Alison + Marshall's Lynwood Estate Wedding

“Our wedding venue was the first one we seriously toured,” Alison says. “One impromptu walk-through was all it took. Lynwood Estate is a historical site that was the home of Pattie A. Clay in the late 1800s. She was the previous namesake of Richmond’s only hospital where my mom worked as an RN for 35 years. On our wedding day, the weather was a bit unpredictable. It essentially rained all morning, which we feared would ruin our vision of an outdoor ceremony. About an hour before the ceremony, the rain was ceasing, and we had to make a decision—we risked still setting up outside, and somehow, the rain held off, and the sun streaked through the clouds. The details that made our wedding special were the friends and family who also acted as vendors and poured their heart and soul into our day. We wanted a classic and timeless theme. My cousin owns The Red Poppy floral shop in Richmond, and he created flawless bouquets and decorations. Our mutual friend with Wandering Spirits provided bar service and mixed our specialty cocktails—a mule with grapefruit instead of lime and an old fashioned that substituted blackberry and lemon for orange and cherry. Our wedding cake was a classic white cake with a pearlescent design for the cutting ceremony, but our plated dinner consisted of three mini cheesecakes in various flavors.”

We danced our first dance to “I Do” by Aloe Blacc.

Bride’s Advice: There will be small miscues no matter how stringent you plan, so make it a point to just enjoy yourself no matter what—and GET A DAY-OF COORDINATOR!

Photography: Jen Kruskamp Photo Venue Lynwood Estate Florals Justin Carpenter Wedding Planner Jennifer Williams Caterer EKU Cake Cathy Eave Music Ky Pro DJ Hair Jennifer Goodlett Makeup Jo Karsner Bride’s Attire Azazie Groom’s Attire Men’s Wearhouse Credits (Bar Service) Wandering Spirits.