Rehearsal Dinner

Trinity Episcopal Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Statler (Terrace Room)

Reception

Our Wedding

Mike and I met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2013. I was in my Pediatric Dentistry residency program at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Mike had recently moved to Pittsburgh from Houston, Texas for work. We lived in and loved Pittsburgh for years, got engaged on a weekend trip to the Finger Lakes in New York State, and recently made the move to Midland, Texas! We now have a dog named Roscoe and cannot wait to get married in Buffalo, NY and celebrate with all of you!

Mike and Melissa

Our Story

Details

Photos

Tommy is my brother and I could not be more excited to have him be such a big part of our wedding day!

Thomas Balk

Chrissy is my sister and best friend! I am so lucky to to have her by my side!

Christine Balk

Cindy is Mike's beautiful sister! Her amazing children will also be in our wedding party!

Cindy Helf

Haws is Mike's best friend and an awesome guy. He is also a fellow Texan, but born in the Northeast!!

Mike Haws

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) is the closest airport to our wedding venue, rehearsal dinner, hotel block, and reception hotel (approximately 9 miles away). Uber and taxis are probably your best bet for getting to downtown Buffalo. A variety of rental car options are available here as well, although not necessary if you are sticking to just the wedding activities!If the Buffalo airport proves to difficult for out of town party-goers, the next best bets for airports are in Rochester, NY (1 Hour Drive), Cleveland, OH (3 Hour Drive), or Pittsburgh, PA (3.5 Hour Drive).

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

We have a room block at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo. Please use the specific phone number above to call for reservations or click on the website link to make your room reservation online. The room block does provide a discount! This hotel is short walk ( about 2 blocks) to The Statler ( where our reception will take place). Also, we have booked a hotel shuttle which will provide rides to and from the reception throughout the night. Let us know if you have any questions about anything! Melissa and Mike will be staying here as well!

Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center

Travel

Discover Niagara Falls from the American side as you visit the Cave of the Winds and the State Observation Tower with an experienced local guide. Cap off your day with a misty trip on the water, getting up-close to the roaring cascades on a Maid of the Mist boat ride.
Start your journey with a visit to the observation tower, where you can take in sweeping views of Bridal Veil Falls while listening to your guide share stories of the daredevils who have attempted to conquer these raucous waters. Continue to Prospect and Terrapin Point state parks, and then journey into the Cave of the Winds for up-close views of the falls from 175 feet (53 m) down in Niagara Gorge.
Walk down to the Hurricane Deck and follow your guide around the rapids and whirlpools of the lower and upper Niagara River, Goat Island, and the National River Gorge. End your journey by climbing aboard the Maid of the Mist, where you can don a poncho to help keep you dry as the captain sets a course and sails right up to the misty edge of Niagara Falls.

American-Side Tour of Niagara Falls with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride

If you are wanting to visit the area where Mike and Melissa got engaged, check out the Finger Lakes of New York! The Finger Lakes boasts over 400 wineries and 50 breweries. Keuka Springs (the first winery Melissa and Mike visited as an engaged couple!), Fox Run Vineyards, Dr. Konstantin Franks, and Climbing Bines Brewery are just a few of our favorite haunts!

Finger Lakes, NY, United States

Downtown Buffalo has plenty of things to enjoy! Elmwood Village is great for shopping and dining, while Canalside has plenty of tourist things to do (outdoor walking, dining, the Buffalo &amp; Erie County Naval and Military Park, etc). The original Buffalo Wing was first invented at the Anchor Bar on Main Street, and an excellent brewery (Pearl Street) is a short walk from the hotel! There is also a zoo worth checking out!

Melissa & Mike

Melissa & Mike

Travel

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center