Wedding Day

St. Joseph University

Ceremony

The Sterling

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Alexandra “Allie” Klein and James Lester’s meeting was…interesting. At the time, James was dating someone in Allie’s friend group, and Allie was currently busy helping other friends through their stereotypical high school romances. So you could say, their first meeting was not as story book as some would hope. That being said, the moment James looked into her carmel-brown eyes, he knew he had found the one who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. James’ relationship with Allie’s acquaintance soon ended, and only two weeks later, while he was working an event at St. Joe's, a local High School in Buffalo, he received the text that would change his life forever: “Hi this is Allie, [acquaintance's name]’s friend”. It would only be later that he learned that Allie’s friends (now some of her bridesmaids) had stolen her phone and texted him for her. Their first date was at the local AMC theater on Maple Road in Amherst, NY, where they saw&nbsp;Now You See Me 2, and also shared their first kiss–although both would admit that it wasn’t the best. Notwithstanding, their relationship blossomed quickly, James even met nearly the entirety of Allie’s family in the first two weeks of their relationship. Surprisingly, while Allie worried more about some other family members’ reactions, she overlooked her kind-hearted and gentle step-grandfather, who would be the only family member to embarrass her. The first year flew by, and was filled with happiness, and a few requisitioned and never-to-be-seen-again sweatshirts and hoodies. James, Allie, and friends, took many trips to Six Flags Darien Lake, where, amongst other things, Allie first learned of James’ stomach uneasiness with some rides. But Allie was not scared off and they continued to talk and love each other, even going as far to start some conversations on possible marriage and children. This caused some consternation amongst James’ friends, who even held an impromptu intervention to make sure this is what James really wanted–and as things turned out, it absolutely was.&nbsp; Despite her obsession with all things Disney, it wouldn’t be until 2022 that he would visit during Allie’s four-month internship with the entertainment company, a dream come true for her. To his surprise, he loved the park, and loved being with Allie in a place that she loved, watching her do a job that she enjoyed. However, it was also during his visit, and her stay, that Hurricane Ian bore down on Florida and struck Orlando as a Category 2 or 3 storm. Before making landfall, James was the most worried, anxiously making sure they had enough supplies, enough food, water, and electric free entertainment. However, when the hurricane was directly over her apartment, he was the most calm, while it was Allie’s turn to be anxious. During the night the two retreated into her laundry room–the only room that had interior walls–and James slept soundly on their air mattress (meant for one person) that was slowly deflating. Allie, for her part, remained up all night on the phone with the parents tracking the storm’s progression. James even asked if she could turn off the flashlight, which was met with a clear and emphatic “NO”. After the storm, Allie and James could check off another milestone on their relationship checklist. So far they had (1) been through the Covid-19 Pandemic; (2) long distance while Allie was in Florida; (3) survived a hurricane; and (4) was soon to add two record setting blizzards in Buffalo. However, the crescendo of their relationship would be, of course, the proposal. James had been dreaming of asking Allie to marry him for sometime, but James wanted to make sure that he had a stable job, both for his own sanity, and to make sure that there was no hesitation on the part of her father.&nbsp;James and Allie had been casually looking for rings, going to Jareds and Kay, but it wasn’t until they stopped in at Reeds Jenss, and met with the salesman Gabe, that they settled on a retailer. After about an hour-long consultation, James began the design phase, asking Allie’s sister and Matron of Honor Elizabeth (Beth) for help. He picked up the ring in June and hid it away until August 31 (a feat for anyone who knows how much presents burn a hole in James’ pocket). He took Allie to Geneva on Seneca Lake, where he knelt down on a small pier next to their hotel, and asked her to be his wife…and she thankfully said yes! And they lived Happily Ever After

A Dance to Remember

Our Story

Alexandra (Allie) Klein

James Lester

Hey, I am Krissy! I am Allie's younger sister and I am so excited to be her Maid of Honor! I can't wait to party it up with her and James as we celebrate their big day! I am currently a junior at Canisius College studying Animal Behavior, Conservation, and Ecology. I love traveling, especially to Disney with my family, and making all sorts of. crafts. I am so excited to watch Allie and James make this big step in their lives and be a part of their special day!

Kristen (Krissy) Klein

I'm Owen, James' Best Man. James is my oldest friend and we grew up fooling around on McKinley Avenue together. Over the years, James and I have shared dozens of backyard insect discoveries, sandbox construction projects, neighborhood manhunt games, Crosby Field football plays, weekend camping trips, game nights, quiz bowls, Mike's Subs, rendezvous, and more. I am thrilled for James and Allie and am happy to support them in their new life together!

Owen Wegman

Hi, I'm Beth! I'm Allie's big sister and honored to be her Matron of Honor. I've known her my whole life and have enjoyed watching her and James' love story unfold. I'm thrilled to celebrate their big day with them! I'm a huge Disney lover, new mom to Allie's sweet nephew Henry, and enjoy rom-coms, musicals, family time, and snapping photos of all the special moments life has to offer. Being part of this beautiful celebration is truly magical, and I can't wait to watch their next chapter begin. Cheers to the soon-to-be newlyweds!

Elizabeth (Beth) Ray

Hi, my name is Justin! James is one of my oldest and closest childhood friends. I absolutely cherish the memories of going camping and catching crickets and playing in the mud pit in the backyard with James. I currently work in Emergency medicine and enjoy cooking and mountain biking. James and Allie are two of the most amazing people I know and are the perfect fit for each other and I can't wait to celebrate with them on their big day!

Justin Slate

Hi! I'm Sara, and I've had the privilege of being friends with Allie since we were 10. Over the years, we've shared countless memories, and I even had a hand in getting her and James together in high school. I’m currently working on my masters degree while working as a building sub in the Williamsville school district. I'm so excited to stand by her side as she marries the love of her life and starts this next chapter. Here's to many more years of friendship and fun!

Sara Dworzanski

H my name is JJ and I'm Allie's only brother. I'm 2 years older than Allie. Unlike James I went to a much better high school, Canisius, and then UB. I'm aComputer Engineer at Paychex during the day. and a bartender/home renovator at night. James has been around so long that he already feels like part of the family but I'm very excited to have him officially become my brother in law. I'm honored James asked me to be a groomsman and I can't wait to celebrate your guys big day together!

John (JJ) Klein

Hi My name is Victoria and one of Allie's closest friends! Allie and I first met when we were 6 years old while performing alongside each other in a musical. We reconnected years later during our freshman year at SHA. Our friendship picked off right where we left off when she invited me to sit with her at lunch, and we've been inseparable ever since! We also performed in the SHA musicals together all 4 years. I met James before Allie did and and assisted in their introduction at the St. Joe's dance. Allie, Sara, and I have made the most unforgettable memories on the girl's trips we've taken over the years and I'm so ready to make more memories leading up to and at the wedding! I'm so excited and excited to be a part of their special day and can't wait to be a part of their next chapter!

Victoria Monetti

Hey I'm Joe, the bride's favorite brother-in-law, and husband to the Matron of Honor Liz/Beth. I've known Allie for more than half her life and James for about a third of his, and it's been a joy seeing them grow together. My day job is in marketing but my favorite job is being Henry's dad. I'm honored to stand by a fellow Purple Eagle in this wedding and won't pass up a reminder to tell everyone Griffins Aren't Real! Cheers to a great wedding day and start of a beautiful life for James and Allie together.

Joseph (Joe) Ray

Hi, I'm Emma! I am Allie's cousin, more like sister ;) , and we have grown up as long distanced best friends. When we see each other we have always been 'attached at the hip' (as our Nana would say) and talk non-stop while playing rummy all through the night. We even have a handshake that has existed for so long we can't remember the end. I am currently living in Atlanta and working for the EPA. I am so excited to be a part of their big day and can't wait for the wedding!

Emma Cady

Being James' older cousin, I've had the privilege of watching him grow up since day one - we've shared so many memories over the years. My girlfriend Steph, and I, live right in North Buffalo, not too far from him. For the past 5 years now, I've worked as an Account Manager with Schindler Elevator (and yes, the job comes with a lot of ups and downs). 

I'm honored to stand by James' side as he starts this exciting new chapter.  Here's to many memories together, and to Allie joining the family!

Jeremy Napierala

Wedding Party

Q + A

You can use the link above to get the discounted hotel room block. If you are calling to book a room, use the group code G-KLLE

Alexandra & James

Alexandra & James

Things to Do

Visit Niagara Falls

Visit the Niagara History Center In Lockport