A Wedding at Pomona at Blue Barn in Rochester, NY
- Kierra Huihui-Gist
- Apr 11
- 5 min read
A Love Written in the Stars: Marissa & Brendan’s Romantic Wedding at Pomona at Blue Barn
The Beginning of a Beautiful Chapter
There’s something unspeakably magical about the first look. That quiet moment where time slows, hearts race, and two people stand on the cusp of forever. When I arrived at Pomona at Blue Barn to capture Marissa and Brendan’s wedding, I already had a sense that their day would be deeply personal, sweetly emotional, and wildly joyful. I wasn’t wrong.
Bundled in love (and a touch of winter chill), their first look was as pure as it gets. Brendan’s face when he turned around — oh, it was everything. The joy, the awe, the disbelief that this radiant woman was about to be his wife. Marissa beamed in return, laughing through the cold and soaking up the moment, already wrapped in that beautiful warmth the two of them radiate when they're together.
“I can’t get over this,” she giggled through a shy smile.
Same, Marissa. Same.
A Ceremony Steeped in Heart and History
The ceremony was nestled inside the rustic elegance of Pomona at Blue Barn, a venue that wraps you in exposed wood beams, twinkling fairy lights, and the cozy embrace of timeless love. But it was the people — and the words — that gave the space its soul.
Brendan’s sister Adrienne officiated, lending such a personal touch. Her voice cracked with emotion as she chronicled Marissa and Brendan’s journey: six years of love, three degrees, 700-mile commutes, and a studio apartment so tiny it became a legend in its own right. And somehow, despite the distance and challenges, their bond only grew stronger.
There was laughter (thanks, turtle Doris), there were tears, and there was a whole lot of celebration for two people who love fiercely and live with intention.
Vows That Stole the Show
Marissa’s vows left not a dry eye in the house. She spoke of Brendan as her anchor, her laughter, her other half. “No one else makes me feel so loved,” she said, voice trembling.
Then Brendan stepped up, sweet and sure, speaking of the way Marissa views the world — with childlike wonder and a heart as big as the ocean they both love. “Much of me can’t even remember life before you,” he said. And if you were in the room, you felt the truth in those words.
Also, shout-out to Brendan for promising to try to close the kitchen cabinets from now on. We love a practical vow!
An Atmosphere of Love (and Dancing Lights)
Though we don’t have the transcript of the reception, I can tell you this: the joy was palpable.
Pomona at Blue Barn truly transforms as night falls. The fairy lights glow a little brighter, the barn hums with laughter and clinking glasses, and the dance floor becomes a stage for the kind of celebration that only happens once in a lifetime.
I caught glimpses of champagne toasts, impromptu dance-offs, and tender embraces from family members who clearly adore Marissa and Brendan. Their tribe showed up — not just physically, but emotionally. Everyone felt it: these two weren’t just in love; they were meant to be.
Little Details That Spoke Volumes
As a filmmaker, it’s often the small things that stick with me the most. A few that I’ll never forget:
The shared glance between Brendan and Marissa before they walked back down the aisle, married and glowing.
The way Brendan whispered "you look amazing" during their first look — not just once, but over and over like he couldn’t believe his luck.
The laughter, loud and unfiltered, when someone’s speech lovingly called out the turtle and cat as “family of four.”
The tear that rolled down Marissa’s cheek during Brendan’s vows — and how he wiped it away without hesitation.
It’s these flickers of real life and real love that make my job feel like storytelling magic.
A Forever Kind of Love
Marissa and Brendan’s wedding wasn’t just about vows or venues or florals (though let’s take a moment to appreciate those dreamy blush blooms). It was about the unwavering choice to keep showing up for one another, whether separated by hundreds of miles or standing hand in hand.
It was about two people who find joy not only in traveling the world, but in sitting at home with a cat, a turtle, and each other. Who wake up early for Zoom pancake breakfasts. Who binge-watch Netflix in different states, yet somehow manage to feel closer than most.
That’s what love is, isn’t it? It’s not always grand gestures or cinematic kisses (though theirs would fit perfectly in a film). It’s the everyday moments, stitched together by kindness, curiosity, and care.
Closing Notes from Behind the Lens
As I packed up my gear that night, heart full and hands a little sore from holding my camera through all the happy chaos, I found myself whispering a thank-you to the stars — the same stars that aligned years ago and brought Marissa and Brendan together.
Filming this wedding was a joy, but more than that, it was a reminder of what really matters. Two people, deeply in love, supported by a village that cheers for them like it’s their own love story. And a future wide open with possibility.
Marissa & Brendan — thank you for letting me witness your beginning. Your love is electric, earthy, and wildly inspiring. I can't wait to see where life takes you next.
Until then, keep loving big.
– Kierra
Selected Vendors
Marissa & Brendan’s day came to life thanks to a dream team of creatives. Each detail — from the florals to the cozy venue lighting — told a part of their love story. Here’s a look at the talented vendors who helped make it unforgettable:
Venue
Pomona at Blue Barn An enchanting, rustic-modern venue tucked away in Rochester, NY. Twinkle lights, wooden beams, and fields kissed by the golden hour.
Videography
Candidly Kierra Productions Filmmaking that feels like a warm breeze and a handwritten letter — cinematic, emotional, and intimate.
Photography
Rich Paprocki Photography Creates dynamic, creative, and emotional photographs in the Rochester, Buffalo, and Finger Lakes regions of western and upstate New York.
Officiant
Personal Ceremony by Family Brendan’s sister Adrienne officiated the ceremony with grace, humor, and so much heart — a shining example of a family-centered wedding.
Music & Entertainment
Silver Arrow Band From classic ceremony melodies to the kind of dance floor jams that keep hearts racing — the soundtrack was flawless.
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If you enjoyed the teaser trailer above, make sure to check out more of my work in my blog or wedding portfolio. Check out other teaser trailers 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!
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