A Classic Handmade Virginia Wedding

Sometimes it is hard not to get caught up in what’s ‘trendy’ or ‘in’. Today’s wedding is so effortlessly romantic and chic, it has such a timeless feel. I love the soft colors, the gorgeous gown, and the lovely handmade details. The guest book ‘bowl’ is amazing! What a sweet treasure to keep and have in your home.

The beautiful bride Nicole shares:

When we decided to get married, we didn’t even have a ring. We were too in love to wait! We started the search for a ring and came across it by chance in a local jeweler’s shop. I tried it on, and it was perfect in every way. We didn’t even have to size the ring. Immediately we knew this was the one and we bought it on the spot. I didn’t even take it off.  That ring really set the tone for our wedding. It looks like an antique, but isn’t. It combined the old and new in just the perfect way. That combination of vintage romance and modern elegance was really what I wanted the wedding to embody.

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

We chose our venue (John Marshall Hotel in Richmond, VA) while it was still under renovation. The bare bones and pictures of it from the 1920’s were enough for us to decide it was the right spot for our ceremony and reception. After that, everything really fell into place.

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

My family is from Portugal and I wanted to include bits of my heritage throughout the wedding. Our invitations featured a stylized Portuguese heart, our favors were hand painted tiles brought by my mother from Portugal, we served traditional Portuguese Vinho Verde, and many tables were covered with my family’s personal collection of hand made linens. We found out a friend of ours started a new business (Retrospect Rentals) renting vintage and antique furniture for events and we were able to have velvet couches and old steamer trunks to add to the ambiance. Truly everything was gorgeous and the wedding went swimmingly! Our guests danced the night away and we had trouble getting everyone to leave! I wish we could do it all over again!

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

classic neutrals wedding | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer

Photography | Rabiah Khwaja Gohar Photographer | Venue | The John Marshall Hotel | Planner & Paper Goods | Fete Studio | Rentals | Retrospect Rentals