Mark and Michael’s November 11th wedding at the Inns of Aurora was an intimate celebration that paid subtle tribute to the Finger Lakes region. Set against the backdrop of Cayuga Lake, this luxurious resort consists of a collection of restored historic estates spread across 350 acres. Because the village of Aurora spans less than a square mile, guests enjoyed a walkable experience that allowed them to experience the resort’s diverse event spaces. Mark and Michael took advantage of this layout, utilizing several of these unique areas for their wedding weekend, creating a memorable experience for them and their guests.
A Finger Lakes Wedding Celebration
The Ceremony
Mark and Michael chose the Schoolhouse Loft, a cozy venue within the Inns of Aurora, for their ceremony. This historic red brick building features exposed brick walls, exposed beams, and warm natural light. As guests found their seats for the ceremony, soothing French Café Instrumental music set a peaceful ambiance.
The wedding party entered one by one to the timeless melody “The Embassy Waltz” from My Fair Lady. Guests watched expectantly as Michael walked down the candlelit aisle, escorted by his mother. He joined Mark at the altar, which was adorned with seasonal greenery and flickering candles. Adding a personal touch, Mark and Michael performed a moving candle-lighting ceremony, each taking turns lighting the candle customized with their names. Together, they symbolically began their new journey as a married couple.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests were invited to a cocktail hour at the Taylor House, another historic venue within the Inns of Aurora. Built in 1838, this beautifully restored building showcases colorful, ornate rugs and historical photos lining the walls. As guests stepped into the grand parlors, they were greeted by the smooth sounds of jazz and orchestral music. Selections from artists like the BBC Big Band, One Pian, and Chris Egan created a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. Laughter and conversation filled the space as guests enjoyed delicious drinks and passed appetizers.
The Reception
The celebration continued in the Lakeside Room, a spacious room within the venue overlooking Cayuga Lake. Grand historic murals depicting scenes of Aurora lined the walls, while the glow of candlelit chandeliers and the room’s warm wood tones created an atmosphere of understated elegance. Simple yet festive table settings featured crisp white tablecloths, flickering candles, and seasonal arrangements of wintry greens and pinecones.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of the décor was the unique table assignments. Mark and Michael, in a nod to the region, named each table after the various Finger Lakes. This playful touch added a personal connection to the region and created a fun conversation starter for guests seated together.
The evening kicked off with Mark and Michael’s romantic first dance to Kylie Minogue’s “Love at First Sight”. Heartfelt toasts from a few loved ones followed, and then it was time for dinner. As guests enjoyed their meals, smooth jazz classics by Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Michael Bublé filled the air. A special moment came shortly after, when Mark and his mother, Brenda, shared a touching mother-son dance to Celine Dion’s “A New Day Has Come”.
The Dance Floor
As dinner came to a close, the DJ seamlessly transitioned into a vibrant mix of high-energy pop and dance hits. Mark and Michael kicked off the party with their infectious energy, encouraging their loved ones to join them. The carefully chosen playlist kept the energy high all night long, with favorites by Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, and Dua Lipa pumping through the speakers. Smiles and laughter filled the room as friends and family danced and sang along. The night ended on a high note with the grand finale song, Kylie Minogue’s “Hold On To Now” – a fitting anthem for a night filled with memories that would last a lifetime.
Elevate Your Wedding With Envision Entertainment
Mark and Michael’s Finger Lakes wedding was a beautiful celebration filled with both intimate moments and high-energy fun. Envision Entertainment’s ability to adapt the musical selections to perfectly match the mood of each part of the day was key to creating this special atmosphere. If you’re interested in creating a similar experience for your own event, don’t hesitate to reach out to Envision’s team to learn more. Contact us today!
The Couple’s Review of Envision Entertainment
Mark and Michael couldn’t have been happier with the way Envision Entertainment brought their wedding vision to life. Here’s what they had to say:
