Start the Party with Your First Dance

Start the Party with Your

First Dance

By Ashley Kipps and Jumarcelon Castro

Since the turn of the 21st-century, weddings have evolved from the traditional church setting to getting married in a barn! We’ve traded our camcorders for smartphones, and we’ve (thankfully) swapped puffy shoulder dresses for extravagant and sleek gowns. So why should your first dance still be “traditional?”

You spend so much time finding the perfect venue, the perfect wedding gown, and the perfect cake, but have you considered your first dance? It is just as important as all the above, and sometimes it can make or break the party.

We have all been to those weddings where the newlyweds DID NOT prepare for their first dance. You don’t want to be that couple! Your guests want to see excitement, thrill, and you and your new spouse going out there and letting loose. This gets everyone excited and eager to PARTY! This is where taking lessons will come in handy. Whether you want to recreate a scene from your favorite movies, like Cinderella or Dirty Dancing, or fix two left feet, having professional instruction ensures that your first dance dreams become a reality. Plus, lessons will not only help create a memorable first dance but will also teach lifelong skills that can be shared throughout your marriage together.

Imagine every anniversary being able to go out and dance together to your favorite songs. Or being able to dance on a cruise, at a concert, at a friend’s wedding, or in the middle of cooking dinner on a Tuesday night. Lessons will help you and your partner do this confidently verses memorizing a routine eventually forgotten.

Now the question is should you choreograph a routine or learn how to social dance together?

featured weddings

*All information in our Featured Weddings section was provided by the couple.

&5BRANDON KATRINA May 31, 2019

RW VENDORS Shower Location: The Dominion Club | Reception Site, Cake, Flowers, Accommodations: The Jefferson Hotel | Photobooth: Social Party Booth ADDITIONAL VENDORS Photographer: Amy Anaiz Photography | Rehearsal Dinner: Big Mamma’s Events | Videography: Paperboys | Ceremony Site: 31st Street Baptist Church | Officiant: Dr. Alvin Campbell | Ceremony Music: Silverleaf String Quartet; Organist Ms. Juana Thompson | DJ’s: DJ Lonnie B and The Masters of the Ceremony, Danja Mowf Gown: The Ivory Suite, Martina Liana | Alterations: Grace Bridal Couture | Veil: Saint Alexis Bridal | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Hair: Krown Beauty, O’Kiera P | Jeweler: Ricardo Basta | Formalwear: Groom – Tailoring by JB Clothiers; Groomsmen – The Black Tux | Invitations: Manhattan Repro | Transportation: RVA Trolley

Brandon and Katrina locked eyes in the hallway of an investing workshop in Los Angeles in 2017. The two locked eyes and it was game over. They exchanged numbers and after their first date to a pop-up museum and their (now) favorite seafood restaurant, they were smitten.

Brandon, being the romantic, surprised Katrina with a birthday trip to New York in August 2018. She didn’t know where she was going until the airport! They started off the weekend with a romantic dinner for Katrina’s birthday and ended the weekend at The Statue of Liberty where Brandon popped the question. Katrina says, “New York will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Their May wedding was held in the same church that Katrina’s parents were married and where her family has deep roots dating all the way back to Katrina’s great grandmother. They said their traditional vows then walked down the aisle to “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah. “It was absolutely beautiful.”

“We wanted our wedding to be elegant with a southern flair.” They tied in that Virginia charm with dark pink and gold with accents of ivory, some of Katrina’s favorite colors. Their colors were carried throughout, with ivory linens and arrangements, and their gold monogram printed on all their escort cards, invitations, thank you cards and other printed messages.

Katrina and Brandon wanted their guests to have a good time while eating great food and dancing. The crowd loved their mirror photo booth by Social Party Booth, the perfect nontraditional way to capture some candid photos.

The couple’s advice for wedding planning? “Start planning early! Also, research your vendors and make sure you choose what you want for your wedding based on your tastes and not the wishes of others.”

Guest Count: 125

ERIN &5PHILIP June 1, 2019

RW VENDORS Rehearsal Dinner: The Savory Grain | Ceremony/Reception Site/Catering: Celebrations at the Reservoir | Gown: Annalise Bridal, Watters | Flowers: Vogue Flowers | Transportation: Richmond Limousine | Accommodations: The Jefferson Hotel ADDITIONAL VENDORS Photography: Justin Hankins Photography | Shower Location: Les Crepes Carytown | Officiant: Charles Fink | Ceremony Music: 2Hype Music Crew | Alterations: Fariba Bridal Alterations and Design | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Earrings: Marlena Dupelle Jewelry | Cuff Bracelet: Olive + Piper | Hair/Makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad | Jeweler: Jared the Galleria of Jewelry | Formalwear: Jos. A. Bank | Stationery: Minted | Sweets: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe | Guest Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Brandermill | Spray Tan: Bombshell Beauty Lounge

Erin and Philip met on eHarmony in November 2017. They spent some time messaging back and forth before meeting up for lunch and planning their “real” first date. Erin says, “I call it our Marathon Date. It started with a trolley tour of Richmond…[then] Philip cooked me dinner and we went to a comedy show.” By the end of the date, it was clear they had found something special.

When talking about their proposal, Erin didn’t want anything too extravagant. A couple of weeks after their one-year anniversary, she was coming back from a trip and Philip wanted to show her something he’d been working on. Erin had no idea what was going on as he hooked up his laptop to the TV and started a slideshow. Erin says, “It was full of pictures we had taken together, including our family and the people who mean the most to us, and then he asked me!” An intimate moment between two soulmates.

Celebrations at the Reservoir was the first venue Erin and Philip looked at, and they immediately knew it was perfect. “The venue included so much...the food and drink, a wedding coordinator, linens, suites for us to get ready, etc. that it helped me start the process and felt like so much had been taken off my plate already.” Their ceremony was simple and organic with a few sweet gestures true to them.

The reception was dreamy and romantic with soft muted colors and twinkly lights to set the mood. Vogue Flowers completed their vision with fabulous arrangements lush with greenery and in-season florals.

Their summer celebration ended with a sparkler exit for the newlyweds. The perfect ending to the perfect night.

Guest Count: 75 | Budget: $40,000-$50,000

ASHLEY &5RASHEEDA August 10, 2019

RW VENDORS Accommodations: The Jefferson Hotel | Transportation: TNT Limousine ADDITIONAL VENDORS Photography: Sean DeWitt Photography | Shower Location: Mason Estates Farm | Videography: Fourth Quarter Productions | Rehearsal Dinner: Vinny’s, King William | Ceremony/Reception/Rentals/Coordinator/Catering: Hollyfield Manor | Officiant: Casey Dokoupil, EQ Events | DJ: DJ Darrell Scott | Gown/Veil: Urban Set Bride, Maggie Sottero | Alterations: Pleiades Bridal Design | Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Flowers: King William Florist | Hair: Lara Bridger, LGB Hair Designs | Makeup: Caly Emerson Woods, Caked by Caly | Jeweler: Kay Jewelers | Formalwear: Jim’s Formal Wear | Stationery: Minted | Cakes: Cakes by Pat | Accommodations: Hampton Inn Mechanicsville

Ashley and Rasheeda met through a mutual friend who suggested the two get together based on their shared love of softball. Eventually, they agreed to a blind date. Three hours of good conversation and laughs (and four whiskey sours) later, they were smitten.

Ashley says, “Rasheeda knows my favorite foods are pizza and cupcakes!” So when Rasheeda was ready to pop the question, she knew she had to incorporate this into the proposal. On a typical weekly date, after dinner, they ended the night at a local cupcake shop. Rasheeda said she forgot the leftovers outside, but when she returned, she had a picture book of their relationship starting from the first time they met. As Ashley was reading the book, grinning from ear to ear, she found a note at the end with the proposal. “I dropped the book in disbelief to see her on one knee!”

The couple picked their particular venue because they were treated like family, plus it had an indoor space with air conditioning for their August wedding! At the ceremony, both brides were full of emotions. Rasheeda’s mother had just passed six months before, and they made sure to include her in every part of the day, including a reserved seat and a special bouquet. Ashley and Rasheeda said personalized vows to each other, their favorite part of the day. Ashley tells us, “Our wedding officiant got to know us personally and told our story better than we could have. It literally brought everyone to tears.”

The two settled on navy and blush for their colors, the perfect summer palate. The reception was full of fun and signature drinks like “The Queen,” a rum drink named after the newlywed couple. “I had dreamed of a gorgeous wedding with a bomb reception my entire life...and our entire reception was LIT! We had so much fun!”

Wedding Guest Count: 40 | Reception Guest Count: 110 | Budget: $22,000

CAMERON &5BRYCE September 28, 2019

RW VENDORS Photography: MJ Mendoza Photography | Gown/Alterations: Caryn’s Bridals, Formals, and Tuxedos ADDITIONAL VENDORS Rehearsal Dinner: Capital Ale House | Videography: Yeattes Productions | Ceremony/Reception Site: The Barns of Kanak | Caterer: The Table at Wilton | DJ: Scott Titmus, All About the Music | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Hair/Makeup: Pearls and Perfection | Invitations & Stationery: Hand-made by Bride | Flowers: Eden’s Floral Designs | Rentals: Riverwood Catering | Cakes/Sweets: The Sugar Cave | Accommodations: The Graduate | Transportation: James Limousine

Cameron and Bryce met by total chance and decided to give it a go! For their first outing, Bryce asked her on a date to a speakeasy where they hit it off immediately and even shared their first kiss!

Bryce popped the question to Cameron in June 2018 during a trip to the Florida Keys. Cameron thought something might be up when Bryce was super stressed during airport security. Apparently, he had the ring in his bag! On their first day in Florida, they woke up early to see the sunrise over the water. This was a beach tradition for them and nothing out of the norm. Cameron explains, “We were getting ready to leave...and I heard him say my name...I found him on one knee, ring in hand!” Cameron, of course, said yes.

These two based their color scheme and theme off of the venue, incorporating ivory, greenery, and a light dusty rose. Cameron, who loves decorating, made the space perfect with carefully selected details and unique touches.

After their short (but oh-so-sweet) ceremony they hosted a cocktail hour with appetizers, followed by a family-style dinner. Cameron explains “The food was really important to us, but having everything look visually seamless from one end of the venue to the other was also just as important to me!”

When asked for her best piece of advice, Cameron said, “Don’t be afraid to ask vendors to tailor things to suit your needs. Keep your dream wedding in mind and don’t stop until you find the right people and vendors to help you perfect it along the way!”

Guest Count: 115 | Budget: $30,000

ABBY &5ADAM October 5, 2019

RW VENDORS Photography: Heather Hughes Photography | Ceremony Site: Virginia Museum of History and Culture | Reception Site/Wedding Consultant/Rentals/Catering: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Flowers: Vogue Flowers | Cakes: The Mixing Bowl Bakery | Accommodations: The Jefferson Hotel ADDITIONAL VENDORS Shower Location: The Daily Kitchen & Bar | Officiant: Betsy Rives | Ceremony Music: VCUarts Department of Music Students | Gown: BHLDN, Tadashi Shoji | Alterations: Cheryl A. Lofton & Associates | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal | Hair: Circle Square Salon | Jeweler: Brilliant Earth | Groom’s Tuxedo: Nordstrom | Groomsmen Formalwear: The Black Tux | Stationery: Jasdeep Khaira | Photobooth: Badass Booth | DJ: A Party’s Favorite Entertainment | Cupcakes: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe | Favor Donations: Michael J. Fox Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund | Accommodations: Delta Hotel

Abby met Adam in Atlanta while she was attending law school there. Their first date was at a local burger chain where they talked about The Lego Movie (one of Adam’s favorites from that year). The two clicked immediately and were inseparable from that moment on.

Adam asked Abby to marry him while on vacation in Cartenga, Columbia for New Years. On the last night of their trip, Adam surprised Abby with a ring. Abby explains, “Tears, and of course, an acceptance ensued.”

When picking a reception venue for their October wedding, they knew they wanted the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Abby has family connections to the museum, and it holds a special place in her family’s hearts. The pair was sold upon seeing the gorgeous Marble Hall and the quaint surrounding neighborhood.

For their ceremony, they had a small family celebration next door at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Abby’s sister officiated the ceremony and since Abby’s father’s family is Quaker, it is customary for all the guests (or witnesses) to sign a certificate solemnizing the marriage. Abby describes, “Everyone at our ceremony, down to the youngest guests, added their name to our certificate.”

They went with burgundy and cream for their colors and relied on trusted family, friends, vendors, and a touch of DIY to bring the wedding together. And when it came to the cake, they couldn’t decide on just one! Guests were presented both a cake and a variety of cupcakes. They happened to be celebrating two birthdays (Abby’s father’s and a close friend’s) so the extra sweets were perfect.

Their favorite part of the day? “Seeing all our friends and family in one place, dancing, dining, laughing, drinking, photographing, and celebrating with glow sticks.”

Guest Count: 170

&5THORNTON BRIANNA October 19, 2019

RW VENDORS Rehearsal Dinner: Hanover Tavern | Rentals/Lighting: Party Perfect | Luxury Restroom Trailers: Edmunds Waste Removal | Transportation: Richmond Limousine | Honeymoon: Journeys, Inc. ADDITIONAL VENDORS Photography: Arli Quinn Photography | Shower/Ceremony/Reception Site: Private Estate | Wedding Planner: Angela Bowles, XOXO Weddings & Events | Caterer: Berry’s Catering | Officiant: Darvin Satterwhite | Ceremony Music: Cassie Byers | Gown Salon/ Veil: Ava Laurenne Bride, Justin Alexander | Alterations: Shannon, Mackenzie Clare | Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Accessories: Olive + Piper, Family Heirlooms | Hair: Alicia, FBJ Studio | Makeup: Kait Curnow | Jeweler: Tompkins Jewelers | Formalwear: Jos. A. Bank | Stationery: Basic Invite | Calligraphy: Savannah Xiradis | Flowers: Grey-Sol Designs | DJ: Dance Candy, Sam Hill Entertainment | Cakes/ Sweets: Country Style Donuts, Shyndigz

Brianna and Thornton met in high school, but it wasn’t until after college that they reunited and started dating. Thornton was playing softball one evening near Brianna’s parents’ house and invited her to come watch. Brianna explains, “We were inseparable after that!”

Thornton proposed on family land in Hanover. “We had always said that we would get married, build a house, and start a family on that land...It was so special when he proposed there as well.” It was just the two of them and once they got back home, Brianna was surprised to see their family waiting to celebrate.

It came as no surprise when Brianna and Thornton decided to get married on that same spot of land that is so special to them. “We couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate our love with all of our family and friends.” When planning their outdoor wedding, they didn’t want to sacrifice style. They elevated the space with a gorgeous tent from Party Perfect as well as luscious greenery and flowers, setting the ambiance. For their colors they went with warm, earthy tones, perfectly complimenting the fall leaves and crops that were in the field.

They had a traditional wedding with special details throughout. At their tented reception, they wanted their food and decor to really wow their guests. And with the help of their vendors, their guests’ jaws dropped when they saw the field transformed.

Brianna and Thornton’s favorite part of the day? “Dancing to the band with all of our family and friends! We love live music and dancing, so to have all our favorite people in one place to celebrate us in our favorite place in the world...it was an absolute dream come true!”

Guest Count: 200 | Budget: $40,000

&5ALEC HELEN

March 7, 2020

RW VENDORS Rehearsal Dinner: The Hard Shell Downtown | Ceremony/Reception Site: The John Marshall Ballrooms | Photobooth: Social Party Booth | Lighting: The Lighting and Sound Company | Jewelry: Diamonds Direct | Transportation: Richmond Limousine ADDITIONAL VENDORS Photography: Ray Photography Co. | Videography: PixImpress | Wedding Consultant: Bryce Carson, Roberts & Co. Events | Caterer: Homemades by Suzanne | Additional Baker/Caterer: European Deli | Officiant: Bryan Hannum, River City Officiant | Ceremony Music/ Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Gown Salon: Urban Set Bride, Mikaella Bridal | Gown Alterations: Pleiades Bridal Design | Veil: Bel Aire Bridal | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Hair: Cecily Morgan | Makeup: Kirsty Wingfield, Richmond Makeup Artist | Jewelers: Carreras Jewelers, Blue Nile | Formalwear: The Black Tux | Invitations & Paper Goods: Minted & SA Style & Design | Flowers: Black Creek Flowers | Rentals: Glamour Linens & Nomad Rentals | Fireworks: Imperial Pyro | Cakes/Sweets: Sweet Fix | Transportation: RVA Trolley | Accommodations: Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown

Helen and Alec met in July 2015 in Blacksburg, VA while they both stayed in town over their summer break at Virginia Tech. Helen shared, “It seemed like the stars aligned for us that night because we actually met at a going-away party that both of us almost didn’t attend.” They had their first date the next week and the rest is history.

Alec asked Helen to be his wife while hiking Spy Rock in January 2019. Helen explains, “We had a little difficulty finding the beginning of the trail, but that made the summit even more worth it.” Once at the top, Alec got down on one knee and popped the question. And just like a movie, it started snowing! They celebrated immediately with a bottle of champagne Alec snuck to the top.

When picking the venue, they were blown away by the all-inclusive feel that The John Marshall Ballrooms provided. “We didn’t want our friends and family to have to worry about traveling to separate spots...and [we] fell in love with the gorgeous details of the ballrooms.”

For their theme, they wanted simple, warm, and romantic. “Although we were in a pretty big space, I still wanted the evening to feel intimate”. During the ceremony, they shared personal vows and incorporated their family background with a special bread and salt ceremony.

At the reception, they blew their guests away with a first dance surrounded by indoor fireworks! “As a surprise to everyone except us and Alec’s family, 15-foot sparklers surrounded the dancefloor for our first dance to a beautiful live version of ‘Ring of Fire’”. The perfect energizer to a night filled with dancing.

Helen and Alec’s advice to future couples? “Enjoy your engagement process and take several moments throughout your day to look around and really soak it all in!”

Guest Count: 142

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