A Bright, Modern Wedding at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Virginia

“The tradition of wearing white didn’t ring true for me,” Heidi Nel (36 and a social impact strategist) says. Yellow better captured the joy she felt in marrying Tom Rosser (27 and a project executive) and the celebratory, welcoming mood she wanted to share with 155 guests. Marigold became the day’s signature color, appearing on Tom’s tie and the paper flower wall constructed by his mom. Since the wedding was held in the groom’s hometown of Richmond, Heidi brought in subtle references to her home as well, like a bouquet with a single king protea, the national flower of her birthplace: South Africa. Tom recessed holding a gift from their closest friends and family: handwritten notes to read one at a time over the course of their marriage. Palm leaves, a nod to Heidi’s former home in Los Angeles, topped dinner tables. The couple served Southern classics like deviled eggs with sweet pickle relish and shrimp and cheddar grits, plus late-night chicken wings. Tom’s parents own the local ice cream truck that made the desserts, including a custom wedding cake flavor with a batter base and yellow sprinkles.