memorial art gallery and strathallan rooftop rochester wedding: jaimi + graeme

Strathallan Rooftop Rochester Wedding Photography

I kicked off my 2018 wedding season with Jaimi & Graeme's big day and I can't imagine a better way to start the season off! With spectacular downtown Rochester locations and an even more spectacular couple, it was truly a perfect day. Even the weather cooperated; despite it currently feeling very much like winter here in Rochester, spring was in the air on this late March afternoon!

I started the day off with Jaimi and her bridesmaids (and bridesman!) in their suite at the Strathallan hotel, while my second photographer hung out with Graeme and the guys as they got ready at Jaimi & Graeme's home. Their first look was in the Rochester City Hall Atrium, which they reserved expecting we might want an indoor photo location in case the weather wasn't ideal. Since it was beautiful outside we didn't spend a ton of time in the atrium, but we did stay long enough for Jaimi and Graeme's adorable first look (Graeme's smile says it all!) and some photos to showcase the atrium's beautiful architecture before heading to the Memorial Art Gallery for more portraits. The ceremony was there in the MAG's Bausch and Lomb Parlor, with huge windows filling the dark wood paneled room with lovely natural light. The ceremony was short and sweet, and my favorite part had to be the way Jaimi and Graeme beamed at each other the entire time! The reception was back at the Strathallan Hotel in the Cityview Ballroom which overlooks Rochester, and this might be my favorite Rochester wedding venue! If you follow me on social media you probably know that it's where my husband and I had our wedding reception just over a year ago (TIME FLIES!!). Speaking of that, I WAS the only bride that I'd ever known of who changed into a white t-shirt and sweatpants in the middle of the reception UNTIL this day (wedding dresses are freaking gorgeous but let's be honest, they're not that easy to dance in). I knew Jaimi was a kindred spirit when she reappeared onto the dance floor after being MIA for a few minutes in grey sweats and a t-shirt that said "After this we're getting pizza." I LOVED IT.

Needless to say, Jaimi & Graeme are a lot of fun, with great style and senses of humor, and photographing them was a pleasure. These two were all about having fun and I loved the nonstop laughter that filled the day. Their families and friends were all fantastic as well, and the dance floor was packed all night long - it was a party to be remembered and I'm so happy I got to be the one to photograph it for them! Here are some of my favorites from the day - enjoy!