Bridal Shower

Wayland Hall

Welcome Party

The Sterling

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner and Reception

Our Wedding

We met online, which isn’t glamorous, but it’s honest. I was in Florida visiting my snowbird grandpa and downloaded Hinge out of boredom. She was the first person who made me forget the time. We matched, talked like we already knew each other, and then discovered I was heading back to Buffalo before we could meet. Bad timing, but the kind that makes you pay attention.~Numbers were exchanged. Then FaceTime calls. Then a sushi-and-a-movie date through a screen. Before long, her name was the first one I looked for in the morning and the last one I saw at night. We met in words well before we met in person.~A few weeks later, we booked her flight to Buffalo. There wasn’t much of a safety net or a plan beyond meeting each other at the gate. We trusted what we had, and her dad trusted a background check. When she stepped off the plane, I knew. Buffalo felt electric again. The long distance that followed wasn’t easy, but it was ours. We held on through airports, uneven days, and too many goodbyes. Somewhere in all of it, we found a shared wavelength-something we still call our “Bluetooth.”~I’m the old soul. She’s the bright, new one. I can speak when I need to; she makes people feel at home. And it works. Always has.~After a year and a half of distance, we knew it was time to start our life in the same place. So she made the move from Florida to Buffalo— in January, of all months. A Daytona Beach girl choosing lake-effect snow for us.~I carried the ring through the Dominican Republic because I knew she wouldn’t expect it. She was leaving her home to build a life with me in Buffalo, and I wanted her to know I was all in, too. On a stormy Florida beach, I asked her to marry me. She said yes over the wind.~This is our story. It began in the small, unplanned moments and grew into something steady, warm, and true. The kind of love you recognize long before you fully understand it.

Our Story

Photos

We are so excited to kick off the wedding weekend with the people we love the most! Join us the night before the wedding at Wayland Brewing from 6 pm to 9 pm for a relaxed evening of drinks, light bites, and good company as we welcome friends and family traveling from near and far. Feel free to bring the little ones! A quick note about the welcome party:We'll have a cash bar and light bites available. Since food will be minimal, we suggest grabbing dinner before you arrive so you can relax and enjoy the night with us!

Wayland Brewinghttps://www.waylandbrewing.com/ 3740 N Buffalo StreetOrchard Park, NY. 14127

Cyndi Wells

Morgan Graddy

Sydney Fralick

Jen Hopkins

Anna Vetter

Emily Schulte

Katie Napier

Sam Carlson

Sarah Billo

Jake Napier

Tyler Graddy

Andy Czyz

Morgan von Hedemann

Brock Kroening

Zach Nazzarett

Jacob Bull

Wedding Party

Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER

There is a secured a room block at the Buffalo Marriott at LECOM Harborcenter (details above), but we’ve found that Airbnbs are a great option—especially if you’re traveling with a group or want a little more space. Lancaster, Orchard Park, and nearby areas are all great places to look for a cool charming vibe. Wedding events will be spread out just a bit: The Saturday night Welcome Party will be at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park (about 25 minutes southwest of downtown Buffalo and ~30 minutes from the airport) Wedding Ceremony and Reception will be held at The Sterling at Arrowhead Golf Club in Akron, NY (about 30 minutes east of Buffalo and ~20 minutes from the airport). If you’re considering other hotels: Downtown Buffalo is a great choice if you want to explore (it’s a really fun and underrated city.) Stay near the airport for convenience. There are several options.

Travel

Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, and it's only about 30 minutes from Buffalo! It's an easy, unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the area- perfect for making a little adventure out of the wedding weekend.Michael and I prefer the canadian side of the falls- there is just a bit more to do if you're looking to spend some extra time (bring your passport) but the U.S. side still has plenty to do!Early mornings and evenings give the best views but there is an illumination show on the falls that is definitely worth staying for.

Niagara Falls

The Original Bar-Bill and our #1 favorite spots for wings. If you want a real Buffalo experience, head to Bar-Bill in East Aurora. They're famous for hand-painting every single wing with sauce (yes, literally painting them), which is probably why they're so perfect every time. The vibe is cozy, local, and exactly what you picture when you think "classic small town bar." Bonus: East Aurora is so cute that Hallmark movies actually film there, so don't be surprised if you feel like you've stepped onto a movie set while you're waiting for your wings. Be warned... there's usually a line, but its 100% worth it. One of Payton's favorite breweries in the area is right next door. Grab a drink at Aurora Brew Works while you wait!

Bar-Bill Tavern

Things to Do

Registry

the welcome party

Semi Formal

We suggest polished but relaxed attire. Button-downs or collared shirts for men, dresses or dressy separates for women. No tie required. Come comfortable and ready to celebrate the night before the big event with us.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Cocktail 

We suggest elevated wedding guest attire! Suits or blazers for men. Ties preferred but optional. Dresses or dressy separates for women. Anything you can dance in all night long!

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

Dress Code

When is the RSVP deadline?Please RSVP by June 15th, 2026. If you already know you’ll be joining us, we’d be so grateful for an early response so we can finalize all the details for the big day! What time should I arrive?Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early so you can grab a drink, say hello, and be seated before the ceremony starts! Can I bring a plus-one?Due to limited space, we're only able to accommodate the guests listed on your invitation. Thank you for understanding! Are children invited?While we love your little ones, this will be an adults only celebration. We hope you enjoy a night out with us! Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?Absolutely! Please note any dietary restrictions when you RSVP and we'll make sure you're taken care of! Are there other events?Yes! The celebration starts early! Join us for a welcome party the night before the wedding. Details coming soon! Is there parking at the venue?Yes! Parking is available at the venue for your convenience. What should I wear?Head over to our dress code tab for details! Can I take photos?We're having an unplugged ceremony, so please no phones or cameras while we say "I Do". After that, snap away and help us document the party!

thenapiers2026.com

Payton & Michael