Jean Harlow Inspired Wedding – Nicole Taylor Photography

It’s no surprise that I LOVE weddings. Any style, any color, any theme, anywhere. I find weddings to be a series of “blessings” that come together and culminate on a day of love, joy, and happiness. This Old Hollywood inspired wedding captured beautifully by Nicole Taylor is without a doubt a blessing.
I was never one of those girls who had always dreamed of her wedding day. We didn’t have a lot of time or an unlimited budget therefore I would characterize the planning of our wedding as a series of blessings – only a few of which are listed below:

Blessing No. 1 (The Reception Venue) – Once we decided to have the wedding in Buffalo, NY, where the groom was born and raised and where most of his big Italian family still reside, we knew securing the reception venue would be key. The Mansion on Delaware, my first choice, was fully booked. A couple of days later, while we looked for other options, the Mansion called to inform us that there had been a cancellation for Saturday September 27th which just happened to be the anniversary of our first date!

Blessing No. 2 (The Wedding Dress) – I had a clear vision of what style of wedding dress I wanted. This was perhaps the only aspect of the wedding I had envisioned beforehand and discussed with my mother over the years, if/when we ever saw something that resembled the look I was going for. However, with a little more than 3 months to plan the wedding, many of the well known bridal salons wouldn’t even give me an appointment to come in an try on dresses. My mother found a place called The Bridal Garden, which was advertised as “the only not-for-profit bridal boutique in New York City, with donated designer wedding gowns discounted up to 75%.” I was skeptical but figured it wouldn’t be a bad place to start. My mother arrived 10 minutes early and quickly sifted her way through rows and rows of tulle, organza and chiffon confections to find “the dress” which she triumphantly declared upon my arrival. Hanging in the dressing room was a Jean Harlow inspired, bias cut, double silk charmeuse gown with rhinestone straps. It was the first and only dress I tried on. It fit me perfectly and required almost no tailoring.

The fur shrug and veil were also purchased at the Bridal Garden. The veil had been handmade by a seamstress (also named Gina) who worked at the Bridal Garden.

Blessing No. 3 (The Photographer) – We contacted a series of photographers in Buffalo, most of which were already booked in September (the high season for weddings in Buffalo). While I knew of several photographers in NYC, the cost and logistics of transporting them to Buffalo, was something I was hoping to avoid. A work colleague of mine recommended a friend of hers named Nicole Taylor, who was from the Buffalo area and just happened to be available on September 27th. We met with Nicole and knew instantly that her vision and style of photography would be perfect to capture our special day. Also, the fact that Nicole was a wedding veteran was also very helpful when it came time to putting together the wedding day schedule. Blessing No. 4 (Hair) – I really struggled to find someone to do my hair. Over the course of three and half months, I met with many stylists in the Buffalo area. I didn’t want anything that looked too big and too styled. The day before the wedding, my husband contacted Joe Lovullo, a NYC based hairstylist and friend of a friend who just happened to be in Buffalo. Joe met briefly with me and I showed him a picture of the dress. We tried out a few ideas and discussed my vision. Despite the short notice, I did not hesitate to hire Joe for my big day. He just felt like family and someone I could trust. The next day he arrived in my hotel room and not only did my hair, but also did my mother’s and maid of honor’s hair.

P.s. Joe now cuts and styles my hair at his private salon in NYC and also has a salon Buffalo. It’s hard to choose just one or two memorable moments from the wedding day. There were so many!

Getting ready with my mom, best friend and sister-in-law. I’m the last of all of us to get married and it was wonderful being surrounded them on the morning of my big day. I felt really supported and loved.
When my father saw me for the first time – his face and exclamation (I believe he said “Holy Shit”!!) made me want to laugh and cry at the same time. He said I looked beautiful and we were both so happy and emotional in that moment. I felt so blessed to still have my father with me to walk me down the aisle.
Meeting my soon to be husband at the altar – was simultaneously surreal and exactly where I was meant to be. I was surprised at how relaxed I felt once I finally got there!
Seeing all of our friends and family together at the Church and then at the reception. I loved watching people I know from all different parts of my life, talk and laugh together.
Dancing with my father. He’s 86 and suffers from Parkinson’s and yet he made it through the entire day like a champ and was still able to get up and dance with his daughter. Likewise, seeing my mom dance with my brother – I don’t think I’ve ever seen her laugh and smile as large as she did in that moment.
After the reception – getting a foot rub from my new husband and going over all the events of the day.

***Foundation – This may be too much information but its worthy of mention since any bride will tell you that finding the right underwear that won’t show panty lines is nearly as difficult as finding the wedding dress itself. Wolford’s Tulle Control Shorts were an absolute God send and simply the most comfortable pair of undies this bride has ever worn.