This was literally, the wedding of the decade. The wedding I’ve been waiting for since McKay’s Photography began 10 years ago. Literally and figuratively. I love these people so much. This post will be the hardest to write. And to keep concise.
Here is the quick back story: Vivienne and I attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and lived on the same dorm floor Freshman year (Fish E West!). She was immediately my new best friend and is one of the rare people who have seen me through just about every relationship or hair color I’ve ever had. And vice versa. Kevin and I met a year later through Garrett (who you may remember from previous weddings like The Morey and The Webber). So, I’ve known these two for 20 years and before they knew each other!
Skip forward to 2002: When I began my business, I immediately begged Vivie to do my graphic design, because she is the BEST. So, her and Kevin came up with my colors, logo, tagline, business cards, etc… with the trade in their eventual wedding photography. So, this past Thursday, it was time for me to pay up! Yep, after 10 years.
KeViv, as they are collectively known, had decided on an extremely small wedding with immediate family only. Not even wanting to have me photograph the event. When they attended Ian & Laura’s wedding last fall, Viv decided it needed to be a little bigger. So, the following images are the result….
Vivienne owns Avenue4Design, so obviously she designed every detail of the wedding and knocked it out of the park! My favorites were the little booklet about the Finger Lakes, complete with their favorite places to visit, and the name cards. Which weren’t name cards. They were face cards!! Hands down, my favorite idea I’ve ever seen for the place cards. This is a tradition of theirs when they host Thanksgiving, so it is fitting to have them for their wedding. It took me a while to find my photo though, as I was looking for a college photo of me. NOPE. They grabbed my first day of Kindergarten photo off of Facebook. Hahaha. Everyone had fun looking at each other’s photos during the reception.
We had a ridiculously warm and humid day, with the threat of heavy rain, hail and possible tornado at their ceremony time. Luckily, the weathermen are never ever correct. It did rain during the ceremony, however it was manageable and didn’t last long. There was a HUGE crash of thunder right after each of them said “I do” though!
A big shout out to my new favorite wedding location, the Inns of Aurora and Heather Davidson. She is always a step ahead and completely committed to running a smooth day. The staff was ready for a tornado, yet not stressed out about it. Everything went smoothly and precisely. As a seasoned wedding photographer, I can say for certain that Heather and her staff are the reason this is a top notch wedding location. Even better, Heather wasn’t afraid to poke a little fun at Kevin…
Another important shout out is to Viv’s Mom, who is also a seasoned wedding professional and performed the wedding ceremony. Reverend Pamela Anderegg has been officiating weddings in the Auburn area for decades and gave a touching and unique service. Viv’s brother, Rob, and Kevin’s nephew performed the processional music. Kiff Scholl acted as the host for the reception, introducing each amazing toast and keeping us laughing. As you can tell, this was one big intimate family affair.
This three day event on Cayuga Lake was just so wonderful in every possible way. The emotion pouring from Kevin had me choked up a few times. I’m so blessed to have good friends like these and the job I love. Both families were all warm and welcoming and I was reconnected with several other RIT Alumni. With my schedule lately being so insanely crazy, this destination wedding actually felt like a vacation and I didn’t want to return.
Kevin and Vivie, I am over joyed for you both. Your love of each other is pouring from your souls and your support of your friends and family does too. We are all lucky to have attended your epic wedding and wish you love and happiness for decades to come.
I could tell many many many more stories about the day and about Kevin & Viv, however I’ll let the images speak to you…
Inns of Aurora Wedding Professionals:
Engagement ring designed by Jennifer DeLorenzi and Viv // Wedding design: Kevin and Vivienne, Avenue4Design
Wedding Gown: Amy Kuschel // Wedding Location and Cake: Inns of Aurora // Wedding Photography: Heather McKay // Lighting Assistant: Ian Webber // Band: The Boilermaker Jazz Band // Day after brunch: Auburn’s Mesa Grande // Flowers: Stacy K Floral