Logan & Justin: A Picturesque Garden Wedding at Hermitage Museum

Real Wedding

November 30, 2022

Logan & Justin
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
Norfolk, Virginia

The Story

Logan & Justin ran in similar circles in college but had barely spoke more than hellos until they coincidentally went on the same internship in Spain together. They became close friends over the semester abroad, and returned to their university madly in love. As they approached graduation, they were both offered jobs at the same church. What had been a suspicion from the beginning became clear – that the Lord was drawing them together.

Their proposal story, in their own words:

Justin: “Our proposal story is wild! With the help of Logan’s mom, I planned a trip back to Logan’s hometown in order to surprise her with the proposal. The original plan was to have a sweet beach proposal at sunset. Then mother nature decided to do her thing, and one of the biggest snowstorms of the season blew across the east coast. I redirected the surprise to a morning proposal followed by brunch at the Cavalier. Logan thought we were flying to her hometown for the weekend to do family pictures. I think she was kind of suspicious because she got her hair and nails done that week. The pressure was on to keep everything secret.

The morning of our flight, we got an email saying that our flight to Norfolk was canceled due to weather. Not delayed, not redirected – completely canceled, no warning. This was merely the beginning of our travel woes. Not to be deterred, I suggested we go straight to the airport to catch any flight to coastal VA. After speaking with several airlines, we managed to catch a delayed flight to Atlanta, one step closer to where we needed to be. Once in Atlanta, our flight to Richmond got delayed 4 times before finally being canceled. The weather had turned and it was going to be impossible to land.

This is when panic set in for me. The proposal was scheduled with family at the next morning at 10 am. It was clear we were not going to make it. We ran through all of the options (drive? hitchhike? private plane?? helicopter???) but landed on staying with my brother-in-law in Atlanta. The next morning, we almost missed our flight due to a multiple car pile-up on the interstate. The setbacks felt unending.

Nevertheless, we managed to make it to Richmond, where Logan’s brother picked us up. Thankfully I was able to arrange for the proposal time to be delayed into the afternoon. Without missing a beat, we showered and got ready for “family pictures”. By this point, I’m sure Logan was very suspicious. We were tired and travel-weary, but we made it to the hotel in one piece.”

Logan: “I was suspicious the whole time! But in all the crazy circumstances, I tried to enjoy the adventure as much as possible. Once we were finally in Richmond, everyone was already dressed for family pictures. My mom kept apologizing that she wanted them, and at this point, I had given up caring. I got dressed knowing something was up, but not asking questions. Then my family left swiftly, and quietly without saying bye. VERY unlike my family!

Justin and I left for the Cavelier. He was SO quiet the whole ride. We walked inside and just meandered for a couple of minutes. Justin needed to use the restroom. I later found out it was to situate the ring. I went to the bathroom and took my sweet time. At this point I had talked myself out of it happening now, just to protect any expectations that might not be met.

Then I walked out to find Justin, and the area was beautifully decorated with flowers, lanterns, and candles. I noticed a family friend of ours taking pictures and then I knew it was going to happen. HE PROPOSED!! It felt like such a happy moment and simultaneously a time of relief. We had made it. And to my surprise, his whole family, and my whole family, as well as one of our best friends, were there to congratulate us! It was such a special time.”

The Wedding

Seeking a sweet, intentional wedding, Logan & Justin choose Hermitage Museum, an early 20th century historic home featuring a nationally-recognized art collection. Logan’s pearl bracelet was a family heirloom from her new in-laws. Following their last dance (24k Magic by Bruno Mars), the newly-weds left with an eco-friendly bubble exit.