Real RVA Wedding: Melissa & Joe

Melissa & Joe

July 13, 2015

Melissa and Joe met online while Joe was serving overseas.  They communicated through letters, emails and phone calls before ever meeting.  After a fairly disastrous first date (Joe got lost and arrived quite late!), Melissa gave him a second chance. Thank goodness she did, as they have been together ever since!

Joe proposed in front of their children on Melissa’s birthday at the Virginia War Memorial under the ruse of meeting some of his co-workers.

The couple chose James River Cellars Winery for the wedding venue because the wine is wonderful and the staff is even better!  Melissa had always dreamed of a lavender wedding, so she filled the space with lavender lights and gorgeous florals with succulents, lavender, herbs, and lilies.

Melissa and Joe loved their first dance as husband and wife, and Joe especially loved looking into Melissa’s eyes as they said their vows before family and friends.  Toward the end of their reception, the two surprised their guests with one last WOW factor . . . handmade ice cream from the Gelati Celesti truck!  It was definitely a crowd pleaser!

RW Vendors

Photography: Neilson-Hall Photography

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party & Dance Instruction: Havana ‘59

Rehearsal Dinner: Julep’s New Southern Cuisine

Gown: Tiffanys Bridal

Rentals & Catering: A Sharper Palate Catering Company

Lighting: Lighting Professors

Music: Choice Entertainment

Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Northwest

Additional Vendors

Wedding Consultant: Belles & Whistles, Jennings Whiteway

Venue: James River Cellars Winery

Officiant: Two Become One Ministry, Brian Purcell

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Hair: Parlor Salon, Tiffany

Makeup: Kristy Wingfield

Bride’s Jewelry: heirlooms

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse

Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas

Floral Design: Sassy Snapdragon Florals

Sweets: Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe & Gelati Celesti

Beer & Wine: James River Cellars Winery, Center of the Universe Brewing Company & Hardywood Craft Brewery

Favors: The Freckled Farm Soap Company