A Southern Gothic Wedding With Black Nails And Neck Tattoos
Christine and David, an offbeat couple, had their hearts set on hosting an unforgettable winter wedding at The Estate at River Run in Richmond, Virginia. As soon as they laid eyes on this opulent mansion perched high above the James River, they knew it was the perfect setting for their moody and lush celebration. Christine, with her affinity for the Victorian era and a flair for the dramatic, brought a touch of woodland queen elegance to the proceedings.
Meanwhile, David’s enthusiasm for the venue’s grandeur only added to the excitement. Together, they envisioned a winter wonderland wedding that would leave a lasting impression on their friends and family. With Renee Jean Photography capturing every magical moment, this special day was destined to be one for the books.
Tell us about the Southern Gothic couple
David and Christine’s paths initially crossed by chance at their workplace several years ago. Christine joined a conversation David was having and made a mental note of his charming presence. Later, after conducting some online research, it became apparent that David wasn’t available at the time, and life continued as usual. Years went by, and both Christine and David found themselves single again.
Unbeknownst to Christine, David had been harboring feelings for her, often referring to her as his ‘work wife’ among friends! Despite their lack of meaningful interactions, they would occasionally exchange hellos in the hallway. The turning point arrived when Christine’s workgroup required assistance from David’s group on a project. David devised a plan to volunteer himself, allowing him to engage with Christine more frequently.
During the project, they discovered common ground and exchanged stories about their tattoos. After parting ways, Christine decided to reach out to David, posing an innocent question as a ruse to prolong their conversation. This marked the beginning of their daily lunch breaks together at work, where they would delve into profound discussions.
Lanterns, swords, and romance at this royal winter wedding in Australia
On the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland, Katie and Ezra brought a touch of Old World British charm to their special day at the House of Laurels. The venue’s natural beauty was perfectly complemented by the couple’s whimsical and romantic vision, complete with lanterns, capes, tiaras, and even a tartan-clad pup. As the big day unfolded, the atmosphere was reminiscent of a fairytale winter wedding. With its grandeur, spectacle, and romance, it was a truly unforgettable celebration.
In another part of their love story, David and Christine found that their differences were strikingly unique, yet they shared a deep connection. Without knowing exactly how their relationship would evolve, both took a bold leap of faith and became a couple, paving the way for a beautiful journey together.
Tell us about the Southern Gothic wedding planning
It’s no surprise that Christine and her partner-to-be would want to relive their whirlwind romance on their special day. After all, it only took them six months to realize they were meant to be together forever – and so, they exchanged vows in a stunning mausoleum-turned-chapel at Hollywood Cemetery. But what made this love story truly unique was the unbreakable bond formed between Christine and her wedding planner/bridesmaid, Christine.
Theirs was a connection that went beyond mere professionalism – it was as if they were kindred spirits who shared a deep frustration with the monotonous color palette that has dominated the wedding industry in recent years (pale blush, eucalyptus, and ivory being the usual culprits). For Christine, the bride-to-be, this meant having the perfect opportunity to express herself and channel her inner Regina George from Once Upon a Time.
And what better way to do so than with a show-stopping, lace-covered ballgown featuring illusion sleeves courtesy of Sottero and Midgley? Pair that with a regal cape fit for a queen from Justin Alexander Signature, and the couple’s vision was finally realized – along with their love story, which would forever be sealed in the hearts of all who witnessed it.
17 winter wedding headpieces & veils to transform you into a snow queen
Winter weddings are a treasure trove of fashion inspiration. The snow-covered scenery provides a picturesque backdrop for wedding portraits that are simply breathtaking. To complement this winter wonderland, I’ve curated a selection of matching winter wedding headpieces, veils, crowns, and hats that incorporate natural elements like snowflakes, crystals, and juniper. These accessories will add an extra layer of elegance to your wintry wedding ensemble.
For added sophistication, consider incorporating rich shades of burgundy, merlot, and crimson into your floral arrangements to balance out the bold pops of black and gold throughout the ceremony and reception. To complete the winter wonderland theme, a beautifully designed cake featuring hand-carved cherubs on an ivory and gold two-tier masterpiece from Sweet Fix will surely impress. With these details in place, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable winter wedding.
Tell us about the Southern Gothic wedding ceremony
As the ceremony unfolded before their eyes, it took place against the stunning backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows in the grand mansion, where carefully curated architectural pieces framed the couple’s special moment. The atmosphere was nothing short of idyllic. In a glimpse into their heartfelt promises to one another, they shared vows that would be featured in full next week.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the tender sentiments: ‘I promise to prioritize personal growth over being right, knowing that accountability and self-awareness are hallmarks of true maturity in our relationship. I vow to celebrate and encourage you, stepping back when it’s your time to take center stage. With unshakeable commitment, I pledge to invest my time, energy, and financial resources in building a life together with our new family.
And finally, I promise to laugh at – not mock – the choices you make, because let’s be honest, some of those choices were made by yours truly.’
Vendors
The dream team behind this beautiful wedding includes Planner/Designer The Hive Wedding Collective, who can be found on Instagram at @thehiveweddingco. The stunning venue was The Estate at River Run, showcased on IG as @estateatriverrun. Catering was provided by Cater 2 Events, available to follow on Instagram at @cater2events. Renee Jean Photography, which can be found at @reneejeanphotography, captured the special moments of the day. The gorgeous floral arrangements were crafted by B.
June Floral Design. Silver Bullets Band, a talented group that can be followed on Instagram as @silverbulletsrva, kept the party going with their lively performance. The bride’s stunning gown was designed by Maggie Sottero, available to admire at @maggiesottero. The groom’s dashing cape was courtesy of Justin Alexander Signature, which can be found online at @signaturebyja.
Adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings was Harmony of Virginia, a skilled harpist that can be followed on Instagram as @shelleygreeneharpist. Beauty services were provided by Amanda Perry Hair + Airbrush, available to follow at @amandaperry. hair. airbrush. The delicious cake was created by Sweet Fix, which can be found online at @sweetfix. Rental equipment was supplied by Rent-E-Quip, a company that can be followed on Instagram as @rentequipva.
Finally, alterations were expertly handled by Evelyn Bagala. The groom’s attire was provided by JoS A Bank, available to follow at @josabank.
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