Wedding

The Don’ts in your “I Do”

Hosting a celebration of love despite the year’s limitations

BY REGAN WAGNER

Photo courtesy Bristol Mountain So, you had a wedding planned. That probably hasn’t gone as imagined, right? But it’s a season when celebrating love is more important than ever, even when we’re far apart from some of those closest to us. So, we have to find different ways to share our love. And as we feel the weight of a changing world, and we examine the rules to live by, we can also search for opportunities to be creative through it all. Something beautiful that has grown from a discouraging year is the way that people have begun to put their energy and creativity into close, carefully curated intimate celebrations of love. So how can you make your wedding day stand out? You can have:

The most gorgeous bouquet Wisteria is known for its floral arrangements that are guaranteed to stand out in a crowd. This shop, conveniently located on Culver Road in Rochester, will work with you to ensure that your vision comes to life. The shop also offers professional in-home custom decorating and design services for weddings or any other special event.

The dazzling ring A four generation family-owned business, Jerry’s Jewlers is known for its honesty and high quality. Whether you’d prefer to browse the shop or work with the team to create a custom style ring, the team at Jerry’s is both flexible and personable.

The tasteful elopement This past year, couples have embraced chic, small celebrations that reflect their personal style. Heron Hill’s newest offering does just that. Its elopement package allows you to get married in a tower, in wine country. Dreamy, right? This is an exclusive curated event for participants and their special small-group gathering in the beautiful floral garden or tower with a picturesque view of Keuka Lake. The package comes with an officiant, flowers for the couple, space for

fifteen–twenty guests, two and a half hours with a professional photographer, and light fare provided.

The dress that takes everyone’s breath away While Joeval’s in Rochester began by selling formalwear, they eventually got an overwhelming request to carry bridal gowns. Joeval’s responded to the task. Joeval’s Bridal now carries bridesmaid dresses and Mother-of-the-Bride gowns, as well as bridal gowns. This family-owned shop is prepared to curate gowns for every every shape, size, and budget. You can find more information at joevalsbridal.com.

The stunning venue

Bristol Mountain

Bristol Mountain’s recently renovated Rocket Lodge’s space has made summer events possible while maintaining its historic charm. In fact, this lodge is still the original lodge that was built for the resort’s opening in 1964. This renovation comes with an added picturesque wedding ceremony venue on the Rocket Lawn and new outdoor patio with firepits (perfect for cocktails, mingling, and s’mores). The first floor has been completely redone, establishing an excellent alternate ceremony location in the event of rain (although we know it never rains on wedding days). On the second floor, new floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views that showcase the mountain and provide the perfect backdrop for wedding receptions. Set on more than 1,000 acres with a 1,200-foot vertical summit, Bristol Mountain has unlimited options to make the mountain your own for your special occasion. Rustic touches and incredible views pair with convenient amenities to offer you and your guests an unforgettable resort experience.

Farmer’s Creekside Inn

Have you always dreamed of something more rustic for your wedding? Antique light bulbs, exposed brick, maybe even a barn? During Farmer’s Creekside’s recent renovation, many of the original stone and timber architectural characteristics were able to be exposed. These historic details allow for a “barn wedding” feel alongside expected amenities of a contemporary restaurant. Not to mention a venue that overlooks Oatka Creek, for waterside memories to last a lifetime.

Maison Albion

If you truly want to have a glamorous day, look to the historic mansion “Maison Albion” in Albion. The 1878 mansion features a breathtaking ballroom and parklike grounds reminiscent of a late-

Photo courtesy Wisteria Flowers & Gifts

nineteenth-century French estate. This space is ideal for indoor and outdoor celebrations, as the gardens and the mansion itself make for a beautiful setting for guests and photographs. You can enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn, indulge in a romantic dinner in the Secret Garden, and even cozy up with your beloved in the handcrafted rowboat floating gently in the pond.

A bridal brunch to treat your girl gang

Blades

Whether it’s catering at home while getting ready for your nuptials or a bachelorette brunch, Blades’s event spaces indoors and outdoors are filled with tasteful decoration and natural light. Let Blades know how you envision your event, and they will set the stage so that you don’t have to.

When the world is uncertain, you’re going to want to make the memories that you can remember and share for decades. With a special day like this, you’ll be able to make even those who were absent feel like they were there.

Photo by Sarah Sayeed