A Secret Elopement in Downtown Richmond

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Thinking of planning an elopement this year? Maddie + Klaman say don’t think, just do it–and boy, are we happy they did! After Molly Scott Photo & Video received an email with the subject: “Pop-up Wedding in RVA – You’re Invited!” the husband + wife duo knew they were in for something fun. Sure enough, Maddie + Klaman had visions for a colorful (and totally secret!) union, set against the vibrant street art of Richmond, Virginia.

Maddie tells us, We knew early on that we wanted our wedding day to be just between the two of us. So a secret elopement was fitting. Having both grown up in the beautiful city of Richmond, we knew it would make the perfect backdrop. Richmond has a vibrant art scene which includes the annual RVA Mural Project. We loved the idea of getting married in front of one. So after many hours of exploring the City for the perfect mural, we chose one designed by Ouizi out of Detroit, MI. 

Molly + Aaron (of Molly Scott Photo & Video) captured the sweet moments between Maddie + Klaman as they traversed across the city to say their I Do’s:

bride and groom with puppy

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Colorful Virginia Elopement

The fact that we had a secret elopement (literally not one friend/family member knew) is how we made this day really just about the two of us. No distractions. No stress. No drama. Just our love and commitment to one another. We worked with a wonderful officiant, Tamara Riley, who gave us a spring board and allowed us to curate our own special ceremony.

Colorful Virginia Elopement

cabbage bouquet

The Bouqs Company created the perfect little pop-of-color bouquet–and it just so happens to match the artist’s mural!

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Maddie: Shortly after our ceremony, our amazing photographers, Molly and Aaron, were preparing to capture some arial footage. This allowed us to share a quiet moment with one another. It was a brief time to reflect on the fact that Klaman was now my husband and that we were officially united as one.

Klaman: The first look was definitely the most memorable! The most beautiful girl stood before me, face beaming with happiness. I knew we loved one another but damn, this felt so amazingly different. I'm not one to show much emotion but the flood gates were about an "oh shit the photographers are here" away from opening.

Colorful Virginia Elopement

bride and groom with puppy

Okay, this idea is SUPER fun: To give our elopement that “real wedding” feel, we chose a color to match one another – like a wedding party would do. To make the day extra special we included our adorable dog, Hudson, who wore his own matching collar.

bride and groom with puppy

bride and groom with puppy

Rent the Runway Dress

Maddie chose her wedding dress from Rent the Runway, the perfect source for a pop-up ceremony! And her crown of braids by Transformation Artistry complements the lacy number just so.

bride and groom with puppy

M+K celebrated the day on top of the Quirk Hotel with champagne and a sunset view.

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Just do it. Don't listen to those around you who might criticize the decision to elope - they are not your life partner. Do what makes the both of you happy. Family and friends will quickly get over it - especially if you document the day to share with them later! This is where your photographers and officiant come into play. Find people to work with that respect and support your vision. While we had a great idea of what we wanted, the individuals we surrounded ourselves with on our wedding day played a huge role in the most exciting day of our lives. We can't thank them enough!

Colorful Virginia Elopement

Such a sweet day! Thanks for sharing and many congrats to M+K!

(Psst, don’t miss the video by Molly Scott Photo & Video below! Isn’t that song perfect?!)

photography: Molly Scott Photo & Video // venue name: Quirk Hotel, Richmond, Virginia, USA // florals: The Bouqs Company // wedding dress: Rent the Runway // bride's shoes: Tieks // hair stylist: Transformation Artistry // makeup artist: Transformation Artistry // videography: Molly Scott Photo & Video // officiant: No Ordinary Ordained // models: Bride is Maddie Klaman and Groom is Matt Klaman

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