Romantic and Edgy Garden Wedding at Two Iconic Rochester Venues
by Ember Event Management – Wedding Planner in Rochester, NY, The Finger Lakes
Julianna and Colin’s Rochester wedding was the perfect blend of mood, meaning, and artistry. With a ceremony at the historic George Eastman Museum and an intimate dinner reception at The Alexander, their day unfolded stunningly.
Julianna reached out just a month before the wedding. She had a clear vision and an incredible vendor team—she just needed someone to tie all the moving parts together and take the pressure off. It was the perfect fit for our “Day-Of” package.
We stepped in to finalize the timeline, build floorplans, and coordinate with vendors to ensure every detail was confirmed. Julianna designed all of the stationery and signage herself, and our team supported her vision while managing the behind-the-scenes logistics that made everything feel seamless.
The ceremony took place in the gardens of the George Eastman Museum, where a live string trio welcomed guests with music, and florals by The Plot added texture and depth. While Julianna got ready with her family and friends, we prepared the ceremony site—setting out signage and décor (thanks to lots of hidden zip ties and safety pins—because wind!), arranging chairs, and coordinating with venue staff to ensure the space was cleared of the public.
The first look happened under the pergola in the back garden, but of course, we had to sneak Julianna over to the ceremony area first for a quick peek before she went to see Colin.
Once we dropped her off and the first look was underway, we started pouring welcome drinks as guests began to trickle in.
As Julianna and Colin exchanged vows, we quietly helped escort a surprise vintage Rolls Royce—arranged by Julianna’s father—into place, timing it perfectly so the car was waiting at the end of the aisle to take the couple to the reception (after a few photos, of course!).
After the ceremony, Ember handled cleanup and repurposed décor for the reception, adding the finishing touches at The Alexander: lighting candles, cueing musicians, and making sure the photographer captured the space before guests entered. And oh my gosh, did the place look magical. Florals were everywhere, and small details—from custom matchbooks to personalized scent diffusers—were tucked all around the venue. The dinner area was a dream, filled with Julianna’s collected flatware, plates, and handmade stationery. Seriously—this is how you throw a dinner party!
Dinner was intentionally intimate—a candlelit meal with just their closest people. The room glowed with vintage pieces, rich textures, and cozy, elegant details. However, timing was key, with a second wave of guests arriving later in the evening. Ember worked closely with The Alexander staff to keep dinner on schedule and flowing smoothly. As dinner wrapped, guests were invited to the bar area while we flipped the space into a dance floor—bringing out late-night bites and desserts, resetting tables, and transforming the energy of the room.
This day was every bit intentional, beautiful and just so lovely. Completly honored to have been a part of it!
Serving Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and beyond.
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Vendor Team:
Reception Venue: @thealexandersocial
Ceremony Venue: @eastmanmuseum
Photographer: @alyssafloodphoto
Florals: @theplot_buffalo
Stationary/Event Design: @julianna.leone
Coordination: @ember_eventmanagement
Ceremony Music: 585 String Quartet
Cake: @joelle_eats_cake
Cookies: @savoiapastryshoppe
Mini Desserts: @tortaroc
Chair Rentals: @mccarthyevents
MUA: @skynbydaniela
Dress Designer: @yumikatsuranyc
Bridal Shop: @stellasbridal
Tuxedo: @bespoke.menswear
Custom Rings: @forsythejewelers.ny
Rolls Royce: @advantagelimobuffalo
