From passing notes to planning a future, Buffalonians Mary and Gavin are true high school sweethearts. What started as playful banter blossomed into more after a New Year’s Eve kiss, sparking the start of their decade-long love story.
Following a surprise proposal at Chef Darian Bryan’s private dining venue in Larkinville, The Plating Society, Mary said “yes” to Gavin surrounded by their families.
“Gavin walked me over to a sign that said, ‘Marry me, Mary,’ and I honestly had no idea until he grabbed my hand,” Mary laughs.
Drawing inspiration from a dreamy Hamptons vacation, Mary and Gavin envisioned a wedding that captured the magic of summer, complete with golden hour skies and lakeside vibes.
The Lake House on Canandaigua bestowed the perfect setting, imparting the feeling of a destination wedding while still being convenient for their guests.
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Day-of details
Mary and Gavin curated every moment of their wedding to feel like a joyful escape. Attendees were welcomed with a vibrant cocktail hour featuring steel drum music and a raw bar, complete with an ice sculpture. The decor echoed the colors of a late summer sunset with soft corals, dusky pinks and dreamy lavenders, while playful details—like a sunglasses seating chart—kept the mood lighthearted and fun.
The sunset colors were also echoed in the bridal party attire, with Gavin wearing a custom lavender suit, its lining adorned with photos chronicling his and Mary’s love story.
“We picked a photo from each year, even some photos from high school, so it was kind of like a full circle moment,” Gavin says. “People hadn't seen a lot of the photos, so it was quite a hit.”
Fitting the breezy summer vibe, Mary prioritized comfort for her bridesmaids, letting them choose any style dress in the color palette. “I love when everyone’s in a dress they feel comfortable in,” she says.
Wildflower-inspired florals outfitted the celebration with intention, transitioning from soft white at the ceremony to vibrant colors at the reception, symbolizing the start of the couple’s new married life. Mary chose Michael Reyes, lead designer and founder of The Plot, after seeing his work at her sister’s wedding.
“I never even went and picked out flowers,” she says. “I was like, ‘I trust you, I know you're amazing,’ and I just let him do his thing.”
The couple’s wedding evoked the sense that love, like summer, is meant to be savored.
“It was the best day of my life,” Gavin says. “Both of our families have watched us both grow up, and seeing us tie the knot in such a special way was incredible.”
The dream team
Who helped the couple make it happen
Planning & design / Katharine Phillips
Venue / The Lake House on Canandaigua
Florals / The Plot
Cake / Joelle Eats Cake
DJ / Spooky Stephen
