Victoria Selman
The couple: Sarah Claggett + Tim Nowicki
Wedding date: May 28, 2022
Number of guests: 120
First dance song: “Just Like Heaven” by the Cure
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// How They Met
We “met” through a mutual friend and became long-distance pals. We met face-to-face for the first time at the train station outside Buffalo, NY after over three years of long-distance friendship. My first impression of Tim was that he was insightful and quick with the witty-banter. Tim’s first impression of me was that I had an infectious personality.
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Her Dress
I found my dress at Philly Bride. It was not what I thought I would gravitate to, but it was the unique non-floral lace that I fell in love with!
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Their First Date
It was the first night following my arrival in Buffalo. We suspected for a few months that there might be something between us. We went out for a steak dinner (both ordering a Knob Creek old fashioned) then met some of Tim’s friends for drinks. It was a nontraditional first date in that Tim and I had 3+ years of bonding over movies, music, and books, and sharing thoughts and ideas, but had never experienced the simple act of sitting across from one another. He had me laughing immediately.
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Their Venue
They chose their reception venue, the Tidewater Inn, based on its food and central location. Renting the furniture (farm tables, flatware, goblets, chargers) was an unnecessary expense, but I felt it really solidified my feel/color scheme.
Victoria Selman Photography
Victoria Selman Photography
// The Vision
I’m a designer by trade, so all the details— colors, lighting, etc.— were very important to me! I didn’t want my wedding to feel too “button-up” (with extra rhinestones/frills) either; I wanted a relaxed, kind-of-quirky vibe with warm glowy lights, copper hues, and patina/celadon accents. I also wanted to try some unique, novel design elements like a big “bubble chandelier” made up of clear, vinyl balloons that mimicked a large cluster of glass globes.
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Her Favorite Detail
My favorite detail was the 50 candle holders that my dad hand-crafted. Each had a circular wooden base about three inches in diameter and a few inches high. Wrapped around the base and extending 10 to 14 inches high were “chimneys” of fine copper screen. The flames shone through the screens and they all seemed to glow.
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Gifted Advice
We asked for contributions to our cash fund. We have a very small place at the moment. It’ll be nice to have that fund to dip into when we get a bigger place.
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Vendor Shopping
Ironically, the hardest vendor to find was the planner. After that, my planners were very helpful in suggesting and connecting me with all the other important vendors.
Victoria Selman
Victoria Selman
// Vendors
Attire: Sottero & Midgley (gown) + Downtown Bridal (suits) / Beauty: Brushed Beauty LLC / Florals: J Starr's Flower Barn / Lighting: On Your Mark Lighting / Media: Hunter + Victoria Selman / Music: Mixing Maryland / Paper goods: Gilah Press + Design, Indigo Ink / Planning: Otherside Creatives / Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co., Otherside Rentals