Wanting the perfect balance of classic and unique, a wedding at The Virginia Fine Arts Museum was the most perfect location for this couple. The wedding of #AnnaliseRealBride Shelby and her husband, Martin, was one for the books!
The Couple
The couple met here in Richmond at the VCU Brandcenter and stayed friends all through their time at school. The two started dating right after graduation and “the rest is history.” On a trip to Copenhagen, Martin brought her to one of her favorite places to propose. In their favorite city in the world and a beautiful library, Shelby says it was wonderful to be “ surrounded by books in our special city” for one of the most magical moments of their lives.
A Wedding at The VMFA
The VMFA was the perfect backdrop to continue their love story. “We adore the museum and have spent so much time there.” Located in the most fitting place, their favorite neighborhood in the city, The Fan. She loved that all wedding events were within a 3 block radius make it easier on guests and it’s just the most beautiful place to stroll.
One of the best parts about having a wedding at an art museum is getting to see all the stunning art! “ We had the ceremony in the Atrium and the reception in the Marble Hall. Guests got to go through the modern art exhibit on their way to cocktail hour and they could peruse certain galleries throughout the night. It was a perfect venue.”
The Flowers
Shelby says “I could talk about the magic of Secret Flowers for days.” A local Richmond floral company who has a fun and ethereal artistic flare on the bridal floral industry. Using not only common florals but wildflowers, greenery and even vegetables! After looking at Shelby’s Pinterest board she gave them the okay to run with it and it was the best decision, “The flowers were better than we ever could have even imagined. The ceremony felt like a dreamy meadow and the reception was equally stunning with column-climbing arrangements.” We are completely obsessed!
The Most Perfect Dress
For her bridal look, our bride wasn’t afraid of a little drama! Shelby wanted something with “a more classic or traditional silhouette, but with super interesting, unique details in the form of texture, pattern or shape. I wanted it to be timeless, but also very chic.” She tried on lots of different styles leaning more classic and more trendy. Then finally landed on a dress that was the perfect mix of both! “ At first glance, it’s a strapless ball gown, but it’s so much more – a bodice that’s a work of art and cascading, asymmetrical tulle ruffles all the way down the skirt.” She was an absolute vision in Kristiane by Watters!
Some Advice for Future Brides
This wedding felt warm and natural just like the couple themselves. You can see and feel the love and emotions through photos. Shelby wouldn’t change a single thing about her wedding day! She gives some great advice for future brides, “Stay true to yourself as a couple. The biggest compliment we received about our wedding was that it was “so us“. Do it your way!”
And to any brides nervous to start dress shopping she says, “As for the dress, when you go shopping (at Annalise!!), bring your girls and have fun with it. Choose the dress that makes you feel like an angel!”
Blog by Kennedy Williams
Couple: Shelby & Martin / Venue: Virginia Fine Arts Museum / Photographer: Kate Thompson Weddings / Planner: The Hive Wedding Co / Hair: Kourtney Morgan / Makeup: Society1111 / Florals: Secret Flowers Fun / DJ: Rudy H Lopez / Rentals: Rent Equip VA / Seamstress: Fariba Bridal Alterations
