Elegant Museum Wedding in Richmond, VA

On a beautiful spring day and May, Rakeshia and Greg tied the knot in an elegant museum wedding in Richmond, VA.

Rakeshia & Greg’s Love Story

How they Met

Rakeshia and Greg met on Match.com but quickly discovered some things they had in common. They share a love of The Lion King and Jay-Z. Most notably, even though they didn’t meet there, they both attended Old Dominion University at the same time. They had their first date at a haunted house on Halloween in 2019 (how fun is that?).

How they Fell In Love

The pair knew they were in love because they quickly fell into an easy friendship. “We felt like we could be ourselves and that there was nothing we couldn’t discuss,” says Rakeshia. Even throughout a full year of long distance, “we both put forth the effort and thought of ways to make the other person feel special. Some of the things we did for each other were surprise dates at concerts, comedy shows, and GardenFest of lights at the botanical gardens.”

What they Love Most About Each Other

I had the honor and privilege of photographing Rakeshia and Greg’s engagement session, and it immediately became clear how much these two love each other. “Gregory is so selfless and always thinking of others,” says Rakeshia when asked what she loves most about her now-husband. “Rakeshia is so outgoing and loves God,” says Greg.

The Proposal

Greg proposed to Rakeshia in New Orleans. “We already had a trip planned there so I didn’t expect a proposal or anything,” says Rakeshia. “We had a date night planned for dinner at a local restaurant. Gregory suggested we go somewhere else first before dinner, but I was rolling my eyes because I was hungry! We arrive at a lake with boats. So we get on a gondola and that was where Gregory proposed. We were serenaded by music and later received champagne and roses that were hidden by the gondolier. It was beautiful and I’ll never forget how special it was.”

Elegant Museum Wedding Details

The Perfect Color Palette for an Elegant Museum Wedding

The bride and groom chose a lovely, vibrant color palette that paired perfectly with their elegant museum wedding. Gold was the perfect neutral metallic backdrop for bright pops of teal and hints of blush blooms.

Stationary & Paper Goods

I adore the stunning wax seal monogram adorned with floral details. Paired with the calligraphy script, the invitation suite strikes the perfect balance between romantic and modern details, elevating Rakeshia and Greg’s elegant museum wedding to a degree of perfection rarely achieved in the wedding world.

Flowers Fit for an Elegant Museum Wedding

Another detail that elevates Rakeshia and Greg’s wedding to a new level of fabulous? The jaw dropping flowers. The bride kept her bouquet structure simple, yet classic. Lemon leaves provided the perfect base for white peonies, blush roses, europa astilbe, and white stock. The bouquet was hand tied with teal fabric and a floral broach.

But by far one of my favorite elements of Rakeshia and Greg’s elegant museum wedding was the arbor, a ten foot behemoth adorned top to bottom in lush greenery, white hydrangea, blush roses, and delicately curved orchids. This arbor felt like it belonged at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a temporary installment for the viewing pleasure of all who encountered it (Interested in more weddings at the VMFA, check out Brian & Patrick’s wedding). Truly, I could not imagine a more perfect structure for the couple to stand under as they took their vows!

Getting Ready for an Elegant Museum Wedding

The Dress

Rakeshia’s dress was a true stunner: a simple column silhouette with sweetheart neckline, embellished with a row of classic buttons along a lace illusion back. The fingertip length veil with matching lace trim tied the whole look together.

The Tux

Greg’s fitted white tuxedo jacket with black lapels, paired with a black bow tie and dapper black loafers were the epitome of modern style with a hint of vintage flair.

An Elegant Museum Wedding Ceremony

One of my favorite parts of the entire wedding day? While everyone looks at the bride on her way down the aisle, I like to look at the groom. Greg’s face said it all; everything Greg he was thinking and all the love he was feeling was palpable.

An Elegant Museum Wedding Reception

Gold chargers with teal napkins on white tablecloths surrounded centerpieces in varying heights, creating an upscale look with tons of visual interest.