We met 5 years ago and instantly had a very intimate connection; having both previously been in long term relationships, we knew what we had felt different and with that said, things got serious very quickly. After a few months of spending time together, Kristi mentioned how perfect Mike’s backyard would be for a dog. At the time, Mike lived in a huge lake house with 3 other single guys and his younger, reckless sister– a post-grad frat house some would call it. Not two weeks after the dog comment, Mike Amazon-Prime’d (not actually, but the transaction was just as fast) a 9 week old Siberian husky to the lake house, and told Kristi she would need to be the primary care taker since he was always away for work. That led to Kristi moving into the aforementioned frat lake house, which turned into Kristi being the mom of the house- doing everyones laundry and making sure the beer cans were cleaned up before Monday rolled around. It wasn’t long before we moved into our first apartment, which then led to our second apartment, a town house, and just recently our forever home. Over the years we’ve spent together we have both grown up significantly, and have accomplished many of our goals both as individuals and together. 

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How did the two of you meet?

Having both gone to high schools in close proximity and then Le Moyne College, we knew of each other for several years but never truly crossed paths until 5 years ago. We were both at a local Irish pub on a typical freezing night out in March in Syracuse. Kristi looked at her friend and pointed in Mikes direction and said “I wanna date that kid.” 1 month later after several dates, weekend trips and getting to know each other on a personal level, Kristi got what she wanted. 

What was your favorite memory of your wedding day?

Our favorite moment together was when we got to slip out during dinner to take sunset pictures- we thought this would be inconvenient but we both had so much fun slipping away to run (literally run- thanks Gavin!) around the grounds of Timber Banks golf course. We spent the whole time laughing, sweating and having the best time just in each others presence. 

What were the main influences behind the style of your wedding, its location and your venue choice for your big day?

The moment we walked into Timber Banks we both knew it was the venue we would get married at- we loved everything about the venue, the views off the balcony, the lodge like feel of the outside, yet the modern look of the inside. We loved the idea of candles everywhere during the reception, giving it a more romantic vibe.

What would your top tips be for somebody planning their wedding?

Do your best to stay organized. There are so so so many details when planning a wedding and keeping everything organized- vendor information, finances, decor inventory- is the key to having a more relaxing wedding day. Also, don’t have regrets- you only get married once (or you hope so). It is of course very expensive and at times feels like a huge financial burden, but spend the money on things that are important to you- for us that meant having memories that we and our future children can re-live forever (for us, that meant investing in a good photographer and videographer) and having fun (open bar and a huge bridal party of our closest friends). 

What made you decide to hire a wedding videographer? Any tips for couples on the fence for a film?

When you’re engaged, every married person will tell you “Enjoy your day, it goes by so fast.” And it is so so true, but it’s hard to know how true until your wedding day has come and gone. Having attended many weddings, we recognized how hard it is for the newlyweds to truly spend time exploring the venue and seeing the day from a perspective that isn’t their own whirlwind and tunnel vision. For us, hiring a wedding videographer was a no brainer- and having Gavin as our vendor truly made our day the most special.