I’m going to tell you all about Kelly + Sam’s amazing Crag Burn wedding in Western New York. But first I want to take you back a little further. Ready to hear the coolest story about how they met?! It involves jelly beans, a university pub called The Pub (of course), and a game of chance!
They both attended at St. Lawrence University and went to The Pub often with friends. The Pub had a big “guess the number of jelly beans in the jar” contest. Everyone put in their answers, and pretty much forgot about the contest completely. Then Kelly got a call saying she was a winner! But get this, plot twist – there were actually two winners! And guess who?! Kelly + Sam BOTH guessed the exact same number!
They got called to come in to have a photo taken, and to claim their prize, and that’s where it all began. Though they didn’t realize it at the time, it was the beginning of their relationship and new life together. Love these two!
Now happily married, they hosted friends and family for an amazing Crag Burn wedding in Western New York, and it couldn’t have been any better!
Keep scrolling to see Kelly + Sam’s first look, kickass dance party, and whether or not they had a jelly bean bar for dessert. 😉
I got to know Kelly and Sam during their engagement shoot, and instantly liked them. They’re so easy to get along with and so happy together! When I asked about some of their favourite things to do together, their answers were:
- barhopping in their neighborhood,
- dog walks, and
- going on road trips
– a couple after my own heart!
There were so many non-traditional elements to their wedding day, which I loved.
The entire bridal party put their hands on one another’s shoulders while the pastor recited a prayer during the wedding ceremony. Kelly’s dress was unique and vintage-inspired, and she just looked radiant.
Kelly and Sam also had a first look before their ceremony. Sam told me one of the things he was most excited about for their wedding day was seeing Kelly in her wedding dress. Kelly also said that she was excited about the first look! Needless to say, they were both pretty anxious leading up to it! But as soon as they saw one another, any jitters or nerves evaporated. When Kelly walked out of the Roycroft and laid eyes on Sam with his back turned, her face broke into the biggest grin I’ve ever seen. It was SO sweet, and when Sam finally turned and saw her in her dress he was SO happy!
I always recommend doing a first look before your ceremony.
A first look on your wedding day:
gives you extra time for portraits, saves room in your schedule for more mingling + partying with guests, and gives you and your partner a chance to be alone for a few minutes on an otherwise busy day.
Friends and family joined together to celebrate with Kelly + Sam. This was the most amazing group of guests ever! Everyone was on the dance floor, jiving to live music, and smoking cigars. The speeches during the reception were heartfelt and funny, and simultaneously had people laughing and hanging on to every word. We got a group shot with all of Kelly + Sam’s college friends holding up a St. Lawrence alum banner, and it felt as much like a fun reunion as it did a wedding.
Their ceremony was amazing, and at a beautiful outdoor spot at the Crag Burn golf club.
It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and white clouds, and the venue was perfect. Kelly was pumped about the walk back down the aisle together once they were declared husband and wife. I love the elated look on her face and the bouquet-fist-pump, as Sam high-fives guests on their way back up the aisle. They’re so much fun!
The vendor team that Kelly + Sam put together was so incredible. Flowers by Nature created the most beautiful arch and elegant, simple bouquets and centrepieces. Social Maven did an amazing job coordinating their day, and the food by Oliver’s Cuisine was delicious. Parkside Prints created elegant water-color signage and stationary, and it fit in so well with the rest of the decor and details.
The entire bridal party got ready at the Roycroft Inn, which has so many beautiful spots for photos. Brittney Grady and Mink Salon got the girls wedding-ready with fresh-faced makeup and awesome hairstyles. I’ve shot weddings at Crag Burn several times before, and it’s one of my favorite venues.
Crag Burn has amazing spaces for outdoor wedding ceremonies, and huge white tents available for dining, receptions, and dancing. If you’re looking for a Western New York wedding venue, Crag Burn is a great choice!
They’re great wedding day hosts, and I can’t recommend the venue enough. All of the vendors who took part in Kelly + Sam’s day were incredible! (You can find their info below!) 🙂
I’m so happy that Kelly + Sam asked me to capture their big day. It was a beautiful, fun, joy-filled Crag Burn wedding – and it all started a long time ago, with a jar full of jelly beans.
Kelly + Sam – thank you for hosting me on such an amazing day! I’m so grateful to you both and wish you all the best! Xoxo
The Crag Burn Wedding Day Vendor Dream Team:
Photography – Lindsey Robinson Photography
Assistant Photographer – Hannah R.
Event Planning & Coordinating – Social Maven
Florals – Flowers By Nature
Catering – Oliver’s Cuisine
Getting Ready Location – Roycroft Inn
Ceremony & Reception Location – Crag Burn Club
Make Up Artist – Brittney Grady
Hair – Mink Salon
Paper goods – Parkside Prints
If you loved this Crag Burn wedding, you might also love this Becker Farms Vineyard Wedding!
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