Real RVA Wedding: Caitlin & Vilavone

Caitlin & Vilavone
May 17, 2014

How They Met

Caitlin & Vilavone met five years before they started dating at a mutual friend’s poker game. They built a solid friendship and eventually realized that they had romantic feelings for one another.   Caitlin says, “Our friends and family were shocked, but they’ve been so supportive!”

How He Asked

Caitlin says, “Vilavone surprised me with a proposal after returning home from a weekend poker trip to Atlantic City for my birthday. He made a romantic speech about his love for me and the life we were building together then asked if I would be his wife. Rather than presenting me with a ring that day, we chose it together a couple days after the proposal because he wanted to make sure I loved my engagement ring.”

For Caitlin & Vilavone, choosing a venue was their first and easiest decision.   They chose Maymont’s Japanese Garden as it was the location of their first date in Richmond! Caitlin says, “They offered the amenities we were looking for including a tented reception space and the ability to use our own vendors.”

The Theme

Rather than choose a specific theme or color palate, the couple just wanted to incorporate Vilavone’s Laotian culture through bamboo, elephant lights and specific food choices.   Vilavone’s family made bamboo arrangements, and there were multicolored paper elephant lights strewn around the tent.

Being cigar lovers, Caitlin and Vilavone set up a cigar bar at their reception. Caitlin says, “We both love to smoke cigars, and it ended up being a huge hit with our guests.”

We adore all the vibrant colors and subtle details of this wedding!

The Best Part

From the Bride: “Our ceremony was my favorite part of the day. We spoke our Buddhist wedding vows in unison rather than separately, which was non-traditional but suited our beliefs. At my son’s request, he stood next to me during the ceremony and was included during our set of family vows. Being surrounded by the people we love made the experience even sweeter.”

From the Groom: “I also loved our ceremony as well as being able to let loose and dance at the reception.”

Their Advice

After struggling to balance hectic schedules and wedding planning, Caitlin and Vilavone have some words of wisdom for future brides: “Our saving grace was hiring our planner, Kate Franzen at Glint  Events, who got us on track with budgeting our time, money, and energy to allow us to enjoy our wedding day and keep our priorities in check. We originally never thought we would use wedding planning services as we had a small wedding (65 guests) but it ended up being worth every penny.”

RW Vendors

Wedding Consultant:  Glint Events

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Maymont

Officiant: Reverend Phyllis Ann Min

Florals: Flowers Make Scents

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals of VA

Lighting: Lighting Professors

Catering: A Sharper Palate Catering Company

Rehearsal Dinner: Bookbinder’s Richmond

Additional Vendors

Photography: Rebecca Keeling Studios

Ceremony Music:   Les Jolie Deux

Gown & Veil: Bella Rosa

Makeup: BRIDEface Richmond

Formalwear: JoS. A. Bank

Cake/Sweet Treats: Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe

Transportation: James Limousine

*vendor lists are provided by the couple