Real Richmond Wedding | Katey and Chad at The Hippodrome

Katey and Chad
August 14, 2021

The best happy endings come from having your eyes on the prize; this was definitely the case for Katey and Chad. While playing shuffleboard at Tang and Biscuit, Chad made a beeline to the court to make SURE he had the chance to shoot his shot with Katey. His strategic move was followed up with the pickup line he’d been preparing for all night, “If you would ever like to go training with me at the gym, let me know.” As Katey says, she never took him up on the offer, but they did watch Lion King in theaters followed by some much-needed ice cream. 

Unlike their first date, the proposal was a slight disaster. What started as a fun friend-filled vacation to Wintergreen for breweries and cideries, ended with Chad in the ER with torn ligaments in his shoulder. This was NOT slowing Chad down from asking the big question, the following day they ventured to a beautiful overlook at the top of a mountain! Instead of the stunning mountainside view, they had hoped for, they were met with an ice storm. Needless to say, he had to go with plan B. After multiple mishaps and bad luck, Chad resorted to plan E, Blue Mountain Brewery. Chad took Katey to the fire pit, got down on one knee in the slushy stone, opened the ring box upside down, gave his speech, and forgot to ask the question! Luckily, after she reminded him they had drinks and good laughs to celebrate their new engagement.

For the wedding day, Katey and Chad wanted a traditional feel with a twist. The two got married in their church surrounded by their beloved family and friends. They wanted the ceremony to be unique and reflect their shared faith. She had a very long train to her gown, accompanied by a cathedral veil to fit the feel of the beautiful church. After the two said their “I do’s”  they walked down the aisle to “I’m Taking You With Me” by Relient K. to begin celebrating their new beginning. 

To add some contrast, the couple was intentional about having a non-traditional playlist for their reception. They added humor whenever possible, exemplified by playing the soundtrack of the stampede from the original Lion King for the bouquet toss, a punk rock version of Like a Virgin for the garter removal, and Lonely by Akon for the garter toss. With the iconic playlist, packed dance floor, and memorably delicious food, it was the perfect way to celebrate their happily ever after.

The two just celebrated their one-year anniversary in Cancun at the same resort where they had their honeymoon. They also became dog parents of a three-year-old Staffordshire Terrier from the Richmond SPCA named Chance!



Further Credits

Photography: Kirsten Guthrie Photography | Rehearsal Dinner: Grandstaff & Stein | Videography: Karlo & Zadie Film | Ceremony Site: Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | Reception Site/Catering/Rentals/Lighting: Hippodrome Richmond | Officiant: Pastor Brian Fletcher from Spring Run Presbyterian Church | Ceremony Music: City Church of Richmond | Gown Designer: Allure Bridals | Alterations: AG Alterations | Salon: Bridal Elegance | Veil: BellaTiaraLLC | Shoes: Clarks | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Accessories: Bridesmaids robes – GentleSateen | Hair Salon/Stylist: Transformations Artistry- Ashlyn Landrum | Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse + RosyStoneInc | Stationery: Anns Bridal Bargains | Florals: Sola Wood Flowers | DJ: Blendmasters DJ Services | Favors: Amazon | Cake: Publix Bakery | Honeymoon: Costco Travel

*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.*