When Alicia shared the details of her wedding day and told me she and Chris would be having a Cathedral of the Sacred Heart wedding, I was thrilled! I know so many photographers love to photograph outdoor ceremonies, and they ARE beautiful…but there’s something about a wedding ceremony in a stunning cathedral that gets me every time.

If you remember from their engagement session post, Alicia is a coworker of mine.  For several years, I’ve known her to be kind, funny, and passionate about her work as a mental health worker in our community, and it’s been so great.  But, after her and Chris’s wedding day, I’d have to say it’s been the best honor to see her so in love.  What a blessing it is to watch Alicia and Chris light up around each other!  And Chris!  Oh man… I have only met him a couple of times, but the warmth he exudes to others seems to come naturally. Besides, anyone who is the lead singer for a Guns-N-Roses cover band (Rocket Queen) and goes by the name “Blaxl Rose” gets my vote ANY day!  I literally think this is the BEST fun fact about any of my grooms. EVER.  If I still had it, I would have worn my GNR jean jacked from the 80’s!  Lol! Seriously, you guys… Alicia and Chris are the total package and being around them let’s ya’ know why it was an easy choice for family and friends to travel from across the country to celebrate with them.

Alicia and her bridesmaids got ready at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Richmond, Virginia where they spent time in the two-level suite overlooking the heart of the city. The ridiculously gorgeous windows went from floor to ceiling and was a stunning location for Alicia to get into her gown.  An iconic Richmond trolley ushered the wedding party to the Cathedral when it was time for the ceremony.  I love when Richmond brides book a trolley for their wedding day! Not only does it ensure everyone gets where they need to go, but it is also a very RICHMOND thing to do and gives it a special, local touch.

I’m fairly certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Chris saw Alicia on the arm of her father walking towards him.  It was one of the many perfect, tender moments between a bride and her groom on this sweet day!  The couple was able to relax and have fun, throughout the ceremony and during photos in the crazy heat!  They were troopers. But when it came time to have a little fun at the reception, they were ready for that, too!  Chris has a love for all things Star Wars, so the wedding party donned light sabers for the couple’s entrance.  There was a lot of laughter, a brief girl-fight over the bouquet toss, and of course some Guns-N-Roses singing and dancing, too!  Overall, the day was perfectly Alicia-and-Chris, and I couldn’t be happier for the life they are starting together!

Alicia and Chris,  Thank you for choosing me to be part of this time with you. It has been nothing but a JOY to get to know you both better and capture memories for you that will last you many years to come. I wish you many days full of music, laughter, and light-sabers.  Best of luck always! Michelle 🙂

Now, here’s allllll the pretty from the happy couple’s wedding day!

Happy Monday, friends!
M xoxo