Today we are sharing Emily and Spencer’s Science Museum of Virginia wedding day. 

I think that last time we were at the science museum, it was before we got married.  And then the time before that, it was for prom. 

So it’s not somewhere we are super familiar with. 

But you know what?  It’s such a cool place to get married. I was chatting with Emily and Spencer about this while we were taking portraits.  A lot of time when people pick a populated wedding venue. Like a place that might have other people (like a beach, or winery) it can be a little strange people you are in the midst of people who are there as your guests. 

But the science museum is such a large property, your guests may have never seen someone who wasn’t a part of the wedding. There are so many pockets of private spaces at the science museum. 

Really the only time we ran into other people is when we choose to take portraits at the very front of the building with the large columns. So there, we had to deal with some people coming and going from the museum, but it was worth it. 

Do what you want (Science Museum of Virginia Wedding)

Emily and Spencer decided they wanted a really laidback feel for their Science Museum of Virginia wedding.  They just wanted something relaxed and fun. Sort of like a barbecue with their friends and family. Nothing over the top.  And I think they definitely achieved that. 

The reception area is a massive tent, so they filled the space with a bunch of lawn games. Two things corn hole, giant Jenga, and that kind of thing on one half. Then the tables and food and such on the other. 

They definitely didn’t even need the tent for this day.  It was beautiful outside.  Actually as the day went on, more and more people migrated outside where they had some other lawn games.  

The barbecue was awesome.  Oak and Apple – it’s absolutely delicious. 

Emily and Spencer were an absolutely delight.  They were so kind and so sweet, as was their entire bridal party and family. 

It also seemed like you could rent out the atrium at the science museum, right at the front of the building – so that would also be a cool spot as the wedding venue. 

I was a little hesitant about the train area in the back as portraits.  Spencer wanted to take portraits back there, and it was actually one of my favorite.  It was so fun. 

This year we are sharing things you should steal from this Science Museum of Virginia wedding if you are planning your own. 

1 – Create some DIYs

They built their arbor, Emily’s veil was made from her mom’s wedding dress, the table runner, and the guestbook were all DIYs.

I actually heard guests come up to them and say, “this just feels so authentically you”.  And I think that those touches were part of it.  Those DIYs made so much of their day more personal and more them.  Y’all know we love a DIY (see Crafternoons). 

2 – Do whatever you want (Science Museum of Virginia wedding)

Emily and Spencer weren’t let’s have a huge dance party people – they were let’s play games and chat with friends people.  So that’s exactly what they did. 

It does not matter what you’re “supposed to do”.  I loved the they just stayed really true to who they were while planning. 

3 – Switch up the reception introductions 

We love when people cut out the normal “events” at a reception. You don’t need to be announced, or do a bouquet toss, or whatever. But if you are, make it your own.  

Emily and Spencer were actually introduced first. Then they grabbed the mic and introduced each of their bridal party members.  I loved that it was super personalized and a fun way to honor those people. Like Spencer did, “I was only a little terrified that he was going to loose the rings – introducing my brother…” 

I think it made it really fun for those people to be identified a little more for the guests and way more fun than watching an awkward dance from each person. 

Enjoy a few of our many favorites from Emily and Spencer’s Science Museum of Virginia wedding day.  Congrats you guys! 

THE TEAM OF VENDORS

VENUE | The Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond
CATERER | Oak and Apple
FLORIST | Wegmans
BAKERY | Pearl’s
BRIDAL SALON | David’s Bridal