Mankin Mansion Wedding in Richmond, VA | From Dining Hall Shifts to Fireworks

Some love stories start with instant sparks. This one started in a college dining hall at Virginia Tech with hairnets, long shifts, and very different work ethics.

The bride and groom met while working together on campus. Connor took the job seriously. Very seriously. Kyle… not so much. His laid-back attitude initially annoyed Connor to no end, but over time his charm wore her down. What started as frustration turned into friendship, then love, and eventually a relationship neither of them could imagine living without.

Their wedding day at Mankin Mansion in Richmond VA was the perfect next chapter. The historic estate set a romantic, elegant backdrop for a day filled with meaningful details and big emotions. One of the most sentimental moments came when the bride stepped into her mother’s wedding dress. Wearing the same gown added a beautiful sense of legacy and made the day feel even more personal and heartfelt.

Bridesmaids wore lush velvet green dresses that popped against the mansion’s classic architecture, while the groomsmen kept things timeless in black suits paired with bold purple ties. The color palette felt elevated, modern, and totally unforgettable.

As a Wedding Photographer in Richmond VA, days like this are pure magic to capture. From quiet moments full of emotion to laughter-filled portraits and joyful celebrations, Mankin Mansion offers stunning scenery at every turn. It’s a venue that allows couples’ personalities and love stories to truly shine.

The night wrapped up with dancing, cheers, and one epic surprise. Just when guests thought the celebration was winding down, fireworks lit up the sky for the couple’s grand send-off. It was the perfect “wow” moment to end a day that already felt larger than life.

From a college dining hall to fireworks at Mankin Mansion in Richmond VA, this couple’s story proves that sometimes love grows on you, and when it does, it’s absolutely worth celebrating.