From the baker to the marriage planner, there are various gamers concerned when placing on the right day. A dozen years in, this A-Listing survey continues to rejoice these people who make matrimonial desires come true. Listed here are this 12 months’s high native wedding ceremony trade professionals, as voted on by our readers in 100 classes.
Places
Multicategory Winner: Mankin Mansion
Set on an property east of Richmond, Mankin Mansion is handy to downtown but feels worlds away. {Couples} can select from the Georgian Italianate mansion, a moody lounge and the glamorous European Gallery with a grand hearth and uncovered brick partitions. Outdoors, the climate-
managed high-peak pavilion tent with crystal chandeliers opens onto the manicured English gardens. The all-inclusive web site provides a bundle that features a welcome brunch, furnishings leases, entry to the planning workforce and different facilities in a budget-savvy bundle. “The icing on the cake? {Couples} have a alternative of getaway automobile: an Aston Martin Rapide or Bentley Bentayga,” says co-owner Paula Clark Ramirez.
Price range-friendly All-inclusive Web site
1. Mankin Mansion
2. Historic Whitewood
3. Bartizan
Reception Venue for a Giant Wedding ceremony
1. Mankin Mansion
2. The Property at River Run
3. Dover Corridor
Newlywed/Bridal Suite
1. Mankin Mansion
2. Quirk Lodge
3. The Property at River Run
Place for Engagement Footage
1. Mankin Mansion
2. Maymont
3. The Property at River Run
LGBTQ-friendly Vendor
1. Mankin Mansion
2. Marylee Marmer Occasions
3. Reverie Paper Co.
Romantic Ceremony Web site
1. Mankin Mansion
2. The Property at River Run
3. Dover Corridor
Below-the-radar Reception Web site
1. Mankin Mansion
2. The Brickhouse RVA
3. Bartizan
Wedding ceremony or Reception Web site at a Historic Museum or Location
1. Mankin Mansion
2. Virginia Museum of Effective Arts
3. The Department Museum of Structure & Design
Hidden Gem Wedding ceremony Ceremony Web site
1. Mankin Mansion
2. The Property at River Run
3. Jolene Household Vineyard
New Wedding ceremony Venue: The Hidden Oaks
When Richard and Monique Smith first noticed The Hidden Oaks property, they knew it was particular. They remodeled it into a versatile wedding ceremony venue in an enchanted forest dotted with string lights, an ivy-lined pergola and manicured lawns. “The property is so distinctive to the realm,” says Zoe Pierson, venue supervisor. “Our oak timber are lots of of years outdated and complement our bridge aisle — the longest aisle in Virginia!”
2. Historic Whitewood
3. Copper Corridor
Honeymoon Getaway in Virginia: The Omni Homestead Resort
omnihotels.com/resorts/homestead-virginia
For {couples} seeking to calm down post-wedding, The Omni Homestead provides a resort expertise inside a three-hour scenic drive from Richmond. Spend your first days as newlyweds outdoors {golfing}, fly-fishing, mountain climbing or taking a zipline cover tour. And remember to benefit from the award-winning spa, a wine tasting and the historic Heat Springs Swimming pools. “The perfect treatment to a busy, anxious occasion is a soak in our mineral-rich geothermal springs,” says spokesperson Lynn Swann.
2. Tides Inn
3. The Lodge Roanoke
Location to Maintain a Wedding ceremony After-party: Bartizan
“After-parties maintain the social gathering going with out the strain of each visitor feeling like they must attend or keep,” says Rachel Valenza, inventive director of Bartizan. To assist visitors and {couples} let unfastened after a protracted day, the Quick Pump occasion venue provides an upscale but informal vibe with a coated and climate-
managed patio and easy accessibility to close by resorts.
2. Siné Irish Pub and Restaurant
3. Quirk Lodge
Barn/Farm Wedding ceremony Venue: (TIE) the Barns of Kanak; Working Mare
thebarnsofkanak.com; runningmare.com
At The Barns of Kanak, {couples} can trade vows in entrance of the long-lasting barn with sweeping discipline views or contained in the industrial-meets-elegant metallic barn. A workforce of coordinators handles the main points in order that “{couples} and households can take pleasure in sipping mimosas within the farmhouse the morning of their wedding ceremony,” says Kylie Hester, consumer expertise advisor. Positioned alongside a 20-acre non-public lake and surrounded by pastoral vistas, Working Mare was designed utilizing salvaged supplies from the unique farmhouse and grounds. The social gathering area in a hay barn options beautiful panoramic views. “There’s a magical feeling [here],” says proprietor Robin Caspari. “Everybody feels it the second they arrive.”
2. Fairview Farm Occasions
3. Oakdale
Lodge Venue: Quirk Lodge
With areas together with a pure light-filled space for intimate ceremonies, a black-and-white marble courtyard with glittering overhead illumination and the Q Rooftop that includes panoramic views of the town, Quirk Lodge provides transformable websites to match any couple’s imaginative and prescient for his or her massive day. The lodge’s infusion of paintings, regionally targeted catering menu and deep data of space distributors showcase the most effective of RVA to wedding ceremony visitors.
2. The Jefferson Lodge
3. Linden Row Inn
Multicategory Winner: The Property at River Run
If you arrive at The Property at River Run, you’re greeted by an expansive entrance garden with three areas for outside ceremonies. The principle ground of the property flows organically into the marble lobby and ballrooms, resulting in a terrace with breathtaking views of the James River. The 22,000-square-foot Georgian Revival mansion stands on 62 acres of beautiful non-public landscapes. “We love that the property permits our purchasers to be inventive with their occasion design,” says Abby Bowles, director of consumer expertise and assistant wedding ceremony coordinator. With facilities together with lodging and a pool, the property is supplied to host all the wedding ceremony weekend, from rehearsal to morning-after brunch. Versatile packages accommodate intimate to full-scale occasions, even on weekdays.
One-stop Wedding ceremony Weekend Location
1. The Property at River Run
2. (Tie) Dover Corridor; The Jefferson Lodge
3. (Tie) Mankin Mansion; The Quirk Lodge
Outside Wedding ceremony Web site
1. The Property at River Run
2. Mankin Mansion
3. Jolene Household Vineyard
Wedding ceremony Venue With Distinctive Persona
1. The Property at River Run
2. Mankin Mansion
3. Dover Corridor
Venue to Host a Weekday Wedding ceremony
1. The Property at River Run
2. The Brickhouse RVA
3. The Mill at Effective Creek
All-inclusive Venue: Dover Corridor
From furnishings and flatware to an award-winning catering workforce and quite a lot of indoor and outside areas, Dover Corridor is an all-in-one wedding ceremony vacation spot. New options embody the Glass Corridor occasion area for as much as 400 visitors and seven Woman Vineyards, opening in 2024 for wedding ceremony weekend experiences. “Dover Corridor doesn’t simply goal to be all-inclusive,” says Rachel Valenza, inventive director, “that is our total firm’s mission.”
2. The Jefferson Lodge
3. Mankin Mansion
Native Web site to Pop the Query: Maymont
Whereas the Japanese and Italian gardens are amongst Maymont’s fashionable locations to pop the query, don’t miss the gazebo close to By way of Florum when the peonies and roses are in bloom, or the moon bridge throughout the annual Backyard Glow competition. “It’s straightforward to drag off a shock engagement second and prepare a picnic with pals to rejoice,” says spokesperson Melissa Abernathy.
2. Libby Hill Park
3. Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard
B&B in Virginia for a Wedding ceremony: Linden Row Inn
Ever since Edgar Allan Poe courted his lifelong love on the location of the Linden Row Inn, the historic lodge has served as a backdrop for numerous romances. {Couples} will discover all the things they should host their rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and extra. “Our intimate brick backyard courtyard oasis makes you’re feeling like you might be hidden away whereas being within the coronary heart of downtown Richmond,” says Senior Advertising Supervisor Sarah Leffler.
2. Dover Corridor
3. The Virginia Cliffe Inn
Multicategory Winner: The Brickhouse RVA
Co-owner Marylee Marmer says The Brickhouse RVA is a “clean slate” that may make any associated occasion — such because the rehearsal dinner, bridal bathe and even the bachelor social gathering — really feel as essential as the marriage itself. Marmer and co-owner Andy Melton have backgrounds within the wedding ceremony and occasions trade and may information {couples} via planning celebrations for 50 to 75 visitors on-site. The intimate area is good for elopements and microweddings. The Brickhouse doubles as an artwork gallery with rotating exhibitions on show.
Place for an Elopement in Virginia
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. Lunch and Supper
3. The Property at River Run
Rehearsal Dinner Location
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. The Property at River Run
3. Bartizan
Bridal Luncheon Location
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. The Property at River Run
3. Quirk Lodge
Place to Maintain a Bridal Bathe
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. Quirk Lodge
3. The Property at River Run
Place to Maintain a Bachelorette Get together
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. Quirk Lodge
Place to Maintain a Bachelor Get together
1. The Brickhouse RVA
Place to Maintain a Welcome Reception
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. The Property at River Run
3. Quirk Lodge
Reception Venue for a Small Wedding ceremony
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. The Property at River Run
3. Linden Row Inn
Farewell Brunch Location
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. Bartizan
3. (Tie) The Property at River Run; Quirk Lodge
Location for a Microwedding
1. The Brickhouse RVA
2. The Property at River Run
3. (Tie) Bartizan; Quirk Lodge
Images, Movies, Music & Lighting
Photograph Sales space Firm: Richmond Photobooth
After eight years in enterprise, Richmond Photobooth proprietor and artistic director Andrea Maria Kravitz says it’s the proper time for a rebrand, noting that they’re presently finalizing the ending touches. “We wished to dive deeper in incorporating the town of Richmond into our branding, but additionally displaying the significance and worth a photograph sales space brings to your wedding ceremony or occasion,” she says.
2. Badass Photograph Sales space
3. Contemporary Pic Photograph Sales space
Bridal Portraits: (TIE) Aurelia Studios; Awesomesauce Pictures
aureliaphotostudios.com; awesomesauce-photography.com
Even after 13 years, 350 weddings and a complete lot of wedding ceremony cake, Awesomesauce Pictures proprietor Linda Spencer stays targeted on making the lasting reminiscences of your special occasion superior. “I’m enthusiastic about a number of vacation spot weddings arising that enable me to journey extra usually now,” she says. “Our canine, S’mores, loves to come back alongside for highway journeys.” Aurelia Studios Pictures proprietor Ashley Dogoli has a lifelong love for golden gentle, and she or he’s dedicated to capturing it in her pictures. For Dogoli, each shoot is a private expertise, as she cultivates a real reference to {couples} to inform their story visually. “I used to serve about 25 to 35 {couples} a 12 months. In 2024, I will solely be accepting 10 {couples},” she says. “I additionally will do my greatest to unfold them out all year long.”
2. (Tie) Alex C Tenser Pictures; Kenzi Flinchum Pictures
Greatest Bridal Boudoir Pictures: Aurelia Studios Pictures
Upon request, Aurelia Studios proprietor Ashley Dogoli can convey her identical inventive imaginative and prescient and private contact to a bridal boudoir picture session. For her, it’s essential to ascertain belief and friendship together with her purchasers from the beginning to make sure they shine throughout the shoot.
2. (Tie) MJ Mendoza Pictures; Hayes & Fisk Pictures
Multicategory Winner: Kenzi Flinchum Pictures
Kenzi Flinchum captures the pure fantastic thing about life for the minimal and trendy, snapping each step of your love story in a timeless and effortlessly romantic method. Flinchum is impressed by candid moments, her work hallmarked by movie pictures and monochrome portraits.
Engagement Photograph Session
1. Kenzi Flinchum Pictures
2. (Tie) Alex C Tenser Pictures; Awesomesauce Pictures; Brett Denfeld Pictures; Renee Jean Pictures
3. Mike Topham Pictures
Wedding ceremony Day Pictures
1. Kenzi Flinchum Pictures
2. (Tie) Awesomesauce Pictures; Religion Pictures
3. Mike Topham Pictures
Wedding ceremony DJ: Bunn DJ Co.
bunndjcompany.com/richmond-wedding-djs
Bunn DJ Co. is aware of the proper (or flawed) mixture of music could make or break any occasion, particularly weddings. Working intently with {couples} to make sure all their preferences are met, Bunn DJs attempt to ensure visitors bear in mind how a lot enjoyable that they had on the dance ground.
2. Rhythm of Love
3. Rudy Lopez
High Band: Bachelor Boys Band
Depart it to the Bachelor Boys Band to set the tone for each beat of your wedding ceremony from cocktails to reception. Shoppers can select from a choice of add-ons together with MC service, a DJ set, and picture and video — the latter a current improvement born out of a collaboration with Lightwave Occasion Artists. “It has been rolling for a bit of over a 12 months now and has been going nice,” says musician and producer Adam Hopkins.
Multicategory Winner: RVA Harpist
RVA Harpist Christina Thomas’ wardrobe, instrument alternative and setlist are a mirrored image of every occasion’s distinctive vibe — and if classical music doesn’t match the invoice, that’s completely OK. “There’s nothing extra thrilling to me than watching somebody’s face change as they notice I’m enjoying a track they know on the harp,” Thomas says. “I like discovering enjoyable methods to carry out recognizable songs that everybody enjoys. My track record consists of all the things from The Beatles to Usher.”
String Instrument Group, Duo or Soloist
1. RVA Harpist
2. Ninja Strings
Wedding ceremony Soloist
1. RVA Harpist
Occasion Lighting: The Lighting & Sound Co.
The Lighting & Sound Co. can brighten up a marriage of any dimension. With an in-house workforce of wedding ceremony specialists, they supply uplighting, string lighting, chandeliers, decor items and extra. In addition they provide audio and visible companies.
2. Hire-E-Quip
3. Lighting Professors
Audiovisual Supplier: Hire-E-Quip
Hire-E-Quip shares an countless vary of things for weddings, from chairs to tents to tablecloths. Their occasion planning specialists information {couples} via their greater than 5,000-item stock — together with audiovisual gear you may want for the massive day.
2. The Lighting & Sound Co.
3. RVAV
Multicategory Winner: Mod Movement
Mod Movement is devoted to serving to their purchasers relive the magic of their wedding ceremony day via visible storytelling, says Morgan Rockovich, proprietor and artistic director. “Because of excessive demand, our workforce has grown and we now have a number of proficient filmmakers to have the ability to serve much more weddings every year,” she says.
Videographer
1. Mod Movement
2. CY Wedding ceremony Movies
3. (Tie) Cat McCarthy Artistic; Double Take; Kirsten Beatley Movies; Reagan Studios; Yeattes Productions
Native Pictures/Videography Supplier Providing Occasion Streaming Companies
1. Mod Movement
Trend & Magnificence
Multicategory Winner: Brocade Bridal
Final 12 months, veteran wedding ceremony planners Bryce Carson and Tabitha Roberts opened Brocade, named for his or her favourite cloth. Situated close to Scott’s Addition, the store is LGBTQ+ owned and makes a speciality of fashion-forward wedding ceremony robes and types discovered nowhere else within the Richmond space. “The response from purchasers has been incredible,” Carson says. “All of the strains we took an opportunity on have been our greatest sellers.”
New Wedding ceremony Service
1. Brocade Bridal
2. Leora Bridal
New Bridal Boutique
1. Brocade Bridal
2. Leora Bridal
Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal
E-book a 60-minute appointment on the Quick Pump location of David’s Bridal with all of your bridesmaids in tow and discover a look that works for everybody. “We provide a variety of colours, types and lengths in addition to sizes from 0 to twenty-eight,” says retailer supervisor Lauren Johnson-Barnard. Attire are sometimes obtainable inside 4 to 12 weeks of ordering.
Bridal Headpieces: City Set Bride
On the subject of wedding-day type, the robe isn’t the one vogue piece taking the highlight, there’s additionally the crowning achievement. City Set Bride’s in-house stylists and consultants assist purchasers choose that excellent headpiece to enrich their look. Store supervisor Ruth Hedberg says the boutique carries quite a lot of bows, headbands, clips, combs and garlands in addition to conventional and trendy veils.
2. Blue Sage Bridal
3. (Tie) Brocade Bridal; Leora Bridal
Bridal Robe Salon: (TIE) Blue Sage Bridal; City Set Bride
bluesagebridal.com; urbansetbride.com
Since opening in 2020, Blue Sage Bridal continues to supply designer manufacturers, off-rack alternatives and consignment robes. “We attempt to serve all brides, no matter orientation, race or gown dimension,” says Quincy Smick, a bridal advisor for the store. “We’re additionally joyful to work with shorter timelines in addition to provide reductions to lecturers, navy, first responders and well being care employees.” Church Hill’s City Set Bride additionally offers an inclusive and welcoming environment. The boutique, which opened in 2014, provides designer wedding ceremony attire. Store supervisor Ruth Hedberg says, “We simply picked up Heirloom Bridal, which is a good model, and we’re additionally doing customized bridal jackets in denim and leather-based.”
2. Annalise Bridal Boutique
3. Tiffanys Bridal
Groom/Groomsman Attire: Alton Lane
With its flagship retailer at Libbie and Grove, Alton Lane has 14 showrooms throughout the US. Grooms and groomsmen can select from 400 materials and an array of types to customise fits, tuxedos, blazers, trousers, shirts and extra. “We are able to even get our customized orders accomplished in only a two- to four-week turnaround time,” says Stuti Epari, showroom coordinator.
2. Jos A. Financial institution
3. Leora Bridal
Groom/Groomsman Equipment: Jos. A. Financial institution
With three space shops, Jos. A. Financial institution accessorizes grooms and their groomsmen from head to toe. “Wedding ceremony events can store in our shops, and we additionally provide leases and have a made-to-order program with totally different types and accents,” says Ian Pleasants, retailer supervisor of The Shoppes at Westgate location.
Engagement and Wedding ceremony Rings: (TIE) Diamonds Direct; Lustre by Adolf
diamondsdirect.com; havelustre.com
Whereas Robin Adolf Salzberg opened Lustre on Parham Street 5 years in the past, her household, the Adolfs, have been within the jewellery enterprise for 60 years. “Customer support is what units us aside,” she says. “We need to make everybody really feel particular, take away the stress and assist you to discover precisely what you need inside the finances you need.” With two dozen areas throughout the nation, the Quick Pump Diamonds Direct retailer has been in enterprise for greater than a decade. “Our huge product providing consists of unfastened and mounted diamonds, a mess of engagement ring mountings by America’s high designers, diamond and gemstone vogue jewellery, wedding ceremony bands, pearls and way more,” says model ambassador Hannah Craft.
2. Emily Warden Designs
3. Fink’s Jewelers
Customized-designed Rings: Emily Warden Designs
Emily Warden creates distinctive engagement rings and wedding ceremony bands at her charming storefront in The Fan. “Emily is such a proficient designer,” says store supervisor and head of gross sales and consulting Victoria Cannon. “Include a brand new concept or usher in a household heirloom — we may give outdated stones new life once more in an up to date, trendy setting.” The customized course of takes 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Dransfield Jewelers
3. Vera’s Effective Jewelers
Wedding ceremony Jewellery Different Than the Rings: Lustre by Adolf
Topping this 12 months’s A-Listing in each rings and different wedding ceremony jewellery classes is Lustre by Adolf close to Regency mall. “We choose every bit in our store personally,” says co-owner Robin Adolf Salzberg. Lustre provides bridal jewellery in addition to items for moms, grandmothers and the marriage social gathering. “We are able to order something in multiples and assist choose items with a particular shade or theme in thoughts.”
2. Emily Warden Designs
3. Diamonds Direct
Mom of the Bride Attire: Tiffanys Bridal
When Sharon Townsend purchased her wedding ceremony robe at Tiffanys Bridal in 1974, she had no concept she’d at some point be the proprietor. “We’re proud to be the oldest bridal store in Virginia,” she says. “We’ve lately elevated our mother-of-the-bride alternatives. Because the hostess for the night, it’s essential that she seems to be good and feels snug.”
Spa Therapies: Scents of Serenity
With a brand new location in Midlothian along with spots at Libbie and Grove, Staples Mill Street and Quick Pump, Scents of Serenity stays a spa day favourite for weddings, bridal showers and bachelorette events. The natural spa provides companies starting from stress-free tub soaks and therapeutic massage to rejuvenating skincare.
2. (Tie) Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Magnificence Lounge; Luna Aesthetics and Spa
3. NudeFX
On-location Hairstylist: Amanda Perry
Amanda Perry and her workforce of 16 stylists convey their companies direct to you to create that excellent wedding ceremony look. “Brides can simply calm down and hand around in their jammies with a mimosa whereas we roll in with all of the provides,” Perry says. “We are able to additionally deal with massive bridal events in a brief period of time.”
2. Avenue 42 Salon
3. The Veil Hair and Make-up Co.
On-location Hair and Make-up Companies: The Veil Hair and Make-up Co.
Jennifer Saunders opened her eponymous enterprise in 2016, rebranding to The Veil Hair and Make-up Co. in 2021 and using a workforce of numerous and passionate girls. “We all know that is such an essential day, and we love offering a singular and enjoyable expertise for our brides,” Saunders says. “We use high-quality merchandise to make sure types final all day, ensuring reminiscences are captured as you need them.”
2. Amanda Perry
3. Avenue 42 Salon
Salon-based Hair and Make-up: Avenue 42 Salon
With areas on Most important Road and Patterson Avenue, Avenue 42 has been serving Richmond-area brides since 2012. A full menu of companies consists of hair, brows, lashes, make-up, waxing and extra. “We would like you and your bride tribe to appear and feel your greatest,” says proprietor and make-up artist Natalie Gordon.
2. Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Magnificence Lounge
Alterations: SEAMS Alterations
instagram.com/seamsalterations
To dedicate as a lot time as potential to her brides, Claudia Villegas solely books three fittings a day from her Midlothian house studio, SEAMS Alterations. “From customer support to high quality, I attempt to be the most effective,” she says. Her purchasers appear to agree, as SEAMS is a repeat winner in Richmond Bride’s A-Listing readers survey.
2. AG Alterations
3. Fariba’s Bridal Alterations & Customized Design
Bridal Footwear: Saxon Sneakers
What began as a youngsters’s shoe enterprise in 1953 is now Virginia’s largest full-service footwear retailer. “We have now a very sturdy curiosity in bridal and social gathering footwear and have made positive to have the biggest choice of heels, flats, colours, rhinestones and extra, together with matching purses for each event,” says Gary Weiner, president and CEO.
Supplier for Males’s Pre-wedding Grooming: Excessive Level Barbershop & Shave Parlor
Inside a decade, Excessive Level has grown from a pop-up to retailers in The Fan, Scott’s Addition and the West Finish. “We satisfaction ourselves on being steeped in custom whereas being style- and skill-forward,” says co-owner David Foster. “Our barbers are at all times getting higher within the commerce to present our purchasers an distinctive expertise.”
Pre-Wedding ceremony and Honeymoon Tanning: NudeFX
In 2020, Jessica Lee moved to Richmond from New York and opened a twig tanning enterprise, NudeFX. “There are such a lot of high-quality options now which can be good to your pores and skin and go away a pure glow,” she says. Lee offers a shade session earlier than spray tanning by hand, whether or not on location or from her two native studios.
2. Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Magnificence Lounge
3. Cam Carson & Co.
Manicures: Carytown Nails and Spa
instagram.com/carytownnailsandspa
Since opening in 2020, Carytown Nails and Spa has grow to be the go-to vacation spot for wedding-day manicures. Bridal events are welcome to guide a non-public occasion, usher in snacks and luxuriate in Champagne service. The proprietor’s daughters, Anh and Han Nguyen, are identified for customized, intricate nail designs and their skill to paint match to wedding ceremony themes and bridesmaids’ attire.
2. ATiR Pure Nail Care
3. Holy Stylish & Co.
Pores and skin-Care Companies: (TIE) Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Magnificence Lounge; Scents of Serenity
ilovebombshell.com; scentsofserenityspa.com
With areas in Carytown, Quick Pump and Midlothian, Bombshell is a full-service salon providing skincare, waxing and further magnificence companies. “My spouse, Melissa, began the corporate in a 7-by-9 foot room with a curtain and we’ve now grown to 80 workers and a Las Vegas salon,” says co-owner Scott Black. Scents of Serenity’s 4 space areas provide an in depth skincare menu with natural merchandise which can be by no means examined on animals. The HydraFacial is a well-liked service, together with a non-surgical facelift that reduces the looks of wrinkles, effective strains and sagging pores and skin.
2. Rêvée Aesthetics
Decor & Particulars
Occasion Designer/Planner: The Hive Wedding ceremony Collective
Hive founder Christine Haines Greenberg says the collective initiates the marriage planning course of by asking purchasers to prioritize the three issues which can be most essential to them. “That helps set the tone,” she says. “We all know the place we want main investments and what areas we are able to simplify.” Planners additionally make the design course of approachable by discussing the couple’s type at house and the vibe they need to curate within the venue.
2. Marylee Marmer Occasions
3. CCS Occasions
Multicategory Winner: Marylee Marmer Occasions
With greater than 18 years of expertise as a marriage planner and floral designer, Marylee Marmer guides purchasers via small-scale occasions, massive galas and all the things in between. “Our workforce does issues totally different than most day-of coordinators,” she says. “We have now three planning conferences all through the method, and we’ve a workforce the day of — not only a lead planner. This ensures the day goes easily.”
Day-of Wedding ceremony Coordinator
1. Marylee Marmer Occasions
2. The Hive Wedding ceremony Collective
3. CCS Occasions
Floral Design
1. Marylee Marmer Occasions
2. (Tie) Black Creek Flowers; Olivera Floral Design; Tanya McGann Cornwell/Starry Evening Occasions
3. (Tie) Fleuressence Floral Design; Flowers by Zoie; Photosynthesis Floral Design; Vogue Flowers
Limousine Firm: James Limousine
“For a lot of {couples}, [the limo ride] is the primary likelihood they’ve needed to be alone after getting married,” proprietor Randy Allen says. A professional tip is rehydrating and stress-free in a cool, snug car publish an evening of dancing. Allen provides that it’s grow to be frequent to offer transportation for bachelor and bachelorette events, the rehearsal dinner and airport transfers for out-of-town visitors.
2. Richmond Limousine
Different Transportation Service: Academy Bus (previously James River Transportation)
After almost 100 years underneath the Story household, James River Transportation modified possession in fall 2023 to a New Jersey-based household enterprise that may proceed to supply the native fleet and its companies within the Richmond space. Depart the navigation and parking to the professionals on the massive day. Academy provides motorcoaches and minicoaches with facilities together with reclining seats with footrests, Wi-Fi entry, energy shops and extra.
2. Winn Transportation
Multicategory Winner: Hire-E-Quip
Renting tableware and linens already reduces the carbon footprint of a marriage and cuts down on waste, however Hire-E-Quip ensures all of its plastics discover a second use. “We donate all used plastics to an area group that transforms them into benches for parks across the neighborhood,” says David Darby, wedding ceremony and occasion specialist. Hire-E-Quip additionally offers customized bars, backdrops and facades — the breakout requests of 2023 — and its in-house carpenters and international companions can construct or supply on-trend items.
Tent Leases
1. Hire-E-Quip
2. Basic Get together Leases of Virginia
3. Get together Excellent
Linen Leases
1. Hire-E-Quip
2. (Tie) Marylee Marmer Occasions; Get together Excellent
3. Basic Get together Leases of Virginia
Vendor Providing Sustainable Companies or Utilizing Sustainable Practices
1. Hire-E-Quip
Service Supplier for Small or Yard Weddings: (TIE) Marylee Marmer Occasions; Hire-E-Quip
maryleemarmerevents.com; rentequip.org
Marylee Marmer says small weddings give {couples} an opportunity to have an intimate ceremony and spend extra time with their visitors, however a planner continues to be essential for dealing with the main points and bringing your imaginative and prescient to life. Smaller-scale weddings can profit from a partial planning bundle or day-of coordination. David Darby, wedding ceremony and occasion specialist for Hire-E-Quip, says microweddings have grown in recognition since 2020. To fulfill this want, the corporate offers romantic place settings, customized tenting and area lighting to suit non-public residences. Many {couples} additionally select to improve their decor to premium choices. “For the reason that visitor depend is smaller, this could usually be completed with out drastically growing the general finances,” Darby says.
Calligraphy or Hand-lettering: (TIE) Letterful; Taddy Mikelaites
letterfulco.com; taddymikelaites.com
Calligrapher Molly Walker of Letterful says customized signage provides a contact of magnificence and magnificence, however it might probably additionally showcase what makes the couple — and their story — distinctive. Walker lately integrated willow leaves into wedding ceremony place playing cards as a nod to a willow tree in a pair’s yard the place the groom had proposed. “I used to be honored to create a particular contact that mirrored on such a private second,” she says. As each a calligrapher and a watercolor artist, Taddy Mikelaites loves creating one-of-a-kind items that go away lasting impressions. She usually personalizes stationery and decor with calligraphy and watercolor accents equivalent to maps, menus, bar decals and wedding ceremony crests. “I describe my type as romantic calligraphy, a mix of recent and conventional components that create a singular and enchanting look,” she says.
2. Pencraft + Publish
Furnishings Leases: Paisley & Jade
The in-house construct workforce at Paisley & Jade can customise items for holding with any type. Bar installations have been amongst their hottest designs, together with the fan-favorite black matte oval bar with crown molding element. “Particular requests maintain our stock ever-expanding,” co-owner Perkins Morgan says. “One which stands out is a full, spherical, bubble-gum pink bar with emerald trim — it was a showstopper!”
2. Hire-E-Quip
3. Get together Excellent
Multicategory Winner: Reverie Paper Co. (previously Kara Anne + Co.)
Kara McCoy, founder and artistic director of Reverie Paper Co., says she goals to make the stationery course of as streamlined as potential for at this time’s busy {couples}. She provides 12 invitation suites that may be personalised utilizing ink and foil, paper, and print methodology, in addition to elaborations and customized paintings. “A gold foil-pressed invitation offers a a lot totally different vibe than one letterpressed in dusty blue ink with a floral envelope liner,” McCoy says. “Or by together with a venue drawing or watercolor, you give your visitors a sneak peek of the celebration.”
Stationery/Invitation Store
1. Reverie Paper Co.
2. Faye Road Studios
3. Papeterie Effective Stationery and Presents
Native Invitation Designer
1. Reverie Paper Co.
2. Faye Road Studios
3. English Tea Paperie
Officiant: Sincerely Pete
Amongst wedding ceremony officiant Sarah Pete’s favourite ceremony quotes is a letter from Albert Einstein to his daughter about love, the common drive. However Pete additionally takes the time to get to know every couple and create a significant ceremony script for them. “I’ve a customized course of the place I be taught tales and anecdotes about their relationship, their hopes and the language they use to talk about one another,” she says.
2. ElopeRVA
LGBTQ-friendly Officiant: (TIE) ElopeRVA; Sincerely Pete
eloperva.com; sincerelypete.com
Chantal McHenry of ElopeRVA officiated her first wedding ceremony in 2017 when her pals, an LGBTQ couple, couldn’t discover anybody to marry them. The requests saved coming. “My pals couldn’t discover individuals of shade, anybody in our age bracket, there have been barely any girls,” she says. “I checked the packing containers.” McHenry works with purchasers to stability custom, faith and spirituality in a method that displays their beliefs. Sarah Pete of Sincerely Pete says that whereas there have been nice strides within the wedding ceremony trade, there are nonetheless idiosyncrasies and a particular understanding that may accompany planning LGBTQIA+ weddings. “As a queer lady, I need to be a useful resource for my neighborhood and supply a protected area for these people to land,” Pete says. “I perceive the sometimes-difficult household dynamics and may provide options to a extra ‘conventional’ wedding ceremony ceremony.”
2. Christine Haines Greenberg
Presents
Multicategory Winner: Tweed
Celebrating 20 years in Richmond, Tweed continues to high the record for greatest wedding ceremony items. “We provide quite a lot of choices in addition to complimentary wrapping so every reward feels distinctive and particular,” says proprietor Kate Stottlemyer. Smathers & Branson wallets, engraved Yeti tumblers, and glassware are fashionable for groomsmen, whereas enewton jewellery, SCOUT luggage and personalised trinket trays are hits for bridesmaids.
Native Store for Bridesmaid Presents
1. Tweed
2. Mongrel
Native Store for Groomsman Presents
1. Tweed
2. Mongrel
Place to Buy Customized/Monogrammed Presents
1. Tweed
Wedding ceremony Registry at a Regionally Owned Retailer
1. Tweed
Multicategory Winner: Pencraft + Publish
In enterprise for 5 years, Pencraft + Publish’s Deirdre Gill by no means appears to expire of inventive concepts. Recognized for her lovely hand lettering on place playing cards, signage and balloons, she’s lately expanded her choices. “Recently we’ve been hand-painting good bottles of Champagne as wedding ceremony items or engraving bottles of whiskey or Champagne flutes,” she says.
Native Maker for Customized-made Wedding ceremony Presents
1. Pencraft + Publish
Regionally Owned Etsy Store to Buy Equipment or Decor
1. Pencraft + Publish
Meals & Beverage
Virginia Wine to Serve at Your Wedding ceremony: Jolene Household Vineyard
Instantly off the Pocahontas Path in New Kent County lies the Jolene Household Vineyard producing eye-catching varietals. Staples such because the semi-sweet Lakeview White, dry Household Pink and effervescent Sparking Wine will be served and loved on the picturesque lakeside property. Occasion supervisor Alyx Mikelaites says, “Even when your wedding ceremony is off-site, our award-winning wines are an ideal addition to your menu.”
2. Veritas
3. (Tie) 7 Woman Vineyards; Higher Shirley Vineyards
Virginia Beer to Serve at Your Wedding ceremony: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Hardywood opened in 2011 as considered one of two craft breweries in Richmond on the time. At the moment, it operates a brewhouse and a taproom. On this 12 months’s A-Listing survey, many respondents cited the Richmond Lager as the most effective to serve at weddings, however there are further year-round choices just like the Singel blonde ale and Suncrush glowing ale.
2. Triple Crossing Beer
3. The Veil Brewing Co.
Caterer: Mosaic Catering + Occasions
Since opening in 1995, Mosaic has grow to be a mainstay within the native occasion and catering scene. At the moment, it employs greater than 200 individuals in Richmond and Charleston, South Carolina. This concern marks the twelfth 12 months Richmond Bride readers voted the corporate as the highest caterer, maybe due partly to its deal with utilizing regionally sourced, seasonal components for elevated eating tailor-made to purchasers’ occasions.
2. Lunch and Supper
3. A Sharper Palate
Bartending Service/Mixologist: One for the Street
One for the Street offers a cellular cocktail bar able to accommodate any occasion, regardless of how fancy or informal. The enterprise boasts quite a few affiliations, together with membership within the U.S. Bartender’s Guild. Companies vary from signature cocktail creations to customized drink menus.
2. Groovin’ Gourmand
Wedding ceremony Cake Different: Sugar Shack Donuts
For {couples} in search of to offer a candy deal with sans the cake, Sugar Shack doughnuts are a well-liked different. The round pastries will be personalized in quite a lot of flavors from mud pot (full with gummy worms) to salted caramel. There are additionally party-sized doughnuts obtainable in both 12 or 18 inches, making a shareable dessert for every reception desk.
Wedding ceremony Muffins: Fats Rabbit
Fats Rabbit describes its truffles as “moreish” or “inflicting a want for extra.” Armed with expertise within the native baking trade and a pocket book filled with recipes, proprietor Ellyn Hopper opened a brick-and-mortar in 2022 and has grow to be a favourite for wedding ceremony truffles. That is the second 12 months Richmond Bride readers voted Fats Rabbit because the best choice for the candy creations. And although the enterprise makes a speciality of truffles, there are further choices, equivalent to galettes, cookies and scones.
2. Melissa’s Merely Candy
3. Candy Repair
Groom’s Cake: Melissa’s Merely Candy
After Melissa Moes created a “Blue’s Clues”-themed cake for her son’s birthday, the recognition of the creation led to further customized requests and finally a full-time enterprise, Melissa’s Merely Candy. Her groom’s truffles are edible methods to rejoice his hobbies and pursuits. Previous designs have included a powder blue guitar cake and a Inexperienced Bay Packers cheesehead cake.
2. (Tie) Fats Rabbit; Candy Repair
3. Louisa’s Homemades
Regionally Made Spirits to Serve at Your Wedding ceremony: (TIE) Belle Isle Moonshine; Virago Spirits
belleislecraftspirits.com; viragospirits.com
Since its founding in 2013, Belle Isle Moonshine has offered over a million bottles and canned cocktails throughout the nation. Its spirits are regionally produced and reduce with purified water from the James River. Virago Spirits’ choices vary from espresso liqueurs to hibiscus gin. Its repertoire grows yearly with two particular, and as of press time, secret spirits scheduled to be launched in November to commemorate Virago’s five-year anniversary. “Don’t forget to drop by the tasting room to get your arms on them,” says Barry Haneberg, co-distiller and co-founder of Virago.
2. Cirrus Vodka
3. (Tie) Reservoir Distillery; Three Crosses Distilling Co.
Meals Truck for the Reception: (TIE) Gelati Celesti; The Grateful Grill RVA
gelatiicecream.com; instagram.com/thegratefulgrillrva
Served as an addendum or different to the marriage cake, Gelati Celesti’s ice cream truck provides quite a lot of flavors direct to your reception attendees. “We expect [the food truck] is a very distinctive method to serve visitors desserts slightly than a standard wedding ceremony cake, and it is also nice for picture ops,” says Suzy Rosser, co-president of Gelati Celesti. “We imagine our truck brings an additional little bit of pleasure to an already special occasion.” For a savory possibility, the crowd-pleasing grilled cheese recipes of The Grateful Grill are consolation meals at its best. With components together with Carolina barbecue and pepperoni, the inventive sandwiches are a enjoyable method to satiate wedding ceremony visitors’ appetites.
2. River Metropolis Wooden Fireplace Pizza
3. FiftyOne Pizza
Pre & Publish Wedding ceremony
Wedding ceremony Dance Teacher: Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Except for non-public classes and group courses, Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ Richmond location provides a free group class and social gathering each Friday for instructors, college students and guests to hit the dance ground. “This is likely to be attention-grabbing for wedding ceremony {couples} to allow them to come get an concept of what it’s like to bop in the event that they’re feeling uncertain about doing a primary dance,” says Maggie Small, operations supervisor. “There’s additionally a possibility for {couples} to do an indication on the social gathering earlier than the massive day.”
2. Arthur Murray Dance Facilities
Monetary Planner: B. Shields Luper/Prudential Monetary
prudential.com/advisor/sheilds-luper
Monetary advisor B. Shields Luper assists newlyweds with planning for the long run, close to and much. Luper says fostering a robust monetary partnership begins by aligning shared objectives, priorities and aspirations. “At our workplace, we prioritize open and trustworthy communication, working alongside you to proactively assemble a sturdy monetary plan, guaranteeing you each take pleasure in a cushty and safer monetary future collectively,” Luper says.
First-home Neighborhood within the Richmond Area: (TIE) Lakeside; North Aspect
If the attractive Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard isn’t motive sufficient to like Lakeside, the neighborhood can be house to cozy cafes, beautiful parks, classic shops and curiosity retailers. Lush timber, numerous structure types and the Richmond Raceway are a few of what defines Richmond’s charming North Aspect. There’s one thing for everybody on this aspect of city, equivalent to Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, quaint retailers and an amazing assortment of eating places.
2. Forest Hill
Honeymoon Journey Knowledgeable: Journeys
On the subject of your honeymoon, the record of potential locations is countless, and Journeys can take you there. Cancún, Mexico, is a well-liked alternative amongst purchasers for honeymoons and vacation spot weddings, in keeping with Kim Goldstein, president and journey advisor at Journeys. “I believe that is primarily resulting from pricing,” Goldstein says. “Mexico is the place you get the most effective worth for the greenback.”
Robe Preservation: Puritan Cleaners
Weddings are loopy sufficient on their very own, so Puritan Cleaners needs to do what it might probably to make the robe preservation course of as easy as potential. “A marriage is likely one of the greatest days of a bride’s life, of anybody’s life,” says Sara Moncrieff, director of neighborhood relations. “Attending to be a part of cleansing these clothes, preserving the enjoyment for future generations, is a privilege that we don’t take frivolously.”
2. Leora Bridal