Rochester Wedding at Woodcliff with Niki and Sean

Niki and Sean had a fun and fabulous Rochester wedding at Woodcliff Hotel and St. Joseph’s Church. One unique thing about this wedding was that Niki is a graphic designer and made all of the details for the wedding… from the wedding invitation, programs, menu cards, treats labels, hot chocolate favors and my favorite: handwritten, personalized name cards that used everyone’s nicknames. The couple’s humor was weaved throughout the entire wedding day and set the tone for one word: FUN.

We started by getting ready in Niki’s childhood home where we watched the rain taper off and everyone slowly show up to get ready. The little ring bearers were actually the first ones ready and that was a shock! They were SO cute with their little bow ties and Chuck Taylors.

It was lovely having Niki’s Mom and sister help her get ready and I was laughing when she put her FitBit into her bra so she could count her wedding day steps! Turns out that Sean wore his FitBit too. Hilarious.

We then all headed to the church, a little late, and the ceremony was a touching and traditional Catholic service in Penfield’s St. Joseph Church.

Together, we all went to the Genesee Brew House downtown for official bridal party photos. You see, Sean’s Dad is no longer with us and this was his favorite beer (what up, Genny Cream Ale!).

It is important to me that we always take photos at a location with meaning and this was a way for us to all celebrate Sean’s father and have him with us on the wedding day. We scheduled plenty of time to drive and hang out here and we made it back in time for the start of cocktail hour, which most Bride and Grooms miss.

I brought the Bride and Groom up to the rooftop so Kraig could get some drone footage! Can’t wait to see the highlight video of the day.

While the Bridal Party and parents hung out at the Brew House, I took the newly weds down the Pont De Rennes bridge and across to High Falls for their alone time and formal portraits. I was on the lookout for signs of Fall and we found some gorgeous yellow trees with beautiful Fall sunlight filling in a little garden nook.

As an eco-friendly wedding photographer, I love love loved her custom made broach bouquet! It was HEAVY, but super sparkly and so pretty. I also loved her necklace that went down her back. They both looked so stunning!

A BIG shoutout to the fabulous Kiera Slye for sending Niki and Sean my way! This gorgeous and generous lady is a dear friend out of Boston and a fabulous fellow photographer. So, to be recommended by another photographer is always flattering and Niki and Sean were a perfect fit for me and my brand.

The cocktail hour was filled with a Jenga guestbook, a hashtag slideshow (setup by the Bride, of course) #Gaiterlake and an “I Spy” game for the guests… Zero people were bored at this event!

Just before the reception began, Kraig noticed a killer sunset happening outside, so we all snuck out to the overlook to take advantage of the setting sun and a few moments of quiet peace…

Once we made it back inside, it was literally a non stop party! DJ Sweets kept the dance floor PACKED all night.

A quick big shout out to the FOUR fabulous pregnant ladies at this event. Each one was on the dance floor and having a great time. I don’t think I’ve seen that many pregnant women in on room in a long time. They are all gathered at the sweets table for a quick photo. Congratulations and good luck, ladies! You will all make amazing Moms for sure.

Well, there are many more stories told and untold from this Rochester wedding. I’ll leave Sean and Niki to recount them all in their own time and for now, I say farewell until the next time. The remaining images will be ready in about 4-6 weeks and you can pre-register to view them right here.

Congratulations Gaiterlake! You two were non stop smiles and love all day long, towards each other as well as all of your wonderful guests. It was great to witness and participate in the day. Love you guys!

Rochester Wedding Vendors:

photography: Heather McKay & Lori Coleman  ||  stationary, design: Niki Gaiter  ||  florist: Wegmans  ||  videography: Kraig Adams  ||  wedding gown: Stella’s Bridal Boutique  || transportation: S&S Limos  || DJ: DJ Sweet from Breakthrough Entertainment  ||  bridesmaid’s jewelry: Sara Silvio  ||  Groom’s attire: Men’s Warehouse  ||  reception, cake: Woodcliff Hotel and Spa  ||  ceremony: St. Joseph’s Church