Amanda + Sam: City Lovers

Amanda was such a fun bride to work with because of her background in art and her bold style. As we began planning with Amanda, the design and theme encompassed an energetic tropical vibe with bright colors and fun florals. The assorted arrangements of bright florals in bud vases and geometric candle votives were as fun as this couple!

Amanda and Sam’s ceremony was held at Libby Park in downtown Richmond, VA. The park is a very intimate garden inspired space, which highlights a breathtaking waterfall and view of the city. The ceremony was very intimate, as guests nestled under the branches of large trees to watch the bride walk down the aisle.

To conclude the ceremony and kick off the party, we decided to add a fun twist to transportation. Guests were chauffeured from the ceremony to the reception through the city with a fun trolley ride!

Amanda and Sam wanted to be sure that their reception held a relaxed party vibe without the traditional sit down meal. Havana 59 was the perfect venue to develop that atmosphere. With huge garage style doors the reception space offered an outdoor patio, an indoor bar and food station, and an extra seating patio and bar on the rooftop. Guests were free to munch on delicious food and enjoy an open bar thanks to the team at Havana 59. Amanda and Sam danced the night away with their guests.

Amanda & Sam's Love Story:

"Sam and I met in Grad School and worked together on a team in our first semester. From there, we started dating pretty quickly. We stayed together through grad school and then moved to New York together to start our careers.

I accepted a job in Austin, TX for a year. It was a long time to spend apart, but we made it work. That Christmas Sam proposed. We went out to the local botanical garden. I was taking photos and turned around to see him kneeling precariously by a koi pond. It was so sweet, and for a guy who you normally can't get to shut up, he was at a loss for words.

We spent the next year together in New York and then moved to San Francisco, where we decided it was time to tie the knot. The wedding was in Richmond, VA where we met. It was also a great location because so many of our family and friends are on the East Coast. The ceremomy was at Libby Hill park overlooking the city, a place we would go to a lot while we were dating. After the ceremony, everyone danced the night away at Havana '59. It was perfect."