A Wedding at Arbor Midtown

Sydney + Nick’s Joyful “Frog-Filled” Forever at Arbor Midtown

A Love That Started with Frogs

In a world where so many great love stories begin with a swipe, Sydney and Nick’s romance blossomed on Bumble — and, hilariously, with frogs. Yes, frogs. Nick’s profile was packed with frog-themed humor, and while most people might’ve hopped right past that, Sydney was intrigued. There was something delightfully quirky about it.

As the officiant recounted during their ceremony, it was the perfect “just right level of frog content” to get Sydney “hopping back for more.” That spark of humor set the tone for their entire relationship — one filled with laughter, playfulness, and a deep understanding of one another.

From those first texts to the long FaceTimes that stretched to seven hours, Nick and Sydney’s connection was immediate, comfortable, and easy — or as they later described it in one perfect word: effortless.

The Perfect Day at Arbor Midtown

On a golden September afternoon, Arbor Midtown became the heart of Sydney and Nick’s story. Nestled in the vibrant core of downtown Rochester, NY this venue offered the perfect blend of urban and modern style — high ceilings, and soft natural light pouring through its elegant windows.

As a wedding videographer, capturing love stories at Arbor Midtown always feels like stepping into a romantic film set. The space balances sleek city sophistication with warmth and intimacy — the perfect canvas for two people whose love radiates authenticity and joy.

Sydney and Nick’s décor beautifully matched the venue’s urban-chic aesthetic: lush greenery, soft candlelight, and personal touches that reflected their personality (like non-sequential table numbers used to describe their relationship). From the first look to the first dance, every moment felt uniquely “them” — full of laughter, sweet glances, and that signature, authentic charm.

From Little Sister Dreams to a Big Sister’s Reality

One of the most emotional moments of the day came from Sydney’s sister, who shared that she had always dreamed of Sydney’s wedding more than her own. Growing up five years apart, their bond was more than sisterly — it was protective, playful, and deeply loving.

She recalled having dance parties on Sydney’s bed, and “floor dancing” (which, apparently, is exactly what it sounds like). Watching her big sister walk down the aisle in her stunning gown, surrounded by friends and family at Arbor Midtown, was everything that little sister had imagined — and more.

Her words summed up the day perfectly:

“Seeing your beautiful dress, the gorgeous venue, and the love that you and Nick have is all beyond what little me could have dreamed of.”

(More) Frogs, Cats, and a Mud House Full of Love

Sydney and Nick have built a life that’s delightfully one-of-a-kind. Together, they share a home affectionately known as The Mud House — a historical home from 1835 with actual mud walls. It’s not just a house; it’s a metaphor for their marriage.

As one of Nick's groomsmen so eloquently put it during the reception, that my heart stopped:

“That house is a statement — to have something beautiful, you don’t need anything complicated or expensive. You just need simple ingredients and a commitment to be there for when it rains.”

Their relationship is exactly that. Built on simple, strong foundations — humor, empathy, and trust — with a shared commitment to keep “reapplying the mud” when life gets messy.

Add in their three cats, two (non-poisonous) poison dart frogs, and endless laughter, and you’ve got a love story that’s perfectly imperfect — and perfectly them.

The Vows: Effortless and Wholesome

Sydney and Nick’s vows were nothing short of cinematic — raw, hilarious, and deeply moving. Sydney’s words painted a picture of calm and certainty:

“Life with you is easy. It’s calm and joyful. It’s safe and consistent. And it’s filled with so much laughter.”

Nick matched her energy with the kind of heartfelt vulnerability that made every guest (and yes, even the videographer) tear up:

“Never once have you made me feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or judged. I can just be myself. And that is such a giant gift and weight lifted.”

But the best part? Their humor shone through even in the most emotional moments. From “I will also die for you” from the officiant, to promises about watching Bob’s Burgers every night, their vows perfectly captured what love really looks like — genuine, funny, and full of shared quirks.

A Celebration as Warm as the Couple

From heartfelt toasts to laugh-out-loud stories, the reception was a joyful whirlwind. Family and friends spoke about Sydney and Nick’s kindness, their ability to bring out the best in each other, and their hilarious antics (turns out, Nick once slept in the same bed as a terrified friend in a haunted Airbnb).

Nick’s mom shared her pride and gratitude — not just for the wonderful son they raised, but for the incredible woman who loves him so well. Sydney’s parents echoed the same, welcoming Nick with open arms and plenty of laughter.

As the evening carried on beneath the soft lights of Arbor Midtown, guests danced, laughed, and toasted to a future full of love, frogs, and maybe one day — grandchildren (wink, wink).

Love at Arbor Midtown

Sydney and Nick’s wedding was a dream to film. Arbor Midtown offers cinematic lighting, open spaces, and a gorgeous balance of modern elegance and timelessness that make every frame feel like magic.

The venue’s polished, industrial beams, and soft neutral palette allowed Sydney’s elegant dress and Nick’s style to stand out beautifully. During golden hour, the light streamed through the windows, illuminating their joy in a way that only Arbor Midtown can.

If you’re planning your wedding in Rochester and want that perfect mix of urban sophistication and intimate romance, Arbor Midtown is the place. Whether you’re envisioning a lush greenery-filled ceremony or a lively, laughter-filled reception, this venue captures it all — and your wedding film will thank you for it.

To Sydney + Nick: A Toast to Forever

Sydney and Nick’s love story reminds us that the best relationships don’t have to be complicated. They’re built on laughter, trust, and the comfort of being wholly yourself with another person.

Their day at Arbor Midtown wasn’t just a wedding — it was a celebration of everything that makes them who they are: fun, authentic, and unshakably in love.

As their videographer, I’ll always remember the joy in the room when they were pronounced husband and wife, the tears during their vows, and the laughter that echoed across the dance floor that night.

So here’s to Sydney and Nick — may your life together continue to be effortless and wholesome, just as you described it. May your mud walls stand strong, your frogs stay happy, and your love grow deeper with every new layer you build together.

Cheers to your forever — and thank you for allowing me to capture it at beautiful Arbor Midtown.

Vendor Appreciation

Because a perfect wedding day simply cannot happen without an amazing vendor team supporting the bride and groom's wedding day vision.

Venue: Arbor Midtown

Videographer: Candidly Kierra Productions

Photographer: Loryn Payne Photography

DJ: Encore Events

Dress: NY Bride and Co

Suits: Suit Shop Official

Florist: Flower Barn Penfield

Rentals: Rustic Rebel Rentals

Catering: Food by DeLeo Catering

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If you enjoyed the deluxe highlight reel above, make sure to check out more of my work in my blog or wedding portfolio. Check out feature films too! If you are interested in having me film your wedding, head over to my wedding package pricing page or feel free to contact me!