To Richmond With Love: A Local Wedding

In thinking about community and food, it is not long before my thoughts turn to my own wedding. Though my husband and I met in my hometown (Blacksburg, VA), we built our lives together in Richmond and married here. Our wedding was a celebration of our life, and Richmond was a key part of the equation. We wanted show off our city!

But, only three years ago creating a local wedding was a challenge. I’d say seasonal and local and someone would hand me an asparagus (it was an October wedding). People talk about fighting with family over wedding plans; I didn’t have one fight with a family member over my wedding. Instead, initially, I fought with vendors.

You see, the local option isn’t necessarily in the “package” or pricing structure used by wedding vendors. But, with the internet, an amazing Mom, and the seeds of a locally-focused Richmond already established, I found my way to locally owned and operated businesses that understood my vision. What follows are locally-sourced highlights from our wedding.

Each of these vendors helped make our day beautiful, the local way. These folks were dialed and we remain appreciative of what they did for us. Ricepaper Photography snapped these lovely shots of the local vendors and products we used. So, Richmond, this is to say, we think you're pretty great. Thanks for everything.

We were married at the Poe Museum with a

pre-ceremony cocktail hour prepared by Mosaic Catering.

Rob's suit was purchased at Franco's.

My dress was purchased locally, but not from a locally owned business.

Our flowers were from Amelia County.

That's my baby brother.

We had a local string trio play at the ceremony.

Our rings were made at Dransfield.

That's my Dad in the center; he married us.

Instead of party favors, we hired a local artist to do silhouettes of our guests.

Overwhelmed by the idea of a wedding cake, we said yes to cannolis from 8 1/2. I mean, right?!

Our reception was held at the Old City Bar which is in walking distance from the Poe Museum, in fact we walked there. Dinner highlight for me was the Virginia rockfish and local wine.

We left the Old City Bar and stayed the night at the Museum District B & B. The host served us breakfast goodies from Can Can.