A Romantic, Love-Inspired Wedding at the Jefferson in Richmond, Virginia

Ashley Hatfield (29 and a post-graduate student) and Watson Stelly (29 and an RTAA coordinator) held their wedding inside the grand ballroom at the Jefferson in Richmond, Virginia. The elegant space not only fit the romantic theme perfectly, but also held a special place in Ashley's heart. "For as long as I can remember, my family and I would go to the Jefferson hotel for brunch," Ashley says. "I remember telling my dad that when I grow up, I want to get married here." And so she did, with shades of purples, pinks, whites and accents of gold coloring a range of details, from the lovely stationery making up the invitations, programs and escort cards to the hydrangea, rose and chrysanthemum flower arrangements that made frequent appearances. Ashley had always envisioned her wedding dress would be fit for a princess. When she tried on an A-line Ines di Santo gown with a ball gown skirt that flared out at the waist, that's exactly how she felt. As guests entered the ballroom reception, they found their escort cards named after nonfiction or fiction famous couples and the story of how they fell in love. Then friends and family members got to read about Ashley and Watson's own love story, with a copy on each dining table bordered by a gold-gilded frame. Talk about romantic! A vintage style shined through antique keys that dangled from escort cards, and also hung on the back of the wooden chairs at the sweetheart table. Plus, an old-fashioned pink cooler was filled with Coca-Cola bottles, which we loved. "My father was one of six children, and they never had much money growing up," Ashley says. "Each child got a soda per week, so as part of our wedding favors, we wanted to remind my father’s family that we don’t have to worry so much about money anymore. We may not be the best or the richest, but what really matters most is that we are rich with love."