Today we were sharing Marika and Thomas’ Upper Shirley Vineyards fall wedding day. They just got married here in Richmond at one of our favorite venues Upper Shirley Vineyards. Upper Shirley is an amazing wedding venue for a variety of reasons. 

Number one would be that the staff that works there is absolutely phenomenal and does their absolute best to go above and beyond to make you feel so well taken care of. We absolutely love working with them every time. The second is that their property is incredible. It’s right on the James River, big open fields, beautiful building, awesome patio space. It is just so incredible in and of itself. 

But let’s get into Marika and Thomas. This is such a fun and easy going couple. They were so great to work with and just lovely to spend time with. Their engagement session was a breeze. Their family and their friends were so fun. Their planner was fabulous. It just made for such a great day.

I loved it for the reception they used family silver for all of their centerpieces on the tables. I just think it turned out so well and was such a fun touch for their black tie event.

It was also a cocktail style reception where there wasn’t a seated dinner, there were just stations of food throughout the venue. And everybody just kind of mingled and roamed. They didn’t even have a table they just had a “reserved” cocktail high top.

They even had tables that went out onto the covered patio where the bar was. I feel like it’s a little bit of a risk picking late November wedding date. But boy did it pay off for them. 

Upper Shirley Vineyards ceremony

Thomas’ reaction to Marika during the ceremony was absolutely adorable. He was tearing up. Even though he’s such a stoic guy, he just was so overwhelmed by her. Which is totally understandable she looked absolutely incredible and her dress was amazing. Honestly, he looked incredible too! 

I also loved that during the ceremony she had both her dad and her stepdad walk down the stairs. And then her mom came and walk down the aisle with her husband and left Maria and her dad to walk down the aisle together. It was just such a sweet way to incorporate both of her dads.

Then right after the ceremony we swooped them away quickly for portraits.  It was right at sunset so we used every second before the sun completely set.  But it was absolutely perfect, in such gorgeous light.  Sunset at Upper Shirley is always just remarkable. 

It was such a perfect day. Enjoy some of our many favorites from this beautiful Upper Shirley Vineyards fall wedding day. 

Congrats you guys! 

Planner | @emelizevents
Florist | @fleuressencefloraldesign
Venue | @uppershirleyweddings
Bakery | @themixingbowlbakeryrva
Band | @trademarkbandrva
Bridal Salon | @studioidobridals
Hair & Makeup | @sydneyreevesartistry
Tuxedo | @menswearhouse