Phaedra Bradley & Paige Lucas
July 2, 2021, at The Refinery at 120
When they set out to envision the tone and theme of their July wedding, Phaedra—who has a background in wedding planning—and Paige decided to veer from traditional summer wedding vibes, opting instead to utilize pops of darker colors. Black candles sat atop flowy gray table runners, geometric chargers wrapped with knotted black napkins held graphic menus.
“We wanted to purchase things that we knew we would use one day in a future home or could donate to other friends getting married.” Phaedra says. (The greenery garlands they constructed currently frame the mantel in their home.)
The venue—Culpeper’s Refinery at 120—helped drive it all home, with its pared-down industrial look, but in the end the most important thing (even beyond the details) was the party. The couple had eloped in Rapidan, Virginia, the summer before, so this celebration was a long time coming.
“We were the first guests to arrive [at the party], allowing us to say hi to everyone as they walked in,” Phaedra says. “After months or years of not seeing them, it was the best to reunite.”
Hey, Mr. DJ
The couple’s favorite detail from the night? The music. “Our DJ did an amazing job keeping the dance floor packed,” says Phaedra. “Because we chose food trucks versus a seated or more formal service style, no one had to miss their favorite song. The dance floor was full of dance moves featuring slices of pepperoni pizza and signature cocktails.”
So handy
Phaedra and Paige DIYed almost everything—the candlesticks, card holder, bar menus, greenery, signage and more, the most difficult of which was constructing 11 five-foot garlands for the guest tables and welcome sign.
Take it to go
Food trucks were the name of the game for these brides’ wedding food: pizza, sliders with fries, cookies and ice cream. Plus, they ended the night with tins of cotton candy from Sugar Soirée.
Friendly fare
The couple met through mutual friends at a Friendsgiving party in 2015. “Because of where we both lived, our jobs and our immediate circle of friends, we think this is the only time we would have ever come in contact with each other,” Phaedra says.
Keep celebrating
While their honeymoon was delayed, 2022 is jam-packed with travel plans: Jamaica, California, Miami, and a week-long vacation to Europe.
The details
Photographer: Carly Romeo Catering: Zorch Pizza, Slideways Mobile Bistro Dessert: Cookies, ice cream, and milk from Captain Cookie DC, cotton candy jars from Sugar Soirée Music: DJ Frank Guertier of Bunn DJ Company RVA Brides’ attire: LuLus Shoes: LuLus Rings: Richmond Jewelers, Belloring (Etsy) Hair: ShopSuhLayyed (Phaedra only) Makeup: Makeup by Alondra (both brides) Photobooth: Richmond Photo Booth Rentals: Bride & Joy Rentals Bartending: Revelry Mobile Bar Transportation: A&A Limousine
