Gwendolyn & Jonathan
8/24/19
Gwen and Jonathan are a modern-day interethnic multicultural couple. Both are from NY, but did not meet until they were in Richmond, via a dating app. Gwen recalls, “My first date with Jonathan was hands down the best first date I’ve ever been on. From the moment he got out of his truck to give me a big hug and say hello, to dancing the night away, I didn’t want it to end.” It wasn’t long before Jonathan knew Gwen was the one. Two years later, on New Year’s Eve in 2017 in Las Vegas, Jonathan proposed. They celebrated by watching fireworks over the city while strangers all around them cheered in excitement.
When the time came to start planning a dream wedding both were exceptionally busy. Gwen was a full-time hospital medicine attending and Jonathan was opening his own karate dojo. Early on they realized a professional planner was essential to pull it all together. The theme was love, and it was important that family and culture were at the center – incorporating Gwen’s Indo-Caribbean heritage and Jonathan’s Scottish side. “Our love story shows us in a time of the deep unveiling of racial injustice and prejudice that love prevails when we have the freedom to choose with our hearts.” Dover Hall was the perfect grand backdrop for their celebration and the tasting with Chef Lee sealed the deal!
Throughout the day there were so many details personal to the couple. Jonathan’s brother officiated, each had a signature drink, and the seating chart had tables named after countries they visited or will visit. The beautiful day carried on into night with Gwen changing into a traditional Indian Lehenga and performing an Indian dance with her sisters. It was a perfect day from beginning to end.
