A Modern Two-Day City Wedding in Virginia

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Location: Richmond, Virginia, USA
Setting: Social club
Wedding season: Late Spring
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 18 months
Wedding theme/style: Modern, dreamy, chic summer soirée.

Sam and Lexie, a PR professional and a sports performance director in Northern Virginia, had a love story that was as unique as their wedding. Their paths had crossed for years as they were both athletes in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, but they officially met during their senior year of college. It wasn’t a dating app that brought them together, but Twitter.

Their love story began with a tweet or a direct message, depending on who you ask. From that point on, they became each other’s biggest fans. After five years together, Sam decided to make their love official with a beautiful proposal on September 21st. But Lexie always wanted a September wedding, and when it came down to scheduling, the timing wasn’t right. To give her a September to remember, Sam popped the question in front of their best friends during a vacation in Washington state.

For their big day they opted for Common House, which had a unique personality that captured their hearts. They wanted to create a modern, chic summer soirée that celebrated their love and the city that had been a significant part of their lives.

As one of the last among their group of friends to tie the knot, they frequently heard from others about how quickly the day passes and the limited time available to connect with everyone during this momentous occasion. The thought of hurrying through what they knew would be one of their most cherished moments didn’t sit well with them. Therefore, they decided to extend the celebration over two days.

The bride and groom wanted to be elevated versions of themselves on their wedding day. Throughout the planning process, Lexie reiterated that she did not want her wedding to be the ‘best she’s ever looked.’ And while the seamstress and glam artist did just that, the point was that she didn’t want her wedding look to feel unattainable. Her hair was in a classic updo for the ceremony, allowing the cathedral veil to have its moment. Her natural evening glam and stunning simple pearl drop earrings perfectly balanced with the sparkle and detail of her fitted gown.

This beautiful morning was made even more special by the heartfelt letters Lexie and Sam had written to each other.

Lexie’s stepmother presented the vow books with a sweet reference to how often her dad and stepmother write each other love notes around the house.

The first look between Lexie and her father was an incredibly touching moment. When he caught sight of his beloved daughter in her wedding gown, his heart was deeply moved.

Though it wasn’t initially his first choice, Sam wore an ivory dinner jacket with black lapels complemented by a thin black tie, suspenders, and pocket square. Sam donned velvet black loafers with gold accents – a perfect pairing to his gold watch and new gold wedding band.

The time spent with friends was truly extraordinary and sophisticated; their camaraderie and shared joy made this morning truly unforgettable.

The couple married during an intimate evening ceremony in front of their immediate family and closest friends. All guests wore black formal attire, making the couple’s ivory garments impossible to miss.

When the time came for the ceremony to begin, Sam walked down the aisle alongside his beloved mother, creating a truly special moment.

Lexie walked down the aisle with her father by her side to an instrumental version of September by Earth, Wind and Fire. It was a symbolic musical choice, as it was in September when Sam made the heartfelt proposal to Lexie.

The ceremony was officiated by their best friend, who referenced all the important parts of their relationship – from Twitter correspondence and competitive spirit to why true love is like a Tuesday and how Lexie and Sam constantly demonstrate their commitment to their partnership.

Instead of the best man delivering the rings, both mothers presented them, making it a heartwarming and inclusive moment.

Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests shared a meal together in Union Hall – fitting for celebrating a newly established union.

The evening brimmed with heartwarming well-wishes and the warmth of friendly company. Then, the newlyweds cut their wedding cake, marking one of the most cherished and beautiful wedding traditions.

The photographer, Amanda Owen, who captured every moment of this unique wedding, exhibited an extraordinary level of professionalism. She didn’t merely embrace the couple’s idea of a two-day wedding but truly understood their vision to make this celebration extraordinary and unforgettable. Over those two days, she crafted unique photographs, reflecting the family’s love on the first day and the vibrant spirit of a friend-filled party on the second. And, of course, she beautifully encapsulated the couple’s love, creating timeless portraits.

The second day was for the larger guest count, with a cocktail hour and celebratory reception. The couple – now “officially” married – was able to spend time together the morning of the reception day, soaking in all the special moments together as newlyweds. As tradition dictates, a bride’s wedding attire should include ‘something old.’ For Lexie, the ‘something old’ was a pair of lace gloves, once worn by her mother-in-law on her own wedding day.

And, of course, the most delightful morning moment was the heartwarming time shared with the bride’s closest friends.

On the second day, Lexie opted for a hairstyle with her hair cascading in gentle waves down her shoulders, and her makeup was a delicate enhancement of her natural beauty.

One of the touching moments was when the bride presented a heartfelt gift to her stepmother, a pearl pendant. It further strengthened the bond of love and affection between them.

For the reception, Lexie gifted Sam, a sneakerhead at heart, a pair of Panda Dunks, black and white high top Nike sneakers.

From an aesthetic perspective, the couple didn’t want to fall into a moment in time fad. Groomsmen and family wore classic black suits, bridesmaids in champagne, and family in earth tones. A standout moment was the attire of one of the bridesmaids, who donned a striking blue dress. This modern interpretation of ‘something blue’ added a touch of originality to their celebration.

The photo session conducted by Amanda Owen for Sam and Lexie was truly exceptional, exuding style and elegance. However, one particular shot that featured the couple’s beloved friends added an enchanting touch to the collection.

Making the most of the venue, the couple didn’t want to limit the wedding experience to a single room, much less a floor. Breaking bread with a family-style dinner, sharing moments with their guests in an open cocktail hour area, dancing under bistro lights during the reception – it was essential to experience all aspects of this inspired place.

Much of the decor was kept simple to show off the venue’s charm: candles and flowers lined the aisle and tables. Though the couple wanted to keep the wedding timeless, some elements brought more pizazz. Disco balls were scattered throughout the venue, amplifying the natural light Common House beautifully captures. Seasonal florals included pops of color that reminded you that summer was indeed here.

Knowing the larger guest list didn’t get to witness the official nuptials, the couple prepared a highlight video from the ceremony the night before.

The night then included all of the expected: a first dance, parent dances, shared meals, speeches and a lot of dancing.

The bride used her quick change to not only put on a bouncy, tiered tulle dress with a cinched waist and V-neck line, but to also make a statement by cutting 8 inches of her hair.

It was a special moment not only because Lexie had undergone a striking transformation but also because Sam hadn’t seen her in her new look yet. His emotions were priceless, and he was utterly delighted.

As the guests gathered for the wedding reception, the bride’s and groom’s friends were the first to arrive. The bridesmaids tossed rose petals into the air while the groom’s friends ignited the evening with an electrifying dance. It set the tone for the entire celebration, infusing a unique and joyful atmosphere.

Lexie entered the reception with a new shoulde-length cut held back by a pearl headban, and danced into their introductions with her ivory block heels with bow accents.

The entire evening of the second day was a whirlwind of dancing, laughter, and heartwarming conversations. This meticulously planned wedding left no one untouched, as every moment was brimming with events, emotions, and boundless joy.

At the end of the night, while guests made their way to the after party in the fourth floor lounge, Lexie and Sam snuck down to the theatre in the basement to watch their ceremony video on the big screen. It was an intimate moment to wrap up all of the formal festivities. As you can imagine, jaws dropped and tears were shed.

Advice from the couple:

• Our wedding setup was unlike most others. We had a two-day wedding, with a Thursday ceremony and a Friday reception. We spent as much time together during the wedding festivities as possible: getting the paperwork signed at the courthouse the morning of the ceremony, lunch with the bridal party that day, and spending the night after our nuptials. While we broke some traditions, we also made new ones. Our advice is to do what feels special for you – not what appeases others for the sake of “how it’s supposed to be done.” There was no stress around our days; we firmly believe it is because we planned it this way. Our guests and family were more than accepting of our approach, and after, many told us they loved the experience. It allowed us to embrace the parts of our relationship that we hold dear and ushered in our next phase together in a meaningful, comfortable, and memorable way.