Buffalo Weddings: They Said " I Do"- Then Threw a Party a Year Later...

6 days ago
3 min read

Julia & Matt's Buffalo Celebration at Hydraulic Hearth | August 2, 2025

Some couples follow the rulebook. Julia Jornsay-Silverberg and Matthew Kelly threw the rulebook out entirely — and honestly? Their story is all the better for it.

It started with a sneaky little scheme. Matt told Julia they were heading to the Market Arcade to take outfit photos for her Instagram. Classic. He had her turn around to show off her jacket, and when she spun back around, he was on one knee. Hook, line, and sinker — she said yes.

But what came next is where the story really gets interesting.

Black-and-white close-up of a couple hugging from behind, wearing formal clothes, with a tender, intimate mood.

A Wedding in Two Acts

After watching family members face serious illness in 2024, Matt and Julia had a realization that shifted everything: life is short, and no moment is guaranteed. So rather than wait for a "perfect" date or a grand production, they gathered their immediate families on August 3, 2024, and exchanged vows in a magical, intimate ceremony right on the river. Small, meaningful, and completely theirs.

Still, they knew their people — their friends, their extended family, the ones who show up and make a party feel like a party — deserved to be part of the celebration too. So they made a plan: wait a year, then go all out.

On August 2, 2025, they did exactly that.

The Venue: Where It All Began

Julia and Matt took over Hydraulic Hearth — their favorite Buffalo restaurant and, fittingly, the spot where they had their very first date — for an unforgettable night with 125 of their closest people. Think apps, wood-fired pizza, tacos from Lloyd Taco Truck rolling in hot, sweet treats from Fig Tree Pâtisserie, free-flowing drinks, and dancing that didn't stop.

The Invites? Handled by Rustbelt Love. The planner? Julia herself — "Me!!!! Heheh" — with florals sourced (brilliantly) from Trader Joe's. The DJ keeping the dance floor packed was Sike (@iamsike on IG), and hair and makeup were in the capable hands of Katie Ambrose at Groomservice.

The Moments That Mattered Most

Julia wore gowns from Abercrombie (yes, really — and yes, we love it), while Matt suited up in a look from Octobre. Their photographer was Scottiebephoto (please note all these gorgeous photos!), with videography by Curatedbyrao capturing every minute.

The moment that hit hardest? Their customized first dance. "Seeing the smiles on our friends' and family's faces," Julia shared — that was everything.

There was no formal father-daughter dance. No champagne toast. No seating chart. None of the things people feel obligated to include just because they're "supposed to." Instead, Julia and Matt focused entirely on making every guest feel seen and loved. And from the sounds of it, they nailed it.

Advice From the Couple

When asked what wisdom they'd pass on, Julia didn't hesitate: "Walk to the beat of your own drum!!! You don't have to do things traditionally in order to have the most magical day of your lives."

They also want couples to know: you don't have to do everything to have your perfect Buffalo wedding. Letting go of obligation made room for something better — genuine joy.

The newlyweds celebrated with a honeymoon in Italy, exploring Milan, Genoa, and the dreamy shores of Lake Como.

Smiling couple in white outfits pose outside 716 Swan Street storefront with HYDRAULIC HEARTH sign, both pointing upward.