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Katelyn James Photography
OAKDALE The Slice of Heaven You’ve Been Looking For
By Marissa McCormick Jordan
On a gorgeous spring day, the Richmond Weddings™ team traveled to Ashland Road to explore and discover one of Richmond’s hidden gems, Oakdale. We chatted with Chris Stem, Partner, and Mary Jane Spagnolo, Manager, and the one you will be working with during the wedding planning process. Driving onto the immaculate grounds, the overall ambiance of Oakdale is like something out of a storybook. A pristine white barn sits small in the foreground against the forest behind it. Trees that look like they’ve been there forever, sway in the ever-present breeze. The dark, lush green giving way to those signature Virginia technicolor leaves in the fall. The venue is set up to face the sunset, so you and your guests can watch the yellow sun settle on Hanover Vegetable Farm across the street. And in the corner of the picture sits a quaint and quiet pond with a landing, a magical place to say your “I do’s.” Chris explains, “You’ll have the trees in the background, lights, and power.” The breeze plays on the surface of the pond as light shimmers off of it, a little slice of heaven. And you’re not just limited to a pond ceremony. With your package you get the entire property, 36
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which includes 100 acres of farmland and the 4,000 square foot climate-controlled building. Just like its quiet surroundings, the building seems like it’s been there forever. While the exterior of it is quintessentially barn-like, the inside gives way to an industrial and totally on-trend space that can accommodate up to 200 guests seated. Vaulted ceilings enclose the stamped concrete, and the walls are suited with full windows, showcasing the countryside landscape. Along with a full bar and bathrooms, there is a bridal suite with enough sinks for all your girls to get ready. It also has a patio where Edison lights hang, the perfect spot for your cocktail hour or a socially distanced dancefloor. And their packages come with everything. Mary Jane says, “When it comes to a wedding here, all you have to do is bring in catering.” Along with
