Real Richmond Wedding | Danielle and Michael at St. Bridgets Catholic Church

Danielle + Michael
November 13, 2021

As a broke college student in need of a job after studying abroad, Danielle landed the decision to go back to her summer lifeguarding position. She was excited to rekindle old friendships. She walked around seeing familiar faces, except for one who happened to stand out. They hadn’t met before, but after the initial introduction, their conversations flew like they’d known each other forever. After the shift, they exchanged numbers, “in case they needed a shift covered” or at least that was their excuse. After Michael began to reminisce on his day at work with his mom, she encouraged him to ask Danielle on a date! Michael was initially taken back, but one thing led to another and they went on their first date, playing tennis. After the match and they began to pack their things, “The goodbye was drawn out and filled with anticipation. At this point Danielle took matters into her own hands and blurted “So, are you gonna kiss me or not?’ And then it happened, the starting point to their forever.”

Five years came and went, degrees had been achieved, careers started, and they adopted a super sweet fur baby. Danielle and Michael were on vacation to California. They had trekked to San Diego from Laguna Beach to stay in a hotel and grab a nice dinner. The decision to get drinks beforehand was made and since their reservation wasn’t for another twenty minutes Michael suggested they should stop to watch the sunset. Michael “just so happened” to find a spot on the rocks. With the picture-perfect moment (and a well-planned hidden photographer), Michael kneeled down and asked, “Danielle Andrea Lewandowski, will you marry me?”  

As a couple with a love for the city, they wanted their wedding to embody that passion. They chose the Country Club of Virginia, hesitantly since Danielle works there. After a conversation with the wedding director, they knew this was the one! Since she was practically planning with her friends at the club it made the process a breeze. 

Danielle says her favorite part of the day was not doing a first look! This trend on wedding day produces such sweet intimate moments, but it’s not for everybody. She states that the raw emotion and love that filled the room when she walked down the aisle was much worth the wait. While Michael says this is one of his favorite parts as well, he also confesses he enjoyed the private time they spent together towards the end of the cocktail hour, right before being announced at dinner.

 

Further Credits

Rehearsal Dinner: Old City Bar | Shower Location: Flanagan Residence | Engagement Photography: Leslie Nichole Photographer | Wedding Photography: Laura Bodnar Photography |Videography: Aaron Bean Photo Film | Wedding Consultant: Country Club of Virginia Special Events Coordinator– Melissa Farmer | Ceremony Site/Music: St. Bridget Catholic Church | Reception Site/Caterer/Cake: The Country Club of Virginia | Officiant: Father Ken Shuping- St. Bridget Catholic Church | Gown Designer: Calla Blanche | Bridal Boutique: J Bridal Boutique | Gown Alterations: AG Alterations | Veil: JJ’s House | Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes | Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal | Accessories: Olive and Piper | Hair Salon: FBJ Weddings– Amanda | Jeweler: Richmond Jeweler | Formalwear: The Black Tux | Stationery: Truly Engaging by Magnet Street | Florals: Flowers by Flo | Lighting: Lighting Professors | Band: Another Level Band- Sam Hill Entertainment | Accommodations: The Graduate Richmond and The Westin Richmond | Honeymoon: Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa

*All information provided by the featured couple. Richmond Weddings™ is not responsible for discovering and adding vendors who were not on the completed submission form.*