John Marshall Ballrooms Wedding in Richmond
Amanda + Andrés
Amanda and Andres had a perfect, beautiful fall day for their wedding day! The skies were a brilliant blue and the sun was shining brightly as if Richmond was getting all dressed up for their black tie wedding, too!
The last time I had been at the John Marshall Ballrooms was also to celebrate this couple! Read on to find out what Andres did that made their wedding venue so special to them before their wedding day.
How He Asked- john Marshall memories
Amanda and Andres met in the Army during training when they were both there for logistics studies. After they’d been dating a while, they had started talking about getting married. So Amanda began researching Virginia wedding venues, looking for those that would be a good option for a Fall wedding.
After coming across the John Marshall Ballrooms she knew she had found the perfect place! Andres suggested that they go check it out in person, and he scheduled the appointment for them to tour the venue. But that wasn’t all he did! Little did Amanda know—he had something surprising and wonderful up his sleeve!
The two walked through the front doors and up the main stairs. But once they got to the lobby, Amanda saw roses and a sign with their married names on it next to a date. . . 10.18.19. Amanda immediately started crying because she knew what was about to happen! “Andres said some of the most meaningful words we both wish we could remember,” Amanda recalled. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him in the most perfect way. Through her tears, Amanda said, ‘yes!’
Then, to continue the surprise, all of their family came out from their hiding spot to congratulate the couple! Andres’ mom and brother had even flown in from Los Angeles to celebrate! What a perfect proposal—not only did Andres show up with the most beautiful ring, but he also booked her dream wedding venue! (I was hiding nearby taking photos —click to check out images from their John Marshall Ballrooms proposal!)
A First Look at the Virginia state Capitol
The couple had decided on an evening wedding and when we were planning their timeline, we realized that with the fall days growing shorter, they wouldn’t have enough light after the ceremony for outdoor portraits. So after some deliberation, they decided to have a First Look. I know some couples like the tradition of having the groom see the bride for the first time as they’re walking down the aisle. But after seeing this First Look, I bet a lot of people may change their minds!
Andres was overcome with emotion at how beautiful his bride looked! He seriously had one of my favorite reactions of all time. They forgot the cameras were there, and just enjoyed getting to see each other before the wedding. It was truly wonderful.
The Ceremony
After the grandmothers headed down the aisle as the flower girls, the wedding party walked in—all wearing black evening attire. (Black looks so great in the John Marshall with all the creams and golds there!) Then Amanda appeared in the doorway, escorted by her dad and her step-father. As the three made their way down the aisle, the emotion on Andres’ face was obvious. Their First Look didn’t diminish one bit the impact that this special moment held!
There were so many meaningful touches involving the couple’s family during their ceremony. Amanda’s step-dad officiated over the ceremony while her dad gave a special reading. Amanda’s and Andres’ mothers participated in a hand-tying ceremony before the two were pronounced husband and wife!
I loved photographing this wedding—the couple, their family and friends were all so joyful all day! It was such an honor to be able to document these monumental milestones in your lives together, Amanda and Andres!
Enjoy a few of my favorite images from Amanda and Andres’ black-tie Richmond John Marshall Ballrooms wedding!
John Marshall Ballrooms Wedding in Richmond, Virginia
John Marshall Ballrooms Wedding Photos | Getting Ready
Emotional First Look | Richmond Wedding Photographer
Richmond Wedding Photographer | Portraits at Virginia State Capitol
John Marshall Ballrooms Wedding Ceremony
Richmond Wedding Reception at John Marshall Ballrooms
It was a pleasure working with this dream-team of vendors! Special thanks to Marena for being an awesome second shooter and to videographer Derek for always being so easy to work with!
Virginia Wedding Vendors
Photographer | Stacie Marshall, Marshall Arts Photography
Second Photographer | Marena Claire Photography
Ceremony venue | John Marshall Ballrooms
Reception Venue | John Marshall Ballrooms
Bride’s Getting Ready Venue | The Hilton
Dress Designer | Maggie Sottero Della
Dress Store + Alterations | Caryn’s Bridal
Hair Stylist | Racquel Morales
Florist | David Pippin
Videographer | Derek Fowler
DJ | Mark Abernathy
Cake | Family friend
Catering | Homemades by Suzanne
Groomsmen/Groom's attire | Jos. A. Bank
Invitations/stationery | Minted
Favors | Succulents