Real Richmond Wedding: Westin Hotel

Kelsey & Jake

October 3, 2015

Kelsey & Jake met during their freshman year at Virginia Tech and started dating during their junior year. These days, Kelsey is the director of communications for the Richmond Association of Realtors and Jake is an area manager of Jimmy John’s.

How He Asked

Kelsey tells us, “One Friday after we had both recently accepted new jobs in Richmond, Jake told me we should go out to dinner to celebrate. It was a Friday at lunch when he texted me saying he’d make a reservation. He kept the restaurant a surprise, and I was very excited when he dropped me at the door of the Jefferson. I didn’t know it yet, but he had been in touch with Lemaire’s, Chef Bundy about some of my favorite foods. It turned out to be the most amazing meal I’ve ever had. After dinner, he popped the question and I was in total shock. I didn’t even realize I hadn’t said yes yet before asking if he had asked my dad’s permission!

The Perfect Place

We had planned an outdoor wedding at Keswick Vineyards, but by the Wednesday afternoon before our Saturday wedding, Hurricane Joaquin threatened to flood our venue and possibly uproot the outdoor space’s tent. We didn’t have a backup plan as the tent is usually enough shelter. After the call, I went straight into my boss’s office and asked what I should do. She said to hit the phones and find a new venue. A couple of amazing coworkers helped out, and I went to take a look at The Westin right after I found out they had availability. The staff was overwhelmingly helpful and empathetic to our situation. I could not have pulled off a totally new wedding without them!”

Kelsey & Paul chose a neutral color palette of ivory and champagne to keep the theme romantic. They added small pops of mint and coral color in some fabrics and flowers.

Rain couldn’t keep this group from having fun!

The Best Part

The bride tells us, “The sparkler sendoff was my favorite moment. It was the only thing I knew I wanted in my wedding years before I got engaged – I think I decided on that the same day I joined Pinterest. It was wonderful of The Westin to let me still do it. It’s one of the only plans I got to keep!”