groom hugs bride from behind at Pomona at Blue Barn Summer Wedding

Every so often, you meet a couple who makes you believe—or reinforces your belief—in soulmates. Ellie and Matt are one of those couples! I had the honor of photographing their wedding at Pomona at Blue Barn near Rochester, New York, last August. It was a day of big emotions, big love, and even bigger dance moves!

Ellie and Matt met on Hinge in 2021 and went on a first date that lasted nearly eight hours! “Needless to say, we hit it off,” says the couple. “From there, we continued to go to restaurants and places we liked, met each other’s family and friends, and started to build the community we have supporting us today.” That community traveled from near and far to celebrate them on their wedding day! Among the guests were Ellie’s brother, Nathan, and his wife Hayley, whose Colorado wedding I photographed. It was so fun to reconnect with them and meet their adorable baby daughter, Lillian!

Wedding dress hanging from the barn door at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride getting ready for her wedding at Pomona at Blue Barn

A Meaningful Wedding Morning

Ellie and Matt each spent the wedding morning surrounded by close friends and family, exchanging gifts, cracking jokes, and brimming with excitement for the day. Ellie slipped into her gown in front of the same mirror that her grandmother used on her wedding day. Then, she joined Matt outside for their first look! Afterward, he serenaded her with two songs on the guitar (which, incidentally, was also how he proposed!). The couple’s parents looked on, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Matt’s heartfelt vocals brought his bride to tears.

Bride and groom first look at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride wiping away tears while looking at her groom

Bridal portraits in the orchard at Pomona at Blue Barn

Jennifer Lourie Photography - Destination Wedding Photographer

Outdoor Ceremony at Pomona at Blue Barn

Those sincere emotions spilled over into every part of the day, but especially the wedding ceremony. Ellie and Matt each read vows they had written. Their words not only made them cry, but nearly every guest, including Matt’s groomsmen! In addition, two close friends of the couple provided readings (cue even more tears!).

When venue shopping, an outdoor ceremony location was at the top of the couple’s wishlist. They found what they were looking for in Pomona at Blue Barn! Ellie shares, “We chose Pomona because we both wanted to have our ceremony outdoors, but reception indoors with air conditioning. Matt and I both love being out in nature! Pomona has a beautiful outdoor ceremony location, but it also has a covered porch to be married on if it’s raining.”

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride walking down the aisle with her father at Pomona at Blue Barn

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Pomona at Blue Barn

Groom wiping away tears during his wedding ceremony

Mother of the bride wiping away tears during a wedding ceremony

Bridal party portraits at Pomona at Blue Barn

Groom holding up his bride's dress and veil while she runs through a field

Wedding Reception at Pomona at Blue Barn

Pomona at Blue Barn’s main event space housed the couple’s reception, which featured nods to the summer season. Icy glasses of Strawberry Moscow Mule garnished with fresh lime greeted guests as they entered. Later, an ice cream sundae bar with every topping imaginable accompanied dessert!

However, the dance party at this reception outshone even the delicious food and drinks! Before their wedding day, the couple shared, “We’re most looking forward to the reception and dancing all night. We’re always out on the dance floor at weddings and can’t wait for all our family and friends to join us dancing on our big day!” When it was time for the dancing portion of the evening, Ellie kicked off her heels and changed into a comfortable pair of white sneakers. True to their word, she and Matt were at the center of the dance floor the entire time—save for a brief, private dance party on the balcony overlooking their guests having the time of their lives!

Pomona at Blue Barn - Rochester, NY Wedding Venue

Shelf with Mason jar cocktails at a summer wedding

Wedding tablescape with moss floral centerpieces and gold hurricane candles

Film photo of a wedding cake on a golden cake stand

Bride and groom entering their wedding reception at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride and groom on the dance floor at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride and groom sharing their first dance at Pomona at Blue Barn

Guests toasting with champagne at a wedding reception

Wedding reception at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride and groom dancing while a violinist plays

I’m so glad I could photograph Ellie and Matt’s wedding at Pomona at Blue Barn. The love between these two is as authentic as it gets, and I believe that shines through in every photo! Whether you’re planning an Upstate New York, Colorado, or Idaho wedding (or anywhere else you can dream up!), I would love to document it. As a traveling wedding photographer, I’m always up for a new adventure, so don’t hesitate to say hello!

Wedding guests on the dance floor at Pomona at Blue Barn

wedding guests dance on the dance floor during a Pomona at Blue Barn summer wedding reception

wedding guests dance on the dance floor during a Pomona at Blue Barn wedding reception

Bride and groom dancing on the balcony at Pomona at Blue Barn

Bride and her wedding guests on the dance floor at Pomona at Blue Barn

Kind Words from Ellie

  ”Jennifer is hands-down the best photographer I’ve ever worked with! She’s a travel photographer, and after I saw her photograph my brother and sister-in-law's wedding in Colorado, I knew she was the perfect person to capture our wedding. Jennifer’s attention to detail and true-to-color editing style capture weddings beautifully, leaving you with photos that bring you right back into the moment! She’s not only an incredibly talented photographer but also a kind and thoughtful person. I highly recommend her for your big day!”