Today we are sharing Madeline and Paul’s University of Richmond VMFA wedding day that we just shot here in Richmond with a ceremony at the University of Richmond Chapel (which is also where we did their engagement photos). U of R has such a beautiful campus, I don’t know why we don’t go there more! 

Then, their reception was at the VMFA in the atrium. We have done a couple weddings at the VMFA now, but have only ever been in the marble hall. But I actually loved the atrium. It didn’t hurt that the color palette of this wedding perfectly matched their permanent installation in the VMFA’s atrium. Worked out pretty great, bright summery colors everywhere. 

VMFA atrium wedding

The marble hall is gorgeous. But during the summer, when the sun sets later in the day, you get more time with the big beautiful windows in the atrium and the sun coming in. 

We started the day at the Boulevard Inn. If you’ve never heard of or been to the Boulevard Inn, I would encourage you to go ahead and book a room for yourself now. It was one of the most beautiful places we’ve been for a getting ready space on the morning of a wedding. The absolute perfect place to get ready. It is a B&B in the heart of Richmond and instead of just renting a room Madeline actually rented the entire place. So, her and her family, and all of her girls, could stay there and make themselves at home in this big beautiful house. I think it’s my favorite getting ready spot in all of Richmond. 

We also started this University of Richmond, VMFA wedding day with shooting Madeline’s details there. Were absolutely incredible. The most beautiful invitation suite I think I have ever seen. Friend Erica from Black Creek Flowers gave me the perfect flowers for accompanying it. She also had a bunch of extra fun details like a hand painted bottle of Champagne, a vintage purse, and a embroidered pillow with their monogram for the rings. Also always give me extra copies of the invitation suite. There were so many details on these invitations that I really needed multiple copies to be able to show it all off.

VMFA wedding portrait locations

We picked up Paul to do their first look and portraits at the VMFA. It was starting to rain a little bit so I loved that we were at the VMFA because there is so much variety for portraits there. Including an overhang in the event of bad weather. Which is actually where we did their first look, at the Pauley Center. We were then able to quickly do some portraits with them and their wedding party in the sculpture garden at the VMFA before going back to seek shelter for their family formals. Which worked great, because it started pouring rain. 

Also, while I’m talking about family – she had the cutest flower girls and ring bearer. They were SO cute. Honestly, the perfect southern kids’ wedding outfit. They also did so well walking down the aisle. Actually Bryce (our favorite person/the most incredible planner) from Roberts and Co. helped with that. You have to know that when you have kids at your ceremony something might not go perfectly as planned. 

University of Richmond wedding ceremony

Speaking of kids, Madeline is actually a teacher here in Richmond. So she invited all her students and one of her classes came and sand an Irish blessing during the ceremony. It was the most unique and perfect idea. She had a little cookie and lemonade reception for them at U of R. Those little girls are going to remember that for the rest of their lives. I just loved it so much. As a former teacher, I am just so jealous of this and regret not doing this for our wedding. 

After the ceremony we hopped back on the trolley. If you’re on the fence, definitely get the trolley. It’s such a fun and practical addition to a wedding day. 

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Wedding Reception

So the reception. This room was INCREDIBLE. The florals were so, so gorgeous. The centerpieces were incredible. The floral linens on the tables were spectacular. The cake was amazing. The circle bar from Paisley and Jade was so stunning. They just had all the coolest details.

Also, they had the most fun favor for their guests. They had a digital artist there. You could go have her take your picture and she would do a drawing of you and your date that she would email to you. 

We also loved this band, Power to Party. They had incredible transitions and kept everyone on the dance floor the whole night. It was a packed dance floor the whole night. There was just no downtime. 

Also Richmond Photo booth was there. Which I almost didn’t even realize. The VMFA atrium is huge and they just used every square inch of this place. 

It was truly the most incredible day with such an amazing couple. Madeline and Paul, we love y’all. Enjoy a few of our many favorites from this University of Richmond VMFA Wedding! 

Congrats you guys! 

VENUE | VMFA

CEREMONY | University of Richmond

CEREMONY MUSIC | Rhythm of Love 

PLANNER | Bryce Carson, Roberts & Co 

FLORALS | Black Creek Flowers 

INVITES | Paper Plus Calligrapher

CALLIGRAPHY | Pencraft + Post

PAPER GOODS | PaperPlus

LIVE PAINTER | Samia Lynn

BAKERY | Sugar and Salt 

DESSERT | Libbie Market

ENTERTAINMENT | Power to Party, Sam Hill 

DRESS | Mark Ingram Bridal, MYC 

HAIR | BrideFace

MAKEUP | Stephanie Parker 

RENTALS | Rent E Quip, Paisley and Jade, BBJ La Tavola 

PHOTO BOOTH | Richmond Photo Booth 

LIGHTING | Lighting The Event House

TRANSPORTATION | RVA Trolley