Lindsay and Tom’s wedding at Mankin Mansion in Richmond, VA was a burst of joy and colour. Together they built a day that looked and felt like them: vibrant, unfussy, and full of playful details. The tattoo artist bride walked down the aisle in a teal Flora & Lane gown embroidered with orange and yellow flowers.

Their vision came together as a relaxed garden party with disco balls swinging in the trees, lawn games scattered across the grass, and a golden balloon photo backdrop for Polaroids that doubled as guest book entries. A temporary tattoo station was a nod to Lindsay’s craft, and it quickly became a hit with everyone – kids covered their arms while the adults joined in after a few drinks.

The couple kept the ceremony intimate. They read private vows after their first look, saving the emotional moment for just the two of them. Lindsay walked in to Pink Pony Club. Their reverend had asked each of them to secretly list five things they loved about the other, which he read aloud during the ceremony – a surprise that caught them both off guard in the best way.

The wedding date landed on Easter Sunday, which meant one thing: an egg hunt. Between games and hunts, guests nibbled on mini grilled cheese sandwiches during cocktail hour and later found a table stacked with cannoli instead of cake.

Planning together was one of Lindsay’s favourite parts of the process. “It sounds super corny but it was really great getting to create such a big thing together and be excited with each other,” she said. The biggest challenge she faced was finding a unique dress.. “Ordering a wedding dress online was tricky. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time. Even if the dress is beautiful there is still a good chance you will realise you liked it way more on the model than on you. If you’re like me and decide this less than two months before the wedding, sample dresses and express shipping can save the day!”

Somewhere between the Polaroids, temporary tattoos, and trays of cannoli from Publix, the day turned into exactly what they’d imagined. “Don’t put so much stress on yourselves, and don’t worry about meeting other peoples’ expectations”, Lindsay concluded. “It’s supposed to be a happy day, so let yourself be happy. Have fun with it! Also, remember you don’t need a white dress to look like a bride!”