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Abbey & Rob

Meet The Greendyke’s! Abbey and Rob were married September 26, 2020 at The Genesee Valley Club. Abbey wore style “Malena” by Pronovias, a stunning mikado ball gown with a plunge neckline and timeless details.

“We met the summer before my Junior year of high school. I was attending a bonfire in Mendon Ponds Park with my best friend and he was also there. I always joke that I found him in the woods. Our first date was at The Northside Inn in East Rochester. I was so nervous I kept dropping gnocchi on my lap & he still won’t let me forget it.”

On how she knew Rob was “the one”: “I don’t know if there was a specific moment. We have been together since I was in high school so we have grown together through so many stages of life together, already. Looking back at all of the adventures we had and the amazing life we had already built – it was always clear he was who I wanted to be with forever.”

On how he proposed: “In Spring 2019 we decided to take an epic trip out west to see national parks before meeting up with my family in Arizona for my cousin’s high school graduation. Our first day of the trip was in Kings Canyon National Park in California. We spent the morning driving on winding roads through mountains with some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. He kept stopping the car to set up our camera and take pictures together over and over again. We usually take a ton of pictures on our trips it wasn’t totally out of the ordinary, but I was starting to get a little annoyed. Finally, we pulled off and there was a small path that lead to cliffs with panoramic views of mountains and valleys. He set up our camera on the tripod like we were taking a picture and ran over and got down on one knee.

We still had about five days left of our trip before we were to meet up with the rest of my family. We decided to keep our engagement as our little secret so we could tell them in person. It was amazing to take it all in just the two of us and celebrate as we visited some of the most beautiful places in the country.”

We had originally planned to do a wine tasting & chateau tour in France. However, the pandemic had other plans. We ended up doing a little road trip in Maine & ending our trip in one of our favorite places – Lake Placid.

“My dress made me feel like the best version of myself. When I realized it was the one it was like I was immediately transported to the beginning of the aisle and seeing Rob at the other end. It was so comfortable and felt like an extension of me! I also loved how it made me feel sophisticated, beautiful and ready to take on my wedding day.”

“My favorite part was picking out my dress! It really helped me visualize everything else and made it all feel so real. The Silk team was absolutely amazing to work with too.”

“My least favorite part was coordinating everything with the pandemic. We had to adjust our plan so many times but I think it worked out even better than we originally planned. Having to scale things down allowed us to be able to focus on each other and enjoy every single moment of our day. I wouldn’t change a thing!”

On her favorite moment from their wedding day: “I could never pick just one memory! So probably Just seeing the joy on everyone’s faces and the feeling of complete bliss I had that day.”

“I’m looking forward to more travel & adventures with my now husband! Also building a home and starting a family together.”

Even through the ups and downs of COVID, we’re so happy that Abbey & Rob were able to celebrate with their closest family and friends. We are truly honored to have been a small part of this absolutely perfect fall wedding! Wishing Abbey & Rob a lifetime filled with love & happiness.

XO

Kendra & The Silk Team

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Michelle & Troy

Meet The Bullock’s! Michele & Troy were married February 29, 2020 (leap year!) at Hotel Syracuse (Marriott Syracuse Downtown). Michele wore Mikaella bridal style 2105 with a custom designed neckline, and styled it with fox fur cuffs and her grandmothers vintage fur for photos. All photos by Michelle Gonzalez Photography.

“We were just two 7th graders off to Christian Brothers Academy! I walked into homeroom rocking my braces, matching necklace, earrings and bracelet, headband and bow, backpack and purse ready to take on the world of middle school! (MOM-How could you ever let me leave the house like that?!) Troy, returned the night before from Cancun. He couldn't wait to get home and start his first day of school! That's where it all began...

I noticed Troy right away when I walked into homeroom. It took Troy a bit more time but it wasn't long before we were flirting our way through computer class! Just a few short years later, Ricki, my older brother, had a basketball "get together" at the house and Troy, being on the Varsity team, was invited. It was at that gathering, we really started to connect and become close friends. Troy finally had the courage to ask me out the night of my Sweet 16 party 3 months later. And the rest was history...

Well, not really. Ok...not at all! When you start dating at 16, you get to experience ALL the teenage years together and then ALL the college years. For us, this meant a lot of finding ourselves/maturing/breaking up/getting back together/breaking up again/maybe one or two more times/but always finding our way back! We always had the MOST fun together.After college, Troy moved home to Syracuse to start his real estate career and I went off to NYC. We both took countless road trips back and forth from Syracuse to the city and the city to Syracuse to see each other! It was 3 years in when we decided I'd move back to Syracuse and we'd give it a real shot. BEST decision we ever made!”

Who said I love you first? “Troy did! Keep in mind we were 16 :) It was over the phone one night.”

On how he proposed: “We both went to college in Philadelphia. Troy decided to surprise me with a trip to Philadelphia. A couple of days before he suggested a fun weekend getaway. After a full day of shopping, cocktail bar hopping we went to an incredible Italian restaurant for dinner. When leaving, he suggested we walk home through Rittenhouse Square. We stopped in the square and chatted on a park bench. We were talking about life and the good memories we had together in Philadelphia from college. The next thing I know, he is down on one knee! It was so romantic! I cried and said yes before he could finish!

“We were gifted a honeymoon to a private home on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. It was absolutely gorgeous!”

“I felt untouchable in my dress. I couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle and see him for the first time on our wedding day! Most importantly, I felt comfortable and like myself! My wedding dress was the dress I always envisioned for myself, TO A T. When I was first engaged I described my dream dress to be the exact dress I ended up wearing, a long sleeved crepe, fitted, open back with buttons and v neck in the front.

I started dress shopping and described my dream dress at every boutique. A couple of different stores pulled the Mikaella dress Style 2105 and when I tried it on I said I wished it was a vneck (the original style is a boat neckline). Two different stores said I could not customize the neckline as it would alter the integrity of the dress. When I visited Silk Bridal Boutique, I once again described my dream dress. Kendra said she had the perfect dress and once again pulled the Mikaella dress style 2105. I tried it on and told her that I absolutely loved it but wanted it to be a V neck. SHE was the first person to tell me that the designer could make the customizations I wanted. She contacted the designer to confirm, and the designer was more than willing to make the alterations. Don’t give up on the vision you want, someone will make it happen!”

On wedding planning: “I loved taste testing at the venue because who doesn't love great food and I LOVED dress shopping. I felt like a total princess. I also loved how many fun planning sessions my mom and I had. Some people say planning can be really stressful but we loved it! The hard part was making the guest list and trying to stay within a certain number. I wish I could have invited absolutely everyone AND everyone with a plus one but that was not realistic. I hated hurting people's feelings but I realized, it was not possible to invite everyone and we had to stick to a number and within a budget.”

“The best memory was being out on the dancefloor with my husband in the middle of all of our friends and family breaking it down! It was pure bliss.”

“I’m looking forward to growing together and becoming better versions of ourselves. I learn so much from him and he continues to challenge me and make me stronger! Also, travelling. We want to see the world together (as soon as Covid settles down).”

A huge thank you to our sweet bride Michelle & husband Troy for allowing us to feature them this week! It’s crazy to think that Michelle was married just about a year ago, what a difference a year can make! Here’s to many more filled with love, laughter & happiness together.

XO

Kendra & The Silk Team

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Alexandra & Steven

Meet the Karnyski’s! Alexandra & Steven were married October 3rd, 2020 at the Strathallen. They met over eight years ago at St. John Fisher University. Alexandra was a freshman and Steven was a senior.

Photographer: Julia Hart

Hair & Makeup: Rachael DeSantis and Nikki Rogers

Location of first date: for our first date, we went to the movies and saw “The Vow”

Who said ‘I love you first’: Steven

“When I was a junior in college, I had a health scare and was in the hospital for about a week. He was with me every day in the hospital even though he was in medical school and was studying for his boards at the time. That’s when I knew he was the one.”

On how he proposed: “the night before thanksgiving, he invited all of our friends over and was waiting to surprise me in our house. I was coming home from a 12 hour shift at the hospital and was not prepared at all. I was so surprised!”

How did your wedding dress make you feel?: I felt like a princess in my dress! It made me feel so beautiful and so special!

Favorite / least favorite part of wedding planning: Our least favorite part of wedding planning was that we had to cut our guest list down to 50 people due to covid. We were originally inviting over 200 people. Deciding who would make the cut was not fun. Our favorite is thing about planning was the food tasting! All of the food at the Strathallan was amazing!

Favorite memory from your wedding: my favorite memory was seeing my husbands face as he saw me for the first time while I was walking down the aisle. He was so emotional, both nervous and excited at the same time.

A huge thank you to sweet Alex & Steven for allowing us to feature them this week! It was such an honor to be part of your journey, and spend a little extra time together through COVID. Here’s to a future filled with love, health & happiness.

XO

Kendra & The Silk Team

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Miranda & Andy

Meet the Vander Horst’s! This week we have the honor to introduce you to Miranda & Andy. They were married September 6th, 2020 at Casa Larga Vineyards with a reception to follow in their backyard. Miranda, and her sister Laurine, were married just a month a part from each other, but had such beautifully different weddings ( & dresses!) Miranda wore “Epico” by Pronovias Barcelona, a stunning crepe fit & flare gown with a plunge sweetheart neckline and embroidered lace appliqué scattered throughout. The newlyweds were photographed by Le Novel Photography. Hair by Rachel DeSantis & Domique Fess. Makeup by Genevieve Sullivan.

​“We were set-up through my good friend, Ashley, who I met in nursing school. My friend’s husband, Nate, and Andy played hockey together. And so, Ashley met Andy through her husband. For months in our nursing school classes, she told me about Andy. She then hosted a bonfire at her house in which she invited her nursing friends and Nate invited his hockey friends. At this bonfire, Andy and I met! I gave him my number and from there it was history.”

Location of first date: Trata

Who said ‘I love you’ first?: I did

“I don’t think there was one specific event, everything has always just been so easy with our relationship. We are very similar in our thoughts and work well together. I think from the moment we started dating it just seemed right. There was never a thought that he wasn’t the one.”

“ Andy proposed at our house. I had just come home from a long day working at the hospital, when I walked into the house the lights were off and there was a pathway of candles throughout our fireplace room leading to the living room. As I walked through the pathway of candles, there were three photo boards set-up, one for each year we were together. Each board had, not only photos from those years, but also things he had saved from things we did together such as concert tickets and movie receipts etc. and then at the end of the pathway I turned the corner, and he was there and then he proposed! It was super cute and so romantic! I was so surprised!”

“We did a minimoon in Saratoga springs the weekend after our wedding. We stayed at this super cute, B&B, and just enjoyed a relaxing weekend. We plan on going on a bigger Honeymoon when Covid restrictions lighten up, hopefully later this year!”

“I felt amazing and so beautiful! It (the dress) fit like a glove and was so flattering. It was perfect, simple, romantic and a hint of sexy! Just what I wanted.”

“I really enjoyed wedding planning. I had fun putting all the little details together. I would say my favorite part was putting together our backyard reception. We used the help of A Caroline Creative wedding planning to put it all together, they were amazing! They made our backyard come to life, it was exactly what I had imagined.”

“I would say exchanging our vows. Andy’s vows were so sweet and thoughtful. We wrote our own, and it made it so special.”

What are you most looking forward to in married life? “Traveling and going on adventures together!”

A huge thank you and congratulations to both Miranda & Andy! We are so honored to have been a small part of your wedding day. Wishing you love, health & happiness as you continue your adventure together!

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Laurine & Jeff

Meet the Kincaid’s! Laurine & Jeff were married August 9, 2020 in Lake Placid, NY. The couple met back in 2013, but didn’t start dating until 2015. Laurine wore a stunning Pronovias fit & flare style gown with delicate lace and chiffon pleats in the train. Hair and Makeup by True Beauty Company. Photographed by Niki Rossi.

“My husband and I first met back in 2013 at Murphy’s Law downtown Rochester. At the time it wasn’t the right place and time for both of us. It was my first year in my career and Jeff was in his last year of college. We actually went our separate ways the day after we met. But fate had other plans for us in 2015; two years later my roommate and my sister decided to go out on the town. First stop was Murphy’s Law where we ran into a group of my roommate’s high school friends. Little did I know I was going to run into Jeff again. He was one of my roommate’s high school friends. As soon as we were being reintroduced we recognized each other right away. Good things we’d already exchanged numbers back in 2013 because we were able to pick up where we left off. Let’s just say this time I texted him back and our love story began. It was definitely meant to be this time around!”

“I knew Jeff was ‘the one’ after the first few months of us dating. Jeff throughout our relationship has always accepted everything about me, all of my flaws, my craziness and has always pushed me to be the best person I can be. Whenever we were ever faced with challenges he always stood by my side and was the consistent rock I could lean on.”

“My wedding dress made me feel beautifully flawless and extremely elegant.”

“In 2018, after a year of attending and participating in 9 weddings we decided to take a weekend trip to the Adirondacks. We decided to stay in Saranac Lake and do day trips into Lake Placid throughout the weekend. We’d earlier planned to drive up extremely early on Friday morning so we could hike Armstrong Mountain. A typical high peak hike takes roughly 6-7 hrs round trip to complete so we left Rochester around 5am. This would allow us to get to trailhead at a decent time to start our hike. So on Friday October 19th we arrived at the trailhead around 11am to start our hike. On our way up we were enjoying nature and taking in the breathtaking views. After three and a half hours we finally reached the summit. As I am slightly afraid of heights, I was quickly ready to start our descent back down the mountain. But Jeff wanted to get a picture of us together at the top to document our achievement. Little did I know he was reaching into his hiking backpack to pull out a ring. I turned around and saw he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I was so shocked I said “what are you doing?”. With all my excitement I said yes to his proposal, little did I know we were starting our hike as boyfriend and girlfriend and we would be ending it as a newly-engaged couple. It was absolutely the best hike of my life.”

“My least favorite moment being a Covid bride was having to reschedule our original wedding date that was June 27th, 2020. But we were able to reschedule and downsize our wedding and have it August 9th, 2020. Even with all the changes that were made I do not regret any of it. It was truly the best day of my life.”

“Favorite memory from our wedding was being able to share and spend our day with our closest family and friends while being in our favorite place in the world; Lake Placid.”

“Looking forward to endless adventures, belly aching laughs, creating new memories and living the rest of my life with my best friend.”

A huge thank you to Laurine & Jeff for allowing us to feature them this week! Despite the changes and circumstances, they still had the most beautiful day surrounded by family and friends, which is truly what this day is about.

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Stacey & Hunter

Meet The Raines! Stacey & Hunter were married on December 14, 2019 at The Wintergarden by Monroe’s, located in the heart of downtown Rochester. Photographed by Alexandra Elise Photography , Stacey wore a classic satin and organza ballgown from Paloma Blanca. Hair by Special Occasion Hair Design and makeup by The Traveling Stylists. Keep reading for the most beautiful winter wedding!

“Hunter and I met in November 2014, after we had both moved back to Albany the previous July. Our first date was at a small town restaurant called “The Ginger Man”. He showed up early and warned the waitress to bring the check if the date didn’t seem to be going well, and I showed up late, and soaking wet, after getting lost in the rain. When the check arrived, we looked around to an empty restauran that had apparently closed while we laughed and talked for three hours”.

“It sounds cliche, but I knew Hunter was the one I was going to marry the second I locked eyes with him on our first date. I felt like I had known him my entire life. I went home for Thanksgiving the following week, and I told my mom I met the man I was going to marry.”

“My dress made me feel confident, classic and beautiful. Kendra made the entire experience so much fun- from the day I said “yes to the dress” to picking out accessories and alterations. Fatima made the dress fit me like a glove and I felt so comfortable wearing it!”

“My favorite memory from our wedding is our first dance. We had taken dance lessons for months leading up to he big day and it was so much fun showing off something we had worked so hard on together!”

“Wedding planning was so much fun! My sister and best friend and I all got married within 5 months of eachother, so we were able to plan together! Being a bride, bridesmaid and maid of honor was a little stressful, but it was the best year ever”

“In the future, I’m most excited about the memories we will create together. From the big things like buying a house and traveling to new places, to the small things like just making breakfast together on a Saturday morning”

A huge thank you to Stacey & Hunter for allowing us to feature them this week! We are so grateful to be a small part of beautiful days like theirs.

Here’s to a lifetime filled with love & happiness.

XOXO

The Silk Team

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Margaret & Anthony

Meet Margaret & Anthony! One of our sweetest couples to get married this year, with an even sweeter love story. They met back in middle school, and were even locker buddies! Margaret recalls their first date walking on the Erie Canal. Margaret & Anthony were married on September 19, 2020, which was actually meant to be Margaret’s bridal shower. Due to COVID, they moved up their November nuptials and celebrated at Ridgemont Country Club. Photographed by Larkin & Trevor.

“I always knew Anthony was the one. We were locker buddies in school and we always had a special connection. Whether we were dating or not, we always played a special role in each other’s lives”.

“Anthony proposed in Boston. He loves movies, and his favorite is Good Will Hunting. In the movie, there is the famous scene where Robin Williams is sitting on a bench. We waited over an hour to be able to sit on this same bench. Once we finally sat down, Anthony started explaining to me the symbolism of it all and then he popped the question!”

“It was important to me to choose a dress that was classic and elegant, that I would still love in 50 years. My dress made me feel like a star. Everyone stopped me and said how beautiful I looked. I felt like it was custom just for me, simple, elegant and beautiful.”

“My favorite memory from our wedding day is my first dance with Anthony. He loves music, and out so much thought and effort into what our first dance song should be. After all the stress of planning, and re-planning, that was the moment I was finally able to relax, and soak in that we were finally there, dancing as husband and wife in front of all our closest family & friends.”.

“I’m most excited for the adventures and family traditions Anthony & I will create for our daughter and family, and cherish those for a lifetime”.

A huge thank you to Margaret & Anthony for not only allowing us to feature them this week, but for allowing us to be a small part of their day. If this year has taught us anything, it’s to treasure each moment & make the most of any situation, and that is exactly what Margaret & Anthony did. Here’s to many more years of love & happiness for Margaret, Anthony & their beautiful family!

XO

The Silk Bridal Team

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Teresa & Dan

As a celebration of their (almost) one year anniversary & new addition (a beautiful baby boy!) Today, we introduce you to the Conway’s. Teresa & Dan were married October 25, 2019 at Pomona at Blue Barn and photographed by Jill Studio. Teresa wore “Dafne” by Pronovias, a crepe fit and flare style gown with embroidered lace appliqué, adorned with a soft sequin shine. Hair by Alana Brzezinski, Makeup by Angelina Palermo with Rochester Beauty Company. Keep reading to see the rest of this couples sweet story!

Teresa & Dan were married at Scared Heart Cathedral, the same church that her grandparents were wed in, in 1951!

How did you know he was ‘the one’: When Dan told me his feelings for me were making it hard to be “just friends” we stopped talking for one day and I was absolutely beside myself. I realized then that I could never go a day without talking to him or having him make laugh. That I was in love with him!

Location / Proposal Story: “One of our first outings after we became a couple was fishing out on Canadice Lake on a boat Dan made. The following fall, on the first official day of fall 9/23/18 Dan took me to Bruegger’s for breakfast then out to Canadice Lake to fish and see the fall foliage surrounding the lake. He got me to steer the boat facing south so that when I turned around, the morning sun was shining down on him on bended knee with a beautiful diamond!”

On how her dress made her feel: “The most beautiful I have ever felt in my life. I felt like an old-fashioned classic beauty with just the right amount of sexy with the low back and the fit of the dress. Ever since I saw Bella Swan’s wedding dress in Twilight I always knew I needed that type of classic yet sexy gown and I found the perfect one!”

Favorite memory from your wedding: Walking down the aisle to Dan and seeing him choke up.

What are you most looking forward to in married life: Having him as a partner as we begin our own family and continue to create and chase our dreams together.

Congratulations to Teresa & Dan on a beautiful year of marriage, and many more to come. We are still so honored to have been a part of your perfect day. Wishing you health & happiness as you continue your journey together!

XO

-The Silk Bridal Team

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Jordan & Zach

Meet the Fields! Jordan & Zach were one of our first couples to get married in 2020. They were wed in January 11th at Casa Larga Vineyards. Jordan wore a timeless and classic fit and flare style satin gown by Paloma Blanca. They have a beautiful story and we are honored to be a part of their day!

Photographer: Marshall Arts Studios

Hair & Makeup: Nikki Rogers -Makeup

Rachael Desantis- Hair

Colleen Maurer (from tru on park) - Hair

“Zach and I met on tinder… I know. We went to Apogee Wine bar for our first date. We were having so much fun, we then went to Cheshire and Butapub afterwards!”

Who said ‘I love you first’: Zach did, it took him an entire year. We were even living together before he said I love you. I don’t think there was ever an exact moment, but I’ve always felt very secure and comfortable with him.. Like our relationship was always rock solid and I could never see us being apart.”

On how he proposed: “The weekend before Christmas in 2018 we had planned to go out to dinner at Hatties- the restaurant at the top of the Strathallan. It’s one of our favorite spots in the city. He was like, “why don’t you wear a dress tonight and curl your hair.” I thought it was just a cute Christmas celebration just the two of us. While we were waiting for our Uber, Zach put on this winter jacket that he had worn since highschool. I mean it is so ugly- it has holes and tears all over it. I asked him to put on his nice jacket and he kept refusing to because his old one kept him warmer.

I got so mad at him for not listening to me that I didn’t speak to him the entire uber ride and for the first 20 minutes at the restaurant while we were having a drink. (I later told my dad this story and he said it’s the first time ever that Zach didn’t do what I asked him to.)

After my silent treatment over the jacket I was like “well, we’re here, do you want to go out on the balcony?” So we walked out and it was freezing cold and Zach stopped to look at me and said “The reason I wore this jacket is because it was the only one that could hide this box.” He pulled out the ring box, got on one knee and proposed.

On her dress: “I felt classic, glamorous, and timeless. When you have your train down and veil on, it feels unbelievably special. It’s the only time in your life that you are ever going to wear anything remotely like that. And then when it’s time to bustle it, I remember being even more excited because you get to really live in it and dance in it. I remember when my friend Ashlea was bustling my dress I got to just kind of stand still and take it in and be like “I just got married and now it’s time to party.”

“ I loved dress shopping because you feel like an absolute princess.. and I’m not sure if you consider this planning, but Zach and I took dance lessons to prepare for our first dance. It was like a scheduled date night every week for a month before the wedding and I’d recommend that any couple do that. My least favorite part… hunting down RSVPs.”

Thank you to Jordan & Zach for allowing us to feature them as our love story this week! We’re so humbled to be able to look back on the past few months and celebrate the beautiful couples who have still been able to get married. Wishing Jordan & Zach a lifetime of health & happiness!

XO

The Silk Team

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Janelle & Zach

Meet the Messerino’s! Janelle & Zach were married August 2, 2020 in her parents backyard after having originally planning a celebration in Napa. In just under a month, Janelle & Zach replanned their entire day to a more intimate ceremony and reception here in Rochester. Janelle wore “Mckinley” by Enzoani, a fit and flare style gown with a royal cathedral length shadow train. Hair & makeup by Caitlin Walker & Polished Salon. All photos by Jenny Berliner. Even though their day was not as originally planned, Janelle & Zach were able to have a beautiful day on their original wedding date!

On how they met: “Zach and I met at work, and we instantly got along. We found eachother frequenting the coffee pot at the same time just to have the chance to chat! Then one night we happened to run into eachother while out with our friends, and realized that our friend groups knew eachother! It was an easy decision when he asked me out to dinner, and the rest is history!”

“For our first date, we are both pretty sure it was Bistro 135- a jazz lounge in East Rochester. Definitely the perfect ambiance!”

On who said “I love you” first: “Zach did, but he’ll always argue that it was me”

“I knew Zach was the one when we moved in together. The everyday routine of life was so easy and natural with him. We enjoyed the same things, and he always found a way to make me laugh if I was having a bad day. Added bonus, turns out he is one hell of a cook!”

“Zach proposed at our house, which was so romantic because if you know him, he is the biggest planner ever. Zach had gone and picked up the ring which we had been designing for over a year. He had planned to store it at his mom’s house, but once he picked it up, he said he couldn’t wait one more second to give it to me. So he came home and proposed. It was perfect”.

“My dress made me feel like a damn supermodel! The first dress I tried on ended up being the one. It brought tears to my family’s eyes. I was so excited to see Zach’s face when he saw me in it, and well, the pictures speak for themselves”

“My favorite memory from our wedding was towards the very end. Zach pulled me aside with a glass of champagne, held my hand and we stood under the moon and the lights strung from the tree. He said “look around you, we did this”. We really put our love first that day and made sure our wedding was exactly what we wanted, even if it wasn’t where we had originally planned. The whole day was intimate and surrounded by love and support”.

Thank you to sweet Janelle and Zach for allowing us to share their story this week. We are so happy that you two decided to move forward with your wedding even with less than a month to go! Wishing you a lifetime of health & happiness, and we can’t wait u til you’re able to go on your European honeymoon.

With love always,

The Silk Bridal Family

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Cristina & Vincent

Happy Friday! Today we introduce you to a couple with one of the sweetest love stories to date. Meet Cristina & Vincent VanAuker. They were married August 3rd, 2019 at The Arbor at The Port in downtown Rochester. Cristina wore one of our all-time favorite gowns, Imelda, from Pronovias Privée, a lace trumpet style gown adorned with crystal embellishments at the chest and romantic ( & deattachable!) off the shoulder sleeves. The Vanaukers were photographed by CR Photos with videography by Captivate Media . Florals by IDO Wedding Flowers.  Follow their sweet story below and get a behind the scenes look at their amazing day. 

“It was a typical Saturday afternoon, I was leaving the salon (late) and on my way to my best friends daughter, Eva’s ‘First Birthday Party’ (late) and managed to capture a speeding ticket on the way.

The birthday girl was holstered to my hip and ‘UNCLE VIN’ seemingly came out of no where. He obviously had to say hello to the birthday girl and the “shiny blonde-haired girl” that he’s never seen before holding his baby cousin and thought “she must be a cousin i’ve never met before”.

Little did I know, I was racing (worth that speeding ticket) to meet my soulmate that day.

Vinnie had JUST moved back from California. We always heard of each other through out the years and at Eva’s party we finally met for the first time.

Vinnie and I instantly connected so deeply and have been together since that day!

Hmm, our first date was kinda’ a double date that turned into a triple date. Vinnie and I met Amanda and Rocky (Eva’s parents) at Char Steak & Lounge. His brother, Sean and Heather joined and we had such a fun evening.

Our first date, just us, was at California’ Rollin’. We’re big sushi people and wanted to be by the water, who knew we we’re sitting right in-front of our wedding venue! We love it over there and visit frequently in the summer!

Who said ‘I love you first’?

Vincent!

How did you know he was “the one”

Vin says it best.

Remember when were kids and the adults always said “ when you know, you’ll just know”?

Him and I both were kinda like, “yeah, yeah but like HOW do you know?”

Honestly, it’s as simple as that, when you meet someone and they’re the person you’re supposed to be with your soul is kinda just like, “Oh hey, there you are! Where ya been?!”

When we met, our relationship and our connection is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before.

When you know, you truly know!

Location/Proposal Story

This one is fun!

I’ll try to keep it as short as possible!

Vinnie was turning the big 30 in November of 2018. If you know my Husband, you know he’s one to constantly think and do for others. He’s generous, caring, thoughtful and so much more. It’s also pretty impossible to surprise him. I wanted a night to simple honor HIM (without him knowing).I began planning a SURPRISE ‘Frank + the Rat Pack’ themed party for him.

Our buddy, Jay Marker from Spectrum Sounds would be on the beats playing all of the Sinatra inspired tunes as well as Terrence Bruce on the saxophone. Our friend, Denali Simone would be photographing as well as our friend Jake Levin (Captivate Media) filming the night. I rented that cool, rustic barn in Henrietta, NY that would suit the theme, vibe and ambiance all too perfectly.

Yes, I was going ALL out.

Vin was searching the perfect time to propose.

He didn’t let many people know, that he was soon proposing. He wanted it to be a complete surprise to me, of course. His brother, Sean and his wife, Heather were two of those few people that knew. They called Vin one day and shared that I was planning something phenomonal for his up-coming 30th birthday and that I was confident Vincent knew NOTHING about any of it. Sean and Heather shared nothing about the event except that our entire family would be there, all of our closest friends and that a photographer/videographer would be capturing the entire evening. They had hoped Vin wouldn’t think it’d be a terrible idea and potentially ruin the entire surprise for him.

“SOLD, BOOK IT, PERFECT, BRILLIANT. She’ll NEVER know that I know” said Vin.

It’s actually pretty hysterical - I had essentially been lying to him for WEEKS - and obviously he had been doing the same to me, he went along with everything I was saying!

The best part was when I was gone the entire day “setting up, preparing and decorating”, he kept offering his help, asking when I’d be home, etc. The whole time, I prepped him to believe we were attending our friends parents “Gatsby” themed anniversary party - which totally suits the couple, by the way. I had a fake invitation and everything!

I was 100% convinced that he knew NOTHING about his surprise birthday party.

We got dressed in our Rat Pack inspired outfits, looking dapper as ever.

Vinnie was playing literally ALL of “our” songs on our way to the party (I never put two and two together). Probably because I was anxious and wanted everything to be perfect for him!

Little did I know, he was feeling the SAME EXACT WAY.

We entered Vin’s birthday party, it was like something out of a movie. Everyone shouted “SURPRISE”, Sinatra and the Sax were blasting, and Vin played out a perfect “surprise” reaction. Even though he knew about the party, I still believe he was a little shocked. With the extent of the detail, the theme, the decor, the photos, the friends, the family, how incredible everyone looked, etc. “I really freaking got him, I did it!“ I thought. He was in tears. That probably had to do with the fact that he was about to ask the most important person to him, the biggest question of his life. I remember proudly saying to Sean, “ we freakin’ got him, dude! ”

After saying hello to our friends and family, Vin grabbed the mic to give a thank you speech (not out of the ordinary). Vinnie is a phenomenal public speaker. As soon as he grabbed that mic, I was front row and dialed in - I always love hearing him speak. He began talking about his “20’s goals” (I know what his goals are) and I couldn’t help but think, “there is absolutely no way he is about to propose, he thought we were coming to Maureen and Christians party, he wouldn’t have brought a ring here!”.

Low and be hold, that incredible speech turned into the most beautiful moment of our lives, our Forever! I felt like I was in one of them dreams where you couldn’t move, speak, nothing. Shocked is an understatement. I think before I blubbered “YES”, I asked him if he knew the whole time!

It. Was. Absolutely. Perfect!

Vinnie turned his moment into ours.

Oh, he also had my best friend Jeavanna, who lives in Florida fly down. She was hiding upstairs (for only about three hours in the pitch black) and seemingly popped out of no where shortly after Vinnie proposed.

His 30th birthday party quickly became our engagement party. Surrounded by our closest friends, our family, good music. It was the best night ever!

A real life fairy-tale, they do exist, y’all.

We asked Cristina about how she knew her dress was “the one”: I always knew I wanted to go dress shopping for the first time by my self.My Mother passed away in September of 2013. I live daily knowing she’s always with me. Vincent and I believe she guided us to one another. I went by myself because I felt like it was just her and I going. That was special to me...

“... I always knew I wanted to go to Silk. I had no intentions or ambitions of going anywhere else. I picked out a bunch of dresses. I was trying on probably my 12th dress, I got about half way in it and began to say out loud, “this looks really similar to Heathers dress!” (My sister in law, Heather, is also a Silk Bride) Kendra looked at the tag and immediately said, “you’re right, it is Heather’s dress!” We can’t have the same dress, I thought and I threw it (gently) off me! Kendra seemingly grabbed a dress (I still don’t know where she got it from) that I did not see anywhere. It looked amazing while she was holding it, and I thought why not! I put it on and immediately knew it was the one! Yes, I believe my Mom did that, too! My dress was designed by Pronovias and with Fatima’s touch, it fit me like a glove. It’s like it was made for me. I truly felt like Cinderella in it on our wedding day”.

On one of her favorite memories from their wedding day: “My bridal party as well as my father, my brothers and my nephew joined me in visiting my Mom before we arrived to our wedding venue. That was special...

...It was important to Vinnie and I to have her present in our day. There were photos of her everywhere. She had her own chair at the ceremony and at the reception.”

Also, we truly love how much FUN everyone had. The dance floor remained full the entire night. That was pretty awesome. Our guests STILL reach out to us about it!

What are you most looking forward to in married life

August 2020 will be a year married and everyday has been amazing.

This year, we became Godparents together and welcomed our Godson to the world.

We look forward to grow and enjoy this beautiful life.

We look forward to creating and building a family of our own.

Ultimately, being healthy and living this journey together as Husband and Wife is absolutely everything, we couldn’t ask for more.

We are truly Blessed.

[silkbridal]

Gabriella & Sean

Today we introduce you to Gabriella Pérez and Sean Buckley. They were married October 5, 2019 at Onteora Mountain House. The couple met in 2013 and currently reside in New York City. Gabby shares her favorite moments from their wedding day below.

Photographer: Ulysses Photography

Hair: Angelo at Kicks Salon

Florist: Elderberry Design and Flower

“We’re both actors, so we met doing a show in the summer of 2013 at a theater in the Catskills. I was actually dating someone else long-distance at the time, but we had an instant connection that neither of us could ignore. He made me laugh in a way that no one else could, but we also could talk about really spiritual and deep questions without judgment. We became best friends, and it naturally blossomed into a partnership by the end the summer.”

On their first date: “Well... because we were working and living in close quarters in the actor housing, we were together all the time. But we did have an “official” first date at the local diner, Miss Monticello. (It sounds so cheesy now, but we were only 21 at the time!) It felt special because we decided it would be “our first date”, since the rest of our time together was spent in rehearsal, doing laundry, or cooking as a group. We labeled it “date night” right then and there.”

On her dream dress “It sounds cliché, but I felt like the most glamorous and elegant version of myself. I felt like a timeless, vintage star at a fancy party... but I also felt like me. It was so comfortable and fit so perfectly, that it felt like I could move and dance and still be me”.

Gabby originally her gown in a store in Arkansas when she was there for work. When she came to Silk, she began to describe her “dream” gown. “Hosta” by Atelier Pronovias was the first gown Gabby tried on and she never wanted to take it off!

On her favorite moment from their wedding day:

Later on into the night while we were dancing, Sean and I snuck outside to dance alone under the stars. A close friend told us that we should try to sneak out of our own party for 10 minutes at some point, since it’s such a whirlwind day. It was the best advice of all time. We snuck out unnoticed, and had just a few minutes together to dance alone and cool off in the night air.”

Wishing Gabby & Sean love and happiness as we reflect back on their beautiful day! We’re so fortunate to be able to be part of a important day for such a sweet bride.

XO

The Silk Bridal Team

[silkbridal]

Alexandra & Craig

Meet the Gingerich’s! This week we introduce you Alexandra & Craig. The two met in 2014 through a mutual friend, and ended up being neighbors shortly after. The two wed July 13, 2019 at Deerfield Golf & Country Club.

Vendors:

Photographer: Janelle Carmela Photography

Videographer: Shutts Productions

Hair: Blush Beauty Bar

Makeup: Makeup by Caitlyn Michelle

Florist: Idoweddingflowers LLC

Coordinator: Laura Bliss

“For Christmas 2016, we agreed to exchange homemade gifts. Craig surprised me with a stack of 52 envelopes and they were labeled for me to open every Monday for the year. Inside, was a love note or a memory we had shared together. I grew to love Monday’s because it meant I got to open another thoughtful letter from Craig. It just so happened that the final Monday of the year fell on Christmas Day 2017. We were at my family’s house for Christmas. I was wanting to cherish the last letter, and kept delaying opening it. Finally, after several gentle prompts from my family I agreed to open it. (I didn’t realize how much I was making Craig sweat) Inside was the sweetest note and proposal. When I looked up, Craig was on one knee. I couldn’t believe it!”

Alexandra wore a strapless ballgown style gown from Pronovias, adorned with romantic lace appliqués throughout the bodice, skirt and train. “My dress was the first wedding dress I tried on! After trying on a few others, I couldn’t stop thinking about the first dress. I tried it back on and I never wanted to take it off! It felt like it was made for me. I had never felt so beautiful and confident!”

On her favorite memory from their wedding day: “After we were married, we walked down the aisle. When we got to the end, we just stopped and looked at each other with huge smiles because we were finally married!!! It’s one of my favorite pictures from our wedding day”.

“Before we were married, we enjoyed traveling and making memories together. I’m most looking forward to continuing these adventures, but as a married couple”.

Thank you to Alexandra & Craig for allowing us to share their sweet love story. Wishing you health & happiness as you continue your journey together.

XO

-The Silk Bridal Team

[silkbridal]

Ashley & Dan

Today we introduce you to Ashley & Dan Woods. They were married October 6, 2018 at The Villa at Ridder Countey Club outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Ashley wore a satin mermaid style gown Monique Lhuillier, adorned with a deattachable satin and tulle train. Ashley and Dan were photographed by Janelle Carmella Photography.

The couple met while Ashley was at work. “I am a real estate agent and my coworker rented him an apartment to start on September 1st. One September 2nd he came to our office to introduce himself and say thank for the assistance during his move. There is no other way to describe that moment we met other than love at first sight. It was such a strange and magical experience and we both felt the exact same way. Since he was technically a client and I was at work I though nothing of it and moved along . A few weeks went by and Dan reached out to ask very professionally if he could take me out on a date. We then learned on our first date we both had the same feelings the moment we saw each other and it was a crazy fun experience”.

Their first date was at an Italian restaurant in Boston, followed by an improv show. Dan said “ I love you” after two months of dating. “I knew on our first date I was going to marry him, and I can’t describe how, but it was just a feeling we both had. We knew we were right for each other. Love at first sight”.

“Dan planned a “white lie” of a story and told me we were having dinner with friends out in Duxbury, MA. That is about an hour from where we live in Boston. He stopped at the Duxbury beach and said today is our one year anniversary and he wanted to take a picture together to post on Instagram because the beach is a special place for us. As he was getting the “perfect angle” haha I was surpised that my twin sister and his twin brother were behind us filming the whole thing and Dan then got down on one knee and proposed. We then headed back to his parents house who live in Duxbury and there I was surprised with a big family and friend party waiting for us there”.

“My Wedding dress was magical to me. I cried after looking it on the hanger after my wedding because I love it so much and the feeling of wearing it was truly magic and indescribable. It was the perfect mix of my personality. I love that I got several looks with the dress and I felt so unique yet myself in it”.

“My favorite memory at our wedding was sitting back with Dan and just taking it all in. It was so special and the happiness in our hearts was unreal any other feeling we have ever felt. My face hurt by the end of the day from smiling all day and I loved the feeling. I felt so special in my dress as the bride and its an incredible feeling.”

“I am most looking forward to getting to “date” again. We are thrilled to just be married and enjoy each other with out planning a big event. We love saying husband and wife and just really partnership of a marriage”.

Thank you to Ashley & Dan for allowing us to share their incredible love story and be a small part of their wedding day!

[silkbridal]

Carissa and Bryan

This week we are happy to introduce you to Carissa and Bryan! These lovebirds were wed on August 29th of 2019 at the beautiful St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church(the church Carissa grew up in!). They celebrated their big day at Union Station in, in Utica, where they both are from. Carissa and Bryan met through mutual friends in Rochester. Before that, they unknowingly realized they grew up just a few miles apart! After popping the big question, Carissa and Bryan began the biggest adventure of their lives.

“Bryan proposed in my favorite place in Rochester - the gardens at the George Eastman Museum. In true selfless Bryan fashion, he popped the question on his own birthday.“

We asked Carissa how she knew Bryan was “the one” to which she replied:

“There was such an ease to our relationship from the start. Bryan made me feel calm, peaceful and loved fully. He encouraged me to be my true self and seemed to find all of my quirks endearing. And he always made me laugh, which was really the winning ticket for me! Who doesn’t want a lifetime of laughter with their best friend?”

From their intimate ceremony to dancing the night away with family and friends, Carissa happily shared with us memories from one of her happiest days!

“The reception went by in the blink of an eye, but what sticks with me as the happiest part of the evening was dancing and singing with my husband and our friends to the Queen medley our band was playing. At one point, the entire dance floor crowded around my 89-year-old grandfather (one of my favorite people in the entire world) as we enjoyed an epic dance off with each other.”

Wishing Carissa and Bryan a lifetime full of happiness! We are so grateful to work with wonderful brides like you. Thank you for taking the time to share your love story, and letting us be a part of it.

Photographer: Whitney Nichols Photography

Makeup: Tease & Makeup

[silkbridal]

Rachel and Nate

Meet Rachel Given and Nate Stein! This gorgeous couple were married on June 22, 2019. They held their ceremony at the beautiful University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, the university where they both graduated from (and met!). After a successful first date on Park Ave, they began their love story. They were photographed by Tides & Pines Photography.

On her proposal: “Nate initially intended to propose while we were traveling with two of our closest friends in Spain. He had selected a location from the filming of Game of Thrones, but we were unfortunately unable to make it there due to getting stuck in the middle of a Catalonian independence movement protest! Instead he proposed on Christmas Eve, by hanging my engagement ring on our Christmas tree.”

We asked Rachel how her wedding dress made her feel on her special day. And her answer was quite simple,“Amazing!” She continued “ I loved that it was a very classic style and felt like it was made just for me”

Looking back on her wedding day, Rachel has wonderful memories from her first dance to The Talking Heads to her father’s heartfelt speech. She looks forward to traveling the world with her “favorite person”.

Special thanks to Rachel and Nate! Congrats on your first year of marriage, and thank you for sharing your love story.

[silkbridal]

Michelle and Derek

This week we are honored to introduce Michelle Ubowski and Derek Kreider. This beautiful couple tied the knot on April 13th, 2019. They celebrated with friends and family at The Arbor Loft in downtown Rochester, NY. Photographed by Jill Studio Photography. Florals by I Do Wedding Flowers. Michelle and Derek are both RIT graduates, where they met back in 2009. After 10 years of love and friendship, Derek popped the question back where it all began.

“ As were passing by our alma mater, RIT, Derek mentions he needs a bathroom break and gets us to pull over. After disappearing for a couple minutes, he returns to the car and urges me to get out and take a look at campus since we hadn’t been there in so long. It was a snowstorm in the middle of February and I was in flats, so I protested but finally gave up and went out with him. Next thing I know, we’re at the “whisper wall” bench where we met. We reminisced for a bit and when I turned around to leave he was on one knee!”

We asked Michelle to tell us her favorite memory from her wedding day, she expressed it was so hard to choose just one!

“ The entire day felt like a dream! From getting ready with my best friends while drinking coffee from one of my favorite shops (shoutout to Java’s!), our first look at the Memorial Art Gallery, feeling like a celebrity taking photos, walking down the aisle, exchanging the vows we wrote ourselves...”

She goes on to say that a highlight for her was her celebratory sparkler send off, which was a last minute decisions. Surrounded by family and friends, it was the most magical way to end the perfect day.

“ This is just the beginning. We have a whole lot of life left to explore, and I get to have my favorite person along for the ride.”

A special thanks to Michelle and Derek for letting us share their love story this week. We hope you have had the most wonderful first year of marriage and wish you every blessing on your journey together!