Richmond Art Nouveau Wedding: Lesemann & Michael

 

"Celebrating art, culture, and history are very important to us, and I’m so happy we were able to celebrate at this fantastic venue." These were the words from this gorgeous Bride as she described this historic site that the couple chose for their wedding day. The Valentine has been collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond’s 400-year history for over a century. Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Valentine is a place for residents and tourists to discover the diverse stories that tell the broader history of this important region.
The  history  of the institution begins with Mann S. Valentine, Jr., the museum’s founder and was the first private museum in the City of Richmond, opened in 1898. 
This Museum offers major changing exhibitions, which focus on American urban and social history, costumes, decorative arts and architecture. The Valentine includes the stately 1812 Wickham House, a National Historic Landmark and outstanding example of neoclassical architecture featuring rare wall paintings.   The museum was open to the guests and they were even able to take guided tours of the historical John Wickham house during cocktail hour! 
 

 
Their Story

Lesemann and Michael met on an online dating website. They exchanged numbers and communicated briefly but never made official plans to meet up. A year lately, Lesemann revisited the website and low and behold, she had a message from Michael. He sent: "Hey, weren't we supposed to get dinner like a year ago?" So they then met up at Boka Tako and Lesemann's mom had to drop her off to meet her date, as her car was in the shop. But she made sure she was dropped off a few blocks away in case he was waiting. After drinks, they walked to Can Can Brasserie, a very popular spot in Richmond. It was crowded and busy, yet Lesemann said she noticed Michael didn't take his eyes off her the whole night. That night was the beginning of their love story.
 

 

 

 

The Perfect Day

The mood and theme for the day was a mixture of Art Nouveau as well as classic Hollywood. The brides mother, Becky designed the table settings, bouquets/floral arrangements, and even painted an original mural which was displayed in the garden. This added so much to the historic feel that was already there. The mural was inspired by the work of Toulouse-Lautrec. 
Family and friends that were there were very special to them, and made their day feel complete with their presence. The laughter and dancing were on top of the list of favorite things remembered. The  photographer, Sound Snap Photo was able to capture some of the best memories throughout the day and evening.  
 

 

 

 

One of the favorite moments on the dance floor included a mother/son-in-law dance that was kept a secret from Michael, up until the moment the brides mother stepped onto the floor! All her idea, she lead him in a hilarious improvised duet to the 1961 song “Mother-In-Law” by Ernie K-Doe.  The newlyweds had their first dance to Reviens vite et oubile, by Les surfs. The bride  also made sure that the final dance was to “2 Become 1” by the Spice Girls. 


 

 

Happily Ever After
At the end of their perfect day, they were sent off by sparklers and cheer. 
Congratualtions to this happy couple! 

 

Event Details:

Saturday October 20th at 5:00pm

Venue (entire event, ceremony and reception): The Valentine, Richmond VA

thevalentine.org

Wedding Planner/Director: Lesemann Pumphrey

Creative Director/Scenic Artist: Becky Pumphrey

Day-of Coordinator: Emily Weiler

Bride’s Hair: Marie Lee

Bride’s Make-Up: Stefanie McLarty

Catering: MOSAIC

Photographer: Ashley Loth, Sound Snap Photography

DJ: Sean Lovelace

Cupcakes: Sally Bell’s Kitchen

Bride’s dress: David’s Bridal

Bridal Alterations: White Swan Bridal, Vienna VA