Real RVA Wedding: Jen & Rich

Jen & Rich

October 17, 2015

How They Met

Jen says, “After graduate school in 2007, I moved to St. John, USVI for the summer and got a job at a local bakery.  It was 6:30am on my first day working the counter when in walked a cute guy wearing a beanie. He ordered a Cuban sandwich and 2 Heinekens.  I was very nervous when he introduced himself and asked if I might want to hang out sometime.  He asked for my phone number and I said, “I don’t have a phone number because I just moved here.”  Rich thought I was blowing him off and said “No worries.”  It was out of my character, but I asked for his phone number and said I would call him.   A week later, I did call and we hung out that summer.  I moved to Alexandria and Rich was supposed to move to Alaska, so I never thought I would see him again.

A year later, I moved back to St.John.  My friend, Karen, and I saw Rich’s colorful car parked outside Margherita Phil’s, so with Karen’s encouragement I walked into the restaurant.  There I saw Rich and he gave me a big hug and we talked for a few minutes.  Once again, I was very nervous, and I couldn’t believe he was still in St.John!  It took a couple weeks and one late night conversation, but then we were inseparable.  The rest is history!”

How He Asked

The bride tells us, “It was Tuesday morning, and we were still living in St.John. I was making coffee, and Rich was doing some work. I looked out the sliding glass doors in the living room and saw it was raining yet the sun was shining in the valley.  I said to Rich, ‘There might be a rainbow.’ When I went out on the balcony, I saw this beautiful rainbow stretching across the entire valley. It was the most vibrant, full rainbow I had ever seen.  I sent my mom a text with a picture, and then I looked to my left and Rich was down on one knee. At first I didn’t think he was for real, but he pulled out a black box. I started to cry and Rich asked the most important question of my life under the rainbow.  He put the ring on my finger and about 20 minutes later he asked, ‘So is it a yes?’  In all the excitement, I forgot to say yes!”

The Perfect Place

We chose the Dominion Club for the friendly and helpful staff, amazing food, and beautiful location.  We loved both the water element and the elegance of the indoor space.

The Details

I didn’t really have a theme per say. I loved the idea of keeping things simple yet elegant and natural.  I didn’t want my wedding to scream “Fall” or any real theme, but if I had to pick a theme, it would have been along the lines of a romantic garden.

Guests were encouraged to sign rocks with well wishes for the couple and take home their own bamboo sprig!

The Best Part

There’s no way I can pick a favorite part of our wedding!  There were too many unforgettable moments — my grandfather and mother walking me down the aisle, exchanging our vows and rings, having my husband break the glass, hearing my cousin’s wedding toast, saying ‘This is my husband’ for the first time, and so many more.

The amount of love and happiness that surrounded us was unreal and so special.  It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”

RW Vendors

Gown & Veil: Tiffanys Bridal

Hair & Makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad

Invitations & Stationery: English Tea Paperie

Flowers: The Green Flamingo Flower Co.

Accommodations: The Jefferson Hotel, Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump & Courtyard Richmond Northwest

Additional Vendors

Photography & Videography: Rebecca Keeling Studios

Rehearsal Dinner: The Tobacco Company Restaurant

Shower Location: Capital Ale House Downtown

Venue, Lighting & Catering: The Dominion Club

Officiant: Judge Laura Dascher (the bride’s aunt!)

Music: Celebrity Radio DJs

Jewelers: Adolf Jewelers and David Nygaard Fine Jewelers

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Richmond

Groom’s Attire: Nordstrom

Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Cake/Sweets: Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe

Transportation: Crown Limousine Service

Accommodations: Hyatt House Richmond­ West

Honeymoon: St. Lucia