Handcrafted With Love

Nikki Lo
Jun 4
3 min read

The Wedding of Rhiannon and Dan

Rhiannon and Dan’s wedding told a story stitched together with love, memory, and intention. Their celebration reflected who they are: lovers of nature, seekers of peace, and deeply connected to the people who make their world whole.

From the hand-embroidered veil to the crocheted flowers and a home-cooked meal, every detail carried meaning. For Buffalo wedding and lifestyle photographer Brandon McClinsey, capturing the essence of their day meant highlighting the beauty of these personal touches.

EVERY STITCH A STORY

For Rhiannon and Dan, choosing a wedding venue was easy. They chose to marry in their favorite place: Allegany State Park in Cattaraugus County. It’s a place of quiet and tranquility, free from the distractions of technology, with lush trees and calm waters making it a perfect backdrop for their special day. Rhiannon says, “We really based our entire wedding on the peace and intimacy that being secluded in nature brings.”

That intention carried through in every aspect of their wedding, including her veil. The veil, a $20 find, evolved into a priceless heirloom over the course of nine months as Rhiannon hand-sewed embroidered pieces into the delicate fabric.

Each piece was chosen with love for a person of significance in her life. There was an eagle for Dan (a favorite animal of his and to represent his tattoos), an orange cat for Dan’s daughter, Ava, and a bumblebee for his son, Daniel, that referenced an inside joke. There was a raccoon for Rhiannon’s oldest daughter, Delilah, and a paw print for her youngest daughter, Lydia, in honor of their recently lost family dog — Rhiannon hand-embroidered that piece herself. She chose sunflowers for her father, an owl for her mother-in-law, and a squirrel for her father-in-law.

“It was wonderful to share the [veil] with them and show all of them that they were a part of this important item,” Rhiannon said. “It was a secret I kept from my husband the entire time, stitching whenever he was out.”

TREASURES, TACOS & TULLE

The thoughtful details didn’t stop at Rhiannon’s veil. Her sister-in-law, Edie, handcrafted all the bouquets and boutonnieres, crocheting roses intertwined with beads and fresh-picked local flowers.

The wedding décor was a collection of thrifted treasures. “Beautiful, mismatched vases and serving ware that used to grace someone’s beloved grandmother’s China cabinet now held new life,” Rhiannon reflected.

Even the food was crafted with meaning. Dan and his best friend cooked a taco-themed dinner, a nod to the first meal Dan made for Rhiannon when they were dating. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for a Whole Foods Chantilly Berry Cake (which Rhiannon highly recommends), that she decorated with gold flakes and flowers just before the ceremony.

One of the most deeply personal touches of the day was their officiant—Dan’s mother, Julia, who became ordained just to marry them. Rhiannon recalls, “Her words were loving and impactful, and to share that moment with her and my husband meant the world to us.”

As the night wound down, only the couple’s closest loved ones remained. Everyone sat by the fire, roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and playing with sparklers. “To sit next to my husband, surrounded by all that love, joy, and laughter, enjoying the people that we have brought together by us happening to fall in love—made everything worth it,” Rhiannon says.

A LENS ON LOVE

The couple’s photographer, Brandon, describes how beautifully such personal details wove into his photos. “Incorporating something like this into the photos of the day becomes so seamless. My job is to be present, capturing the day as it unfolds, focusing on the things

that are most important to the bride and groom.”

Brandon started photography in college as a creative outlet. Inspired by a friend’s DSLR camera, they spent time exploring Buffalo to practice their craft. Brandon initially had no intention of shooting weddings, but a friend’s request led him to photograph his wedding,

and he “fell in love” with it.

“My faith is integral to who I am as a person and has given me a good perspective on the significance and beauty of marriage,” Brandon shared. “That perspective allows me to feel the great privilege I have in capturing someone’s day. I truly love what I do.”

Weddings like Rhiannon and Dan’s are why Brandon says he does what he does. And in capturing this wedding, it was clear that love—woven into every detail—was the true masterpiece of the day.