Location: Richmond, Virginia, USA
Setting: Social Club
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 30
How long did the couple plan the event: 6 months
Wedding theme/style: Elegant, modern, intimate, personal.
Cole and Izzi’s story is a testament to destiny weaving its magic. Their paths crossed through mutual friends, with Izzi already captivated by Cole’s musical prowess. Their initial connection sparked under a vibrant fireworks display, leading to a series of dates that deepened their bond and soon blossomed into a committed relationship.
The couple’s most treasured times unfolded on Cole’s apartment porch. This humble setting transformed into a haven of love, where countless evenings were spent playing card games, engaging in deep conversations, and dreaming together. It was here, amidst the comfortable familiarity of this space, that their love truly deepened.
Their engagement story is as unique as their love. On a notably windy day, surrounded by nature’s tumultuous beauty, Cole proposed on this very porch. This intense and unforgettable moment perfectly encapsulated the thrilling and unpredictable nature of their journey together.
The couple’s most treasured times unfolded on Cole’s apartment porch. This humble setting transformed into a haven of love, where countless evenings were spent playing card games, engaging in deep conversations, and dreaming together. It was here, amidst the comfortable familiarity of this space, that their love truly deepened.
Their engagement story is as unique as their love. On a notably windy day, surrounded by nature’s tumultuous beauty, Cole proposed on this very porch. This intense and unforgettable moment perfectly encapsulated the thrilling and unpredictable nature of their journey together.
Izzi embraced a natural aesthetic for her wedding day that highlighted her inherent beauty. Her makeup, skillfully applied by her talented cousin Lauren, enhanced her features subtly and elegantly. Her hair, styled into beautiful waves at Birch Salon, framed her face gracefully, complementing her overall look.
Izzi’s bridesmaids were styled by the local artist Grace Divers, ensuring a cohesive and stylish bridal party. The bridesmaids worn the chic black dress from Birdy Grey, while her sister and matron of honor, Erin, stood out in the unique Westerly Dress in Orchids from Reformation. Izzi wanted Erin’s attire to align with the bridesmaids yet have a distinctive flair, beautifully achieving this with the dress choice.
Izzi was a vision in her wedding gown from Ashley Grace Bridal in Forest, Virginia. The dress embodied her dreams – perfectly reflecting her personality and fitting seamlessly with the wedding’s theme.
Cole and his groomsmen complemented the elegant ensemble, donning sleek black Vera Wang suits from Men’s Wearhouse. Their attire added a sophisticated touch to the wedding, ideally in tune with the event’s classy and elegant vibe.
The first look between Izzi and Cole was a moment of pure, heartfelt emotion, a snapshot in time where the world seemed to stand still. As Izzi stepped into view, Cole turned to behold his bride, and the look in his eyes was one of awe and deep love. There, under the soft glow of the afternoon sun, they shared a quiet, intimate space, surrounded by the beauty of the day but engrossed only in each other.
Set in the city’s heart, Common House Richmond provided an enchanting canvas for Izzi and Cole’s special day, blending modern sophistication with timeless charm. “My sister, being a wedding planner, had been there years prior for another wedding, and told me “You should get married there, you would love it.” So, we checked it out, Cole and I knew instantly that that would be the place.” Ida Mae Floral Design transformed the space into a floral wonderland, where each bloom added a whisper of romance and a burst of color, creating an atmosphere brimming with love and beauty. Behind the scenes, Erin Cleveland Events weaved their magic, ensuring every element harmonized perfectly, from the lush flowers to the elegant venue. Their meticulous planning infused the day with a seamless, joyful rhythm, making every moment feel like a part of a beautifully orchestrated love story.
The ceremony was a heartfelt tapestry of emotion and love, unfolding under a canopy of shared history and anticipation. As Izzi and Cole exchanged their vows, their voices trembled with the weight of the promise and the depth of their feelings. In their eyes, it is a reflection of a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and unspoken understandings. The air was thick with emotion, every word and glance weaving a deeper bond, witnessed by teary-eyed family and friends who felt the profound love and commitment radiating from the couple. This moment, a beautiful blend of vulnerability and strength, will forever echo as a testament to their love and devotion.
During the ceremony, Izzi’s bouquet held a tender connection to her family’s legacy, wrapped in lace from her mother’s wedding outfit as her ‘something old.’ Her stunning wedding dress shimmered as her ‘something new,’ complementing the heirloom earrings borrowed from her Great Aunt. Symbolizing their close bond, Izzi and her sister shared a special moment with matching birthstone charms – a sapphire for Izzi and a ruby for her sister – nestled in their bouquets, weaving a thread of familial love and continuity through the heart of the ceremony.
Ellie Richardson Photo captured the essence of the event with an artistic eye and a knack for seizing fleeting moments. Her photography framed the day’s emotions, from the delicate smiles to the joyful tears, in a tapestry of images that told a story far beyond words. Each photograph by Ellie was a window into the soul of the celebration, immortalizing the love, laughter, and heartfelt connections that defined Izzi and Cole’s special day.
The meticulously planned and organized wedding by Izzi’s sister, Erin Cleveland Events, showcased exceptional attention to detail, reflecting the planner’s skill in creating a truly personalized experience. Every aspect, from the lovingly crafted seating chart to the thoughtful incorporation of the couple’s record collection, echoed Izzi and Cole’s personalities. The choice of Taylor Swift’s lyric “At every table, I’ll save you a seat” added a unique and heartfelt touch, symbolizing the couple’s love for music.
Further enhancing the event’s charm, the guest book was a bespoke watercolor painting of the venue, a custom-made crossword puzzle with questions about lovebirds that guests filled out the answers to during cocktail hour, a testament to the planner’s dedication to using unique and personal touches in their celebration.
The reception’s floral arrangements, crafted by Ida Mae Floral Design, were a breathtaking embodiment of the couple’s vision. Elisha, the owner, not only understood their dream but brought it to life with a finesse that mirrored a screenshot from their imaginations. Coupled with Erin Cleveland’s impeccable design talents, the setting featured two long tables that fostered a family-style dinner atmosphere. It created an intimate and warm dining experience for Cole, Izzi, and their 75 guests, reminiscent of a gathering with close friends and family.
The couple opted for a chic and minimalist bento cake, elegantly adorned with the phrase “Just Married” in sleek black letters.
Music was paramount for Izzi and Cole on their wedding day, being the first aspect they planned to ensure each song was meaningful and perfect. The Bridal Party Processional was graced by Ben Howard’s “Old Pine,” while “White Roses” by Flyte and The Staves accompanied the bride’s entrance. The ceremony concluded with “Happiness (Dance Floor Edit)” by The 1975 as the recessional. At the reception, the couple made their entrance to “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) – 2005 Remaster” by Talking Heads and shared their first dance to Chris Stapleton’s “Starting Over.” The celebration continued with “We Are Young” by fun. Featuring Janelle Monae as the last dance with guests, and concluded with heartfelt goodbyes as Taylor Swift’s “Lover” played in the background.
Advice from the couple:
• Treasure and take in every single moment – it’s over in the blink of an eye!
PLANNER Erin Cleveland Events | VENUE Common House Richmond | PHOTOGRAPHER Ellie Richardson Photo | VIDEOGRAPHER Josh Quigg | FLORIST Ida Mae Floral Design | DRESS Ashley Grace Bridal | SUITS Vera Wang | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Birdy Grey, Reformation | MUAH Grace Divers | STATIONERY Millie Taylor
