Capitol Wedding Madison
“I can’t wait to marry you. Love, Rich” read a note attached to a bouquet of red roses, delivered to Ashley at the Holiday Inn Madison as she and her bridesmaids were prepping for her big day. As the ladies got their final hair and makeup looks finished up, all donned in their matching floral kimono robes, they shared laughs and stories while they sipped on some pre-ceremony beverages. A precious little girl, one of the bridesmaid’s daughters, with the most expressive facial emotions entertained the group – dancing around the hotel room, full of excitement and energy.
With the help of her mother, Ashley got into her strapless wedding gown – detailed with beautiful crystal jewels and lace overlay, as she prepared for her first look with her father. The two enjoyed a few moments together before the girls hopped into the party bus in their lilac bridesmaid’s dresses with the bride to head to the ceremony.
At the Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, Rich was accompanied down the aisle with his parents, awaiting a first glimpse of his soon-to-be wife at the altar. A beautiful strings group played as the ceremony began.
After a unity candle was lit and the marriage license was signed, Ashley, Rich, their parents and their entire wedding party exchanged hugs; a heartwarming display of how tight-knit and supportive the group truly was.
The newlyweds and their bridal party loaded onto the party bus, heading to a local park followed by the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin for some formal photos together. It was a busy “photo day” at the Capitol, with at least two other wedding parties posing on the steps and plenty of high schooler’s getting pre-prom photos outside the gorgeous building, but the Richmond’s managed to get some time together on the iconic steps.
Back at the Holiday Inn Madison at the American Center in Madison, Wisconsin, guests began arriving and enjoying the cocktail hour as the reception began. A delectable cupcake tower enticed both children and adults alike, with flavors including red velvet, wedding cake, and carrot cake, among others.
Mr. & Mrs. Richmond arrived with their wedding party to the reception, receiving a warm and boisterous welcome from their guests. Speeches from the bridal party elicited both tears and laughter from the crowd. Before the dances took place, the couple snuck away with us for some portraits outside.
The scenery outside the wedding venue offered an abundance of variety for backdrops, from lush trees to eye catching cherry blossom branches, and green bushes with dainty white blooms.
Ashley and Rich made their way back their loved ones, sharing a first dance together as husband and wife.
Congratulations Ashley and Rich, we wish you the best!