Real Richmond Weddings: Eve & Kyle
We have another wonderful blog-exclusive wedding to share with you! When I think of a truly Richmond-inspired wedding, Eve & Kyle’s wedding day always comes to mind. You’ll see why!
May 24, 2014
How They Met
Eve & Kyle met on Match.com, but they like to think their paths crossed earlier when they were attending VCU at the same time. Eve says, “We found that we attended a lot of the same parties and knew a lot of the same people – it’s crazy that we never met back then!” Their first date was very Richmond-esque, just like their wedding day. Being a VCU alumni, Kyle was ecstatic about the rising of the Final Four banner and turned it into a first date on 11-11-11. Eve loves numbers, so she had a feeling that this first date was definitely something special.
How He Asked
From the bride:
It happened on the most gorgeous summer day, July 6, 2013. We planned to go to DC for a Nationals game followed by a free postgame concert by Thompson Square. That week, Kyle mentioned that we were going on a private tour of the park before the game. I was ECSTATIC!
We went on the private tour, and while I was taking pictures of the dugout, our tour guide, Bob, asked me to head out to the field. I went to stand on the field, and Bob threw me a Nationals Rally Towel. I felt something that I knew was a baseball. As I took the baseball out, I felt confused for a second. I wondered, “Why is he giving me this? Did I win something?” Then I read it, “Eve, baby, will you please marry me? I will love you forever. ~Kyle.” I turned to find Kyle on one knee, and he officially asked me. I said, “YES!”
Eve & Kyle love their dogs so much that they made sure they both got to see them on their wedding day!
Kyle then surprised me by taking me to my favorite restaurant in Georgetown, Serendipity, where we celebrated with our close friends, Brian & Kelsey. Then, one of my best friends, Aimee, who I hadn’t seen in almost a year, surprised me by coming to the baseball game! I saw even more friends at the game, the concert was awesome and it was seriously the most perfect day for our engagement.
To continue the celebration the following day, we went to church and received a beautiful blessing from Father Dave Stanfill on our engagement and our future. After church, Kyle arranged a “Meet The Parents” brunch to celebrate with our parents at Water Coastal Kitchen in Carytown.
You may notice a groomsman here who stands out a bit. Kyle’s Best Man, Will, was unable to attend their wedding due to his military duties in Australia, so the couple got a bit creative. They had FastSigns of Richmond print a life-size cardboard cutout of Will. Cardboard Will had a great time at the wedding AND the reception!
Richmond Rehearsal
Eve & Kyle’s rehearsal day was one of their favorite parts of their wedding celebration. After a flawless rehearsal luncheon at Stella’s, the couple and their troupe of family and friends headed to the ball park for a Richmond Flying Squirrels game where Eve and Kyle got to throw out the first pitch! The game announcer announced “Eve and Kyle are getting married tomorrow,” and the night ended with a fabulous fireworks display.
Location, Location
When Eve first toured VCU’s campus, she and her family made a stop at The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. She says, “My first thought as I walked through the doors was, “˜I”™m getting married here one day,”™ and I told my cousins that! It was booked three days after our engagement!”
For their fun-filled reception, Eve & Kyle chose the Historic Miller & Rhoads building, also known as the Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown. Their families used to shop at Miller & Rhoads, and Kyle grew up going to see the Legendary Santa Claus every Christmas. It was the perfect choice! The couple still can’t say enough about the way Kathryn & Map at the Hilton Garden Inn made every effort to ensure they and their families had nothing to worry about.
Crowd Pleasers
Eve and Kyle wanted their guests to have an unforgettably fun time at their wedding. They wanted to hear people saying, “Remembering at Eve and Kyle’s wedding when . . . ” so they focused their attention on creating a fun and beautiful atmosphere. The couple also wanted to incorporate Richmond history with modern touches. Over time and with their family’s help, the two collected Miller & Rhoads memorabilia to create a “history of Miller & Rhoads” table display. They even named their tables after some of their favorite spots in Richmond like The Byrd Theatre and Monument Avenue.
High Praise
When it comes to choosing their favorite parts of their day, Eve and Kyle cannot pick just one! Eve loved every bit of it, but she especially loves fireworks, so she was thrilled with the way Stephanie Yonce Photography captured their sparkler exit. She says, “Stephanie went above and beyond to capture so many moments during our reception. The images have so much emotion that I can look at them each time and feel exactly what was happening in each photograph.”
The groom, of course, loved getting to throw the first pitch at a Squirrels game, but he also had quite an emotional time before the ceremony. Kyle says, “Moments before Eve walked down the aisle, I received my groom’s gift with a letter that touched me. I couldn’t believe that in the next few minutes, I would get to see my bride. Along with Eve’s letter and gift, I received a letter and special wedding prayer from my mother. That was a special moment for me.”
Thank you, Eve & Kyle, for sharing your gorgeous wedding and story with us!
Photography: Stephanie Yonce Photography
RW Vendors
Reception Site, Catering, Rentals, & Guest Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Richmond at Miller & Rhoads
Dance Instruction: Rigby’s Jig Ballroom & Dance Studio
Additional Accommodations: The Jefferson Hotel
Additional Vendors
Rehearsal Luncheon: Stella’s
Wedding Coordinator: Dear Sweetheart Events
Videography: Stephanie Day Films
Ceremony Site: The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Officiant: Father Dave Stanfill
Ceremony Music: Dr. Patrick Carlin and Michelle Orr
Gown, Bridesmaid Dresses & Reception Veil: Jingles Bridal Salon
Ceremony Veil: custom made
Bride’s Shoes: TOMS
Engagement Rings/Wedding Bands: Vera’s Fine Jewelers
Hair: Kreations by Kristin
Makeup: Jocelyn Riebe, Assistant: Brigette Edmonds
Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: David’s Bridal
Programs: FedEx Office
Bridal Party Bouquets: Black Creek Flowers & Sweets
Centerpiece Florals: Anne Vaughn
Lighting & Music: Fat Cat Productions
Photobooth: Main St. Mojo Photo Booth
Cake & Sweets: Frostings
Signage: Fast Signs of Richmond
Transportation: RVA Trolley and TNT Limousine
