Sara + Pete’s Friday the 13th Wedding at the Italian American Community Center
It was a long time coming for these two high school sweethearts to finally tie the knot during a Friday the 13th Wedding in Rochester, NY. I was so excited to make the drive over to the Italian American Community Center. This venue actually held an extra special meaning for Sara and Pete, as it was the location of their senior ball, which they attended together in high school. They brought along a printed copy of a photo from that night, and I made sure to recreate it for them on their wedding day for that perfect full-circle moment!
Sara and Pete got ready separately at the venue, and I was busy photographing details in between shots of them. I absolutely love the coffin-shaped ring box they used to tie in their Friday the 13th wedding!
They planned an outdoor ceremony, which began with Zelda’s Lullaby played on a harp as Sara walked down the aisle. Pete got a little emotional as he saw his future wife for the first time that day. She looked so beautiful in her silk off-the-shoulder wedding dress! Their officiants announced that it would be an unplugged ceremony, and encouraged everyone to take one last photo before they began. Sara whipped out her phone and took a selfie with Pete, then another with their wedding party and guests. What a fun way to kick things off!
The ceremony was short and sweet, which worked out well because we were on a tight schedule to get all the family and wedding party photos done with enough time to drive to Spencerport for Bride and Groom portraits. By the time we arrived at the Erie Canal boardwalk, we were racing against the setting sun. Despite the time crunch, the golden hour light was epic and I adore how the photos came out, especially the ones with the lift bridge behind them.
We made it back to the Italian American Community Center as the cocktail hour was wrapping up, and Sara and Pete were introduced into the reception. They shared a first dance to Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ song Your Guardian, which felt so fitting for them as a couple. They each danced with their parents, then gave a quick thank you to all the guests in attendance.
Sara changed into a short tulle dress and sparkly sneakers, and she and Pete cut their cake. The rest of the night was just one big dance party, with plenty of 2010 throwback hits courtesty their DJ, ROC the Party. I loved sharing in this day and documenting another piece of their story together. Sara and Pete, I wish you both so much happiness!
Venue: Italian American Community Center
Florist: Rockcastle Florist
DJ: ROC the Party
Cake: Premier Pastry
Makeup Artists: Alexis Vasquez & Brittany Clark
Hair: Marjoan and Arielle from The MakeOva & House of Mavriks
Nails: Nails by Shyla
