...and from there, the PLANNING OF THis GALA OFFICIALLY BEGAN.
It has been an extreme joy and overwhelming privilege to be a part of so many amazing couples' weddings in the last twelve years. As each event has come and gone, I've found myself enduring an array of bittersweet emotions. We plan for months to make your wedding everything you dream of, laugh & cry alongside each other on the most magical day of your lives, and suddenly, in the blink of an eye... it's over. For so long, I've only wished there was a way to bring all my favorite people together in one place.
As time trudges on, I look back at my own wedding and find myself wishing I'd done a few things differently. Oh, what I would give to do it all again! I mean, don't we all wish we could bottle that feeling up in order to relive bliss over and over?! Last summer, Jesse asked what I wanted for our anniversary and I mentioned, for probably the 100th time, "how fun would it be to celebrate with a backyard party all over again? but this time... I'd invite everyone I only wish I could have!"
Who we are & why the heck we're doing this
Jesse and Hannah Bryerton
To give you a quick rundown about Jesse & I-- we met while I was shooting his sister's wedding back in September 2015. He was a reserved, adorable groomsmen with big dimples. And I was a young (relatively inexperienced) photographer just fighting to make it full-time in the wedding world. We started dating a couple months after their day, and the rest is history! We got married on July 14, 2018 (the same year I shot 18 weddings alongside planning our own!) and we now own a fixer-upper home (complete with a stereotypical goldendoodle) and just welcomed our first baby into the world last year. Collins Kate Bryerton is pretty much the greatest thing since sliced bread, and most days I still cannot believe this is our reality. While the last decade has felt like utter chaos, I am continually amazed by God's goodness in our lives. We have had the best people in our corner through it all.
Ok, let's get to the good part.
Why the heck did we decide to do this?
Will this be the only gala I ever host? Maybe. Will it be the first of many? WHO KNOWS! Regardless, I am honored and indescribably humbled to have you be a part of it!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Truthfully, this has always been a dream of mine and I feel an overwhelming call to bring this vision to life.
So Jesse, being the "yes" man that he is, immediately hopped on board and went along with my crazy! I've been planning for months and cannot wait to celebrate alongside you all at the first ever Hannah Bryerton Photography Gala!
explained
Feel free to watch this video for a quick breakdown on all the details of the event- if you find yourself with even more questions, feel free to reach out to me directly!!
the summer gala
I am so stupidly thankful to say that I've made some of the greatest friends working in the wedding industry over years, & they quickly jumped on board with my crazy idea! My assistant, Lindsey Bennink, has been helping coordinate and plan for months. The DJ for the event is the INCREDIBLE Alex Nepa from State College, PA. Hannah Forrest Films is going to be the videographer for the evening; catch this dancing queen partying with us all night! Floral design and installation will be provided by the outrageously gifted Christy Muck, from Wild Blossom Hollow. And lastly, the photographer for the event is the sweet & talented Sara Haines! (No, it won't be me; I'm officially hanging up my camera for just this one night. I'll be way too busy hugging everyone, obviously!)
WHO is INVOLVED?
WHAT WILL BE BEING DOING?
My plan is to eat, drink, dance, and celebrate love! There will be appetizers at grazing stations, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, lawn games, a dessert bar, and more!
Reminder: This event is by invitation-only, meaning the guest list is very limited. Your RSVP is much appreciated to help us plan accordingly!
WheRE Is this taking place?
This backyard style reception will take place at our friends' private residence here in our hometown of Clymer, NY! If you lost your formal invitation, feel free to reach out to me via email (hannahbryerton@gmail.com) for the event address. There will be parking alongside the road and (if all goes as planned) in a designated area. Look for signage when you arrive! :)
When Do we need to RSVP By?
I'd love to have an approximate guest list finalized one month prior to the event! The decision on our tent size is dependent on the final guest list, as well as our catering menu, so please RSVP by June 14, 2023! That would be so helpful as we round out our final logistics for the big day. Fill your RSVP out here!
WhY Are you Doing this?
Truly, there are two reasons.
Reason One: I'm unapologetically obsessed with my clients, so that was the initial driving force behind hosting this event.
Reason Two: Jesse and I loved dancing at our backyard wedding so much that we decided to celebrate our five year anniversary the same exact way.
There is nothing I love more than seeing my couples grow their own families. I freaking ADORE your babies and only wish I could meet them all! After careful consideration, we have decided to make the gala an adult-only reception. I hope you'll see this as an opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a fun date night together!
Disclaimer: I know SO many of my brides are due this spring & summer with sweet babies, so if you don't want to miss out on the fun & have a newborn that still needs to be by your side, that's totally understandable! However, I kindly ask that you notify us in advance if you're requesting to bring an infant with you!
"Can we bring our kids?"
The gala will begin at 6:00 pm and appetizers will be served at grazing tables all evening. (I'm thinking a charcuterie table, various dips, and potentially an ice cream sundae bar!) So while there won't be a formal, plated meal served... there will be lots to eat!
Please feel free to arrive whenever you are able; just make sure you are hungry and ready to party!
"Should we eat beforehand?"
We're calling the attire cocktail or semi-formal. A quick Google search will tell you: "Cocktail attire is a balance between formal and casual and elegant and comfortable. To an event with this dress code, men typically wear dress pants or even a full suit, while women wear a short-to-mid length cocktail dress. Semi-formal describes an outfit that is dressier than what you'd wear to an office but not as dressy as a formal evening gown or tuxedo."
So basically, we're saying dress pants, button-down shirts, and optional suit coat jackets and ties for the men... then cocktail, mid or floor length dresses for women! If you need inspiration, I've created a Pinterest board to help give you some guidance as you search for the perfect outfit!
"What's the dress code?"
Anyone else get anxiety about the parking situation when you arrive to a new location? Same. So this event is actually taking place at my best friend's house in their backyard! (s/o to you, Morgan & Evan!) We put together the most killer wedding here back in 2020 and decided it was so much fun, we should totally do it again. Limited parking will be available in their lawn, while the rest will simply be alongside the road!
"WHERE DO WE PARK?"
Would any party be complete without good drinks? We'll be serving wine from some of our local area wineries, a few beer options, and a couple of Jesse & I's favorite signature drinks! Of course there will be non-alcoholic options, as well... because let's be honest, I cannot survive a wedding day without a bubbly soda on the dance floor, so why would I start now? I know so many of my brides are pregnant, breastfeeding, etc... so do not worry- there will have plenty of options available for guests to enjoy!
"Ok, but will there be an open bar?"
While normally I'm in my pajamas by 9 PM, I'm planning on making an exception for this evening only! I don't have an established end time for the gala yet, but you are absolutely free to come and go as you wish! (This isn't a formal affair with an intricate schedule by any means!) My mama keeps referring to it as my "summer soiree" every time we discuss it, and I just love that description. hahaha! So, long story short- I think we will be dancing the night away for as long as we can keep DJ Alex playing for us that evening!
"How late will we be partying together?"
Located about 10 minutes from our event address, there is a resort called "Peek 'N Peak." They have a hotel, condos, and an extremely gorgeous PGA Tour golf course (if you're into that kind of thing!) There's also the Fairway Suites right next to this resort, which has a few options for suites/rooms & a beautiful outdoor pool area. (Several of my brides have used this as a getting ready location in the past!) Feel free to look into Airbnb options in Findley Lake, as well, as that picturesque lake town is only 15-20 minutes away. Highly suggest making a whole weekend out of this event for a fun little getaway!
"I'm from out of town, where should I stay?!"
We're requesting cocktail or semi-formal attire. If you need further guidance on choosing your outfit, feel free to scroll up for some inspiration!
Find the perfect outfit
Follow the link below to send your formal RSVP! Questions or comments? Include them in your form or feel free to email me directly at hannahbryerton@gmail.com
RSVP Below
Mark your calendar for Friday evening, July 14! Festivities will begin at 6 o'clock and will conclude whenever we decide to stop dancing.
Join my adventures on