Real Richmond Wedding | Molly and Carter at Lakeside at Welch Estate

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

Molly & Carter
October 23, 2020

How they met + the proposal
Carter and I met in high school and dated through college. After graduating college, we had a long distance relationship for a year while Carter traveled across the country for work and I went through nursing school. In the spring of 2019 Carter moved back to VA and he proposed on July 5th while we were spending the holiday weekend with my family at the river. On the day he proposed, we were planing to go out to dinner that evening and my mom asked that we stop by a friends house on the way that lived on Gwynns island to pick up some vegetables for her. When we arrived at the friend’s house, the sun was shining beautifully over the water at the island and Carter asked to go down to the dock to take pictures. When we got down to the dock, he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him! I said yes! Meanwhile he had a photographer riding by on a boat taking pictures of the proposal. Then we finally headed to dinner where he surprised me again by having our whole family and close friends waiting at the restaurant to celebrate with us.

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

Wedding details
We had amazing weather on the day of our wedding, it was sunny and 70 degrees in late October. The leaves on the trees had just changed color and made for a beautiful back drop across the lake at our venue. Our design theme for the wedding was natural, earthy, and romantic. I wanted our ceremony and reception to be elegant while also feeling warm and inviting for the guests.

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

WOW factor
The venue. I wanted the flowers and decor at our wedding to compliment the beauty of the venue and the nature around it.

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

Favorite parts of the day
Aside from marrying the life of my life, my favorite part of the day was just getting to enjoy the wedding celebration and seeing everything that was planned come together. Carter’s favorite part of the day was the food and being able to celebrate with all of our friends and family.

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

Biggest challenge
COVID! Planning a wedding during a pandemic was the biggest challenge but Carter and I really wanted to get married on our original date so we had faith and stuck to our plans whether it was going to be our whole guest list there or just the two of us on the wedding day.

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

What is your best piece of advice for couples reading this?
Take the time to research and spend the little bit of extra money for great vendors, it’s worth it! My vendors were amazing, they guided me through the entire wedding process and made the wedding day come together seamlessly so my husband and I were stress free and were able to enjoy our day!

Molly - Carter - Sabrina Boykin Photography

Further Credits

Engagement & Wedding Photography: Sabrina Boykin Photography | Wedding Consultant: Our Curated Design Weddings by Jami Heath |
Ceremony/Reception Site: Lakeside at Welch Estate | Caterer: Champagne Taste Catering | DJ: Dynamic DJ Services | Gown: Studio I Do Bridals |
Alterations: AG Alterations | Shoes: Target | Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal | Hair: Katy Britton | Makeup: FBJ weddings, Alicia | Jeweler: Vera’s Fine Jewelers | Formalwear: Mens Wearhouse | Stationery: Minted | Flowers: Amy Marie Events | Add’l Rentals: Classic Party Rentals of Virginia | Cake/Sweets: Jae’s Cakes | Accommodations: Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump

*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.*