Exuberant + playful: two words that Chicago-based couple Rebecca + John use to describe their personalities! And they went into their wedding planning process knowing that they wanted to capture and share those parts of themselves with their guests.
Bride Rebecca had always wanted to get married in her home state of Virginia, and since these two are drawn to modern and minimal spaces, Common House in Richmond was the perfect spot. The couple collaborated with For Love Of Love to create an “elevated fun” celebration that would lean into those exuberant + playful vibes.
The key to this was color!! Rebecca + John let the bold and breathtaking flowers by Olivera Floral Design take the lead in that department, and we are completely obsessed. We can’t stop smiling about all these playful pops of neon, and we’re pumped to share Madi Ellis Photography’s shots of this bright and funky day with you!
How can there be so many good things in one details shot?! We are IN LOVE with Rebecca’s Stuart Weitzman Gemcut XCurve 100 Slingback Pump in Neon Chartreuse. And their precious photo strip save-the-dates and neon green accented invites are from Minted!
A little peek at Rebecca’s killer custom leather jacket 😉 Check out our how-to guide to creating a DIY custom leather jacket if you’re into the idea of a bridal look with some personalized biker flair.
We’d like to introduce you to Rebecca’s SHOW STOPPING neon pink, orange, and green bridal bouquet. And buckle up cause the floral situation just gets better and better.
Rebecca opted to forgo a big crew of bridesmaids but have TWO maids of honor instead! “If you struggle to pick one, why do it?” Rebecca says. Her two besties rocked these black satin robes with feather trim sleeves, and Rebecca rocked her coordinating feathery white one while they got ready!
Check out our list of the best bridesmaid gifts if you’re wondering what to get your BFFs for your big day.
John paid tribute his late father with this beautiful groom boutonnière charm from Perfect Pendants Plus.
This “Ride or Die” patch sewn into John’s navy suit from Bonobos was such a clever way to customize his wedding day look.
John’s groomsmen rocked neon orange bowties with their suits from Generation Tux.
The First Look
Name something cuter than a beaming groom!! And check out our 8 reasons we love a first look.
Rebecca’s nude lip + glam neutral tone eye makeup look was created by TS Makeup Artistry.
We will always adore any bride’s green wedding shoes 💚 Rebecca actually gave the team at Olivera Floral Design a bright green Post-it note to help them match the floral color palette to her amazing heels.
A lesson to brides that it’s TOTALLY okay to change your mind: Rebecca originally said yes to Jenny Yoo’s “Bronwyn” dress, but something never felt quite right. The dress’s cap sleeves weren’t doing it for her. When she came across this sheer long sleeve off the shoulder dress topper from BibiLuxe Studio something clicked and she circled back to the delicate v-neck spaghetti strap scoop neck silhouette of the Jenny Yoo “Marnie” dress which had been a strong contender early on. Rebecca exchanged “Bronwyn” for “Marnie,” and the rest is dress history!
The Ceremony
Bright, bold ceremony florals from above AND from below!
Take a look at our most creative hanging installation ideas for your wedding!
The couple had chilly Topo Chicos waiting for their guests to enjoy when they arrived!
The day’s calligraphy and custom signage was created by Erin Petty. Like this gold frame mirror welcome sign that features Rebecca + John’s cats, Tootie and Dewey!
Rebecca + John set aside a seat in honor of the memory of John’s dad. Another beautiful way to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Chapel Of Love" by The Dixie Cups
Recessional: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
First Dance: "You're Still the One" by Shania Twain (performed live by Nick Miller)
Two ceremonies are better than one! “We were legally married by Rebecca’s cousin moments ahead of exchanging our vows in a ceremony with our guests which was officiated by a close friend” the couple says. “The best of both worlds!”
This excellent embroidered “Ride of Die” veil was created by The Wedding Veil Shop!
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Thinking back, we continue to be blown away by the eccentric, once-in-a-lifetime blend of family and friends surrounding and celebrating us. Our guests flew into Richmond from all over—from NYC, and London to Chicago, Colorado, and Montana, to name a few. There's something moving about seeing people from all corners of our lives in the same place, at the same time, enjoying each other and realizing that we were in a moment that would be impossible to recreate.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now It's so easy for your initial vision to get morphed or lost in the sea of opinions, concerns, advice, and cautionary tales like the one about your aunt's cousin's sister's brother-in-law's niece who got married (IYKYK). To get ahead of this, sit down early on with your partner to discuss shared vs. personal priorities and preferences, and establish your shared non-negotiables as a couple. Be sure to also make an effort to reinforce each other's preferences after this point! If necessary, acknowledge who cares most about what, and decide which components you want to own and what you're comfortable with others owning (this will help as planning unfolds). Cement the vision together and lean on it when communicating (a vision board helps here - and keep a copy of the original tucked somewhere should you need to recenter).
If your budget allows for a wedding planner, do it...it's the best money spent in this process. Our planner, Ellie, with For Love of Love, was our guiding light; she and her team were a stabilizing force that kept us and our families on track and hands-off the day of. Just remember, at the end of the day, do you. This wedding is meant to celebrate your love, and no one knows more about that than the two of you!
Rebecca’s two maids of honor also wore white Jenny Yoo dresses just like Rebecca!
The Reception
Loving the colorful taper candles!!
Furniture rentals like these fun lucite guest seats and gold-accented tables came from Rent-E-Quip and specialty rentals for the day came from Paisley & Jade!
So into the way Rebecca + John balanced the sleek, modern reception setup and colorful accents with the organic vibes of these linen table runners from Glamour Linens.
Their reception guest book photo op came courtesy of Richmond Photobooth!
The day’s delicious meal was catered by Common House. Such a fun (and sustainable!) choice to have a bright and playful menu sign rather than individual printed menus.
The clean lines of this white wedding cake and its pops of neon florals totally capture the vibes of the entire elevated yet funky day!
There’s that custom leather jacket!!
Congratulations, Rebecca + John!! Your exuberant + playful wedding day was nonstop neon fun! All the very best from GWS!
photography: Madi Ellis Photography // venue name: Common House Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA // planning: For Love of Love // florals: Olivera Floral Design // wedding dress: Jenny Yoo (Marnie) // wedding suit: Bonobos // bride's shoes: Stuart Weitzman // bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo // makeup artist: TS Makeup Artistry // groomsmen attire: Generation Tux // calligraphy: Erin Petty // catering: Common House Richmond // cake: Common House Richmond // furniture rentals: Rent-E-Quip // linen rentals: Glamour Linens // specialty rentals: Paisley & Jade // music: DJ Anthony Bryant // photo booth: Richmond Photobooth // alterations: Ette The Wedding Tailor // dress topper: Bibilux Studio // veil: The Wedding Veil Shop // live musician: Nick Miller // save the dates + invites: Minted
