A Skyline Toast Above Lancaster: Alicia and Jeff’s Rooftop Wedding

On a warm August evening in downtown Lancaster, Alicia and Jeff skipped the traditional sit-down reception and planned a wedding that felt more like an elevated city gathering. Think: a skyline toast above Lancaster, candlelit florals, endless food stations, and one very well-dressed dog named George.

Their wedding day unfolded across two of the city’s most striking venues—Pepper Theo Café for the ceremony, and The Exchange rooftop for a golden-hour celebration that carried well into the night.

Cheers to a Skyline Toast Above Lancaster City

For Alicia and Jeff, location mattered. They wanted spaces that felt personal, visually striking, and full of atmosphere. The ceremony at Pepper Theo Café offered old-world charm, perfect for an intimate vow exchange.

The ceremony was transformed into a candlelit space that felt like an art installation. Jodi Blooms designed lush, layered floral works of art that complemented the structure of the space instead of overpowering it.

Afterward, guests were invited to The Exchange, where cocktails, oysters, endless gourmet food, pizza, and ice cream replaced the usual reception routine. Perched above the city with 360° views, The Exchange gave them exactly what they wanted: a skyline toast above Lancaster as the sun set behind their celebration.

Portraits Across the City paints a picture of the whole scene.

We moved through the city for portraits, capturing them in the ceremony space, downtown Lancaster, and of course a scenic photo of their rooftop cocktail hour was REQUIRED. Speaking of – One of the most memorable images from the day wasn’t taken at the reception itself, but from the roof of the Griest Building a block away. That distance offered the perfect wide shot of their guests mid-celebration, drinks in hand, lit up by the city skyline.

Blending photography of candids and editorial imagery immortalized their day exactly how it should be.

Style Notes

Alicia wore a gown from Lana Marinenko, a one-shoulder design in pleated tulle with a side slit that brought both structure and softness. The silhouette was clean, modern, and had incredible movement against the wind on the rooftop. Jeff wore a tailored royal blue suit, paired with cufflinks engraved with their initials.

Their only wedding party member? George, their fur buddy. He wandered through the ceremony, greeted guests, and somehow made it back to the aisle just in time for the first kiss. The perfect unplanned moment.

10 OUT OF 10 Recommend a rooftop, endless cocktail hour, at any and every wedding.

To recap here are the iconic moments that sent this day to above and beyond – in NO particular order:

• George’s unofficial role as the most charming ring bearer
• A champagne tower that had guests screamingggg
• An endless ice cream bar
• Sunset portraits on the rooftop with the city stretching out behind them

Every part of the day felt tailored to them— unrushed, unstructured, and absolutely iconic.

Kind Words from the Couple

“If you’re looking for a photographer, just stop your search here. Jen is amazing at her job, but also an amazing human—the most helpful, lovely, and beautiful part of our wedding. Not only do we get stunning photos to cherish forever, but getting to work with her was such a plus… when a lot of vendors can be difficult. Can’t recommend her enough. How do I give 6 stars…?”

Lancaster Wedding Photographer

Venues: Pepper Theo Cafe + Events , The Exchange Lancaster // Florals: Jodi Blooms // Dress: Lana Marinenko  | Ring: Finch Jewelers