Stephanie and John at Upper Shirley Vineyards

Stephanie-John-Emily Bartell Photography

May 27, 2023

How They Met

Stephanie and John’s journey began in Richmond, Virginia. The two met at work before diving into the demanding world of medical school. It wasn’t until after they had both completed school and were deep into residency training that they started dating. As the relationship grew stronger, it lead to the couple moving in together after Stephanie completed her residency.

The Proposal

John prearranged for a photographer to meet them on the beach at a specific time and place in Costa Rica, where he planned to propose. However, a missed flight threw a wrench in the plan, and caused John to worry if the inconvenience would ruin the surprise he had worked so hard to organize. Despite the initial setback, they made it to Costa Rica safely, the photographer approached Stephanie and John on the beach under the pretense of wanting to take photos because they looked “so pretty.” It was then that John seized the moment and asked Stephanie to marry him, turning what could have been a disaster into one of the best moments of their lives.


Unique Touches

Stephanie and John incorporated personal elements into the big day that was a reflection of their journey together. The seating chart was inspired by various destinations the couple has visited and the significant people they’ve met throughout their lives. For example, they had a table named “Savannah, GA,” where John’s medical school classmates were seated, commemorating the time he spent there during his studies. The couple also included more exotic locations like Costa Rica, where they got engaged, and future destinations like Italy and Greece, where they planned to honeymoon.

The WOW Factor

After months dedicated to dance lessons and meticulously choreographing their routine, Stephanie and John were destined to truly WOW their guests during the first dance. The hard work paid off when they finally took to the dance floor and left everyone in attendance absolutely blown away. It was a highlight of the evening and a testament to the effort they put in to making the moment unforgettable.


Word of Advice

“Our best piece of advice for couples planning their wedding is to remember that while wedding planning can be a stressful and expensive process, and the day itself may seem to fly by, it’s the memories you create that will last a lifetime. With this in mind, it’s crucial to have the right people there to capture every moment. Investing in a good photographer, videographer, and other professionals who can document your day is essential. The day may be over quickly, but having photos and videos to look back on will bring all those special memories rushing back. Often, there’s a temptation to cut costs in certain areas, but we believe that the people responsible for preserving your memories are some of the most important individuals present on your wedding day. So, make sure you prioritize and invest in capturing your day beautifully and thoroughly.”

Further Credits

Photographer: Emily Bartell Photography | Venue/Catering: Upper Shirley Vineyards | Wedding Planner: Lindsay Force, The Hive Wedding Co. | Hair: FBJ Beauty | Makeup: BRIDEface | Videographer: Profound Wedding Films | Ceremony Music: Ninja Strings | DJ: Tony Cummings, Black Tie Entertainment | Dance Instruction: Walker Ballroom Dance | Transportation: James River Transportation | Rehearsal Dinner: The Boathouse

*All information provided by the featured couple. Richmond Weddings is not responsible for discovering and adding vendors who were not on the completed submission form.*