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A Summer Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Wedding | Maddie & Mike

A Lewis Ginter Garden Party Wedding with Eco Friendly Details | Richmond Wedding Photographer

Mike and Maddie were all smiles all day as they celebrated their love at their beautiful summer Lewis Ginter wedding. The theme for the day was fittingly a “Garden Party!” The couple incorporated some amazing eco-friendly details into their day, like Mike’s bamboo suit, the guy’s amazing floral ties, and their invitations that will sprout wildflowers when planted! The wedding party got ready in the Bloemendaal house, where Mike gave his groomsmen Boat and Tote bags, as well as embroidered socks to wear with their suits. Meanwhile, Maddie got into her elegant wedding dress with the help of her mom, Erika, and sister and MOH, Macon, before a first look with the rest of her bridesmaids

Then, it was time for Mike and Maddie’s first look. After getting them into place on the secluded porch, out of excitement and eagerness, Mike almost accidentally turned around too early! Finally, they were able to share a heartwarming embrace, filled with overwhelming smiles. Mike exclaimed with love in his voice, “it’s so you! It’s incredible!” He noted the special jewelry she was wearing, including earrings he had gotten her from India, and wiped his tears throughout the entire first look. They then took a moment to read their personal vows to each other in private. It’s not very often that the wedding couple gets a moment to take in the reception space before guests arrive, so Mike and Maddie took a little “tour” of their wedding. They weaved through the tables and dance floor and into the Victorian inspired gardens with the biggest smiles on their faces!

Guests enjoyed the sprawling gardens in front of Lewis Ginter’s Conservatory as they took their seats for the ceremony. Mike’s brother and best man, Patrick, stepped in to officiate the ceremony, after their friend and original officiant, Will, tested positive the day before. Patrick shared a few words written by Will, “love is pure, and is wild; it is everything good in the world. Love is a perfect chocolate chip cookie, it’s the final scene in an Oscar winning film. You have to seek it out, and when you find it, hang on with everything you’ve got. That’s what marriage is. It’s that wild, wonderful love, like the kind that Mike and Maddie have.” Sam, one of the groomsmen, shared a beautiful reading about all the everyday conversations and dreams and promises that led to this day, entitled, “From Beginning to End” by Robert Fulghum. Guests both in person, and on zoom, excitedly celebrated as they said “I do” and were finally pronounced husband and wife!

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the beautiful rose garden for cocktail hour before heading to the Grace Arents Gardens for the reception. Their reception space was decorated beautifully with stunning high and low florals so guests could chat easily at their tables. Mike and Maddie showed off some lovely moves they learned for their first dance to La Vie En Rose by Louis Armstrong. Maddie then shared a dance with her Dad, Tom, and her step-dad, Thomas. After dinner, it was Mike’s turn to dance with his mom, Tracy, to Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay. When the tone of the song became more upbeat, the entire wedding party rushed the dance floor and kicked off their party dancing for the night in such a fun way! The evening kept going with an amazing crowd on the dance floor, a coffee bar, and chocolate and earl gray lavender cakes. Finally, guests sent the couple off with an unforgettable flower toss!

Congratulations again Mr. and Mrs. McGovern, and I hope you are enjoying the first few days of being newlyweds!