Karpeles Manuscript Library, Theater District and Admiral Room Wedding Photography in Buffalo, NY

Julie & Chris

Another Stuart wedding is in the books.  This is the third wedding I’ve photographed for this lovely family, and each one has been as beautiful and special as the last.  As a photographer, there’s a distinct benefit that comes with working with the same family multiple times.  In this case, I know which Aunt always cries during Mr. Stu’s speeches, I know the last dance will always be, “Piano Man.”  I know Grandma Stu will inexplicably dance her tail off to,  “Who Let the Dogs Out” and that the dessert spread will be next level.  I also grew up in the house next door to the bride (before they lived there) and so I even knew my way around the house. 

It has been such a privilege to watch this family grow and change since cousin Kelly’s wedding some 8 years ago (now mom to 3 with another on the way!) and I can’t thank them enough for hiring me to document all these big moments in their lives.

This day was about Julie and Chris (aka Nigel) though, and Chris brought a whole cast of new characters in front of my lens, all the way from England!   You’ll notice the gorgeous hats and colorful wedding attire soon enough.  Please adopt this tradition Americans!  This made the wedding reception photography at the Admiral Room even more colorful and fun, that’s for sure. More on that later – let’s get started!

I began the day with Julie at her parents gorgeous home on the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY. Julie wasn’t originally planning to get ready here, as it’s a little bit of a drive from the rest of the festivities, but I’m SO glad she changed her mind. This house is just perfect for wedding pictures and the fact that it has a personal connection to the bride just makes it that much sweeter.

bride has makeup done before wedding in Lewiston, NY
wedding invitation suite, flowers, shoes and jewelry displayed before wedding in Lewiston, NY
brides dress hangs in window before wedding in Lewiston, NY
mom helps bride get ready for wedding in Lewiston, NY
bride smiles while putting in earrings while getting ready for wedding in Lewiston, NY

I have almost the EXACT same photo of Julie’s mom from her sister Lindsay’s wedding last year. That’s one proud momma <3

maid of honor and mom help bride get ready for wedding in Lewiston, NY

Julie’s dad joined us for an emotional “reveal” and gave Julie an embroidered handkerchief, another family tradition.

father sees bride for first time before wedding in Lewiston, NY
dad gives bride handkerchief before wedding in Lewiston, NY
bride with handkerchief gifted by her dad before wedding in Lewiston, NY
bride with handkerchief gifted by her dad before wedding in Lewiston, NY

This next picture made me SO happy. Julie’s parents saved this folder of drawings Julie made of her future wedding gowns, and there they were, spread out on the coffee table on Julie’s wedding day. They had various design notes and an all important “STAY OUT!” memo on the cover. Gotta protect your copyright, respect Julie, respect. I know I mentioned earlier that I grew up in the house next door, and these instantly brought me back to the countless hours I spent with my neighbor Kristen drawing dresses in this exact house. I eventually went to college for illustration and now document weddings, and neighbor Kristen went on to become a painter. Must be something in the air on this street. <3

Julie rejoined her bridesmaids downstairs and a portrait session in the backyard was underway. Yes, this is the backyard… Gah!!!

bride poses for portrait with parents in backyard along the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY

Julie wore her sister Lindsay’s veil and it flew in much the same way it did on Lindsay’s big day.

bride poses for portrait with sister in backyard along the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY
bride poses for portrait in backyard along the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY

Proud mom looking on from inside…

mom looks on as bride poses for portrait with bridesmaids in backyard along the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY
bride poses for portrait with bridesmaids in backyard along the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY
bride poses for portrait with bridesmaids in backyard along the Niagara River in Lewiston, NY

Meanwhile my second shooter for the day, Teri, spent a little time with these gentleman at the Westin Hotel in downtown Buffalo.

groomsman have toast while getting ready for wedding ceremony at the Westin Hotel in Buffalo, NY

This is the groom, Chris! Everyone calls him Nigel though. Apparently when Julie and Chris started dating, Julie and her friends decided “Chris” wasn’t a British enough name and started calling him Nigel instead. Turns out Nigel isn’t a very popular name in England and the whole thing just got funnier.

groom poses for photographer before wedding ceremony at the Westin Hotel in Buffalo, NY

The guys all had socks denoting their country of origin.

groomsman laugh and relax while getting ready for wedding ceremony at the Westin Hotel in Buffalo, NY
groomsman relax while getting ready for wedding ceremony at the Westin Hotel in Buffalo, NY

Julie met up with all her adorable flower girls and ring bearer before the ceremony for a quick little photo shoot. They were all SO excited to see her and be part of the big day!

bride poses for portrait with flower girls at the Admiral Room wedding venue in Buffalo, NY
bride poses for portrait at the Admiral Room wedding venue in Buffalo, NY
bride poses for portrait at the Admiral Room wedding venue in Buffalo, NY

Adorable little black sheep on the right is my spirit animal. On to Karpeles Manuscript Library for the ceremony!

bride poses for portrait with flower girls at the Admiral Room wedding venue in Buffalo, NY

This gift to the groom was a collection of letters the bride had been writing to Chris every day throughout their engagement. I heard many people describe Julie as, “beautiful inside and out” on this day – and this was just one more testament. Not only did she write these letters to Chris, but this couple hand wrote a letter to EVERY single guest with a little message about what their presence means to them as their place card (pictured a little further down.) There was even one for me!

groom reads letters from bride before wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
groom and groomsman pose for portrait with photographer before wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
guests wait outside before wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
guests enter during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY

These fabulous British ladies walked to the ceremony and then changed in to their heels. I love them.

British women change in to high heels on steps before wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and flower girls wait to walk down aisle during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
Parents and grandparents are escorted down aisle during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
groom smiles as flower girl and ring bearer walk down aisle during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY

Here comes the bride!

bride and dad during processional during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and father walk down aisle during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
groom and father look at bride during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
groom laughs during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY

Second shooters find the darndest things at weddings. No clue why this was posted, but it made me laugh. Thanks Teri!

bride smiles at groom during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
man and woman deliver readings during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY

Let the tearful vows begin!

bride and groom smiles at each other during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride wipes tears during vows during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride laughs as she wipes tears during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
groom wipes tears during vows during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom say vows during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom wipe tears during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom kiss during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom raise arms in celebration after wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom walk down aisle during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
bride and groom kiss during wedding ceremony at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Buffalo, NY
family poses for portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library after wedding ceremony in Buffalo, NY
family poses for portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library after wedding ceremony in Buffalo, NY
family poses for portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library after wedding ceremony in Buffalo, NY

And then… as I had a giant group of Chris’ family lined up on the steps of the library for a photo, the annual “Naked Bike Ride” passed by and laughter ROARED. We all insisted it was an American wedding tradition. Amazing.

naked bike ride passes by Karpeles wedding ceremony in Buffalo, NY
naked bike ride passes by Karpeles wedding ceremony in Buffalo, NY
wedding party poses for portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library in Buffalo, NY
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library in Buffalo, NY
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library in Buffalo, NY
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library in Buffalo, NY
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library in Buffalo, NY
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait on front steps of Karpeles Manuscript library in Buffalo, NY

From Karpeles we headed a little further downtown for photos in Buffalo’s theater district and in front of the, “Greetings from Buffalo” mural.

Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait in front of Greetings from Buffalo mural the theater district of down town Buffalo.
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait in the theater district of downtown Buffalo.
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait in the theater district of downtown Buffalo.
Bride and groom pose for wedding portrait in the theater district of downtown Buffalo.
bride and groom pose for wedding portrait in the theater district of downtown Buffalo near Shea

On to the stunning Admiral Room at The Marin to create some wedding photography from a reception to end all receptions. This crew had fun, a lot of fun.

I absolutely love working at this venue. Wedding photography at the Admiral Room in Buffalo is such a breeze with it’s gorgeous arched windows and fabulous molding. It’s such a treat! If you would like to see more from the venue, check out this wedding when you’re done here!

wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

These are the letters I mentioned that the couple wrote to each guest. Each clip held an envelope with a handwritten letter and a table placement inside. So sweet!!!

wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding cake at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding dessert decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding cake pops and decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

Dessert first, I’m with you Jules!

wedding decor at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. – from the Admiral Room balcony!

bride and groom are introduced from balcony at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom are introduced at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom dance at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
father and bride dance at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
father and bride dance at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Mother and son dance at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
father of bride delivers speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests smile at bride and groom during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests smile at bride and groom during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
father of bride delivers speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

Remember in the intro when I mentioned the Aunt who always cries? There she is!

guests smile at bride and groom during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests smile at bride and groom during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom deliver speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests smile at bride and groom during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests smile at bride and groom during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom deliver speech speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests toast after speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom toast after speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
maid of honor delivers speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
maid of honor delivers speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
bride and groom laugh during speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
guests toast after speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
best man delivers speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
best man delivers speech at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Bride and groom cut cake at Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Exterior and entrance to Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

And the best family tradition of them all, Grandma Stu and, “Who Let the Dogs Out!” This time, with a robotic Christmas dog! (?!)

Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

And one last tradition – the couple dancing to Piano Man in a circle(ish) of guests for the last song. Julie told me that a photo of this dance ends up being every ones Christmas card after each wedding. I love this SO much.

Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY
Guests dance in the Admiral Room Ballroom wedding reception venue in downtown Buffalo, NY

Many thanks to Julie and Chris for having us document your day! And thank you to all these venues and vendors who helped make the day so great!

Bride Preparation: Private Residence

Groom Preparation: Westin

Ceremony: Karpeles Manscript Library

Portraits: Karpeles, Greetings from Buffalo mural, Shea’s Performing Art Center

Reception: Admiral Room at The Marin

Hair + Makeup: Lauren Szafarian (hair) Makeup by Alinna (MUA)

Bride’s Gown: Jenny PackhamUltimate Bride Chicago

Florist: Evergreen Florist

Bakery: Village Bake Shop

Program + Menu Design: Justin Willard

DJ: Gary Hall

Transportation: DJ the Dee Jay

Second Photographer: Teri Fiske

[…] From Ellicott Square we were off to one of the biggest and most impressive ballrooms in the city for the wedding reception, the Admiral Room in Buffalo, NY. I had the opportunity to tour the Admiral Room several years ago when it was up for sale. A friend of mine had visions of turning it in to a wedding venue and wanted some feedback from a few of us in the industry. It was a big time YES from me, but he ended up passing on the opportunity. I’m SO glad someone else went through with this though because a special place such as this should not be sitting idle as an abandoned bank! The last time I saw the space there was carpeting and cubicles in here. It has taken a lot of time to get the Admiral Room up and running, but at long last it’s here! The staff was great and everything ran smoothly. I’m so excited to have this new space to work in – I’ll be back for a few more Admiral Room weddings in Buffalo this summer! (Update, check out another Admiral Room wedding here!) […]

[…] Can this room be any more gorgeous? I love the use of greenery to make a big statement in a big room where a small floral arrangement could easily get lost. Thanks to Honey Guild for supplying these! If you would like to see this room dressed up in a totally different color palette, check out this wedding! […]

[…] had enough of this wedding – check out Lindsay’s sister Julie’s wedding here! And as always, much appreciation to the other vendors who made the day what it was!  Here they […]

[…] and Michael’s 2021 wedding at two of Buffalo’s finest venues, St. Louis Church and the Admiral Room! It’s going to be a […]

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