University of Richmond Wedding | Alexa and Jordan
If you don’t know us yet, my husband and I are a travel photo/video team working toward capturing a wedding in all 50 states. That being said, we truly could not have asked for a better wedding to bring us over to Virginia! It’s as though the whole state was showing off for this University of Richmond wedding. The weather was perfect, the venues were stunning, and we got to spend the day with the best of couples!
From the moment we arrived on campus, we knew this was going to be something special. Everywhere we looked, we were met with gorgeous architecture, spring florals, and even a waterfront! The chapel itself took our breath away! Just look at these bright, stained-glass windows and tall arches, complete with an organ at the top of the stage!
Kayla Johnson (the University wedding coordinator) met us directly, and we couldn’t have asked for a better contact with the venue! She was so friendly and knowledgeable about the whole campus. After our tour with her, we were already set that we want to capture more University of Richmond weddings ♡
I thought we had seen everything, but I was quickly proven wrong. When Alexa got into her beautiful Jane Hill Fairmont gown, I discovered the missing piece that this venue truly needed. This refined dress with a sweetheart neckline brought out her elegant beauty perfectly and accented the timeless romance of the chapel.
What is a bride without her groom waiting at the end of the aisle? Jordan and his guys were so easy to work with from the very beginning! They were ready to go, easy to pose, and genuinely just a pleasant group to be around! It takes two to make a beautiful wedding day, and these two were not lacking anywhere.
I can’t move on before talking about the beautiful spring florals, done by Wild Flora Event Co. As Hannah puts it, “soft spring sophistication marries timeless and whimsy”. I couldn’t have said it better myself. They were the perfect detail to complete the overall vibe of the day and bring spring life into the historical site.
First Looks in the University of Richmond Memorial Garden
Alexa shared her first sneak peek with the girls who stood at her side for the special day and many days before that: her bridesmaids! The squeals of delight rang through the garden and got spirits soaring right of the bat.
One first look that I will always love is the one with the bride’s father figure. Alexa met her dad behind the chapel and shared a sweet moment together before he walked her down the aisle.
Sometimes, the sweetest surprise is the one you don’t see coming – at all! Alexa and I got quite the laugh from Jordan’s first look when he admitted he was wrong about everything he guessed concerning the dress she would choose. He legitimately couldn’t have imagined such a perfect fit for her.
This perfect moment helped shake off all of the pre-ceremony jitters, and we had a ball capturing some fun portraits before time to tuck away!
University of Richmond Ceremony in Cannon Memorial Chapel
At the University of Richmond, only one place could have held this couple’s reverent wedding ceremony: the Cannon Memorial Chapel.
The classical renditions of worship songs had me swooning during the processional. It was like the Spirit rode on the music and gripped my heart. I’m so thankful Alexa and Jordan will be able to relive that moment in all of its magnitude with the raw footage.
As a photographer, I couldn’t get enough of the way the sun shines through the stained-glass windows, creating a semi-natural lighting with a rainbow glow to it. During the ceremony, this made every shot feel like a piece of fine art. Afterwards, we played with it a little for bridal and couple portraits.
Wedding Reception at The Lodge at Hope Church
Once we got over to Hope Church, Alexa and Jordan had a time of connection and breaking bread with their guests! Their fantastic dinner and bar were provided by Cater 2 Events, and I could not recommend them more! Every detail of the menu was perfect, and they offered a wide variety of classy appetizers alongside a fine beef tenderloin entree.
In memory of Jordan’s late mother, they had a mother/son dance that included the whole crowd. What a sweet idea! I’m sure she was there to enjoy every moment of it.
They ended the night celebrating on the dancefloor with a live band: The Dundies. Nobody has to tell them how to bring on the celebration! It felt like a full concert, where the bride and groom were awarded a Dundie trophy to commemorate the occasion. All in all, a perfect day and the best couple to celebrate with.
Richmond Wedding Vendor Team
Photo/Video in this post: Next Door Digital
Ceremony Venue: The University of Richmond
Reception Venue: The Lodge at Hope Church
Catering/Bar: Cater 2 Events
Florals: Wild Flora Event Co.
Entertainment: The Dundies
Coordination: Hope Church
DJ: Hope Church
Esther Landers
Wedding/Lifestyle Photographer + Videographer
Hey there! I’m Esther Landers, a professional photographer and videographer. With a bachelor’s in Digital Media Arts and 5+ years in business, I am always learning and growing in my craft ❤️ My favorite part of this job is getting sucked up in new love stories that get me emotional all the time 🥹
I am a sucker for a good hand kiss, a classic Jane Austen novel, and the perfect emotional black and white photo 😍 James and I love to work together and often travel with our two little boys to capture love stories all over the country. We’re full of wanderlust and in love with our family!
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature” – Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
Leave a Reply