Inspiration and highlights from weddings photographed in the Admiral Room
I had the opportunity to tour the Admiral Room at the Marin several years ago when it was up for sale. This Renaissance Revival style high-rise built in 1913 was formerly a bank and had been sitting empty for many years. Sad remnants of the building’s past remained in the form of abandoned cubicles and office carpeting. At the time, 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. I took one step inside the building and it was an instant, big time YES from me. My friend inevitably passed on the opportunity, but I’m SO glad someone else went through with this project and converted the space in to a wedding venue. The Admiral Room is a truly special place and an important part of the history of Buffalo, NY. It deserved all the amazing renovations it has received and all the smiling faces that now celebrate within its walls.
It has been so exciting to experience the rebirth of the Admiral Room at the Marin as a wedding venue. From a vacant building to a stunning space filled with joy and celebration, it’s been a transition for the ages. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a few events in this space so far. I’ll be adding more pictures to this feature over time, but please enjoy these highlights to date!
Erin and Hayley both got ready in the conference room at Admiral Room.
Aside from the fact that it’s an actual conference room with a giant table and office chairs, there’s plenty of space for beautiful “preparation photos.” The ceiling details and fireplace are just gorgeous!
Hayley’s soon to be husband Zanaid and the rest of the groomsmen gathered at the Admiral room before the “first look” and even managed to squeeze in a game or two of beer pong in the bankers room.
The steps at the entry of the Admiral Room make a perfect spot for a reveal or “first look.”
I don’t think I’ll ever forget Zanaid’s words as Hayley was walking up behind him. “Oh my God… oh my God, I’m so excited, I can’t believe this is really happening!”
Julie stopped in to the Admiral Room before heading to her wedding ceremony to check out her decorations and get a few portraits with her bridesmaids and sweet flower girls.
These two couples both had their wedding ceremonies in the Admiral Room.
The first wedding, Hayley and Zanaid, took place right at the entry to the Admiral Room. A cloth backdrop blocked off the tables behind them. I like this setup because you see a lot of the architecture of the venue in the pictures.
Kelly and Sean had their ceremony set in the back of the Admiral Room. This setup is nice because there’s no background clutter with the tables, but you see less of the space. The window directly behind the couple could cause complications for an inexperienced photographer. But you know that I know what to do with that. <3
The Admiral Room doesn’t need much dressing up, but a little decor never hurts!
Here’s some inspiration featuring various seasons and various lighting scenarios depending on the time of day/year and the lighting palette the couple chooses!
Guests typically gather in the front of the Admiral Room for cocktail hour, right after they pick their jaws up off the floor upon seeing this beautiful space.
Cocktail hour can also be a great time to gather extended family and groups of friends for a portrait!
Couples are often introduced in to their wedding reception from this amazing little balcony high above the ballroom floor, others walk through the gorgeous iron gates.
From my experience, speeches seem to randomly happen at any given location in the Admiral Room. I always recommend planning ahead with your DJ or band so that the speech giver stands near the couple. This allows me to create pictures that show everyone together, and the DJ/speakers, etc. don’t end up in the background.
Dinner is a great time for couples to sneak away for a few portraits inside the entry gates to the Admiral Room as well as outside. Buffalo’s Main St. provides a most charming urban backdrop.
Back inside, it’s time to eat (cake) dance and be merry!
Lots of room here for a large open air photo “booth!”
To be continued! Here’s looking forward to documenting many more happy memories in the Admiral Room in Buffalo, NY!
To see some of these weddings in their entirety and peep the vendors involved, check out these links:
