Today we are sharing Loren and Taylor’s Amber Grove Sunny Richmond Wedding day that we shot this past weekend at Amber Grove in the south side of Richmond.

Amber Grove is a staple of ours. We go back there several times each year. This wedding was a little different because we actually had 10 hours on the wedding day for photography. Typically it’s a little less than that at Amber Grove because they have a noise ordinance which causes receptions to have a hard stop at 10 PM.

Lauren created a really thought out and well-timed wedding day. Where there were built in breaks for everyone and nothing had to see him rushed or chaotic. It also ended up giving them a ton of portrait times. 

They also only had 2 people in their bridal party which made it a lot more calm during those getting ready times. 

Built in buffer time

Loren, and her solid planning, made sure that the back room of the bridal suite stayed all the way clean beside her two dresses (yes, two dresses! She had an outfit change after the ceremony).  She made sure to think ahead of time about so many aspects of her wedding day. 

Also handy because we had already gone to Amber Grove with Loren for her bridal session. Also their engagement session at Triple Crossing was amazing last year, one of my favorites. 

P.S. if you do a bridal session, bring your maid of honor.  It was so fun having another person there and gave Loren great energy during the session. 

Loren’s father preformed their ceremony for them. It’s always a favorite when someone who knows the couple really well preforms the ceremony, and her dad did such a great job. I also loved that after walking down the aisle with her dad, she walked over to put the robe on her dad to kind of turn him into the officiant. It was really sweet. 

Loren was so well planned out throughout the whole day.  Courtney even mentioned that she should be a wedding planner.  She did so much to make sure the day ran smoothly.  But even with how well planned and thorough she was, she still hired a coordinator to help run things on the wedding day. It makes such a big difference. 

So here’s what you should steal from this wedding day: 

1. Battery operated fans for the ceremony – Amber Grove Sunny Richmond Wedding

At the beginning of the ceremony, they had a basket of personalized, handheld, battery operated fans.  If you’re having an outdoor ceremony – especially in warmer Virginia months – this was a WONDERFUL idea.  Such a good idea and so well planned.  Much better than any favor we’ve seen. 

2. Late night Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches 

A late night snack is ALWAYS a hit with guests.  Again, so much better than a favor.  These were the perfect combination of a fun Richmond treat for their out of town guests, but also a delicious late night snack.  

3. Personalize vows during the First Look  – Amber Grove Sunny Richmond Wedding

Rather than sharing their vows in front of everyone at the ceremony, Loren and Taylor opted to say their vows to each other during their first look.  This is a great option if you think you’d be too emotional in front of everyone, or you want to it be a little more private.  It also made such a fun activity during their first look. 

Congratulations you guys! Enjoy a few of our many favorites from Loren & Taylor’s Amber Grove sunny Richmond Wedding! 

The Vendor Team

COORDINATOR | @simplycharmedweddings

FLORALS | @flowersbyzoie

VENUE | @ambergroveinn

BAKERY | @frostingsva

DJ | Seth Kravitz – Rhythm of Love

DRESS | @justinalexander

HAIR & MAKEUP | @fbjweddings#ambergrove