Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Locations in Buffalo

We have had a lot of clients lately asking us to assist with options for outdoor wedding ceremonies in the downtown Buffalo area.  Here are some good options to consider:

West Side Rowing Club/Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse
Located at the foot of Porter Avenue right on the waterfront, there is an outdoor space that can accommodate a wedding ceremony.  There is enough room to have it under a tent as well if you desire.  For more information, contact Sharon @ 716-362-3140.  http://www.wrightsboathouse.org/

The Jacobs Center (formerly the Butler Mansion)
This beautiful mansion on Delaware and North Streets has an outdoor courtyard which can be used for wedding ceremonies.  There are multiple options on the grounds for a ceremony - the lawn can seat up to 150 people, the area by the gazebo can seat approximately 100, and the stairs on the North Street side seats approximately 50-75 people.  The inside of the mansion is used as a backup in case of rain.  You can also choose to have your cocktail hour at the venue and then move on to a reception at another location.  They do also hold wedding receptions.  For more information, call 716-645-2344.

Delaware Park Rose Garden
The rose garden can seat up to 200 people for an outdoor ceremony, and can be booked by calling the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 716-886-0088.  There are also other locations in Delaware Park that are not "private", and you can hold your ceremony anywhere in the Park that you would like (as long as you don't mind the possible interruptions or uninvited guests!)

Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are located behind the Albright Knox Art Gallery.  It is a vast space, and you can hold a wedding ceremony wherever you would like on the grounds.  If you require seating, you do need to bring in and set up rental chairs.  This space can be booked by calling the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 716-886-0088.

Buffalo Parks
There are numerous parks around the City where you can hold an outdoor ceremony.  For more information, contact Arlene at the Parks and Recreation Department at 716-851-9670.

There are also some nice locations where you can have an outdoor ceremony, but you are usually required to book your reception there as well...

Twentieth Century Club
The Twentieth Century Club is private, so you do need to be sponsored by a member to hold your wedding here.  It is an exquisite Mansion located on Delaware Avenue done in an Italian Renaissance style.  There is a gorgeous courtyard in the back where ceremonies are held.  Brides make their grand entrance down a dramatic staircase leading to the aisle.  Here are some photos from a recent wedding we coordinated at the location.

Templeton Landing Restaurant
Templeton Landing is located right on the water in the Erie Basin Marina, and they have two outdoor ceremony locations.  Ceremonies can be held on their rooftop patio or on the grass alongside the restaurant.  Here are some photos from a recent wedding we coordinated at this location...

For more information, call 716-852-7337 or visit their website at http://www.templetonlanding.com/directions.php

Happy planning!

Real Weddings: Carrie & Jeremy

I recently obtained the beautiful photos from Carrie & Jeremy's October 2009 wedding that were taken by Expressions Studio.  Their ceremony took place at St. Stephens Church in Lackawanna, and their reception at the Ellicott Square Building in Buffalo.  It was a beautiful day and their creative ideas and personalities shone through in many of the details.  Let's start with Carrie's fashion - her gown and shoes were just stunning!

Some photos of their huge bridal party - they took many of the photos at Forest Lawn.

The church was beautiful and ornate - check out the ceiling...

The couple is very pro-Buffalo, and it was important to them to incorporate things relating to the City. They named each of the reception tables after streets in Buffalo, and these cute signs were hung from all the centerpieces.

 
The happy couple during their first dance...
 

Thank you for letting us be part of your special day, and we wish you happiness for many years to come!

Real Weddings: Lindsay & Ryan

Our clients, Lindsay and Ryan were married in May of 2009. Their wedding was recently chosen to be featured in the Spring 2010 issue of Buffalo Brides magazine!  Their ceremony took place at St. Louis Church downtown, and the reception was held at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora.  You can read all about the fabulous and personalized details of their day here...

What a nice keepsake to have and an honor to be featured in this local magazine!

Confetti: Unique fundraising idea

Last night, I volunteered at the first ever Handbag Happy Hour event to benefit AIDS Community Services. The event was held at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, and I am sure it was quite a successful fundraiser. Ladies of all ages from across the region attended and had the opportunity to bid on new and previously loved designer and distinctive purses. There was a silent auction and a live auction. The live action included purses donated by Susan Lucci and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and these were very popular! There were many generous companies and individuals across Western New York who donated purses and raffle prizes to make the evening a success. I haven't been to Salvatore's in a while, and was impressed with their appetizers and presentation in general. On the way out the door, ladies had the opportunity to pick up even more purses at bargain prices ($5-$20)! Needless to say, everyone left happy and with some new goodies.

This was an awesome idea for a fundraiser (wish I had thought of it!), a great way to bring women together, and I am sure that it will be very successful for years to come.

Spotlight Buffalo: The Ellicott Square Building

The Ellicott Square building built in 1896 is a really unique place to host your Buffalo event. The lobby can be rented out, and you are able to choose any vendors you would like to bring in. With its two grand staircases, marble mosaic floor and glass ceiling, it is an impressive space. It does take a little more work to hold an event in a non-traditional venue, but this allows it to be customized and more uniquely yours!

Here are some photos of a recent wedding I did at the building. These photos were taken by Expressions Studio.

We lined the entire balcony with about 150 votive candles. It looked amazing once it became darker. What a photo!

Confetti: The Wake Wins an Outstanding Event Award

Last February, we coordinated The Wake - an annual fundraiser for the Irish Classical Theatre Company. The event recently won an outstanding event award for 2009 from the Buffalo Niagara Event Professionals! This was the first year Distinctive Occasions had the privilege to be involved with the event. Thanks to a fabulous committee, dedicated staff and volunteers the event was such a success!

Over 500 people turned out on a cold February night to bid a raucous, Irish-style farewell to our dearly departed friend, Aidan Doogood. Tickets included wine and beer, food, live music by Penny Whiskey and Stone Row, and interactive entertainment. A funeral procession led by a bagpiper kicked off the evening’s festivities, complete with Irish dancers. The deceased’s coffin was processed out of a hearse parked outside the entrance. “Mourners” participated in the “Reading of the Will” (live auction) the “Estate Sale” (basket raffle), and mingled with with Aidan’s bereaved “family and friends” (local actors).

This was an outstanding event because all of the elements aligned in a seamless way which led to its success. The theme of the event was carried through in every aspect of the evening. The marketing campaign, the choice of venue, the activities, the food & drink, the entertainment, and the décor all supported and enhanced this unique theme. The venue, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, fit the event perfectly. The building, with its expansive space and stained glass windows actually looks like a church. The marketing campaign by Crowley Webb created buzz and anticipation, setting the tone for the event. Posters featured cartoonish depictions of Aidan’s “family and friends” who were then played by actors at the event. Beer coasters were distributed to local pubs and taverns offering discounted tickets, and the website cleverly incorporated the dark humor of the event. Attendees arrived expecting a great party, and they were not disappointed. The unique nature of The Wake encourages interactive participation, and attendees participated wholeheartedly. They served as pallbearers, gave toasts, danced, and sang songs to the departed, all under the direction of Father Malarkey who presided over the event. There was strong community involvement from local businesses, who gave both monetary and in-kind donations. Buffalo’s own Flying Bison Brewing Company brewed a signature oatmeal stout, Irish Tears (“Stop yer cryin’ and drink.”), especially for the event. The Gourmet Store created delicious Irish themed foods, and used clever names such as “Deadly Dessert Bar” and “Blarney Stone Bruschetta” for the food stations. Décor included Irish beer bottles used as vases with farewell messages to the departed written on them. The fresh approach taken by the committee helped draw new attendees and encouraged a festive and spontaneous atmosphere. This was the fifth year The Wake was held, and revenues increased despite the economy. It was well organized and well run, and attendees celebrated in true Irish fashion.

Don't miss this year's party to die for! Save the date for Friday, March 12th, 2010 at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. For more information, visit www.PartyToDieFor.com

Weddings: Lynn & Jonathan

Last weekend we had the pleasure of working on the wedding of Lynn and Jonathan. Their ceremony was at St. Joseph's Cathedral and the reception took place in the Statler Towers Terrace Room. Lynn and Jonathan are a fun couple who are very easy going, and their love for life and one another definitely shined through the whole day. The crowd of mostly out of town guests enjoyed all the fabulous things Downtown Buffalo has to offer...including the brand new Embassy Suites in the Avant Building on Delaware Avenue. You should definitely check out this beautiful hotel!

Really sweet story...I was pinning on Jonathan's boutonniere and I asked him if he was nervous. He said "Absolutely not - I have never been more prepared for anything in my life." What a guy!! Here is a photo of the happy couple after they took their vows.

The set up at the Statler Terrace Room was just gorgeous. Their colors were "Carolina Blue" and Chocolate Brown. We incorporated a subtle star theme into the design, as one of their dates involved gazing at constellations (so romantic!). The centerpieces had tiny blue lights hanging off the branches, and the tables were named after constellations. The ivory floor length linen and mahogany chivari chairs enhanced the elegance of the room with its grand windows and high ceilings. Professional pictures will follow, but here are a few I managed to snap...

Guests enjoyed a candy buffet which coordinated with their chosen colors....

It was a beautiful wedding and I feel honored to have worked with such a wonderful couple and their families!

Spotlight Buffalo: Western New York Restaurant Week

This is local restaurant week in Western New York, where over 100 local restaurants are offering fixed price menus for $20.09. This is a great opportunity to support local business owners, plus you can have a delicious meal for a fraction of the regular price. Check out the website to view participating restaurants and their offers.

You could also use this as an opportunity to scout out locations for upcoming parties and weddings. Some of my favorite event spaces that are participating:

Harry's Harbour Place Grille - beautiful setting on the water perfect for a summer wedding
The Roycroft Inn - unique space with classic charm suitable for all types of events
Chefs - a popular spot for showers and parties
Black and Blue Steak & Crab - a great chic restaurant that offers 2 rooms for private events

Don't miss out - Restaurant Week ends on Sunday!