Melissa and Joel’s wedding was a stunning celebration that showcased some of the best that Richmond has to offer. Their intimate ceremony took place at Libby Hill Park, followed by an incredible wedding reception at The Jefferson Hotel. The way they structured their day was a little different from the traditional format, making it uniquely personal and stress-free.

A Private Ceremony at Libby Hill Park

One of the most interesting aspects of their wedding day was the decision to keep their ceremony small and private. Instead of inviting all their guests, they took a trolley ride through Richmond with just immediate family. Once they got to Libby Hill Park, a close friend officiated the ceremony by the fountain. While this choice led to some playful teasing from their friends—like Joel’s best man, who humorously pointed out that he wasn’t even invited—it created an intimate and meaningful experience for Melissa and Joel.

Libby Hill Park is one of Richmond’s most iconic locations for a wedding ceremony. It offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the James River all in one spot. The ceremony was calm, personal, and beautifully low-key, with their dog Louise even making a special appearance!

A Relaxed Morning at The Jefferson Hotel

Melissa’s morning set the tone for a stress-free wedding day. Instead of a bustling bridal suite filled with bridesmaids and stylists, it was just her and her makeup artist, Ashlyn, getting ready in a luxurious suite at The Jefferson Hotel. With a basketball game playing in the background, the atmosphere was relaxed and easygoing.

She even had time to play tennis with her best friends before heading back to get dressed. This kind of relaxed start isn’t for everyone, but for brides who appreciate a calm morning, it’s something to consider when planning a wedding day timeline.

Jefferson Hotel first look before Libby Hill

Melissa and Joel had their first look at The Jefferson Hotel, a location full of classic elegance. Afterward, they hopped onto a trolley with their family and made their way to Libby Hill Park for their ceremony. The trolley experience allowed them to take in some of the best sights in Richmond while creating a fun, celebratory atmosphere with their loved ones.

Sunset Portraits at Libby Hill

After the ceremony, we captured portraits of Melissa and Joel with their family and, of course, their dog, Louise. The lighting at Libby Hill Park was absolutely perfect—a soft, overcast sky that allowed us to see the city and river clearly without harsh shadows. It was one of those rare Richmond days where everything just aligned beautifully.

A Grand Reception at The Jefferson Hotel

After a calm and scenic afternoon, the couple made their way to The Jefferson Hotel for a lively reception. The ballroom was packed with friends and family, ready to celebrate. As soon as they arrived, they took a quiet moment together to grab a drink and snack—a smart move for any couple before mingling with guests.

Melissa and Joel made their grand entrance down the iconic Jefferson staircase before stepping into a high-energy celebration. Their band, Trademark, kept the party going all night, and the ballroom looked absolutely stunning. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone having an incredible time dancing and reconnecting.

Meaningful connections – Libby Hill Jefferson Hotel Wedding

One of the best parts of this wedding was seeing familiar faces. Melissa had been a bridesmaid in a previous wedding we photographed, so it was a full-circle moment to now capture her big day. When you see guests at multiple weddings, it’s always a good sign—because it means you’re surrounded by truly great people.

Melissa and Joel’s wedding was a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration, Richmond charm, and elegant style. From the intimate ceremony at Libby Hill Park to the grand reception at The Jefferson Hotel, every detail was thoughtfully designed to reflect who they are as a couple.

Enjoy a few of our many favorites from this unforgettable day!

Here’s another Libby Hill Park Ceremony