Royal Park Hotel Wedding

Sunday, January 30th, 2022

Deb and Tim had a beautiful, winter Royal Park Hotel wedding.

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It was five years ago when Becky called me from another room. “Brian! I think I found him!” As I entered the room, I noticed Becky had tears in her eyes as she looked at me excitedly. “I don’t even know these people and I am crying,” she said. Together, we watched a wedding film, then another…then another. “Yep, I would say you found him. Make the call,” I told her.

As we were planning our wedding, Becky and I were a little on the fence on whether or not we wanted a videographer (read: after buying a house, whether or not we could afford a videographer.) We knew in our hearts that a beautiful wedding fim would be an investment in our future memories. An investment well spent. Becky emailed Tim and set up a meeting. Within minutes of meeting, he had our business. By the end of the meeting, he had our hearts. Tim is the type of guy who is easy to love and whose presence and laughter you can feel in a room. Anyone lucky enough to know him understands this. Anyone lucky enough to be loved by him must truly be special. That special person, is Deb.

One of the things about being a wedding photographer that I was not anticipating is the many lessons about life it teaches you. One lesson is to marry a partner, a teammate, a best friend. Tim found those things in Deb and Deb in Tim. Their personalities, values, and even senses of humor compliment each other. Even their three corgis are best friends. There is no one Tim would rather spend time with and vice versa. When you find the right person, marriage is easy. If their marriage is anything like their wedding, it will be filled with much laughter, love, and the occasional sentimental moment.

~

Tim and Deb both got ready at the beautiful Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester. Tim’s morning kicked off getting ready with the help of his best man and brother.

After some prepping, the rest of his groomsmen joined him in the library.

After a few portraits and verbal jockeying, Tim had a surprise for the guys – retro Nintendo GameBoys. My inner nine year-old nerd, which to be honest, isn’t well hidden, was jealous. Clearly, the guys liked the gift.

Next, it was Deb’s turn to get ready. We arrived as Deb’s hair and make up was wrapping up. Soon after, she was ready to put on her dress and become a stunning bride.

One of my favorite parts any wedding, but particularly my wedding, was the first look. Seeing your bride for the first time without the pressure and distraction of a formal setting allows you to be fully present, emotionally and mentally. It is a powerful moment. In the moments leading up to my first look, Tim caught me wiping away tears. He joked with me to lighten to mood and placed a bet on how many times that day I would cry. (I lost the bet, which was a generously high number on his part.) As Tim’s first look neared, I couldn’t help but to notice the same swelling of tears in his eyes as he got to see his bride for the first time…and she looked stunning!

First look, or first grab? Either way, it was a beautiful moment.

Once they were ready, it was time to enjoy the afternoon, each other’s company, and start taking photos. The hallways made for beautiful Royal Park Hotel wedding photos.

One of the things I loved most about working with Tim and Deb was as long as they were together, they were smiling and laughing.

Even the outside grounds make for beautiful Royal Park Hotel wedding photos.

After just a few minutes, Mother Nature nudged us inside. As Tim and Deb cozied up to warm up, it presented a beautiful photo opportunity.

Tim and Deb had their Royal Park Hotel wedding inside the Conservatory, a gorgeous glass structure that is perfect for smaller, more intimate and elegant events. We decided to head inside and take some photos before the ceremony.

Who said you can’t have fun and tease a bit on your wedding day? I can literally hear their laughter in these photos (and feel Tim’s pain.)

Over the years, couples have bucked with traditions and made weddings more of an experience that reflects their values and relationship. I love it! It is a recipe for a great time and lasting memories. When we were designing their wedding day timeline, Tim and Deb decided to schedule in some downtime to enjoy a drink with their bridal party prior to the ceremony. No plans other than to be with people who you love and have supported you from the beginning. Schedule time for the unpredictable. Now that is something I can toast to.

As Tim and Deb finished their cocktails, guests began to arrive and we photographed some of the details of their Royal Park Hotel wedding. The flowers and decor were created by the talented Kevin Miller of Twigs and Branches Floral.

Next, it was time for the ceremony.

With heartfelt vows, rings, and a kiss, Tim and Deb were married.

Following the ceremony, we headed outside to catch the fireworks show that was part of the Rochester Snowglow, formerly known as the Fire and Ice Festival. It was cold outside, but definitely worth it.

After the show, it was back to the Conservatory for their Royal Park Hotel wedding reception. Derek Hall from The Block Party was the DJ and did a great job bringing the room together before speeches.