Oakdale RVA Wedding | Woojin + Solomon

Richmond Wedding Photographers | Oakdale RVA Wedding

Oakdale RVA Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer

Woojin & Solomon's Oakdale RVA wedding was filled with love and joy . . . but also a few unexpected surprises!

These two met their freshman year of college while they were attending Virginia Commonwealth University. The school was holding a blood drive, and they were both there at the same time! While they were dating, they did long-distance as Woojin was living in New Jersey, and Solomon was in Georgia.

Solomon knew he wanted to propose, so he made special plans and booked them a hotel room in New York City. He decorated the room and the proposal was a complete surprise! Her engagement ring is very sentimental, as it was Solomon's mother's ring.

Solomon and Woojin have such fun personalities that carried them all throughout their wedding day! Before their wedding, Woojin reached out to me saying that she wanted to do a ‘fake first look’ in addition to their real first look. If you’ve never heard of the fake first look, this is where one of Solomon’s friends would put on a wedding dress and show up behind the groom, instead of his bride! Of course, I was all in for this plan. But then Woojin thought he was getting suspicious, so we came up with a new plan together.—and he was completely fooled!

When it came time to have their first look, Solomon genuinely was overcome with emotion to see his beautiful bride standing before him. There may have also been a hint of relief--maybe he WAS onto the original plan.

After the ceremony and family formals, Woojin excused herself to freshen up her makeup and hair before their entrance into the reception. Solomon's groomsmen, who were the best accomplices, (thanks guys--you definitely understood the assignment!) asked Solomon to stay behind to grab more photos with him, and I positioned him with his back to the venue to capture these portraits. Soon, Solomon's friend appeared down the sidewalk, wearing an unzipped wedding dress and carrying a bridal bouquet. Solomon turned when the friend arrived, caught a glimpse of him, and then turned back to me laughing hysterically!

The friend started to snuggle in and Solomon couldn't take it any longer, and he bolted across Oakdale RVA wedding venue at top speed to the delight of the guests, bridal party, and his new bride.

Not to be outdone, Solomon had a little surprise up his sleeve for Woojin, too. After the first dance and dinner, the DJ announced that Solomon had a little gift for his bride. Music began to play, and Solomon took to the dance floor with an amazing synchronized dance! Woojin stood watching him admiringly, sometimes dancing in place, sometimes tearing up a bit with emotion. Then Solomon danced up and presented her with a gift. So sweet AND so fun!

Their wedding day was intimate, but so much fun! Woojin, Solomon, and all of their guests had such a great time.

Woojin and Solomon, thank you both for letting me be part of your wedding day! It was so fun being in on the surprises. I love how you guys take such pleasure in delighting one another!

Here are some of my favorite images from Woojin & Solomon’s Oakdale RVA Wedding in Ashland.