Mary + Michael – Two cat lovers become one with a garden wedding a Maymont in Richmond, VA

A horse drawn carriage ride led the bride down to the Italian Gardens at Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia to meet her soul mate. Both of them met because of the love of cats and now they tie the knot with a perfect June wedding in the garden.

 

The Story

We met online on OKCupid. I have a black cat and Mike had a white cat in his profile picture. That gave me the courage to start the conversation over our cats.

The Proposal

We were so nonchalant about it 🙂 Mike was close to finishing graduate school at VCU and started talking about the post-grad job search and where he might look. I told him “Well, if you want me to go with you, I’ll need a longer-term commitment!” It was around January/February and we kept hearing radio commercials about buying rings and one Saturday we decided to go look for a ring together. My mom offered us several diamonds – her own (because she only wears her band), her mother’s, and her grandmother’s. We ended up using her grandmother’s (my great-grandmother) diamond in a new ring from Vera’s Jeweler in Midlothian. I think we went on a Saturday and it was ready by that following Tuesday. Mike picked it up and surprised me one day after work. It was an unusually warm day in February, so he suggested we go out in the yard of our apartment. Then he pulled out the ring and said, “Look what I got today!” that was it. I put it on, and we kissed/hugged. He never got down on one knee or asked, “will you marry me”! Ha!

 

 

The Dress

Well, I had bought a dress from a store. I went alone, which I regret. It was probably the third dress I put on and it fit like a glove, maybe even a little too tight, so I bought the next size up. This was before we knew the wedding would be in hot, hot Richmond in June. It had a chapel train, layers of organza, and beaded lace sleeves. I ruminated over this dress for months. Would I be too hot? Would I still like it? I went home to Richmond for spring break in April 2018. By then I had lost about 20lbs and the dress looked loose! My mom graciously offered to help me find another dress. While I felt like a fool, we went to Dillard’s and found a relatively affordable dress by Calvin Klein. I am so happy with that choice! It felt great to wear in hot weather and looks great in pictures!

 

 

 

Favorite Moment

When Dani the horse farted during our post-ceremony carriage ride. It was hilarious.

 

Advice for couples planning their wedding

Get a coordinator! Even if it’s someone to wrap up the final details and not plan the entire thing from start to finish, it’s worth it.

 

 

VENDOR CREDITS

Photography | Awesomesauce Photography

Caterer | Sharper Palate

Ceremony and Reception Venue | Maymont

Florals | Stems and Sweets Florist 

Event Planner | The Hive Wedding Collective

DJ | Bunn DJ Company

Harpist |Danielle Caldwell

Transportation | James River Transportation

Hair and Makeup  | Ahead of Hair Midlothian

Dress Store | Dillard’s by Calvin Klein

Bridesmaids dresses | Azazie and David’s Bridal 

Groom’s Attire | Men’s Warehouse -shirt/pants, Jos A Bank – suspenders, The Tie Bar – bowtie

Awesomesauce Photography offers colorful, fun, and emotional storytelling wedding photography at an affordable price. Based in Richmond, VA available for travel worldwide.