11.19.11 - Ambassador Banquet Center - Erie, PA

This time of year we start to reflect on how thankful we are for having the people we love in our lives. For Amanda and Ryan, they have much to be thankful for as well. The fact that they happen to take the same karate classes together, it led them down a path of love that led everyone in their lives to the Ambassador Center on Saturday, November 19th for Amanda and Ryan's wedding day!

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a late fall day, as the festivities began with the wedding ceremony in the Ambassador's beautiful Atrium, performed by Amanda and Ryan's longtime friend, Pastor J. Davis, who ironically had also been their karate instructor, so it made the day that much more special! Amanda and Ryan had chosen some of their favorite music for the ceremony, including the prelude, processional and recessional. Once the ceremony was complete, guests made their way down to the beautiful Hemmingway Ballroom for the wedding reception. After sampling some wonderful hors d' oevres, people took their seats for the formal introductions. From the music for the introductions right through the dinner music, guests were again treated to some more of Amanda and Ryan's favorite songs and artists. I always have believed in customizing an event, and the happy couple were ecstatic to be able to hand pick some great music! Right before the sit down meal began, Ryan's Best Man, Anthony, and Amanda's Maid of Honor, Mandy, shared some wonderful toasts to the newly married couple.

Once dinner was complete, Amanda and Ryan cut into their beautiful wedding cake, prepared by Cindy's Let Them Eat Cake. The first dance was next, followed by the Bridal Party Dance. For Amanda's dance with her dad, she definitely had a surprise for him! Starting out with a montage of various 90's hits they they BOTH loved, it segued into Rod Stewart's rendition of "Have I Told You Lately." Ryan chose "Simple Man" from Shinedown for his dance with his Mom. We opened the dance floor for about a half hour, then before moving into the rest of the formalities, Amanda and Ryan thanked everyone for their love and support. The evening finished out with more dancing, bringing everyone out of their seats for an amazing night for one and all!

Thanks go out to an amazing team of professionals...Pastor J. Davis, for a wonderful ceremony, Paula and the staff from the Ambassador, who are always wonderful to work with, Cindy Favreau from Cindy's Let Them Eat Cake and to Jennifer White and her husband from Jennifer Photography, who caputured some wonderful photographic images of the wedding day. And, of course, my thanks to you, Amanda and Ryan! It was a pleasure and honor to have been chosen as your entertainment! I am so glad that everyone had so much fun on one of the best days of your lives together! All my best, and enjoy that Cooks Forest honeymoon!