Kate and Andrew’s wedding at the Jefferson Hotel

• Weddings

A big and hearty congratulations go out to Kate and Andrew, who recently celebrated their fantastic wedding with a cheering crowd of family and friends in Richmond. They had decided to share their vows at the ever-gorgeous Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. It had been 2003 since we had been there to witness a client’s wedding and were delighted to return for their Catholic mass, said by a close family friend who served as a deacon. Kate looked stunning in her Amsale gown, walking down the long aisle with her dad, as her mom was sweetly overcome with emotion. Deacon Brian offered up a humorous yet touching homily for the couple, and Andrew’s parents also served as Eucharistic ministers which added a nice personal touch to the mass.

We had wondered earlier in the day whether the weather would hold out–would it rain or would we have sunshine or at least precipitation-free clouds? After a brief shower during the hour-long ceremony, Andrew and Kate enjoyed a sun- and bubble-filled send-off after the ceremony onto their awaiting trolley. We soon made a quick exit down to Richmond’s canal walk for what was to be an extended portrait session with them and their wedding party while waiting for the cocktail hour to begin. But the clouds were rolling in and we no sooner had everyone set up for a cool across-the-water shot than it started to rain, so the entire wedding party high-tailed it back onto the trolley for plan B with portraits on the trolley car itself as well as back at the historic Jefferson Hotel. We still had plenty of time before cocktails started in the spacious grand atrium, so we planted ourselves in one of the more intimate ballrooms with these gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown. The staff at the hotel, plus the ever-talented Flower Girls, did an amazing job of setting up the reception ballroom with tall and colorful, not to mention quite aromatic, centerpieces. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the hotel’s event coordinator Trish, and it had been way too long since working with Dee from Occasions. Together they made sure every “t” was crossed and “i” dotted, and the evening’s festivities went off without a hitch. We truly had the dream team going on!

Andrew’s identical twin brother Steve (thank goodness their boutonnieres were different!), as well as Kate’s attending bridesmaids Michelle and Krista offered up unusually funny toasts for everyone enjoyment, followed by the cake cutting. One of our favorite Richmond bakers is Cakes by Graham and we were excited to see his creation top off the delicious dinner for everyone. There was of course dancing–and lots of it–as the party went on into the wee hours. No one wanted to leave and we last got word folks were heading closer to downtown to continue the celebrations there as the band wound down for the evening. It was so much fun spending the day with the two of you, Kate and Andrew, and we were excited to witness and document your celebration. Thank you so much for having us out and wish you a lifetime of pure bliss together!

Andrew’s handing out his groomsmen gifts before hopping on the trolley for the ceremony.

The girls enjoy a glass of bubbly to start the celebration off.

Just before the start of the ceremony with her dad.

Along Richmond’s canal walk, moments before the rain began to fall with gusto.

The grand atrium at the Jefferson Hotel, where their cocktail hour was held.

Everyone checking out the cakes. The Notre Dame football helmet on the left is Andrew’s groom’s cake, a nod to his alma mater.

Peace out, little dude.

Cutting off a big slice of cake. We loved the gorgeous light hitting their faces from the cake’s pinlight.

Fun with mom.

We went outside for a few portraits later that evening, just for fun.

And of course, some kickin’ details.