Your perfect day deserves a perfect location.
At The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, we believe that a day unlike any other should happen at a place unlike any other. From elegant ballrooms to stunning outdoor venues, say “I do” in an unforgettable setting, because forever deserves a worthy destination.
By NICOLE COHEN
WHEN CHERYL WOODLEY sought a gown for her wedding back in 1999, she says she had a horrible experience. With a curvier body type, she found that none of the sample sizes available at local boutiques fit her. One ensemble couldn’t be pulled down, another had to be left open in the back because it wouldn’t close, and all the while she had to endure the glances of strangers there for their own fittings. “It was just embarrassing,” Woodley reflects. And while she did eventually find a dress that was more flattering for her shape, the memory of the difficulties lingered.
Fast-forward to 2025, when a friend of Woodley’s requested her assistance with a wedding dress appointment. History repeated itself, unfortunately, and Woodley’s friend faced a similar struggle with the industry-standard sample sizes. “That’s when I said, ‘Something has to be done,’” Woodley recalls.
A former wedding planner, she researched boutiques that offer plus-size styles, until she had an epiphany. “I started thinking — one thing that I found most
“Why not bring wedding dresses to the bride at home, where she’s most comfortable, and just make it a full celebration?”
—CHERYL WOODLEY, CYW MOBILE BRIDAL
comfortable is being at home,” she says, “so why not bring wedding dresses to the bride at home, where she’s most comfortable, and just make it a full celebration?”
This led Woodley to create CYW Mobile Bridal (cywbridal.com), her eponymous business that brings a boutique fashion experience directly to brides. The process starts with a 15-minute discussion, where the CYW team makes sure the company is a good fit for the potential client. During a follow-up meeting, the stylist gets to know more about the bride and her tastes, then sets a date to take six dress options to the client’s location — typically a home or private space.
A boutique-like setup is created, complete with a full-length mirror, rug, riser, and even drinks and treats to enjoy during the fitting. One complimentary retry appointment is available. Once the bride makes a selection and chooses a payment option for the gown (separate from the service fee), the order is placed. When the dress arrives in four to six months, the stylist delivers it to the bride to try on and notes any recommended alterations.
CYW Mobile Bridal has two packages — a streamlined service and an upscaled
version — and prices start at $795. The company sources gowns from designers that specialize in plus-size styles, including Sydney’s Closet and Studio Levana, and offers ensembles in a variety of designs and price points.
“For so long with wedding dresses, plus-size girls, we don’t have a lot of options,” Woodley says. “What I want to be able to provide are options. Not just in the dress itself, but the style of the dress, the color of the dress. I want the bride to say, ‘OK, I don’t have to just settle for a white dress or ivory dress or long-sleeve dress or short-sleeve, I can have all these options that I can choose from.’”
Woodley hopes that brides who use her service will feel pampered, special and beautiful. “People tend to say, ‘You’re really pretty for a big girl.’ Oh, I hate that. I want people to see us for who we truly are,” she says. “Just because we are a little heavier than someone else doesn’t make us any different; it doesn’t make us better, it doesn’t make us worse. So, when a bride puts her dress on during her wedding day and she sees herself in that mirror and she feels how she sees herself, that’s the winning moment.”
By HANNAH NOWACK
WHEN ANNE MICHELLE FORBES walked into Urban Set Bride in Church Hill accompanying her best friend on a wedding dress shopping trip in January 2020, she had no idea she was also setting off a career-altering chain of events. While her bestie bonded with the perfect dress, Forbes bonded with the boutique’s co-owner, Christine Haines Greenberg. Though Forbes has a background in theater and interior design, she jumped at the opportunity to join the wedding planning team when a job at Greenberg's other business, The Hive Wedding Collective, became available a year later.
After Forbes had worked at The Hive for nearly five years, the two event coordinator juggernauts sat down together in November 2025 to discuss Greenberg stepping back from the company and a future with Forbes at the helm. Then, in January, it became official — with an already well-established foundation to guide the way, The Hive has embarked on an new era under Forbes’ ownership.
RICHMOND BRIDE: What is The Hive Wedding Collective?
ANNE MICHELLE FORBES: We’re a wedding planning and design team that predominantly serves Virginia, D.C. and Maryland. However, we’ve expanded a lot, which is exciting — I’m actually doing my first New York City wedding this year. Notably, our four-person team structure sets us apart. While many other companies have a singular figurehead, we nourish and tend to our strong team dynamic.
RB: What planning services do you o er?
FORBES: We have three planning packages, with transparent pricing on our website, in addition to a la carte options like venue scouting. Generally, I suggest folks book our full planning package where we typically work with you for 12 to 18 months. While it might not feel instinctual to spend more money, the more expensive package tends to save couples money in the long run. That’s because we’re present as a touchstone to keep things on track along the process. You don’t want to end up, for example, spending $40,000 on a venue early on when your max budget is $60,000, and you’re left scrambling with other vendors — we can help mitigate those kinds of problems early and keep your budget on target.
RB: How does your theater and interior design background
influence your approach to wedding planning?
FORBES: Theater is a highbudget production where a lot of people are working within their own areas of expertise to make a big, beautiful event. When you’re doing a play or a musical, there are actors, a stage manager, a set designer, costume designers — everyone is working together to make the production happen, and that parallels the wedding industry in many ways.
As for interior design, that arena taught me how colors and lighting interact to create the mood of a space. My training taught me how to e ectively design a space to be both beautiful and functional, concepts that I apply every day as a wedding planner.
RB: What is an unexpected piece of advice you have for engaged couples?
FORBES: Take some time to enjoy a period of being engaged before you immediately jump into planning. Along with that, have conversations early on about who’s contributing to the event and the overall budget, so you have clarity from the outset.
RB: What is your vision for the future of The Hive?
FORBES: Diversity and representation were always at the forefront of [Greenberg’s] vision regarding the couples and vendors we work with, as well as employees we hire. We pride ourselves on being a diverse team in terms of ethnicity and race, but also sexuality. We believe our team should be fully representative of the couples we want to work with. ... I’m Filipino and also queer, and it’s important to me that we further the foundation set by Christine.
I’m also excited about ushering in a new generation. I’m on the cusp of millennial and Gen Z with my age, so I love the idea of welcoming Gen Z into the wedding space. ... I want to plan weddings that feel authentic to the couple and do what feels comfortable to them, instead of forcing them into a box.
TOUCHING MOMENTS TO LAST A LIFETIME
By CHRISTINE WINDER
TOGETHER FOREVER:
MAY 17, 2025
Photos by KYLIE HINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel Jenkins and AlvinAdinatamet in 2014 through mutual friends during their freshman year of college at George Mason University. “We quickly turned from friends into more and made it official,” Rachel says. “From that point on, we dated for nine years before a proposal, and now I’m happily married to my best friend.”
She recalls how nervous Alvin was when he proposed in 2023 during a trip to Indonesia, where his family is from. While they were at the beach, Rachel wanted to swim, but Alvinwouldn’tgo in past his calves, which she found strange. Then, herequestedthat they walk along the sand. “Next thing I know, he gives his little speech and gets down on one knee and asks right there,” Rachel says. “It was veryspecial.”
Rachel’s love of spring inspired her desire for a vibrant, colorful wedding. She also had her heart set on Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as the venue, thanks to her nostalgia for her teenage visits. “I went to Henrico High School’s Center for the Arts. Every year, we would take a field trip to Lewis Ginter to paint in the gardens,” she says. “I have some of the fondest memories there with my friends and creating art in the beautiful space.”
The couple selected the historic BloemendaalHouse on the grounds of Lewis Ginter as the site for their marriage ceremony, where they weresurrounded by friends and family. One of Rachel’s favorite moments from the day was when she and Alvin took a pause from the festivities toobservetheir reception. “It was just the two of us, and we made sure to have that time to take it all in — everyone we love all in one place to support and celebrate us,” she says. “It was truly a once-in-alifetime feeling.”
HANDMADE BOUQUETS:
Rachel is an art teacher at Centreville High School in Fairfax County, and when her students heard about her impending nuptials, some of them wanted to contribute. One pupil crochetedbouquets, and another helpedassemble vases for them.
“I knew I wanted to have my students be a part of my wedding in some way, and I’m happy that it was shown through their artwork,” she says.
DAZZLING FEET: The bride donned Dolce Vita heels bedazzled with tiny crystals that complemented her sparkling wedding jewelry.
(Opposite Page)
BLOSSOMING
LOVE: Rachel always knew that she wanted to get married at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden because of herhappy memories of visiting the grounds with friends in high school.
(Clockwise from top)
MIXAND
MATCH: Rachel loves color and variety, so she knew shedidn’twant herbridesmaids’dresses to match. “I also like to combine not only color, but style, pattern and material,” she says.“In addition, they could get something they are more likely to wear again.”
While she was in high school, the bride annually visited Lewis Ginter on field trips to paint in the gardens. This piece she created in her sophomore year was formerly displayed on-site, and she brought it back for her big day as a cherished memento.
Rachel worked closely with Joseph Barragan of Riverwood Designs to create her dream bouquet. “I trusted his expertise and was absolutely in love with how [my arrangement] turned out,” she says.
OCT. 25, 2025
Photos by KIMIE JAMES
or Joshua Blakey and Micheal Terrell, their wedding wasn’t just about their love, but their loved ones as well. “When people get married, it’s supposed to be their big day, but we wanted to make it a very special ceremony for our family and our friends and those who have been part of the journey with us,” Joshua says. “It was kind of like a reunion.”
The couple’s journey started in the summer of 2010 when the two connected online over their shared interest in church. Twelve years later, on their anniversary, Joshua got what he describes as “that feeling” and decided it was time to propose.
“We were just waiting for one or the other to propose, and I’ve always said I have to have ‘that feeling’ before I said, ‘I’m ready to get married,’” he says.
After a proposal at The Melting Pot, Joshua and Micheal dove into planning their “classy and modern” wedding at The Marble Room in Mechanicsville. Even though Joshua likes bright colors, he decided to keep things simple with neutral tones and pops of gold, because Micheal’s favorite color is black. They also asked their wedding party and guests to dress in black, keeping with the theme. Their wedding party included their children (two biological from previous relationships and three they adopted together), family members and closest friends. They carefully selected the people who have played important roles in their lives and romantic partnership. It was also paramount to the couple to honor their newly combined family.
“Our family is so unique that I wanted to be able to represent our union — not just with me and Micheal, but to include the children,” Joshua says. “Micheal accepting my son, and me accepting Micheal’s daughter, and our children we’ve adopted.”
While the couple took quite the journey to make it to the altar, it was well worth the wait. “I always knew he was my person,” Joshua says. “There’s nobody in this world who loves me the way that Micheal loves me and cares for me.”
SWEET LOVE: “Micheal is the sweet tooth king, so it just had to be perfect,” Joshua says of their wedding cake. After tasting creations from 15 di erent bakeries, the couple was pleasantly surprised to find that Publix’s yellow cake with cream cheese frosting was exactly what they were looking for.
THE WEDDING POST: Joshua went outside the box for their ceremony programs, designing them to look like newspapers. “I wanted something to be fun and exciting, something people wouldn’t toss away when they get home,” he says.
(Opposite page) GLAMOUR SHOT: While Joshua originally envisioned bold colors for their wedding attire, he ultimately decided on neutral tones and classic black to create a timeless look.
(Clockwise from top)
CHOSEN FAMILY: “We chose the people who have been in our lives the entire time, through the ups and downs,” says Joshua, on selecting the wedding party. “They believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
STRIKE A POSE: The grooms knew they wanted a photo booth for their wedding, but it needed to be something that would stand out. “We wanted to have something with the magazine feel,” Joshua says. “My family had never seen something like that before, so it was a nice touch.”
PUNCHY PUNS: The couple carefully crafted signature cocktails with their bartender and chose punny names for the drinks — the Mikerita and Always Joshing Around — to fit their personalities.
(Clockwise from top)
LOVE AND JOY: Joshua remembers feeling like he was “on a cloud” during their ceremony. “I looked around and saw all the joy and love,” he says.
AMUSE-BOUCHE: The wedding caterer surprised the couple with a customdesigned charcuterie board with di erent fruits and meatballs. “That was a big hit for the guests,” Joshua says.
FAMILY FOREVER: It was important to Joshua and Micheal to acknowledge not only their union as a couple, but the merging of their families. Both grooms and their children poured sand into a unity box as a symbolic representation of coming together.
PROTECT AND SERVE: When Damarcis asked to be the ring bearer in his dads’ ceremony, Joshua and Micheal gladly granted that wish by making him “ring security” for the day. “He was excited to be part of the wedding and have his glasses, briefcase and the little security piece in the ear,” Joshua says.
APRIL 26, 2025
Photos by CHELSEA SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY
Mary Tran and Steven Vu were both the new kids when they first met in their middle school guidance counselor’s office. Mary had moved to Richmond from New Orleans, and Steven relocated from California. After also having a pre-algebra class together, the pair started dating in April 2007. They had no idea that seventh grade would lead to finding their soulmates, but they’ve been together ever since.
Sixteen years later, in September 2023, Steven popped the question to Mary at home with roses and candles spread out in a heart shape on the back porch. “He’s a very simple guy. I told him if you ever propose, just make sure that I’m surprised,” Mary says (and she was). “The way he did it was very him.”
They opted for a spring wedding in April 2025 in honor of their April dating anniversary. Mary wanted the day to feel “very simple, natural and romantic.” She was inspired by a color palette she found online and carried it through the bridesmaid dresses, florals and even the couple’s signature cocktail, a lavender margarita with fresh peaches and honey. “I was on Pinterest, and somehow peach, lavender and honey came up, and I was like, ‘Ooh, I like this [color palette],’” Mary says. “It fit the spring colors really easily.”
Family also played an important role in Mary and Steven’s big day, which included a ceremony at The Pro-Cathedral of St. Peter in downtown Richmond and a reception at The Hidden Oaks in North Chesterfield. They had 162 guests, including friends and family who flew from as far as Germany and Canada to witness their special day.
One of Mary’s favorite moments to look back on is also centered around family. “My brother is a Catholic priest. He did my ceremony,” she says. “His homily really meant a lot to me. He said, through tough times always try to put your love first, and love will take you guys a long way.”
ALL IN THE DETAILS:
In addition to Mary’s engagement ring from Diamonds Direct and the couple’s wedding bands from Emily Warden Designs, the bride and groom knew they wanted to include a necklace that Mary had given Steven when they first started dating. “I was in seventh grade when I gave it to him, and he’s kept it this whole time from middle school,” Mary says.
LET THEM
EAT CAKE: “My brother’s cousinin-law owns Sweet Fix, so I decided to go with them,” says Mary about the couple’s elongated twotier wedding cake. It was an almond cake with raspberry buttercream.
(Opposite page)
ALL THE FEELINGS: The bride and groom took a moment for themselves before the reception. Mary says it was “shocking in a sense, but it was great at the same time” to finally be married to Steven after all the time and e ort that went into planning their big day.
(From top)
ONE BIG, HAPPY FAMILY :
Mary and Steven’s loved ones are very important to them, so they were thrilled to have so many family members join them to celebrate their marriage.
POP OF CHAMPAGNE:
The bridesmaids wore di erent styles of satin dresses from online retailer
Birdy Grey in a champagne tone to match the wedding’s spring color palette, which was also carried into the bouquets.
(Clockwise from top left)
CHEERS!: “One of my favorite parts of the wedding day was seeing my signature margarita come to life,” says Mary about her custom cocktail, a lavender version with fresh peaches and honey. “My favorite alcoholic drink is a margarita, so I asked my bartender, Maegan, if she could create a margarita with my wedding colors. It was so tasty!”
SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM: Everyone loves ice cream, right? That was Mary’s thinking when surprising the reception guests with a cart featuring selections of Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream. “Both our families don’t have a big sweet tooth, so I wanted something that everybody would love no matter what,” she says.
GAME ON: The couple put their own spin on the wedding shoe game, a popular triviastyle activity that tests how well the newlyweds know each other. Mary and Steven held up cutouts of their faces to answer “who’s-most-likely-to” style questions about one another.
DINNER IS SERVED: Since Mary and Steven are both Vietnamese, they wanted to have traditional Vietnamese catering. The sevencourse meal featured jellyfish salad and shrimp chips, shrimp balls with crab claws, crab meat asparagus soup, roast chicken with dipping sauces on the side, steamed fish, Yang Chow fried rice, and a fruit spread.
Vogue Flowers is a local, familyowned florist that has been supplying with beautiful blooms, professional design and e cellent customer service since ith our eye for lu ury, trending styles and promise of unbeatable prices, any bride is sure to have her e pectations e ceeded ffering a range of services from bou uets and boutonnieres to tablescapes and on-site installations, ogue does it all ogue even offers a wor shop, wholesale pricing and precise, temperature-controlled refrigeration for our do-it-yourself brides oo a complimentary consultation and share your vision with ogue so we can ta e your uni ue style to the ne t level all 804-353-9600 or email weddings@ vo e owers.com to boo your appointment vo e owers.com
or the elegant, modern bride, ra che s bridal registry is personal and user-friendly, giving our brides the option to edit and add products from home or face-to-face he ra che way is in the details, with items that range from the finest lines of china to intricate, te tural linens suited for the tabletop or the bedroom efined and casual, we balance chic furnishings with uni ue accents and entertaining essentials and always have the perfect gift for any occasion. ra c e ome.com
oted ichmond s best gift store for more than five consecutive years, weed at the hoppes at estgate is place to shop for e citing, thoughtful gifts for every person and every occasion ust as someone who has received something wrapped in weed s famous presentation pac age weed features the best
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lanning your dream wedding doesn t have to mean overspending rom vintage d cor to elegant bridal loo s, oodwill offers a uni ue way to discover affordable, one-of-aind pieces for your big day rides and planners ali e are turning to oodwill to create memorable, sustainable celebrations without compromising style hether you re searching for something blue, statement accessories or creative centerpiece inspiration, every visit offers something new very purchase supports job training and employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers across irginia, ma ing your celebration even more meaningful plore your local oodwill and uncover hidden gems that ma e your wedding truly your own oo w llv r n a.or
e s of arytown proudly celebrates years, mar ing three decades of style, service and unforgettable moments e are honored to be ichmond s go-to destination for all formalwear needs, from bridal gowns and mother-of-the-bride dresses to military balls, prom and homecoming hether you are attending a wedding or celebrating a milestone event, e s remains the city s premier bouti ue for e ceptional selection, personali ed service and timeless elegance han you for supporting us through every special occasion. le so car own.com
iffanys ridal is a woman-owned bouti ue that has been a ichmond tradition since ou might be surprised to learn we are a small business when you see we have one of irginia s largest selections of bridal gowns, hand-pic ed for every bride and every body type by the owner and manager, haron s we celebrate years of iffanys rides, we invite you to be part of the tradition e a iffanys ride an s r al.com
ocally owned since , erryma er has been helping ichmond couples e press themselves with beautiful wedding invitations for over years ur arytown shop is open onday to aturday, and we welcome you to browse hundreds of samples of invitations, save-the-dates, programs, menus, nap ins and more all or email to ma e an appointment for a design session to get detailed information on pricing and printing options e loo forward to wor ing with you erryma er ine aper, ary t , merrymakerpaper.com and on nstagram @merrymakerfinepaper
our invitation is more than just paper it s the first impression of your wedding day and one of the few eepsa es your guests will hold onto long after the celebration ends t apeterie, we ve had the joy of helping brides locally and across the country bring their wedding stationery visions to life through thoughtful design and e pert craftsmanship rom custom invitations to day-of details, our team of graphic designers,
illustrators, and watercolor artists, create bespo e pieces that reflect your personal style and the spirit of your celebration. With decades of experience, a deep understanding of wedding etiquette, and a passion for making the process enjoyable, we’re here to make every detail feel seamless and unforgettable. To schedule a consultation, call 804-560-7955 or visit papeterierichmond.com
TNT Limousine is Richmond’s premier chauffeured transportation service e offer a fleet of town cars, stretch limousines, limo buses and more! Our mission is to provide the most satisfying service our customers have ever experienced. We pride ourselves on our safety, cleanliness, punctuality, and professional and courteous drivers. Whatever you need, we can deliver. Call TNT at 804-409-2595 or visit TNTLimousine.com. You’ll be glad you did!
For generations, Richmond couples have chosen Schwarzschild to mark one of life’s most meaningful moments: the promise of forever. From engagement diamonds to wedding bands, and from meaningful gifts for the groom to keepsakes for those closest to you, we’re here for every detail that surrounds your celebration. Each piece carries the potential to become part of your story — something worn, remembered and cherished for years to come. Our experienced associates take the time to understand your style, your story and the moment you’re preparing to mark, guiding you
toward pieces that feel as personal as the day itself. Schwarzschild Jewelers, Richmond’s premier jeweler since 1897. schwarzschild. com
For more than 20 years, Vera’s Fine Jewelers has been proud to serve as Richmond’s premier wedding jewelry specialist. Vera’s doesn’t just specialize in any wedding jewelry — we specialize in your wedding jewelry. Our family-owned business ensures the bride and groom will leave happy. We create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to what you love and at a price you can afford. For more information, please call 804-7945671 or visit verasfinejewelers.com
Located in Glen Allen’s West Broad Village, Bartizan is a full-service event venue offering scratchmade cuisine, craft cocktails, premium wines and a fresh, exciting atmosphere for up to 250 guests. As the sister property of Dover Hall, the same ualified and e perienced event managers will guide you through the planning process. Bartizan has a modern, industrial feel with unique farmhouse elements, making it the ideal location for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, after-parties and everything that warrants a celebration! bartizanrva.com
over all is a refined nglish udorinspired estate placed elegantly among the rolling hills of ManakinSabot. The exceptionally grand 38,000-square-foot estate house sits peacefully on 55 private acres in Goochland County’s equestrian country over all flawlessly marries the grandeur of days past with modern and abundant
amenities in a sophisticated and serene atmosphere. The property is a convenient 10-minute drive from the Short Pump area of Richmond and easily accessible from Charlottesville, Northern Virginia and Maryland. Complete with luxurious gettingready suites and in-house artisan culinary and beverage programs, Dover Hall provides an exquisite and unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Stay tuned for the addition of Seven Lady Vineyards’ on-site tasting room! doverhall.com
Your wedding deserves a setting as breathtaking as your love story. At The Estate at River Run, you’ll exchange vows overlooking the James River, surrounded by timeless architecture, gorgeous grounds and the quiet grandeur of Virginia’s countryside rom your first toast beneath glittering chandeliers to a private moment at sunset on the terrace, every detail feels intentional, elegant and entirely yours. Our team ensures a seamless, luxurious experience so you can be fully present for the moments that matter most. Here, your celebration isn’t just beautiful — it’s unforgettable. theestateatriverrun.com
Fairview Farm Events is Virginia’s only fully transformed, all inclusive multi barn historic estate—family owned since 1915 and celebrated as a Richmond Bride Super Star for ten consecutive years. Couples love our curated weekend packages, offering far more value than a day only venue. Enjoy a turnkey, stress free celebration surrounded by rustic chic charm, where past and present blend beautifully. With onsite lodging for 40+ guests, restored barn lofts, a welcoming farmhouse, and a new bridal suite salon, your favorite people can stay, relax, and truly
be part of your wedding weekend. Create unforgettable memories in a place designed for connection, joy, and effortless celebration. Visit www.fairviewfarmevents.com
Historic Hanover Tavern offers a timeless setting against the backdrop of Colonial Virginia. Our 18th-century tavern is an unparalleled venue, providing a variety of unique spaces to accommodate weddings, receptions, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners and showers. Our newly redecorated Bride’s Room, our historic rooms and Coach House, and the beautiful rear lawn and front gardens allow you to design your dream event with the ease of modern convenience, in-house catering and experienced, dedicated event staff. The best way to begin your history is by becoming a part of ours. hanovertavern.org
Located in historic Shockoe Slip and The Shoppes at Bellgrade, The Hard Shell is known to locals as one of the best seafood restaurants in town. The private dining room accommodates up to 55 guests, and the full restaurant holds parties of up to 125 people. The Hard Shell serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, with patio dining available. thehardshell.com
Exchange your vows beneath open skies at Historic Polegreen Church, one of Virginia's most photographed outdoor ceremony and reception sites. Just minutes away is Prospect Hill, a sun-warmed 1830s farmhouse where champagne is chilled, florals are waiting and time slows down just for you. Choose from three beautifully appointed Get Ready suites for brides and/or grooms, and enjoy gorgeous landscaping for a first look you will never forget. History.
Intention. Beauty. Your perfect wedding day starts here. Contact us at admin@historicpolegreenchurch. org.
The historic John Marshall Ballrooms offers an enchanting venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions in the heart of downtown Richmond. We have two stunning ballrooms restored to their original 1920s grandeur with vintage crystal chandeliers, soaring ceilings and handcrafted moldings. Our elegant ballrooms are ready for you to transform with your own unique vision. We offer a complete customized wedding experience, including our exclusive catering, linens, tables, chairs, flatware, bone china and sparkling crystal. Call 804-775-2355 for more information about our gorgeous venue! jmballrooms.com
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Richmond, Linden Row Inn offers a romantic setting for your dream wedding. Exchange vows in the enchanting Garden Courtyard, where cobblestone paths and linden trees set the stage for timeless “I dos.” Host your celebration in a Parlour Suite that blends vintage elegance with modern charm. With beautifully appointed guest rooms on-site, you and your loved ones can stay just steps from the celebrations. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a weekendlong affair, Linden Row Inn creates an unforgettable experience where history, hospitality and heartfelt moments come together in perfect harmony. 804-783-7000 or lindenrowinn.com
Surround yourself with a lush array of blooms while you exchange vows under the gazebo or in one of several other garden ceremony sites. Enjoy cocktails amidst the manicured lawn and formal gardens. Kick up your heels in the classically decorated ballroom. Delight in delicacies made by the caterer of your choice from our extensive list! Parking, tables and chairs and a full kitchen are also included. You choose the time of day, ceremony location and caterer, then relax while you enjoy your enchanting day at The Manor House at Kings Charter. We have one beautiful event per day — make it yours! 804-550-0020 or themanorhouseva.com
From intimate garden ceremonies to gorgeous receptions and every special moment in between, Maymont is the perfect setting for memories that will last a lifetime. Often voted Richmond’s “best outdoor wedding site,” popular settings include the flower-filled Italian Garden and under the spreading branches of the stately Blue Atlas cedar. The Robins Nature Center and 1000 Westover offer traditional and modern indoor rooms and outdoor tented spaces for receptions. Maymont also is a great location for rehearsal dinners and bridal portraits. Discover this urban oasis located just five minutes from downtown Richmond. Email rentals@maymont.org or visit maymont.org/weddings
The Montpelier Center offers facilities for wedding ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries, bridal or baby showers, and more! We can host elegant seated dinners in our atrium ballroom, smaller groups in our adjacent meeting rooms and outdoor events
By JOYELLE RONAN
ABIGAIL WHITT and Peter Paradis first met as sophomores at Longwood University in 2018, and their love story continued as they moved throughout Central Virginia. They got engaged five years later at Lake Anna in Louisa County. “We had spent a lot of time [at Lake Anna] when we were dating,” Abigail says. “His parents have a lake house, so we took a lot of weekend trips there. So, it made the most sense for us to get engaged there as well.”
When they started considering wedding venues, Abigail saw an advertisement on social media for Historic Whitewood in Powhatan. “I just loved the look,” she says. “I loved the vibe. We toured it probably a week after we got engaged, and we both were like, ‘Yep, this is it.’”
Choosing their flower girls was another easy decision for the bride and groom, as Abigail was a nanny to two sisters for several years. “When it came time to me thinking about who I wanted my flower girls to be, [they] were the first girls in my
head, just because I’ve known them for so long,” she says.
The couple wed on Oct. 26, 2024. During the big day, one of the sisters came running into the bride’s outstretched arms. The special moment was captured by the wedding photographer, Karen Gage. Abigail says the girls, clad in their blue-bow dresses, had the best time at the ceremony and reception. “They were working the crowd,” she adds. “Everybody loved them. They rocked it. They were amazing.”
