Wedding at Petruzello’s Banquet and Conference Center

Wedding at Petruzello’s Banquet and Conference Center

When I meet with Valmire and Ryan, it was like getting together with old friends.  Valmire and I shared a love for teaching and classroom stories (we both teach high school.)  Ryan and I share a not-so-obvious love of all things quirky and nerdy.  Instant friendships aside, I knew it was going to be a fun wedding – Irish dancers, Albanian dancers, and tons of family is all you need to make their wedding at Petruzello’s Banquet and Conference Center in Rochester a night to remember.

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Valmire got ready at the Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham with the help of her twin sister, mother, and cousins.  I love Valmire because we a both planners; she had seven pairs of shoes for her wedding day!  She ended up giving some of them away to her female students before the day.  I chose these stylish Badgley Mischka’s to work with.

Before Valmire left for her first look with Ryan, she received a gift from Ryan – a book on all the ways he loves her.  I love her emotions in this shot!

Next, it was time for their first look.  They had their first look at Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester.  It is a perfect, quiet and secluded spot for such an event.

With the first look behind us, it was time to start photographing them together.

I loved the form and details of Valmire’s dress.  The lace overlay was a gorgeous and delicate detail.

Van Hoosen offers so many beautiful, nature-filled backdrops.

After spending an hour together, the bridal party joined us.

Finally, it was time for their wedding at Petruzello’s Banquet and Conference Center.  Both the ceremony and reception took place here.  The staff did an amazing job flipping the room in an orderly fashion.

And just like that, with some vows, rings, and a kiss, Valmire and Ryan were married.

The flowers at their wedding at Petruzello’s Banquet and Conference Center were gorgeous and really created the mood in the room. With a few minutes to spare during cocktail hour, we took a few images in their empty reception area.

Following their Grand Entrance and first dances, it was time for speeches.

Naturally, a few *jabs* were thrown by the best man (terrible pun intended) before Valmire’s sister had her own embarrassing stories to share.

The reception kicked off with two sets of traditional dancers representing the bride and groom.  Irish dancers wowed the crowd and rang a chord with Ryan’s family.

It didn’t take long after the traditional Albanian dancers finished before Valmire and her family joined in the fun.

At the end of the night, I wanted to leave the couple with a unique shot to close out their portfolio.