Bella Rosa Bridal

We are so happy to have Erin as our Bella Bride of the Week! Parks and Erin were married May 19, 2012 at The Historic John Marshall Hotel.

Photography from our friends at Hayes and Fisk

How did you and your husband meet? 
“Parks and I met at Longwood University where we both went for undergrad through mutual friends and became friends before starting to date in 2007. We love to tell others about one of our first dates to the Virginia Derby, where Parks accidentally bet on the wrong horse that I had chosen and picked to win for the big race. So, he came back and told me that he picked horse 3 and I of course acted like a brat and was mad he picked the wrong horse. Well, what to do you know the horse he picked won with 38-1 odds and I won 400 on a 10 dollar bet.  I obviously was really happy then and told my parents jokingly on the ride home that night -  I think hes a keeper :) We go to the Derby every yearnow with friends as our favorite summer tradition.” 

How did he propose?
“Parks proposed on a weekend getaway to NYC.  We went on December 10, 2010 and great friends of ours took us on their private jet to NYC for what I thought would be a fun weekend.  It was definitely fun but much more special once we arrive at dinner at a restaurant called, One if by Land, Two if By Sea.  Our maitre’d brought a platter with what he said was a appetizer from the chef but when he took the top off of the platter there was a box with my ring.  It was really romantic and I was not at all expecting it.”

What was the most important thing to you while planning your wedding? 
“I hired a phenomenal wedding planner, LIndsay Averette, of LK events and design. She was amazing.  I am super organized and love to plan things so all of the details were fun and exciting for me. But having her there to help me and give me helpful hints was a huge stress relief. I had zero worries that anything would happen on the big day. I would absolutely recommend hiring a wedding coordinator/planner.”

How would you describe your wedding style?
“Our wedding was very Richmondish, I may have just made that word up.  Parks and I are from Richmond and love the city. I would describe our style as preppy and traditional and we wanted a venue that was classy, traditional, but still had the Richmond vibe.  Not somewhere gimmicky or somewhere that anyone else gets married.We were one of the first booked events at the John Marshall Hotel which was exciting.  Our actual wedding was in my opinion (because I am not biased) was perfect.  We had live music viola and violin throughout ceremony and cocktail hour.  The boys were blue and white pinstripe seersucker and girls navy blue jcrew dresses with pearls.  It was a sit down dinner catered by the amazing Homemades by Suzanne.  The wedding was absolutely me - classy, girly, sophisticated, and fun :) “

 

Why/how did you pick the dress that you did?
“I knew the dress was the one.  Super fitted and flowing out at the bottom with a larger than life bow on the back.  I wanted a dress that I hadnt seen before and when I tried it on we all knew it was perfect for me.  After the ceremony was over and we were taking pictures I asked Parks what he thought my dress was going to look like and he was like “Erin, honestly, exactly like it is.” He knows my style well. As did Camberly, who was amazing!!!”

 

What was your favorite moment or memory of your wedding/wedding planning? 
“My favorite memory of the wedding was walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Parks face for the first time that day.  One of my favorite pictures is one Jamie got of his face as I turned the corner.  Its at our house at work,  I just love it.  Seeing him smile and tear up a little made me realize that this is the man that I will be with for the rest of my life and I could not be happier to have my dad give me away to such a great guy.”
 

What advice would you give future brides? 
“Cherish every moment because it truly flies by.  Take the time to greet as many people as you can during reception. Parks and I made a point to go to every table and thank them for coming.  The people that are there for you on your special day will most likely be those that are still around in 20, 40, 60 years. They ar just as excited to celebrate as you - so remember to say hi, give a hug, take a picture and make them feel welcome.” 

 

Congratulations Erin and Parks! There couldn’t be a more adorable couple :)

If you would like to be a Bella Bride please message or Email us. 

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