We all do our best to incorporate special, sentimental touches into our wedding day. But some couples go above and beyond! Sarah and Patrick broke the mold on their wedding day in the best way possible. Between the bride proposing to her groom, a special visit to her grandparents, and an unforgettable ride on a merry-go-round, every element was crafted to perfection.
As a wedding photographer herself, Sarah prioritized having an uber-talented photographer to capture their special day. Scottiebe Photo fit the bill! As far as planning went, Sarah had it all under control. Each thoughtful touch came directly from the minds of the bride and groom. And the venue? The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum! This quirky and fun museum perfectly matched their eccentric and vibrant personalities. Let’s get into the deets!
Making Memories
You’re invited to the VIP celebration of Sarah and Patrick’s nuptials! The happy couple sent out some of the coolest invitations we’ve seen. Guests could RSVP ‘yes’ by circling “Rock on!” or ‘no’ by circling “Can’t Hang”. This isn’t a party we would want to miss!
Sarah and Patrick’s relationship is one that has always been rooted in romance and optimism. When the time was right, Sarah got down on one knee and proposed to her soup snake (IYKYK!) with a custom ring. Patrick was overcome with joy and emotion that he was soon to marry the love of his life.
My thoughts about what I would wear when I got married have definitely changed over time. [I thought] I would wear a giant ball gown or something over the top. But when I started the search, the very first dress I saw online called out to me. Being a plus-size bride, it is very difficult still to find dresses to try on, or to find any plus-size dresses at all! To my happy surprise, I went to a boutique that carried the dress I saw online, and told them I was looking for that style. They told me that they could order it in my size, and I could not have been happier. I wanted something a little 70s-inspired with sleeves and something that wasn’t too revealing in the front or in the back. I definitely plan on wearing it again on our anniversary.
We can’t stop staring at Sarah’s ring! Feeling inspired? Check out our picks for the prettiest wedding rings on the market!
In the spirit of making their wedding about just the two of them, the couple helped each other get ready for the day.
Grape Soda
Sarah gifted Patrick with several meaningful pins on their wedding day. Ever seen the movie UP? In it, Ellie gifts Carl with a grape soda pin to commemorate them becoming explorer buddies.
This custom strawberry pin was an ode to Patrick’s late father, who was nicknamed “Electric Strawberry” during his time in the military.
Lunchtime! Getting married in Buffalo, it’s only appropriate to munch on the much-beloved wings at Duff’s restaurant.
Cheers!
(P.S. The couple treated their vendors to lunch, as well!)
The couple later ventured to the cemetery, where they paid their respects to Sarah’s late grandparents.
One of the most memorable moments of the day I think would have to be the first dance with my grandmother. Growing up my grandparents were very special to me and my sister. They took care of us while our parents worked, and always supported us in life. Over the past few years, I have lost my mom's parents, so I made it a point that we visited them at their graves on our wedding day. I think it’s very important to remember the ones that we have lost, and never forget them. I am very blessed that they have a beautiful spot in an absolutely gorgeous cemetery that I visit often. Making sure I stop to tell them current life news or even just to hang out underneath the maple tree to just feel near them.
To make the moment even sweeter, the couple flipped through Sarah’s grandparents’ wedding album.
Why doesn’t every couple get a super-cool banner with their last name and wedding date?!
Marry-Go-Round
The couple’s intimate ceremony included special guests, like Sarah’s remaining living grandparents. She even shared a first dance with her grandmother later in the evening, and gave them a first look!
Growing up [my grandparents] took me to the carousel museum near where we lived almost weekly. Again, being a wedding photographer, I’ve been to so many venues that I wanted to make sure ours was unique. There was no other place as fun and that made as much sense as the carousel museum!
Processional: Mr. Rogers Theme Song
Recessional: Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
First Dance: It's You I Like by Mr. Rogers
The ceremony backdrop was decorated with dahlias by Beck and Forth Co. to match the bouquet. Guests were invited to snap pictures of the bride and groom for a few moments once they got to the altar in order to allow an unplugged ceremony.
My advice to all the future brides and grooms out there is to definitely make your day about you! Whether that be to elope in the mountains, or have that giant party you have always dreamed of. Don’t forget that a wedding means a couple loves each other. And that couple, no one else, should do exactly what they want to do.
Congratulations to Sarah and Patrick! Your beautiful and sentimental wedding is an inspiration to us all.
photography: Scottiebe Photo // venue name: Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Buffalo, NY, US // event design: Beck and Forth Co. // planning: Sarah Westphal // florals: Beck and Forth Co. // wedding dress: Willow by Waters // wedding dress boutique: Lovely Bride Rochester // hairpiece: Etsy // bride's shoes: Steve Madden // bride's ring: Mills Jewelers // hair stylist: Amanda Lee Shamrock // makeup artist: Amanda Lee Shamrock // groom attire: Bureau Made // videography: Reilley Photography // paper goods: Summit and Sage // handmade details: Oxford Pennant // catering: Fat Bobs // cake: Cakes by Katya // music: H & H Entertainment // cocktails: Hartmans Dist // Bride's Jewelry: Buffalo Fringe // Alterations: Made by Anatomy // Lunch Stop: Duffs
Love this wedding.