Richmond Bride - Winter/Spring 2024

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11/6/23 3:05 PM

| EX PERT |

Coming up Roses FLORAL TIPS FOR THE BIG DAY FROM THE RICHMOND FLOWER TRUCK

By LAURA ANDERS LEE

own, you can go against the grain if you want to. I am there to help you put it together, but it’s ultimately what you want to do. But I do recommend coordinating colors and having a balance. Get the perfect number of focal flowers, grab your accent flowers and include greenery — having all three of those elements is key. A lot of people like to use odd numbers and work in threes.

RB: Do you have any advice for brides?

BOYD: For brides on a budget who want to DIY, you have to make sure that you are mentally prepared and ready for a true challenge.

RB: What’s your favorite flower?

BOYD: I have a top five list. Wax flowers, celway, dahlias, sunflowers and frosted explosion grass are my favorites.

Logan Boyd standing inside of her mobile floral business, Richmond Flower Truck

A BUSY MOTHER of two boys, Chesapeake native Logan Boyd was immersed in a world of trucks and dinosaurs for years. So, when she found out she and her husband were expecting a baby girl, she was ready to embrace all things pink and floral. As her daughter approached her first birthday, Boyd began planning a party, hoping to book a flower truck like she’d seen online. Not finding one in Richmond, she hired a florist instead.

After a friend died unexpectedly, Boyd realized there was no better time than the present to do something that truly makes you happy, and for Boyd that meant surrounding herself with flowers and seizing a business opportunity in honor of her friend.

Last year, Boyd applied for a business license, bought a trailer and hit the streets with the Richmond Flower Truck (richmondflowertruck.com). Each week, she rolls into festivals and private events with her own garden party. Guests visit the bouquet bar to choose their favorite stems, make an arrangement they love and go home feeling a bit brighter.

RICHMOND BRIDE: How did you develop a love for flowers?

LOGAN BOYD: Coming out of the pandemic made it more apparent that we should do things that make us happy. Thankfully, flowers bring those vibes. I’ve never seen anyone unhappy about flowers.

RB: How did you get the project off the ground?

BOYD: I was following someone on social media [who has] a flower truck in New York. When I realized there wasn’t one in the Richmond

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area, I reached out, and she helped me with the concept. I knew I wanted pink — but not too pink! I literally drew what I wanted on a piece of paper and took it to Car Toyz [vehicle customization] on Midlothian Turnpike. They understood my vision, took my idea and brought it to life.

RB: Where can people find Richmond Flower Truck?

BOYD: I’ve done pop-ups at The Diamond and a lot of festivals around town, like Soul Vegan and

the Carytown Watermelon Festival.

I’ve done fundraisers like the Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe event.

We’ve also done private events like baby showers, birthdays and bridal showers. I’ve worked with brides who want to make their bouquets with their bridesmaids. We have a “find the truck” feature on our website and post our monthly schedule.

RB: What’s the key to a perfect flower arrangement?

BOYD: There’s no one right way.

That’s the beauty of building your

RB: Where do you get your florals?

BOYD: We like to source from local farms when we can, like Windhaven Farm. I try to use about 70% local flowers and 30% wholesale.

RB: How many stems do you offer at a time?

BOYD: The number varies depending on the event, but I typically have at least 20 different varieties available.

RB: How is the business progressing?

BOYD: We’ve gotten a great response, and a lot of people love the concept. I love being on the truck and building bouquets. It’s super, super fun. It’s definitely an exciting passion project.

RB: How do you balance running a small company with raising a family?

BOYD: It’s been a struggle to juggle sometimes. In addition to the flower truck, I’m working full time in insurance, and being a wife and a mom of three can get crazy sometimes.

RB: What do you do with leftover flowers?

BOYD: We work with UMFS [United Methodist Family Services] foster care and give them flowers when we have some left over. I also love keeping some around the house.

Courtesy Richmond Flower Truck

11/14/23 11:09 AM

| ACCE SSOR IE S |

LET IT FLOW UNVEIL ON-TREND WEDDING STYLE Styling by NAOMI KOTTER

While veils remain a timeless element of wedding-day fashion (and some real stunners have graced the heads of notable personalities throughout history), their popularity has waned in recent years, replaced by flower crowns and elaborate headpieces.

These lace and tulle crowning achievements are experiencing a resurgence of late and making a comeback in bridal fashion. Short or long, discover inspiration for your own look with this sampling of designs available at local boutiques.

BEL AIRE BRIDAL CATHEDRAL VEIL WITH DIMENSIONAL LACE FLOWERS, $537, at Brocade Bridal

Available in champagne, ivory or white

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11/13/23 8:29 PM

| TR ENDS |

LEFT: Danielle Canady of Danielle Canady

Photography incorporates film photography into her wedding-day packages. BELOW: Em White’s tintype photography produces heirloom-quality images reminiscent of vintage pictures.

A Moment in Time

PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REINTRODUCING A CLASSIC METHOD OF PRESERVING WEDDING-DAY MEMORIES

By JOAN TUPPONCE

I

n today’s age of weddings, couples can opt for photographs that nod to the nostalgic appeal of film or speak to the modern world of digital — or they can have the best of both worlds, merging old and new styles when capturing memories of their special day.

Photographers have been using film since the invention of the medium in the late 1800s.

While it has taken a backseat to digital photography in recent years, many professionals have begun to incorporate film photography into their wedding offerings once again.

“A lot of photographers have been using film, but it’s becoming more mainstream,” says Danielle Canady of Danielle Canady Photography, adding that using film requires a broader thought process. “You have to take

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more into consideration when you do each shot.”

With every wave of “new photographers that enter the market, a resurgence of film also happens as they discover the medium for the first time,” says photographer Nikki Santerre.

Film and digital photography are distinctly different. Film has a soft, authentic look that’s hard to replicate through other mediums, while its contemporary counterpart produces sharp, clean photos immediately.

“In my opinion, film savors a moment in a different way than digital can,” Canady says.

Santerre agrees, adding that film renders color and skin tones true to life in a way that is effortless with minimal editing or manipulation. “It also has a nostalgic and evoca-

tive quality. It captures portraits in a truly artful way,” she says. “If the light is beautiful and a moment is emotionally charged, I’m likely reaching for my film camera over my digital. As a medium, it’s temperamental but authentic.”

Santerre fell in love with film photography after buying a medium-format film camera.

“To my shock and delight, that first roll was magical,” she says. “I became addicted to that ‘Christmas morning feeling’ when film scans would come through to my inbox. Ever since, I have been advocating for film with both my clients and other vendors.”

Photographer and visual artist Em White believes film immediately reframes the pictorial experience as one with a foundation in feeling, aesthetic and the experience itself, rather than a precise, perfect record. She has found a specialty in tintype photography, a handmade analog process that dates back to the 1850s and looks very different from both film and digital.

“It creates a unique, one-of-a-kind photograph instantaneously,” she says. “The photographs are physical objects, black and white.

They are archival, so unlike other prints they will not fade or degrade over time — they can become heirlooms or be passed down.”

White has a brick-and-mortar studio and a mobile darkroom. For weddings, she typically does on-site portraiture of the wedding for the party, couple portraits and occasionally a photo booth at the reception.

“The images themselves are really unique and stunning. They have a romantic, dreamy aesthetic, and I think that appeals to folks, especially when thinking about documenting a significant love or relationship,” she says.

“You want the image to represent not just how things looked, but how they felt.”

From left: Danielle Canady; Em White

11/13/23 8:36 PM

A

e

List

The 12th anniversary of our annual survey recognizing the best of the best in the Richmond wedding industry From the baker to the wedding planner, there are many players involved when putting on the perfect day. A dozen years in, this A-List survey continues to celebrate those individuals who make matrimonial dreams come true. Here are this year's top local wedding industry professionals, as voted on by our readers in 100 categories.

Words by KIM CATLEY, LAURA ANDERS LEE, CAITLIN MCCORMACK AND EMILY RICHARDSON

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Locations LOCATIONS New Wedding Venue

Honeymoon Getaway in Virginia

Location to Hold a Wedding After-party

THE HIDDEN OAKS

THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT

BARTIZAN

When Richard and Monique Smith first saw The Hidden Oaks property, they knew it was special.

They transformed it into a flexible wedding venue in an enchanted forest dotted with string lights, an ivy-lined pergola and manicured lawns.

“The property is so unique to the area,” says Zoe Pierson, venue manager. “Our oak trees are hundreds of years old and complement our bridge aisle — the longest aisle in Virginia!”

For couples looking to relax post-wedding, The Omni Homestead offers a resort experience within a three-hour scenic drive from Richmond. Spend your first days as newlyweds outside golfing, fly-fishing, hiking or taking a zipline canopy tour. And be sure to enjoy the award-winning spa, a wine tasting and the historic Warm Springs Pools. “The best remedy to a busy, stressful event is a soak in our mineral-rich geothermal springs,” says spokesperson Lynn Swann.

“After-parties keep the party going without the pressure of every guest feeling like they have to attend or stay,” says Rachel Valenza, creative director of Bartizan. To help guests and couples let loose after a long day, the Short Pump event venue offers an upscale yet casual vibe with a covered and climatecontrolled patio and easy access to nearby hotels.

2. Historic Whitewood 3. Copper Hall

2. Tides Inn 3. The Hotel Roanoke

2. Siné Irish Pub and Restaurant 3. Quirk Hotel

thehiddenoaks.com

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omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia

bartizanrva.com

Chloe Malsick Photography

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Engagement and Wedding Rings

Wedding Jewelry Other Than the Rings

(TIE) DIAMONDS DIRECT; LUSTRE BY ADOLF

LUSTRE BY ADOLF havelustre.com

diamondsdirect.com; havelustre.com

While Robin Adolf Salzberg opened Lustre on Parham Road five years ago, her family, the Adolfs, have been in the jewelry business for 60 years.

“Customer service is what sets us apart,” she says. “We want to make everyone feel special, take away the stress and help you find exactly what you want within the budget you want.” With two dozen locations across the country, the Short Pump Diamonds Direct store has been in business for more than a decade.

“Our vast product offering includes loose and mounted diamonds, a multitude of engagement ring mountings

by America's top designers, diamond and gemstone fashion jewelry, wedding bands, pearls and much more,” says brand ambassador Hannah Craft.

2. Emily Warden Designs 3. Fink's Jewelers

Topping this year’s A-List in both rings and other wedding jewelry categories is Lustre by Adolf near Regency mall. “We pick every piece in our shop personally,” says co-owner Robin Adolf Salzberg. Lustre offers bridal jewelry as well as pieces for mothers, grandmothers and the wedding party. “We can order anything in multiples and help select pieces with a specific color or theme in mind.”

Custom-designed Rings EMILY WARDEN DESIGNS

2. Emily Warden Designs 3. Diamonds Direct

emilywardendesigns.com

Emily Warden creates unique engagement rings and wedding bands at her charming storefront in The Fan. “Emily is such a talented designer,” says shop manager and head of sales and consulting Victoria Cannon. “Come with a new idea or bring in a family heirloom — we can give old stones new life again in an updated, modern setting.” The custom process takes four to six weeks.

2. Dransfield Jewelers 3. Vera's Fine Jewelers

Spa Treatments

Mother of the Bride Apparel TIFFANYS BRIDAL tiffanysbridal.com

When Sharon Townsend bought her wedding gown at Tiffanys Bridal in 1974, she had no idea she’d one day be the owner. “We’re proud to be the oldest bridal shop in Virginia,” she says. “We’ve recently increased our motherof-the-bride selections. As the hostess for the evening, it’s important that she looks good and feels comfortable.”

On-location Hair and Makeup Services

SCENTS OF SERENITY

THE VEIL HAIR AND MAKEUP CO.

scentsofserenityspa.com

theveilcompany.com

With a new location in Midlothian in addition to spots at Libbie and Grove, Staples Mill Road and Short Pump, Scents of Serenity remains a spa day favorite for weddings, bridal showers and bachelorette parties. The organic spa offers services ranging from relaxing bath soaks and massage to rejuvenating skin care.

Jennifer Saunders opened her eponymous business in 2016, rebranding to The Veil Hair and Makeup Co. in 2021 and employing a team of diverse and passionate women. “We know this is such an important day, and we love providing a unique and fun experience for our brides,” Saunders says. “We use high-quality products to ensure styles last all day, making sure memories are captured as you want them.”

2. (Tie) Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Beauty Lounge; Luna Aesthetics and Spa 3. NudeFX

On-location Hairstylist AMANDA PERRY

amandamperry.com

Amanda Perry and her team of 16 stylists bring their services direct to you to create that perfect wedding look. “Brides can just relax and hang out in their jammies with a mimosa while we roll in with all the supplies,” Perry says. “We can also handle large bridal parties in a short amount of time.”

2. Avenue 42 Salon 3. The Veil Hair and Makeup Co.

2. Amanda Perry 3. Avenue 42 Salon

Salon-based Hair and Makeup AVENUE 42 SALON ave42.com

With locations on Main Street and Patterson Avenue, Avenue 42 has been serving Richmond-area brides since 2012. A full menu of services includes hair, brows, lashes, makeup, waxing and more. “We want you and your bride tribe to look and feel your best,” says owner and makeup artist Natalie Gordon.

2. Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Beauty Lounge

From top: Halle Tibbs/Wildheart Creative; Jeremy Harwell/Harwell Photography

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Fashion & Beauty

CONTINUED

Alterations SEAMS ALTERATIONS

instagram.com/seamsalterations

To devote as much time as possible to her brides, Claudia Villegas only books three fittings a day from her Midlothian home studio, SEAMS Alterations. “From customer service to quality, I try to be the best,” she says. Her clients seem to agree, as SEAMS is a repeat winner in Richmond Bride’s A-List readers survey.

2. AG Alterations 3. Fariba’s Bridal Alterations & Custom Design

Bridal Footwear SAXON SHOES saxonshoes.com

What started as a children’s shoe business in 1953 is now Virginia’s largest full-service footwear store. “We have a really strong interest in bridal and party shoes and have made sure to have the largest selection of heels, flats, colors, rhinestones and more, along with matching handbags for every occasion,” says Gary Weiner, president and CEO.

Provider for Men’s Pre-wedding Grooming HIGH POINT BARBERSHOP & SHAVE PARLOR highpointbarbershop.com

Within a decade, High Point has grown from a pop-up to shops in The Fan, Scott’s Addition and the West End. “We pride ourselves on being steeped in tradition while being style- and skill-forward,” says co-owner David Foster. “Our barbers are always getting better in the trade to give our clients an exceptional experience.”

Pre-Wedding and Honeymoon Tanning

Manicures

Skin-Care Services

NUDEFX

CARYTOWN NAILS AND SPA

(TIE) BOMBSHELL BRAZILIAN WAXING & BEAUTY LOUNGE; SCENTS OF SERENITY

In 2020, Jessica Lee moved to Richmond from New York and opened a spray tanning business, NudeFX. “There are so many high-quality solutions now that are good for your skin and leave a natural glow,” she says. Lee provides a color consultation before spray tanning by hand, whether on location or from her two local studios.

Since opening in 2020, Carytown Nails and Spa has become the go-to destination for wedding-day manicures. Bridal parties are welcome to book a private event, bring in snacks and enjoy Champagne service. The owner’s daughters, Anh and Han Nguyen, are known for custom, intricate nail designs and their ability to color match to wedding themes and bridesmaids' dresses.

nudefx.com

2. Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Beauty Lounge 3. Cam Carson & Co.

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instagram.com/carytownnailsandspa

2. ATiR Natural Nail Care 3. Holy Chic & Co.

ilovebombshell.com; scentsofserenityspa.com

With locations in Carytown, Short Pump and Midlothian, Bombshell is a full-service salon offering skin care, waxing and additional beauty services. “My wife, Melissa, started the company in a 7-by-9 foot room with a curtain and we’ve now grown to 80 employees and a Las Vegas salon,” says co-owner Scott Black. Scents of Serenity’s four area locations offer an extensive skin care menu with organic products that are never tested on animals. The HydraFacial is a popular service, along with a non-surgical facelift that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.

2. Rêvée Aesthetics

Rachel Gierlach

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FOOD &BEVERAGE Virginia Wine to Serve at Your Wedding JOLENE FAMILY WINERY jolenefamilywinery.com

Directly off the Pocahontas Trail in New Kent County lies the Jolene Family Winery producing crowd pleasing varietals. Staples such as the semi-sweet Lakeview White, dry Family Red and effervescent Sparking Wine can be served and enjoyed on the picturesque lakeside property. Event manager Alyx Mikelaites says, "Even if your wedding is off-site, our award-winning wines are a perfect addition to your menu.”

2. Veritas 3. (Tie) 7 Lady Vineyards; Upper Shirley Vineyards

Virginia Beer to Serve at Your Wedding HARDYWOOD PARK CRAFT BREWERY hardywood.com

Bartending Service/Mixologist ONE FOR THE ROAD

onefortheroadcocktail.com

One for the Road provides a mobile cocktail bar ready to accommodate any event, no matter how fancy or casual. The business boasts numerous affiliations, including membership in the U.S. Bartender’s Guild. Services range from signature cocktail creations to custom drink menus.

2. Groovin' Gourmet

Caterer MOSAIC CATERING + EVENTS mosaiccateringevents.com

Since opening in 1995, Mosaic has become a mainstay in the local event and catering scene. Today, it employs more than 200 people in Richmond and Charleston, South Carolina. This issue marks the 12th year Richmond Bride readers voted the company as the top caterer, perhaps due in part to its focus on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients for elevated dining tailored to clients’ events.

2. Lunch and Supper 3. A Sharper Palate

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Wedding Cake Alternative SUGAR SHACK DONUTS eatsugarshack.com

For couples seeking to provide a sweet treat sans the cake, Sugar Shack doughnuts are a popular alternative. The circular pastries can be customized in a variety of flavors from mud pot (complete with gummy worms) to salted caramel. There are also partysized doughnuts available in either 12 or 18 inches, making a shareable dessert for each reception table.

Hardywood opened in 2011 as one of two craft breweries in Richmond at the time. Today, it operates a brewhouse and a taproom. In this year’s A-List survey, many respondents cited the Richmond Lager as the best to serve at weddings, but there are additional year-round options like the Singel blonde ale and Suncrush sparkling ale.

2. Triple Crossing Beer 3. The Veil Brewing Co.

Wedding Cakes

Groom’s Cake

FAT RABBIT

MELISSA’S SIMPLY SWEET

Fat Rabbit describes its cakes as “moreish” or “causing a desire for more.” Armed with experience in the local baking industry and a notebook full of recipes, owner Ellyn Hopper opened a brick-and-mortar in 2022 and has become a favorite for wedding cakes. This is the second year Richmond Bride readers voted Fat Rabbit as the top choice for the sweet creations. And though the business specializes in cakes, there are additional offerings, such as galettes, cookies and scones.

After Melissa Moes created a “Blue’s Clues”-themed cake for her son’s birthday, the popularity of the creation led to additional custom requests and eventually a full-time business, Melissa’s Simply Sweet. Her groom’s cakes are edible ways to celebrate his hobbies and interests. Past designs have included a powder blue guitar cake and a Green Bay Packers cheesehead cake.

2. Melissa's Simply Sweet 3. Sweet Fix

2. (Tie) Fat Rabbit; Sweet Fix 3. Louisa's Homemades

fat-rabbit.com

melissassimplysweet.com

Courtesy One for the Road

11/14/23 12:07 PM

JULIA & MICHAEL

Elegant Garden Party SEPT. 24, 2022 Photos by NIKKI SANTERRE PHOTOGRAPHY

M

ichael Rotondo and Julia Sullivan met in 2013 as students at the University of Richmond. After dating for several years, in 2021, while the duo was living in New York City (where they still reside) they decided to make an impromptu trip to Richmond.

Michael popped the question on the picturesque grounds of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as snow flurries fell around them.

The couple knew they wanted to get married in Richmond because of how meaningful the city is to their relationship. They opted for an elegant fall celebration at Dover Hall that took the form of an opulent garden party.

Vows were exchanged in the venue’s two-tiered garden, followed by a tented terrace reception that adjoined the main ballroom. “When we drove up the path to Dover Hall and saw [the estate], I think we just knew,” Julia says.

Passed canapes served during cocktail hour included New Zealand lamb chops and eggplant caponata. The reception featured a plated dinner with a choice of filet mignon, chicken or asparagus risotto. “One of the venue’s big draws was Dover’s incredible in-house culinary team,” Michael says. “The food was amazing, and that was really important to us.”

The bride and groom share that the heartfelt speeches delivered at the reception by their maid of honor, best man and parents were what they cherished most about the celebration. In addition, Michael’s sister served as their ceremony officiant. “It was really special to have such a focus on family,” Julia says.

SAVE THE DATE: The wedding invitation suite was custom designed by Papier Handmade, and the guest book features a matching floral motif. The bride’s shoes are from Margaux Shoes.

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FINISHING TOUCHES: Michael’s mother helped Julia put on her cathedral-length veil, which was purchased from Etsy, in the company of the bride’s best friend.

(Opposite page) ALL SMILES: The bride’s whimsical Monique Lhuillier gown includes details such as a ruffled neckline and billowy sleeves. The groom’s navy suit was purchased from Suitsupply.

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COORDINATOR: Kerri Johnson, Elle Loren & Co. FLORIST: A. Morgan Floral CATERER: Dover Hall CAKE: Fat Rabbit Bakery HAIR AND MAKEUP: The Beauty Soiree

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(Opposite page)

(Clockwise from top left)

HAPPILY EVER AFTER: Julia and Michael shared an intimate moment just after being introduced as husband and wife during their reception.

TYING THE KNOT: The bride and groom held their ceremony at Dover Hall’s two-tiered garden.

The groom’s sister, Ali, served as their officiant.

The groomsmen’s attire is from Suitsupply.

SWEET TREAT: The couple picked an olive oil cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting from Fat Rabbit Bakery. The bakery also provided dessert for their rehearsal dinner.

BOOGIE NIGHTS: For the reception, the bride changed into a light blue Needle & Thread gown that she says reminds her of a beloved dress worn by her grandmother. EastCoast Entertainment’s J Baxter & The Sauce performed while guests partied on the dance floor.

DRESSED TO THE NINES: Julia chose a combination of pastel blue floral and solid color bridesmaid gowns by Marchesa Notte and Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids (the Richmond location has closed). Their floral bouquets feature white roses and blue delphinium.

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JOSH & LAKRISHA

A Vivid Romance JUNE 12, 2021 Photos by KELLEY BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

A

fter meeting through a mutual friend seven years prior, in 2020, Richmond natives Josh Castleberry and LaKrisha Watson got engaged in front of the iconic Capital Wheel at Maryland’s National Harbor. The couple wanted to keep their wedding celebration close to home — literally. In June 2021, they hosted an outdoor soiree in the backyard of their North Side house.

“We liked the idea of having our wedding memories tied to our home,” LaKrisha says. “We have great yard space, and it gave us a reason to make some upgrades, like putting up a fence.” The couple’s date selection is also meaningful because it marks the anniversary of the landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, which legalized interracial marriage. “As an interracial couple, this hit home for us, and it blew our minds that [the case] was only 56 years ago,” LaKrisha says.

A lover of all things colorful, the bride incorporated fun rainbow hues and bright jewel tones into her DIY decor.

During the reception, guests dined on a Southern barbecue feast featuring pulled pork and chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. Each table had a tray of the bride’s favorite alcoholic “drink,” multicolored gelatin shots.

The groom most enjoyed partying with his new bride on the dance floor, but LaKrisha says her favorite moment was sharing their self-written vows with each other in private before the ceremony. “Our nerves were out of the way, and the rest of the day could be fun and easy.”

RAINBOW BRIGHT: The couple’s lemon cake with buttercream frosting was coated in colorful sprinkles and paired with rainbow cookies from Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods.

The custom cake topper was purchased from Etsy shop Topper Room.

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IN BLOOM: The groom’s boutonniere features faux roses, maroon hypericum berries and gray lamb’s ear.

His tie is from OTAA, and the suspenders were purchased on Amazon.

(Opposite page) NEWLYWEDS: The bride’s fitted, openback gown with a plunging neckline was purchased at Blue Sage Bridal, and her matching necklace and earrings are from Treasures by Agnes.

The groom’s shirt and pants were purchased from Men’s Wearhouse.

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COORDINATOR: Simply Charmed Events FLORIST: Something Borrowed Blooms CATERER: Extra Billy’s BBQ CAKE: For Goodness Kakes HAIR AND MAKEUP: The Beauty Soiree

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(Left, from top) MEANINGFUL MEMENTO: The bride’s “borrowed” floral bouquet includes faux bougainvillea, tulips, pittosporum and magnolia leaves. The attached charm honored LaKrisha’s father, who died when she was a teenager.

FOREVER TOGETHER: The couple’s ceremony was officiated by their mutual friend, Lori, who sadly passed away the following year in 2022. “We wouldn’t be together if we hadn’t met through Lori,” LaKrisha says. A wooden gantry crane decorated with faux bougainvillea served as the ceremony archway.

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BRIDE TRIBE: LaKrisha’s bracelet belonged to her grandmother. The bridal party’s multicolored striped dresses were purchased from South Carolina’s Southern Fried Chics boutique.

(Above, from top) HEART HUES: LaKrisha designed unique tablespaces by mixing jewel tone-colored drinkware and vintage crystalware with colorful floral centerpieces.

A photo backdrop is composed of custom signage and multicolored heartshaped balloons.

POPS OF COLOR: The couple created their

wedding invitation suite using Minted. The bride’s flats are from Guilhermina Shoes, and her glasses are from Zenni Optical. Her perfume is Michael Kors’ Very Hollywood, and her Diamonds Direct engagement ring and wedding band were placed in a velvet pink box from The Mrs. Box. Her earrings are sourced from Treasures by Agnes, and the custom dress hanger was purchased from Etsy shop Tyu Custom Gifts.

(Opposite page) INTIMATE MOMENT: The couple read self-written vows to one another prior to their ceremony.

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LEO & KAREN

A Second Chance at Love DECEMBER 30, 2022 Photos by KIMIE JAMES/IYQ PHOTOGRAPHY

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eo Hackett and Karen Reaves initially bonded over a shared experience — losing a spouse to cancer. Karen is a longtime friend of Leo’s sister, who introduced the pair in late 2021 so they could support one another while processing their grief. Over the course of several months, their friendship blossomed into something more.

In August 2022, Leo invited Karen to a gathering of family and friends in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He proposed to her with a custom-made, heart-shaped diamond ring with the picturesque waterfront of Hyannis Port as their backdrop.

Opting for a short engagement, the couple held an intimate New Year’s Eve wedding on Dec. 30, 2022, in The River View Room at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. “After going through so much, we wanted a fresh start for the new year,” Karen says. “We chose The Boathouse because we love the panoramic view of the city skyline and view of the James River.”

Their vision for the wedding, “simply elegant,” included a celebratory New Year’s-inspired color scheme of gold, black and white, accented by twinkling lights and romantic drapery. After enjoying appetizers of crab and artichoke dip, vegetable spring rolls and Virginia ham biscuits, guests had a choice of pan-seared bone-in chicken, Atlantic salmon or a vegetarian option for dinner.

The couple shared heartfelt dances with their adult children during the reception: Karen danced with her son to “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders, and Leo took turns dancing with each of his daughters to “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross.

Later, during their honeymoon in Cancún, Mexico, the groom wrote a poem sharing his perspective on their love story. “Sorrow brought us together, but by God’s grace we endure,” he wrote. “Thanks for all your prayers and support as we start our lives over again.”

POP, FIZZ, CLINK: The bride purchased custom engraved Champagne flutes from Things Remembered for the couple to toast the beginning of their new lives together.

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PICTURE PERFECT: The bride’s hair stylist and wedding planner, Walter White, added the finishing touch to Karen’s hair with a birdcage veil purchased from Amazon.

(Opposite page) RIDING IN STYLE: The couple enjoyed frequent rides in Leo’s yellow Corvette during their courtship. Karen’s gown is from JJ’s House, and Leo’s suit is from Paul Koko Fashions.

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COORDINATOR, FLORIST AND HAIR STYLIST: Walter White CATERER: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing CAKE: Publix MAKEUP: Teresa Scott, Brushed Beauty Refinery

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(Opposite page) ‘I HOPE YOU DANCE’: “When given the choice to sit it out or dance, we choose to dance,” Karen says, referencing the song “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert.

(Clockwise, from top left) TO HAVE AND TO HOLD: Leo and Karen hold hands during the ceremony as the minister performs the blessing of their marriage.

LOVELY LAYERS: The first and third layers of the couple’s Publix cake were vanilla with pineapple filling and buttercream frosting, while the second layer was carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

POP OF COLOR: The bride’s favorite color is fuchsia, and though she did not use it as part of the wedding decor, it added a special touch to her bridal bouquet from Vogue Flowers.

ALL TOGETHER: The couple posed for a family photo with the bride’s granddaughter and son as well as the groom’s daughters and cousin. Bridal party attire came from David’s Bridal and Better Menswear.

YOU HAVE MY HEART: Karen has always loved heart-shaped jewelry, so Leo proposed to her with a custom heart-shaped diamond engagement ring from Airport Jewelers. Her wedding band is also from Airport, while his band is from Zales.

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| PICTUR E PER FECT |

CUT THE CAKE STAR WARS AND MARVEL UNITE FOR A SWEET MASHUP

By NICOLE COHEN

At Manchester’s Sweet Fix bakery, it’s not uncommon for the team to create cakes that show off their clients’ personalities. Whether it’s a cake shaped like a Nintendo 64 system, a “Winnie-the-Pooh” themed treat or an impressive animation-come-to-life Jack Skellington “Nightmare Before Christmas” masterpiece, the bakers know their way around a piping bag.

So, when Sweet Fix was contacted by a Richmond couple to make a three-tiered Star Wars-meets-Marvel wedding cake, decorator Marj Santaromana was up for the challenge.

“We do a lot of cakes like this, surprisingly,” says Sweet Fix owner Amanda Robinson. Just a cursory glance through her email using the keywords “Star Wars” pulled up around 500 past customer requests.

For this particular cake, Santaromana used a traditional design with floral and leaf patterns and edible pearls. All the incorporated elements are a stark white that at first glance evoke a classic lace aesthetic, but upon closer examination, reveal hidden details including a Millennium Falcon starship, Darth Vader’s helmet and the prominent shield of Captain America.

“In this case, Captain America was their thing and then the groom was obsessed with Star Wars,” Robinson says, noting that the couple requested the shield as the focal design piece.

“The cake really is the most obvious place to incorporate elements like that.”

The confection is made from an Italian buttercream and fondant. Each layer is a different flavor: marble cake with Oreo cookie buttercream on the bottom; lemon zest cake with vanilla buttercream and raspberry jam filling in the middle; and coconut cake with key lime buttercream for the top tier.

For couples looking to make their own Star Wars, Marvel or anythingyou-can-dream creation (even classic designs), consultations with Sweet Fix can be scheduled online at sweetfixrva.com. Robinson recommends booking six months to a year in advance of the wedding date.

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Courtesy Sweet Fix

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