Rich Red Romance: A Chic, Cherry Coded Wedding

bride on the stairs for her rich red color palette valentine wedding

We in the wedding world are always asking ourselves: Can something be both on-trend and timeless?

How are planning couples supposed to balance all the fabulous 2025 wedding trends we’re LOVING to see with the hope that—when they look back at their wedding photos in years to come—they won’t see something outdated?

Well, this chic-yet-classic cherry coded wedding shoot has cracked it, folks. A team of talented Washington DC-based vendors gathered at the historic Meridian House and brought to life an editorial that completely embraces wildly popular rich reds—from from maroon to wine to lipstick red—while conjuring up classic, enduring, time-tested romance with every detail.

“Desiring to design a trendy and modern wedding inspiration featuring the color RED, a ‘Vibey Valentines‘ was born,” says Stephanie of SRS Events on how the idea came to be. And how perfect that we can give you a peek just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Safe to say we are in love with this lovely, luscious, rich wed wedding shoot. And these amazing photos from Hana Gonzalez?? We are obsessed.

rich red wedding invitation flatlay with cherries

How are these amazing wedding invitations by Zelenika Design Co. cute, elegant, sophisticated, and playful ALL AT ONCE?!

vintage stamps on a wedding invitation

Btw, when we say Rich Red is popping off right now, we mean it. It’s one of the top trending wedding colors of 2025!

rhinestone red heart purse

You know we love a wedding purse, and this crimson lip-shaped clutch? Perfection.

Romantic + Historic Ceremony

The day’s scarlet + crimson floral arrangements by Love Blooms completely take our breath away.

Seriously. 😍

Check out this charming Wisconsin wedding and this elegant Minnesota wedding for even more examples of rich red florals + accents adding so much depth to otherwise b+w color palettes.

Loving those soft pink wedding nails! It’s amazing the way a set of natural nails can make a ring (especially a unique vintage engagement rings like this one) really pop.

Martini Bar? Meet Caviar.

Martini and Caviar Bar at Wedding Reception

Martinis + caviar. A match made in salty, briny heaven. We love this indulgent combination of wedding cocktails and wedding snacks!

Wow, the green color scheme of the library at Meridian House and the rich reds of the editorial’s color scheme bring back happy memories of this lovely Liverpool wedding.

Martini glasses with heart shaped stirrers

Snag a set of cut glass martini glasses and some red heart toothpicks to mix up some antique-meets-adorable Martinis of your own.

Grand Style on the Grand Staircase

bride standing by lots of red flowers with a red bouquet

We seriously cannot stop thinking about the sheer, structured, strapless magic that is this floral appliqué Oscar de la Renta gown from Carine’s Bridal Atelier.

rich red flower bouquet

Also, we LOVE to see brides rocking a short bridal hairstyle! Honestly, is there anything more chic than a French bob?!

Olivia Lo was behind the shoot’s flawless bridal hair and rosy, red-lipped wedding makeup.

bride wearing a rose lace wedding gown by monique lhuillier

The way that this floral gown’s appliqué work starts smaller at the top and grows in size towards the hem is completely mesmerizing.

black and white photo of bride wearing a rose lace wedding gown by monique lhuillier

Loving the combination of lighter + darker crimson pillar candles. There’s just something so opulent about mixing two shades of the same color.

A Rich Red Reception

How cute is this cupid-inspired reception seating chart!! 💘

Wanna see some of our other favorite Valentine’s Day-inspired weddings? Take a look through this Toronto Valentine-themed wedding and this retro Palm Springs V Day-inspired wedding!

Completely charmed by these pink + red bow escort cards. 🎀

The historic venue was totally transformed by modern furniture + DAZZLING decor details from Curated Events.

“The wedding table featured a glam sequin linen from Nuage with layered black plates to keep it from becoming too sweet, topped with a ‘kiss’ plate,” says planner + event designer Stephanie.

Absolutely head over heels for all these love-themed details. Like these heart and arrow napkin rings!

“Modern styled red florals cascaded down the table,” remembers Stephanie, “and tabletop lamps allowed a luminescent glow.”

Something Sweet

dessert table with two vintage wedding cakes and cherry martini tower

Liberty Baking Co. absolutely outdid themselves with these pink +red wedding cakes.

pink vintage wedding cake with cherries

There really is something so deliciously nostalgic about an ornately piped, cherry-topped vintage wedding cake.

martini tower with cherries

Well, this is the cherry on top! 🍒 Fresh fruit as decor makes for such a fun + opulent vibe. This intimate Italian destination wedding is another stunning example.

How cute are these kiss print edible drink toppers?

Beautiful Bows

SO into these red bow-adorned wedding heels from Valentino!

“When it was time to change into the second look for the evening,” remembers planner Stephanie, “model Emily Jo’s attire became another Oscar de la Renta look in a bow mini dress and red evening gloves.”

What could be more elegant than a pair of rich red wedding gloves!

Check out our favorite short wedding dresses if you’re loving the idea of a mini bridal silhouette like this one!

Pretty, playful, party-ready: everything a reception dress should be.

“It was the perfect look to complete the martini tower pour in!” says Stephanie.

Who needs bubbles when you’ve got a MARTINI TOWER!🍸

And if all this has you in the Valentine’s Day spirit, check out our Valentine’s Day nails guide, our Valentine’s Day gift guide, and our Valentine’s Day style guide!

We really do have such a major crush on this rich red wedding editorial. Congratulations to the whole team on creating something so trendy + timeless! Can’t wait to see the cherry coded weddings it inspires!

Other Vendors in This Wedding

Photography: Hana Gonzalez Photography // Venue: Meridian House // Event Design: SRS Events // Wedding Planner: SRS Events // Florals: Love Blooms // Dress Boutique: Carine's Bridal Atelier // Bride's Shoes: Valentino // Hair Stylist: Olivia Lo // Makeup Artist: Olivia Lo // Videography: Paul Kwak Films // Paper Goods: Zelenika Design Co. // Cake: Liberty Baking Co. // Models: Emily Jo // content creation: In the Moment Content Creators

Author

  • : Author

    Emma Garson is the Real Weddings Editor at Green Wedding Shoes, where she specializes in documenting couples' celebration stories and design choices. A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, she brings professional writing experience from enterta...

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