“There are so many decisions to make when wedding planning– take one off your plate and book Xiaoqi as your photographer. You won’t regret it.” – Hannah + Ryan
Hannah and Ryan’s Jefferson Hotel wedding has been a long awaited day for many, including myself! This sweet couple had been together through high school and college. It was such a joyous day for these high school sweethearts who had been together for over 10 years to finally tie the knot! The couple toasted using their Maggie Walker Governor School champagne glasses as an homage to the beginning of their story. The black tie event was filled with emotion, celebration and the union of two incredible people.
The Jefferson Hotel was the perfect wedding venue for their big event. The venue itself is already filled with classic elegance. Hannah worked closely with The Jefferson to bring her vision for an elegant blue and pink wedding theme to life. She thought of every detail, and even created all the escort cards herself by hand!
Firstly, we started the day with Hannah and Ryan getting ready separately at each of their parents’ homes. I love it when the getting ready location is somewhere meaningful like this! It makes the photos from this part of the day with their closest people all the more special.
Hannah and Ryan arrived at their Jefferson Hotel wedding separately for their first look. This moment was a long time coming, and turned out to be an emotional and intimate event for the couple. Ryan teared up before even seeing Hannah, it was a special moment before saying, “I do”. After their Empire Ballroom wedding ceremony, another moment they were excited about was the entrance into cocktail hour. Later, they descended down the grand staircase together for an epic entrance, cheered on by everyone waiting below. The energy carried on through the rest of the night. The couple wanted their wedding to be a day filled with joy and happiness, with a relaxed and fun energy for guests to enjoy – and they absolutely nailed it!
Keep scrolling to see more from Hannah & Ryan’s beautiful wedding day!
Vendor Team
Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography
Videography: Stephen James Film
Venue, Catering, Cake & Florals: The Jefferson Hotel
Hair & Make-up: Meg Sadler Makeup, Jesikas Creations via Ave 42 Salon
Bridal Salon: Annalise Bridal Boutique
Gown Designer: Anne Barge
Alterations: Seams Alterations
Bridesmaid dresses: Revelry
Photo Booth: Richmond Photobooth VA
DJ: Eric Cunningham, Debonaire Entertainment
Lighting: Lighting Professors
Ceremony music: Dana and Jason McComb (cellists)
Stationary: Empress Stationery
Escort Cards: DIY by the Bride
Check out Hannah & Ryan’s University of Virginia Engagement Session here.
You can also explore more weddings here, or check out my favorite Richmond wedding venues!
Already dreaming of an incredible wedding photography experience with me? Let’s chat soon!
Kind words from the couple:
“Xiaoqi is the best! I have known her for years and she did our engagement photos and photographed our wedding. She is incredibly conscientious, and she captures what really matters. All of our posed shots and formal portraits are stunning, but Xiaoqi went so far above and beyond just those! She captured the candid and emotional moments throughout the day that really matter– the sort of moments where you see the photo and you are instantly transported back to the memory. All of my friends and family commented on how professional she was at the wedding, and they were all impressed at how she seemed to be everywhere at once, capturing all of the best parts of the day! There are so many decisions to make when wedding planning– take one off your plate and book Xiaoqi as your photographer. You won’t regret it.”
-Hannah & Ryan
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