Peter & Elyse
A Classic Fall Wedding with Heart, Heritage, and a Whole Lot of Celebration
Monroe Golf Club & St. Louis Church, Pittsford | October 11, 2025
Some wedding days feel beautifully planned. Others feel deeply felt. Elyse and Pete’s wedding was both. Set against the warm tones of an Upstate New York autumn, their celebration unfolded over an entire weekend that was intimate, joyful, sentimental, and layered with personal meaning at every turn. From a thoughtfully curated rehearsal evening to a rain kissed wedding day filled with family traditions and playful surprises, their story was one we were honored to document from start to finish.
A Weekend That Welcomed Everyone In
The weekend began Friday evening in Pittsford, where family and friends gathered first at St. Louis Church for rehearsal, followed by dinner at Next Door Restaurant, a cozy, candlelit setting that felt equal parts elegant and familiar. From there, the night transitioned into a lively welcome party at Lock 32 Brewing Company, where laughter flowed easily and the tone for the weekend was set: relaxed, connected, and full of love.
This layered coverage allowed space for genuine moments, embraces between generations, toasts among old friends, and the kind of in-between interactions that often become the most meaningful memories.
A Thoughtful Morning at Monroe Golf Club
Wedding day morning unfolded at Monroe Golf Club, where the fireplace glowed softly beneath lush florals and fall textures. Elyse’s gown hung elegantly nearby, setting the tone for a day rooted in timeless beauty.
Her getting ready moments were candid and calm, surrounded by seven bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids Jenna and Melissa, Elyse’s sister and her dear friend, and sweet flower girl Sienna. Every interaction was handled with care, intention, and ease, ensuring everyone felt comfortable, included, and celebrated.
Just across the grounds at the Paddle House, Pete and his eight groomsmen prepared for the day ahead. One of the most meaningful moments came as Pete gifted custom watches, pieces he and his groomsmen had a hand in manufacturing together. It was a quiet reflection of partnership, craftsmanship, and shared history.
Private First Looks and Sentimental Moments
Elyse and Pete chose to share their first look privately on the golf course, tucked away from the bustle of the day. With no microphones and no bridal party, just the two of them and the open landscape, it felt deeply personal. We approached this moment with a fly-on-the-wall mindset, allowing space for authenticity while capturing the emotion as it naturally unfolded.
Following their portraits on the course, Elyse shared a second first look, this time with her father, Pat, at St. Louis Church, where he would later officiate their ceremony. That moment was quietly emotional and beautifully reverent, setting the tone for what was to come.
A Ceremony Rooted in Family and Faith
As rain gently began to fall, guests gathered inside St. Louis Church for a ceremony that was heartfelt and deeply personal. Officiated by Elyse’s father, the service honored family, faith, and remembrance, with memorial florals paying tribute to grandparents who were lovingly held in spirit.
When the ceremony concluded, guests exited through the church steps amid floating bubbles and soft rain, a scene that felt cinematic and joy-filled all at once.
Family portraits inside the church following this grand exit, close family and the couple’s bridal party gathered to create long lasting memories.
Ice Cream, Laughter, and a Pittsford Staple
Between ceremony and reception, the entire wedding party made a stop at Pittsford Dairy, a beloved local favorite close to Elyse and Pete’s hearts. What followed was pure joy, ice cream, laughter, spontaneous photos with locals, and a moment that felt wonderfully unpolished and real. For a brief moment, Elyse and Pete felt like hometown celebrities, soaking in the energy of a place that meant something to them.
Golden Hour and Fall Elegance at Monroe
Cocktail hour at Monroe Golf Club embraced the misty weather rather than fighting it. Bridal party portraits during this time felt playful, romantic, and true to the day, with umbrellas, laughter, and movement replacing anything stiff or posed.
As guests transitioned indoors, Elyse and Pete slipped away for sunset portraits. The light was soft, the air crisp, and the colors unmistakably autumn, golden tones that perfectly echoed the warmth of their celebration.
A Reception Designed with Meaning
The reception space glowed with fall inspired details and golden accents, blending luxury with personal touches. Guests signed a deck of cards in place of a traditional guest book, mirror displays guided seating, and a photo booth added an extra layer of fun.
After full wedding-party introductions, Elyse and Pete shared their first dance to “Is This Love” by Bob Marley, effortless, joyful, and full of ease. Dinner followed, along with heartfelt speeches, including a tender moment when Elyse gifted her bouquet to her mother.
As the night unfolded, tradition and celebration intertwined. Parent dances filled the room with emotion. A cigar bar opened under the evening sky.
The cake was cut using Pete’s grandfather’s WWII sword, an unforgettable tribute. A surprise groom’s cake recreated from Elyse’s parents’ own wedding delighted her father. Pete honored a Southern tradition by digging up a buried bottle of whiskey. An anniversary dance brought generations together.
After that, the dance floor was packed, full-group photos, nonstop movement, and unfiltered joy carrying the night through.
Their Story, in Motion: Videography
Alongside photography, Elyse and Pete chose to tell their story through film with a featurette wedding video. From quiet morning moments to the energy of the dance floor, video allowed their day to live beyond still frames, capturing vows spoken by a father, laughter echoing through Pittsford Dairy, rain falling outside the church doors, and the movement, sound, and emotion that defined their celebration. Their film is not just a recap of events. It is a time capsule that preserves how the day felt, not just how it looked.
Check out their trailer above,
& their final film is coming soon!
Elyse and Pete’s wedding was a reminder that luxury isn’t about excess. It is about meaning, thoughtful choices, family involvement, trust in the experience, and space to truly enjoy every moment. Documenting their entire weekend, from welcome party to final dance, was an honor, and their story is one we will never forget.
Special Thank You to an amazing vendor team who made the day unforgettable:
Photography: JV Films, Natalie Javier
Videography: JV Films, Javee Javier
Venue: Monroe Golf Club
Florals: Stacykfloral
Planner: Jenna, @jennarayne_
DJ: Encore Events, @encoreevents
Bridal: @magnolialainebridal
Deserts: @yeahbabybakes & @scratchbakeshoproc
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. I'd love to help you tell your unique love story through stunning photography.
Stay Beautiful,
Natalie Javier | JV Films Photography