Real RVA Wedding: Lenora & David at Lewis Ginter

Lenora & David

October 11, 2015

Lenora and David met on Match.com in October 2013 when SHE messaged him first!  They made things official just a couple of short weeks later.  On the first day of Spring 2015, David reserved a convertible to pick Lenora up from New York City and take her to upstate New York.  The snow changed their plans a bit, but it made their arrival to a candlelit cabin that much more perfect.  Lenora says, “It was beautiful, like something you’d see in a movie.”  David proposed in front of a cozy fire, and Lenora said yes!

Doing a First Look gave Lenora & David tons of time for portraits!

After seven years in New York, it was extra important to Lenora that their special day be completely outdoors.  Lenora says, “I love being outdoors, but living in NYC didn’t allow me to enjoy nature very much.”  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for their elegant gold and ivory wedding.

Lenora says, “My favorite special touch was the escort cards. I found the idea on Pinterest. Each escort card was attached to a Ferrero Rocher chocolate to incorporate a bit of gold. We kept the centerpieces simple with white hydrangeas and a mix of small white and gold votives and tall, long stem votives with large ivory floating candles. My bouquet was a mix of white roses and hydrangeas. I didn’t want the flowers in the ceremony/reception to overpower the beauty of the garden. We had so much natural décor at the Blomendaal House that we really didn’t need to do much!”

Lenora and David choreographed a first dance to the song that was playing when David proposed: “Oh Honey” by The Delegation.

Lenora and David’s focus was on celebrating with their friends and family and making sure everyone was comfortable and welcomed.  They provided hotel welcome bags, a welcome reception the night before the wedding, shuttle transportation, mimosa and Bloody Mary kits as favors, and plenty of heat lamps.  It certainly looks like their guests had a great time!

Instead of the usual maid of honor/best man toasts, Lenora & David each made speeches to their mothers and to thank their guests.  Lenora says, “We were both primarily raised by our mothers and wanted to honor and thank them for all of their love, support and sacrifices.”  This resulted in some of our favorite wedding images of all time!

RW Vendors 

Photography: David Abel Photography

Flowers: Strange’s Florist

Rentals: The Prop Shop Party Rentals & Rent-E-Quip

Cake/Sweets: Cakes by Graham

Accommodations: The Westin Richmond & Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond

Additional Vendors 

Wedding Consultant: Fête Weddings

Rehearsal Dinner: C Street

Venue: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Videography: Starring You Productions

Officiant: Rev. Dr. Derik Jones

Ceremony Music: Appassionata Music for All Occasions

Gown: BHLDN

Veil: David’s Bridal

Shoes: DSW

Hair & Makeup: Avenue 42

Bride’s Jewelry: Swarovski

Formalwear: The Black Tux

Invitations & Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas

Catering: Meriwether Godsey

Music: DJ Drake

Transportation: bioRide

Accommodations: Hampton Inn and Suites Glenside

Honeymoon: MacNair Travel Management/American Express