Cynthia + Conor's Wedding - London to Richmond, VA

After intially meeting around New Year's at an Atlanta bar Cynthia and Conor found it oddly comical how they kept randomly bumping into each other around the city.  It was so funny in fact that they decided to make a first date out of it...and a marriage three years later!  As Londoners the couple decided to have a destination wedding in Virginia.  Cynthia hales from Georgia and Conor from Virginia, so Richmond was the perfect spot.  The Southern city also percolates with that very vintage aura which Cynthia would use to set the theme of their wedding.

Cynthia LOVES vintage things!  The craftsmanship and quality of venerable objects sparks a fire of wonder and curiosity.  While brainstorming with her friend, Robin, Cynthia mentioned to her Dad that she wanted a vintage-feel to her wedding.  Robin's Father graciouslly offered his vintage brooch collection for her use.  With 50-75 brooches Cynthia fashioned her bouquet, with enough for her flower girl's bouquet as well.  So, in lieu of fresh florals, Cynthia had a bouquet of brooches; to perhaps be passed on down the line one day.

Cynthia's Ann Taylor necklace struck the perfect balance between the vintage and modernity.  The large, clear stones were subtle enough to not overwhlem the delicate details of Cynthia's gorgeous dress.

  

Beautiful letter press stationery by The Cordial Cricket.

Cynthia, you are devastatingly GORGEOUS!

Darling shoes by J. Renee.  Conor's handsome suit, tie and belt are from Hugo Boss.

The bridesmaids were given a carte blanche by Cynthia:  They could wear any dress they wanted, as long as it was jewel-toned.  The florist, Al Brockwell of Flora Culture, incoroporated these colors in to the bouquets for a multi-faceted effect, much like a gemstone.  I love when a design idea is fleshed-out but not taken too literally.  Do you know what mean?  Like on Project Runway when the judges refer to something as "too literal," meaning the design isn't a pleasing nod to the inspiration, it is literally the item taken to the point of overkill.

The Poe Museum was gorgeous.  There were so many lush Virginia trees that the ceremony felt like it was in a room with a tree branch ceiling.  The foliage also provided a nice refuge from the sun!  

Look at Cynthia's niece working that aisle!

The Newlyweds!  Wait.  Or are they...?  Read on...

I think Hugo Boss has Conor in mind when designing suits.  Conor looked youthful, effortlessly chic and yet every bit the hip music afficionado that he is.  Conor, you rock.

Cynthia's delicate birdcage veil is from Bridal Veil Falls NYC.  Her impeccable hair was sculpted by Brigid Carfery at Rituals Salon and Spa.

Cynthia, you are so so beautiful!  As every woman knows, there is always a story of The Dress.  Frustrated by well-intentioned sales associates Cynthia and her friend, Erin, popped into Priscilla of Boston's showroom after a benefit walk.  Adorned in a t-shirt and old workout pants Cynthia was in no mood to be trifled with.  She and Erin grabbed six dresses and took to the dressing room.  Being a sartorial savant (with years in the fashion industry), Cynthia had a list in her mind of attributes that the dress needed to espouse:  Trumpet style, strapless, no bling, interesting detail in the fabric, and all in offwhite or cream.  That's all.


Cynthia found The One with a smooth zip of Melissa Sweet's Newport dress (and at 80% off...).  A dress that would have found clients in the Golden Era of Hollywood.  What made the dress of greater importance to Cynthia was the store's name, "Priscilla," the name of Cynthia's sister that passed away six years ago.  She felt like it was a sign that this was the dress.     

Cynthia being greeted by family into The Main Street Station, an active train station in Richmond.  The architecture is so regal and ornate.  It feels like you're about to step on a platform to take you to Heaven.  

This Grecian silk delight was Cynthia's getaway gown by Calvin Klein.  Conor's groomsman and former bandmate surprised him with an original song.  I still remember the tune and how she "Cynthia-sized his heart."  It was so sweet and funny and Conor never saw it coming!    

This is one of my favorite images that I have ever captured at a wedding.  The way the light is streaming through the window past the guests looks like dozens of vintage cameras shooting off at precisely the right moment.  I love the vintage-feel of black and white film.  There really is nothing else like it.

Here's a little secret that I didn't find out until after the wedding...Cynthia and Conor were already married!  When Conor was transferred to the UK for work Cynthia and Conor needed to get married asap in order for Cynthia to acquire her visa.  Off they crept to the NYC City Hall to get hitched!  Characteristically sweet, the two kept their marriage a secret until after the wedding, since they didn't want to take away the "moment" from their guests attending.


Thank you, thank you Cynthia and Conor for having me out for your big day.  Every minute was a joy.  Also, thank you to Grey Likes Weddings for featuring Cynthia and Conor's wedding! 


Interested in having me capture your wedding?  Shoot me an email at amelia.johnson.photography@gmail.com.