth photography services again or would you recommend me to others? If we have another baby, I would love to have you there to capture the process. I would definitely recommend you to others. You have such a passion and talent for photography, and you are amazing to work with. I'll never forget when the nurse asked you to hold my leg while I was pushing so she could step away, and you immediately put your camera down and held my leg during a contraction! You are both brave and kind!

What does having the photos of your labor & delivery mean to you? The photos mean the world to me! Seeing the whole labor process from an outside perspective was really cool and helped me remember parts that were hazy from medication. I did not expect to be on such serious medication and never imagined my labor and delivery going the way it did. The photos of my son being born are so special, because I could not see straight from the medication. I love looking at them now and they will always be special to me!

Bonus answer: Thank you for taking the time to take photos the next day with our family and friends! It was great to get photos of the grandparents with their first grandchild, and the photos of our son wrapped in his blanket are priceless to us. I was personally grateful to have you back the following day, as I was able to get freshened up and was more alert and myself.  Thank you for each and every photo!