Lucas & Jordan
February 22, 2025 | Arbor Midtown, Rochester, NY
Some wedding days feel like magic from the very first moment — Jordan and Lucas’s celebration at Arbor Midtown was exactly that. The late February sun peeked out just enough to warm the city, and inside one of Rochester’s most iconic venues, love and laughter filled every corner.
From the moment we arrived, there was an unmistakable energy in the air. Jordan and her eight person bridal party (including her beloved “bride’s boy!”) were already deep in the excitement — champagne in hand, music up, and matching PJs on. It was clear: this was going to be a day of joy.
Lucas and the groomsmen were a whole vibe. Suits slung over shoulders, they walked in with the kind of confidence that can only come from great friendships and a bit of game-day swagger.
The two chose to exchange letters prior to their ceremony, a quiet and personal tradition that gave them space to reflect, breathe, and feel all the weight of what was about to begin. While they opted not to do a first look, this moment allowed them to connect in their own way — separately, but deeply together.
In the bridal suite, Jordan read Lucas’s letter surrounded by her bridal party and family. The music was still playing, the vibe still full of energy — but for a few minutes, everything softened. It was clear just how much these words meant to her. Her friends watched on quietly, letting the moment settle in before the day picked up again.
Across the venue, the boys took a few quiet moments to add the final touches—fastening cufflinks, straightening ties, and sharing a few laughs before heading out. Afterwards Lucas opened Jordan’s letter in the groom’s suite. It was one of those rare moments when emotion broke through his usually stoic demeanor. The groomsmen later joked that seeing Lucas tear up was the real surprise of the day — but also the moment they’ll never forget.
Meanwhile, the bridal suite fell into an excited hush as Jordan stepped out in her gown for the first time. Her bridesmaids turned around — and instantly, the energy shifted. Gasps, hands over hearts, tears welling up. The laughter and dancing from earlier melted into pure awe. She looked unreal — and they knew it. The reaction? Absolutely priceless. It was the kind of moment that reminded everyone: this is real, this is happening, and their girl was about to become a bride.
Just after, Jordan shared an impromptu and tender first look with her dad — the kind of emotion that lingers and says everything words can’t.
One of the most unforgettable moments of Lucas and Jordan’s day was the time we carved out for Jordan’s bridal portraits. The bridal suite was bathed in soft, golden light pouring through the windows, and Jordan stood there glowing — truly radiant. Her dress hugged her perfectly, every curve and detail catching the light in the most ethereal way. The backlit sun created a halo around her, highlighting her grace and quiet confidence. She moved so effortlessly and those few peaceful minutes gave her space to breathe and take it all in — and gave us some of the most magical, timeless portraits of the entire day.
Bridal party photos before the ceremony on Jordan and Lucas’s wedding day were such a joyful highlight. The excitement and love surrounding Jordan as she got ready with her closest friends and family was absolutely contagious—there was laughter, a few happy tears, and the perfect amount of champagne to kick off the day. It was such a sweet time to soak in the anticipation before the ceremony, and you could truly feel how loved and supported Jordan was. Capturing those little in-between moments—the quiet nerves, the tight hugs, the cheers—felt like preserving the heartbeat of the day before everything officially began.
While Jordan and her girls were getting ready, Lucas and his groomsmen were having a blast of their own—and one of the best details? The fun socks each guy wore, repping different sports teams! It was such a playful and personal touch that brought out everyone’s personalities and set a lighthearted tone for the day. Between the laughs, the toasts, and a few competitive debates about which team was best, the guys had an unforgettable time together before the ceremony.
Guests were greeted by a grand staircase and gorgeous chandeliers at the stunning Arbor Midtown. The ceremony and reception space was bathed in natural light and set to impress with gold chairs and beautiful decor. The three-piece arbor, a true labor of love built by Jordan’s family, especially her stepdad, and adorned with florals by her stepmom, Kim, stood as the heart of their ceremony space — meaningful, personal, and stunning. This was where they said their vows, surrounded by the people who had shaped their story, beneath something literally crafted by the hands of family. It wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a symbol of love, legacy, and the joining of more than two hearts.
Jordan’s stepbrother absolutely nailed his role as ring bearer — or rather, Ring Security. Dressed for the part and armed with a mini briefcase, he marched down the aisle with all the swagger of a secret agent. When he reached the arbor, he locked eyes with Lucas, slowly raised two fingers to his eyes, then pointed right at him in the classic “I’m watching you” gesture. It was the perfect blend of sweet, hilarious, and totally unforgettable — a little comic relief in the middle of all the happy tears.
The moment Jordan and Lucas locked eyes was like out of a movie. Jordan, glowing alongside her father, approached her future husband with such grace and poise, he was genuinely awestruck.
Jordan’s mom, Shannon, officiated the ceremony. There wasn’t a dry eye as she spoke about their journey, their love, and what it meant to watch her daughter marry her best friend. It was one of those rare ceremonies that felt personal in every detail.
As Jordan and Lucas walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, cheers filled the space and the newlyweds shared a heartfelt kiss!
Following the ceremony, we moved straight into family formals beneath the handcrafted arbor — a fitting backdrop for such meaningful portraits.
From there, the wedding party brought the energy to Arbor Midtown’s grand staircase, where the elegant lines and bold architecture made for effortlessly dramatic group shots.
Every corner of the venue offered something unique, and Jordan and Lucas embraced it all. From the historic elevators to the moody vaults, we explored the building’s textures and stories, creating portraits that felt both cinematic and deeply personal. With soft February light streaming through the windows, every image came to life — all without ever stepping outside.
Midway through their portraits, Jordan and Lucas took a break for the ultimate comfort snack—grilled cheese! It was such a fun, down-to-earth moment as they fed each other bites, laughing between chews and soaking in the quiet joy of just being together.
After a heartfelt ceremony and portrait session, Jordan and Lucas invited guests to celebrate their love story at the stunning Arbor Midtown—a venue that was the perfect canvas for their timeless, romantic vision. The space was transformed into a glowing dream of golden accents, delicate florals, and soft, ambient light that made everything feel warm and inviting. Every detail felt intentional and the chandeliers cast a golden glow over the space, creating an atmosphere that felt both grand and intimate.
Tables were adorned with delicate floral centerpieces in soft blush, ivory, and greenery and the design struck that rare balance of refined and effortless—elegant without ever feeling overdone.
Then came one of the most unforgettable moments of the night: Jordan and Lucas’s reception entrance. They rose up the stairs, cold sparklers firing on each side as cheers erupted from their guests. It was theatrical, exciting, and so them.
The newlyweds went straight into their first dance — another magical moment lit by sparklers and surrounded by gold chameleon chairs, candlelight, and the elegant DIY arbor now glowing behind the sweetheart table.
After guests had settled in with dinner, the room quieted for a series of heartfelt and unforgettable speeches. Lucas’ best man kicked things off, speaking about Lucas with genuine admiration and that classic groomsman wit that had the crowd erupting in laughter. The maid of honor and Lucas’ twin sister followed with a sweet and hilarious retelling of her friendship with Jordan, full of inside jokes and sisterhood moments that had the whole room smiling. Jordan’s dad finished things off by delivering a moving tribute that struck the perfect balance between sentiment and humor — the kind of words that made everyone laugh and tear up in the same breath.
The parent dances were filled with so much emotion — quiet, powerful moments that seemed to pause time. Jordan shared a tender dance with her father, both of them smiling through teary eyes, holding onto each other a little tighter with every step. You could feel the weight of a lifetime of memories between them. Lucas’s dance with his mom was just as moving — she beamed with pride, and he kept pulling her in close, like he was thanking her with every spin. It wasn’t about the choreography or the music — it was about connection, legacy, and love. These dances are always a favorite to capture, but these two were something special.
And then, the Photo Marathon — Jordan and Lucas stood in the center of the dance floor while each table came to them for a picture. A perfect way to capture everyone and stay on the dance floor!
With hearts full and glasses raised, Jordan and Lucas slipped away for a private cake cutting — a quiet, joy-filled moment tucked into the celebration — before returning to the dance floor for back-to-back parent dances that brought both laughter and tears.
After that, the party was in full swing! A bouquet toss and anniversary dance added more layers of fun.
Cold sparklers lit up the dance floor throughout the night, giving guests little surprise bursts of excitement. And the dancing? Let’s just say, DJ Jordan from Encore Events did not let the energy drop. Late-night Garbage Plates kept the dance floor going, and the flat lay of the “beautiful mess” at the end of the night was a perfect modern touch. Shoes off. Napkins tossed. Champagne glasses half full. The kind of mess you want to remember.
Jordan and Lucas, thank you for inviting us into your story — not just for one day, but for the entire journey. From our first conversations to your engagement session to standing beside you on your wedding day, it was an absolute honor to witness and document your love. Jordan, having known you from our time working together as nurses, this day felt even more special — watching you step into this beautiful new chapter with so much grace, joy, and love was nothing short of incredible. Your wedding wasn’t just beautiful — it was meaningful, vibrant, and overflowing with heart. You brought together not only stunning details and unforgettable moments, but a community of people who clearly adore you. Thank you for trusting us with such a sacred day. We are so, so grateful to have been a part of it.
Seeing the motion and emotion of the day through video
adds another layer of storytelling that we are SO thrilled to provide!
Lucas & Jordan’s Wedding Trailer
Their final film will be COMING SOON to a screen near you!
If you're planning your own special day and want to ensure every moment is captured with the same care and attention to detail, feel free to reach out. We’d love to help you tell your unique love story through stunning photography and videography.
Stay Beautiful,
Natalie Javier | JV Films Photography
A special thank you to the vendors who made the magic happen:
Venue: Arbor Midtown
Photography: JV Films
Videography: JV Films
Florals: Kim, @thebarefootflorist_bykimmae
DJ + Photo Booth: Encore Events, @dj_jnicoleencoreevents | @encoreevents
Hair: @manelyhairbycass
Makeup: @brittmessmer
Catering: @farecatering.co
Dress: @truesociety_thewhitedress
Suits: @theblacktux