Cody & Abby
August 16, 2014

How They Met

Cody and Abby met on the Surreywood Swim team when they were four years old. They went on to middle (Providence) and high (Monacan) school together and stayed friends through athletics and school clubs. Cody finally asked Abby out during their junior year.   When graduation came, they decided to make long distance work while Cody studied at Purdue University and Abby went to University of Tennessee. When Cody was stationed in San Diego after graduation, the two had had enough long distance.   Abby transferred to the West Coast, and they have been in San Diego ever since.

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How He Asked

Two nights before Cody left for an eight-month deployment he took Abby out to dinner.   On the drive to the restaurant, Cody said he wanted to stop at the Mount Soledad Memorial.   Abby says, “While we were there, we walked around and saw the gorgeous views of the mountains and the ocean.   When we turned a corner, I saw a friend of ours in the bushes, and I knew something was up!   I turned to tell Cody and in front of the most breathtaking view of the ocean, he was down on one knee holding the ring.   Once I said yes, our friends came out of the bushes with a blanket and champagne for us.   It was bittersweet because I knew we only had two more nights together before Cody left for the Middle East.   Cody spent most of our engagement deployed, and I am so thankful for my family and friends who were there to help plan the wedding in his absence.”

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A Richmond Love Affair

Abby and Cody wanted a classic Richmond wedding, and with guests coming from all over the county, they also wanted a reception location that would be convenient to other Richmond attractions. They married at the Church of the Epiphany where Abby and her family went and also where Cody’s parents were married!   For the reception, nothing seemed more iconic Richmond than The Jefferson Hotel.   They knew their guests would enjoy being downtown and experiencing all of the history and nightlife.   Abby says, “Ashton at The Jefferson was amazing to work with!   We knew we were in good hands the minute my parents and I met her.”

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The Decor

With a goal of emphasizing the ornate beauty of The Jefferson in mind, Abby and Cody focused on keeping their decor stately and simple.   They chose classic colors, traditional linens and subtle centerpieces so that the splendor of the Grand Splendor would take center stage.

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The Best Part

Abby says,   “My favorite part of the day was having all of our friends and family together for the first time. Despite having dated since we were 16, we never had the opportunity for many of our family and friends meet each other, let alone come to Richmond.   I loved being able to share the city where we fell in love with all of our family and friends.”

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RW Vendors

Reception Site, Lighting, Cake, Catering and Accommodations:  The Jefferson Hotel

Music:  Choice Entertainment

Rehearsal Dinner: La Grotta Ristorante

Additional Vendors

Photography: Seth Roberts Photography

Ceremony Site:   Church of the Epiphany Catholic Church

Officiant:   Msgr. Thomas Shreve

Ceremony Music:   Soloist Dustin Shuman

Gown, Veil, Bridesmaids Dresses and Formalwear: Bella Rosa Bridal

Shoes: J. Crew

Hair and Makeup:   Ritual’s Salon and Spa

Flowers:   Janet Hasenfus

Favors:   Koozie Revolution

Groom’s Cake: Confections Couture

Transportation:   Winn Transportation

Additional Guest Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Richmond Downtown