Real Richmond Wedding | Helen & Alec at The John Marshall Ballrooms

Helen + Alec 
March 7, 2020 

How They Met
Helen and Alec met in July 2015 in Blacksburg, VA while they both stayed in town over their summer break at Virginia Tech. Helen shared, “It seemed like the stars aligned for us that night because we actually met at a going–away party that both of us almost didn’t attend.” They had their first date the next week and the rest is history. 

The Proposal
Alec asked Helen to be his wife while hiking Spy Rock in January 2019. Helen explains, “We had a little difficulty finding the beginning of the trail, but that made the summit even more worth it.” Once at the top, Alec got down on one knee and popped the question. And just like a movie, it started snowing! They celebrated immediately with a bottle of champagne Alec snuck to the top. 

The Details
When picking the venue, they were blown away by the all-inclusive feel that The John Marshall Ballrooms provided. “We didn’t want our friends and family to have to worry about traveling to separate spots…and [we] fell in love with the gorgeous details of the ballrooms.” 

For their theme, they wanted simple, warm, and romantic. “Although we were in a pretty big space, I still wanted the evening to feel intimate”. During the ceremony, they shared personal vows and incorporated their family background with a special bread and salt ceremony. 

At the reception, they blew their guests away with a first dance surrounded by indoor fireworks! “As a surprise to everyone except us and Alec’s family, 15-foot sparklers surrounded the dance floor for our first dance to a beautiful live version of ‘Ring of Fire’”. The perfect energizer to a night filled with dancing. 

Helen and Alec’s advice to future couples? “Enjoy your engagement process and take several moments throughout your day to look around and really soak it all in!”