A Harry Potter and Star Wars Themed Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer
Cortney and Jon’s Harry Potter and Star Wars themed wedding at the Virginia Cliffe Inn was absolutely magical, to say the least! Cortney had been sharing the progress of her specially made wedding dress with me, and I had just been dying to get to see the final piece! I knew that they had so many fun things planned to incorporate their love of Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings into their wedding. Being a fan myself, I’ve been dying to get to witness all the perfect nerdiness! They have been planning this wedding for a long time, and all of their hard work clearly paid off. Even after all this time… it was finally time for them to say, “I do!”
When I arrived at the Virginia Cliffe Inn, the bridal party immediately had me giddy with their personalized Harry Potter wands! Instead of bouquets, they would all be walking down the aisle with their own handmade wands. Cortney’s bouquet was made of flowers handmade from pages of Harry Potter books! Everyone was busy bustling about, getting all of the needed decorations and supplies into their places. The light rain made this a little tricky, but it did nothing to dampen any spirits! Once Cortney arrived from her hair and make up appointment, it was time to hide her from Jon and get her into her dress!
Cortney’s dress was straight out of a fairy tale. I absolutely love it when couples add such personal touches to their wedding day. Cortney’s dress was 100% made for her, and it fit her personality so well! Kelsey Hall from DiDomenico is the amazing artist behind this gorgeous gown! Cortney and Jon share an intense love of so many different fantasy fandoms, and I just love how she was able to showcase that love in her dress.
The beautiful colors of the dress and the intricate beading on the lace front had Cortney looking like a fairy princess. Her shining tiara helped with this as well! My favorite part of her dress had to be all of the individually sewn butterflies! As her bridesmaids helped her into her dress, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever seen a bride shine so brightly. Courtney was absolutely beaming, and clearly the dress had met all of her expectations! It was absolutely perfect for her.
Once in her dress, it was time to meet with Jon for their first look! Cortneys bridesmaids did an amazing job helping with her dress and holding umbrellas while we made our way under the front porch. Soon it was time for Jon to see his bride, and the huge smile he had on his face said it all! They shared some sweet words, and Cortney showed off her dress to Jon before we began a few quick portraits. Before we knew it, it was time for Cortney and Jon to take their places for their ceremony!
Cortney and Jon’s ceremony was an absolute fandom dream. Their bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle with their wands, and made way for the “grand” entrance of the ring bearer. The MOH and Best man, Kaitlin and Brian, walked their son down the aisle in his custom made Millennium Falcon. Brian and Jon had spent weeks putting together the detailed masterpiece! The ring bearer’s entrance had everyone laughing with enjoyment, and excited for Cortney to begin her walk.
Cortney’s mother escorted her down the aisle, and it was finally time for the ceremony to begin. Some of the groomsmen shared words and readings. The famous, “Always,” passage was read (wand movements included!) and then Cortney and Jon shared their vows. Guests were left with a final reminder from Albus Dumbledore. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Courtney and Jon were now finally Mr. and Mrs. Ugalde!
After family photos and bridal party portraits, the rain stopped just in time for us to put away the umbrellas for Cortney and Jon’s portraits. Cocktail hour flew by, and they entered the reception for their first dance! Guests playfully enjoyed the wands in their party favors, throwing spells at others left and right. Everyone looked in awe at their stunning wedding cake. Their three-tiered cake was a Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars masterpiece! The smooth draping of the icing tumbling down the sides was so well done, and they even had a pair classes for the table. Copy Cat Cakes did such an amazing job!!
Kaitlin, Brian, and Damien shared toasts, and after a night of dancing it was time for the exit. One of the first things Cortney had shared with me about her wedding planning was that she wanted to do unique exit. I knew it was going to be Star Wars and Harry Potter themed, and I’ve been so excited about it! She decided on lighted wands for their exit, and I got to catch a sneak peek of them a few days before the wedding! She did and AMAZING job hand making all of the wands for their exit! Cortney and Jon ended their magical wedding day with their friends wielding wands and light sabers, and of course, shouting “lumos!” Congratulations again Mr. and Mrs. Ugalde!
Wedding Vendors:
Bakery: Copy Cat Cakes, Ellen Pulido – copycatcakesrva@gmail.com, @copycatcakesrva, https://www.copycatcakesrva.com/
Caterer: Maribelles, Kelly Raymond – maribellesinc@gmail.com, http://www.maribellesrva.com/
Bar Service: Revelry Mobile Bar, Carley Lucas – revelrymobilebar@gmail.com, @revelrymobilebar, https://www.revelryeventco.com/
DJ: BDG, Mike Ugalde – djbdg35@gmail.com, @bdgentertainment
Hair and Makeup: FBJ Weddings – fbjweddings@gmail.com, @fbjweddings
Bridal Gown: DiDomenico, Kelsey Hall – DiDomenico3@gmail.com, @didomenico_design
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Planner: Beth Curfman of Nextage Events – beth@nextagellc.com, @nextage_events
