The forecast for this past Saturday called for thunderstorms all day.  We were all certain we were in for a super rainy wedding day.  The dark gray clouds filled the sky when we pulled up the church, but with in 20 minutes, they were gone…and they never returned!!

We started the day in Petersburg at Saint Joseph Catholic Church.  This church is so beautiful, from the stained glass & architecture to the original hardwood floors.  The service was beautiful as well!  Father Brian spoke to everyone about marriage being a representation of Jesus in that he is selfless and sacrificial, just as we need to be in with our spouse.  He said that in a very positive way, not to be taken as a chore but as a privilege – we GET to be selfless for our spouse!  You are choosing to love someone more than you love yourself and put their needs before your own, just as Christ did when he died for us.  It was such a great message, one that we all need to be reminded of constantly.

Once the ceremony was over, everyone headed up to Richmond for the reception at The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing.  The Boathouse has SUCH an incredible view!  We drive down route 5 to church every Sunday and pass by Rockett’s Landing.  We are taken back by the view of the city every single time!  We love it!  So to be at a reception with this view all afternoon & evening was amazing!

To kick off the reception, Richard & Caterina had their first dance, which was a choreographed ballroom dance.  It was stunning!!  I was SO impressed!  Caterina’s dress was PERFECT for twirling, too (which you will see a lot of in this post because we love it!).  Next, she and her father danced and I thought that was choreographed as well BUT, come to find out, Caterina’s dad and is a legit ballroom dancer!  This man has been dancing for a long time!  John & his wife started taking lessons years ago and loved it!  When she passed away, he continued dancing and Caterina would even go with him.  She knows to just let him lead and so that is what she did!  It was beautiful!

Caterina & Richard are both such caring and loving people, and you could tell that throughout the entire day.  Their hearts are pure gold and we loved spending the day with them.  Caterina & Richard have both lost parents to cancer (Richards mother & father, Caterina’s mother) all within the last 8 years.  One of their wedding favors was a donation to the VCA Massey Cancer Center.  This touched my heart SO much and I KNOW their guests truly appreciated it.  Their guests were all family and very close friends, majority of them had all been touched by these parents that they lost.  I know everyone’s hearts were heavy this day too and parts of the day were very emotional for them.  However, on a day all about them & a day that people should be doing for THEM, they wanted to give back!

That isn’t the only way you could tell how caring these two are.  Throughout the day, they were both making sure guests were happy, fed, and had drinks in had.  Caterina was even walking around the reception, rocking babies to sleep!!  Then, she personally brought over a cupcake to be sure I had one (honey lavender cupcake {her own idea} from Carytown Cupcakes, absolutely).  I just love this girl!

Okay okay – I know this was longer than usual BUT it all needed to be said!!!!   We just loved this day, loved this couple, and we are SO happy they are together!!  Congrats Richard and Caterina – thank you both for choosing us and have a great honeymoon!!!

{Check vendor list as the end of the post – these vendors are AMAZING!!!!}

This was a gift from her aunts – written by her mother, in her mother’s handwriting!!!










These rings belonged to her mother so she wore them on her right hand.






Girl, you are GORGEOUS!!












THAT VEIL!!!!!



















I told you – it is the perfect twirl dress!










We took a LOT of portraits and I LOVED IT!

Not only is this dress perfect for twirling AND has a lace back, it has POCKETS!












Oh ya know, just being a baby whisperer on her wedding day.  Another day at the office.

VENDORS:

Reception Venue:  The Boathouse
Florist:  Flowers by Zoie
Wedding Coordinator: Laura from The Boathouse
DJ:  Bill Irwin
Dance Lessons: Simply Ballroom- Veronica Nugent
Gown:  Bridal Elegance
Bridesmaids Attire: Skirt – Etsy, Top – Nordstrom
Grooms Attire:  Men’s Wearhouse
Catering:  The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing
Hair & Makeup:  Avenue 42
Cake & Cupcakes:  Carytown Cupcakes
Photo Booth: Magic Mirror

XOXO – Caiti