Dembris and Jay united their families at their Charming Fall wedding at The Estate at River Run in Richmond, Virginia!
Dembris and Jay were first introduced on FaceTime through a mutual friend. Despite living three hours away from one another, they had an immediate connection and pursued a long-distance relationship while Dembris completed her master’s program.
From our first conversation, we instantly had a connection. I loved his charm and he was drawn to my blunt and adventurous personality.
– Dembris
Jay planned an intimate proposal for an unsuspecting moment. While Dembris was doing the dishes, he asked her to stop and close her eyes before getting down on one knee, with two dozen roses in hand.
She gave me the look that said “about time” with a smile.
– Jay
Their warm, romantic Fall wedding took place at the charming Estate at River Run in Richmond, Virginia. The vintage charm of the venue and soft-toned florals by Coterie member Flower Guy Bron blended seamlessly with bright-colored motifs and fashion, creating a romantic and warm autumnal atmosphere.
See the charming details of their Fall wedding below!
- Couple: Dembris & Jay
- Occupations: Dembris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Psychotherapist | Jay is a Qualified Mental Health Professional
- Wedding date: September 23, 2023
- Wedding location: The Estate at River Run in Maidens, VA
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen: I gifted my bridesmaids with their own personalized name bag that included a pair of flats by Flat Out of Heels, a fan with our wedding date, a pair of silk pajamas, and a tumbler to keep their drinks cold while we were getting ready. They were also gifted with complimentary makeup from professional makeup artists. Jay gifted his groomsmen complimentary haircuts, ties, pocket squares, and socks for their suits.
- Ceremony entrance song: “Die With You” by Beyonce’
- First dance song: “So Into You” by Jac Ross
How did you meet?
I met Jawarren through my best friend. Our first conversation was through a FaceTime call. He lived about three hours away from me. I had plans to relocate, but at the time, that was two years in the future after I had completed my Master’s Degree program. From our first conversation, we instantly had a connection. I loved his charm and he was drawn to my blunt and adventurous personality. We made the distance work for us until I relocated and we have been inseparable ever since.
Tell us your proposal story.
Jay: I wanted our proposal to be an intimate moment for us. I bought two dozen red roses home, interrupted her washing dishes by asking her to close her eyes, and got down on one knee asking for her hand in marriage. She gave me the look that said “about time” with a smile.
Describe your wedding style and attire.
Our wedding vibe was a warm Fall romance with a focus on family and fun. My wedding dress was designed by Essense of Australia. The Team at Elegance by Roya Tysons Corner helped me discover this gem on my very first visit. The wedding shopping experience was simplistic for me. I knew what I wanted and made decisions based on knowing what I wanted without a lot of opinions.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
We incorporated the sand blending ceremony and included our sons as a symbol of our families blending together as one.
What is the best memory from your wedding day?
The reception was by far one of the best moments of our wedding day. Our guests said it felt like a big family reunion. It seemed as if everyone knew each other and some had never met before. Everyone had such a great time dancing, laughing, and genuinely showing their love and celebration of our union. For me, as the bride, my best memory was having my bridesmaids, mother, and future mother-in-love cover me in prayer before the ceremony. I felt so at peace and overflowing with love and support from my tribe.
What is the best advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best wedding advice we would give to other engaged couples is to not stress over every detail of the wedding day AND to hire a professional planner who can execute your vision and give you the freedom to be fully immersed in the moments of your day. Hands down one of the best investments was hiring our planner who made sure everything went as smoothly as possible on our wedding day and even if it didn’t–behind the scenes– we never knew about it. Also, hire a great photographer and videographer to capture as many moments as possible. The day went by so fast, but thanks to our photographer and videographer we have lifetime memories!
Looking for more charming fall wedding inspiration?
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Vendors
- Photography: Kimie James
- Wedding Planner: Ciera Pope
- Venue: Estate at River Run
- Catering: Everyday Gourmet
- Video: MV Wedding Films
- Rentals: Rent-E-Quip
- Fog: Light and Sound Co
- Hair and Makeup: Society 11:11
- Officiant: Pastor Rose Wright-Scott
- Cake: Louisa’s Homemade’s
- Flowers and Aisle Runner: Flower Guy Bron
- DJ: Bunn DJ Company
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