
[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]
So many beautiful hues of pinks, greens, blues, and yellows. The night before, we hinted at what was to come. With a classy and casual rehearsal dinner that flowed seamlessly into the welcome party. An elegant palette of greens and whites welcomed our guests to Richmond, Virginia.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
We were inspired by the feeling of summer starting. Hence why we were insistent on marrying on the summer solstice. From an audio and visual experience, we entirely pulled inspiration from the show Bridgerton. It is just so pleasant to watch due to the detail and extravagance of so much intention.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]
AJ and Alyssa met in July of 2014, on Alyssa’s annual family vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. Through all of high school, and then College at Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, OCMD was where they spent summers and always their favorite place. 9 years late, on the anniversary of their meeting, AJ proposed on the beach. The whole family and so many friends showed up immediately after to celebrate their love story.
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

















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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]



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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]


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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]
As a lifetime admirer of fashion, I was so excited to decide what to wear. Through so much research and a small handful of appointments, I curated 4 distinct looks through two dresses. My ceremony ensemble was something I will forever appreciate. The soft silk corset gown I wore was selected near my hometown in Maryland during an impromptu bridal appointment (my first ever) with my mom and MOH by my side. Through alterations, I completely reimagined the bodice to create the classic and refined lines I was looking for. I paired the Martina Liana dress with a whimsical and romantic tulle overskirt and veil, both Chosen by Khya—, nd lastly a complementary neck scarf by A La Robe. The skirt, veil, and scarf were the perfect finishing touches, all of which I found in a local Tampa bridal boutique, which is the city in which AJ and I live and work. My second dress was a full Grace Loves Lace moment. A strapless satin mini dress made better with a lace sheath underskirt and matching sleeves. I loved how fluid my looks were and how easy it was to completely change the vibe and feel of what I was wearing—without ever having to leave the room.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]
I loved the dresses my girls wore. So much. Each dress shone through the style of each of my best friends, while all came together in the perfect balance of colors, textures, patterns, and style. Jenny Yoo, Revelry, Show me your mumu, Revelry, and more brands made appearances throughout the gowns.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]
I loved the guys in a lighter blue hue, while the groom shone in an elevated and classic color. Not quite navy, but the perfect summer formal blue. The Groom has a 2nd look too! He changed into a green slick green suit to dance the night away.
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]








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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]












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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]








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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]From the very first sip, Alyssa and AJ set the tone for a celebration to remember. Guests were greeted pre-ceremony with a glass of bubbly. Post “I do,” signature cocktails reflected the couple’s personal flair: his, a smooth Old Fashioned; hers, a chic French Martini.
Dinner unfolded under the glow of candlelight, where guests were encouraged to mix, mingle, and savor. The couple opted for family-style entrees, creating the intimate feel of a dinner party among friends. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]
Drawing inspiration from the elegance of the Estate at River Run and the romantic world of Bridgerton, Alyssa and AJ’s wedding design was a whimsical garden fête in celebration of the summer solstice. Florals took center stage—lush, oversized blooms in a palette of pinks, whites, and greens with delicate touches of blue added texture and charm throughout the day. The ceremony unfolded on the estate’s sweeping patio, framed by abundant blooms that echoed the natural beauty of the surroundings. During cocktail hour, petite basket arrangements filled with fresh fruit and florals added a playful yet refined touch. Inside the Summer Court Pavilion, centerpieces delighted the eye with a curated mix of gold taper candles, bud vases, compotes, and elevated arrangements—all nodding to the carefree elegance of a European garden party.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]
Alyssa and AJ’s wedding cake was a true nod to vintage elegance- a classic all-white tiered beauty dressed in intricate piping and timeless style. The icing on top? Naturally, they didn’t just cut the cake; they made a whole moment of it in the estate’s moody, candlelit wine cellar.
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]
The music set the tone for the day with Bridgerton-inspired string arrangements that blended classical romance with a modern twist. Think timeless elegance meets unexpected pop favorites—because nothing says “happily ever after” like a string quartet playing Taylor Swift.
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]To close out cocktail hour, guests were invited into the Wedgewood Ballroom to witness a moment of magic, the bride and groom’s showstopping first dance. Friends and family lined the room’s perimeter and watched from the loft above, creating a full-circle view as the newlyweds twirled across the floor to cheers and applause. It was the kind of grand entrance that felt straight out of a movie and set the tone for an unforgettable evening ahead.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]
The bride’s bouquet was nothing short of showstopping, cascading with draping blooms, while each bridesmaid carried a chic monofloral bouquet tailored to complement her dress.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Alyssa and AJ’s signature monogram made a statement throughout the celebration- proof that personal touches make all the difference. From custom cocktail napkins, service towels, and matchbooks to a grand cameo-inspired seating display, every detail was thoughtfully curated. Grecian busts added an artful nod to the romantic setting, and parasols were offered for guests to create their own little moment of shade (and style). It was personalization done to perfection, with a wink of old-world charm.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]









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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]






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Photography: Melissa MacDonald | Cinematography: 87 & Smith | Event Planning: Christine McFarlane Events | Floral Design: Aster & Bee | Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake: The Mixing Bowl Bakery | Invitations: Christine McFarlane Events | Catering: Everyday Gourmet | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Officiant: Joe Finzel | Transportation: Winn Transportation | Wedding Venue: The Estate at River Run | Beauty: Captivating Complexion | Beauty: The Veil Bridal Co. | Linens: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Rent Equip
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