Stephanie + Mike -A footloose and fancy-free epic dance party at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, VA

After the toasts were done and the carb loading dinner has been served at the Pocahontas State Park Dining Hall, it’s was time to crank up this epic dance party! With the dance floor as packed as a RVA night club, DJ Duffy spun an epic playlist that kept the floor rocking long into the night.

The Story

The first time we spoke was over the phone. I was hanging out at a mutual friend’s house and Mike had gotten lost somewhere in Richmond. Our friend put me on the phone to try to help Mike navigate – Mike misunderstood and thought my name was Jeffeny. We met in person about a month later at a friend’s house and immediately hit it off. I’m still saved in his phone as Jeffeny.

The Proposal

Every year Mike and I spend a night or two over President’s Day weekend at a hotel or B&B in the area as a little staycation to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The year he proposed we were planning to treat ourselves and stay at the Jefferson. Mike had planned to propose at the Jefferson but the night before we left, we had a game night at our house with friends and after they left we were dancing and listening to music in the living room. Mike said he couldn’t wait any longer and ran into the bedroom and came out with the ring. He proposed right there in the living room and it was perfect.

The Dress

I bought my dress at Bliss Bridal. I think I knew my dress was the one because it just checked all the boxes. It was classic but sexy. Plus, POCKETS!

First Look

We did see each other that morning. We chose to spend the night at home together the night before the wedding and we actually said repeatedly to each other that day that we’re SO glad we chose to do that. To begin with, being able to decompress with each other the night before and kind of hit the reset button on all the stress and anxiety and remember that it’s just about the two of us in the end helped relax us so much before the big day. Also, being able to wake up together on the morning of our wedding, the same as we always do everyday kind of reinforced for me that it’s a big day, but ultimately, it’s about celebrating the regular day to day life that we’ve built together.

Favorite Moment

So hard to choose! Dancing all night with our friends and family was probably my favorite part. My whole family and all of our friends love to dance, so it was really a big party. Whether it was dancing with my mom to Footloose or dancing with my BFF to the AMAZING Lady Gaga medley put together by DJ Duffy – it was definitely the best dance party ever.

Advice for future couples planning their wedding

Firstly, always remember it’s about the two of you. Your guests can feel the special, personal touches that you put on your wedding, everything from decorations to music to food, etc. Have fun and just be present with each other. It’s easy to get caught up and overwhelmed with all the attention and so many people asking questions or giving opinions. When those stressful moments come, take a quiet second with you and your fiancé/spouse to just be with each other and remember what it’s all about.