This restaurant wedding reception in Rochester, New York was both elegant and authentic and unlike any other I have photographed. It took place in early October when the days were still warm. This day was effortless. That’s a hard thing to achieve in a wedding, but never have I photographed a wedding more laid back. It was every bit as monumental, it just unfolded at a natural pace and without worry unlike any before. Restaurant Good Luck was the perfect location for an intimate wedding focused on relationships and sharing food you will never forget. That wasn’t the only Rochester gem a part of Jessie + Kyle’s day, it began in a gorgeous light filled room at the Strathallan, moved to the Eastman House gardens for photos, traveled to the Colgate Divinity Chapel for the ceremony and finally ended at Good Luck.
Photography : Mary Dougherty | Dress : Madison James | Silk Bridal Boutique | Ceremony : Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Chapel | Reception Venue : Restaurant Good Luck | Florist : The Topiary | Band : The Swooners | Hair : Rocky Grecco | Makeup : Eva Jewel | Invitation + Paper Design : Arobesque Studio | Letterpress : Greengirlpress | Cake : Cheesy Eddies | Hand Lettering : Sugar + Type
The feel of the day has a lot to do with Jessie and Kyle. An art gallery director and a woodworker, respectively, they approach everything with a specific sensibility yet go with the flow. There was no pretense, no effort to stage anything, just a desire to enjoy the day. Girls gathered at the Strathallan and donned their gray dresses, all different styles and yet beautifully coordinated with nude heels. Jessie wore her hair down, with just a simple diamond pin to hold it back, and soft waves cascaded her shoulders through out the day. There were in fact four different times we stepped aside for portraits of them, which lent to the wide variety of images and locations. I think intentionally photographing throughout the day is a great way to enjoy and document your wedding. It’s different from setting one time for pictures and not having perhaps as much variety.
Jessie carried a stunning organic arrangement by the Topiary complete with dahlias, garden roses and rosemary – herbs in bouquets are one of my favorite things! 
Sometimes you have to steam your dress and you don’t want to take it off… 
The bride wore nude heels by Vince Camuto which were comfortable enough to keep on the whole day
This little flower girl was the cutest. The Eastman Museum gardens have so much variety to work with and are always great on a wedding day. 
