Aerial view of outdoor wedding ceremony at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia, with guests seated in the garden during the vows

A Playful Garden-Inspired Wedding at The Branch Museum in Richmond

June 26, 2025

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Playful details, layered textures, and curated style brought this full-service celebration to life at one of Richmond’s most iconic venues.

Aerial view of outdoor wedding ceremony at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia, with guests seated in the garden during the wedding ceremony.

The Branch Museum: A Richmond Icon with a Fresh Perspective

K and T’s wedding at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design blended vibrant personality with refined structure, exactly what they envisioned when they described their dream aesthetic as Anthropologie meets Apple Store. Think: garden whimsy, clean lines, bold choices, and deeply personal moments woven throughout.

The couple met while in medical school at VCU in Richmond, which made coming back to the city for their wedding feel full-circle.  The museum’s stately architecture and intimate gardens offered the perfect backdrop for an elevated but welcoming, historic but never stuffy wedding celebration.

Located in the heart of the Fan District, The Branch remains one of our favorite venues for couples looking to blend personal history with a fresh, design-forward approach.

Vintage rug aisle runner, wooden ceremony chairs for an outdoor wedding ceremony in the garden at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia
Fall garden ceremony setup at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia, featuring floral arrangements and vintage rug aisle with chairs arranged for guests.
Bride and groom share their first kiss during an outdoor wedding ceremony at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

Personal Details That Told Their Story

The bride got ready just steps away in an Airbnb located across the street. When she was dressed, she and her bridesmaids walked across the street to the museum for a heartfelt ceremony in the garden, joined by the couples beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Tabasco, who wore a floral collar for the occasion.

Inside the museum, her aunts styled built-in shelves with blue-and-white chinoiserie, heirloom decor, and playful nods to the couple’s shared story: travel finds, artistic touches, and subtle references to their careers and milestones.

Her sister, a talented artist, designed their save-the-dates, invitations, and painted live during the event, creating a keepsake filled with beautiful memories of the day. Every vignette was intentional, personal, and visually layered.

Bride walks across the Monument Avenue in Richmond VA with her bridesmaids.  Branch Museum Wedding.
Styled wedding shelving display at The Branch Museum in Richmond featuring blue-and-white chinoiserie, heirloom decor, and framed family photos.
Close-up of red ranunculus in a chinoiserie vase with pressed floral artwork on display at The Branch Museum wedding.

An Outdoor Ceremony with Personality

Guests gathered in the garden for a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by seasonal florals in coral, garnet, and blush. Vintage rugs lined the aisle, adding texture and a sense of ease to the garden ceremony. Paper fans were placed on each seat for a simple but thoughtful touch. As the couple walked back down the aisle, guests tossed petal cones filled with fresh blooms. The ceremony was warm, expressive, and totally them. Anchored by natural beauty and a sense of relaxed sophistication that made the entire day feel intimate and elevated.

Bride and groom with their Bernese Mountain Dog wearing a floral collar during their garden wedding at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia

Design, Dancing, and Decadent Brownies

Rather than a traditional seated dinner, the couple opted for a station-style reception.  Station style dining is a thoughtful choice that encourages movement, conversation, and a sense of ease. As the evening progressed, the bride reemerged in a feathered halter gown, ready to dance. Her second look brought a playful, editorial energy to the evening, mirrored by the groom’s equally exuberant presence on the dance floor. The dance floor filled quickly—first with their parents, then the two of them, and soon surrounded by friends.

One of the most touching moments came from her father, who worked behind the scenes with the catering team to recreate his signature brownies to surprise the bride’s childhood friends with trays of nostalgic brownies in every flavor he used to make for them after school. Mid-reception, trays of nostalgic, decadent brownies were passed around for all to enjoy. It was emotional, indulgent, and the perfect personal touch.

To close the night, an RVA TukTuk picked them up and took them downtown for an after-party that kept the celebration going.

Cocktail Style Reception at The Branch Museum with botanical linen-covered high-top tables and vintage chairs against the venue’s architectural exhibit panels. Richmond Wedding Venue.
Lounge seating setup inside The Branch Museum featuring a coral velvet sofa, vintage armchairs, and colorful throw pillows beneath leaded glass windows. Branch Museum Wedding, Richmond Va
Garden-inspired floral centerpiece with coral, blush, and garnet blooms on a patterned green-and-white linen at The Branch Museum wedding reception.
Guests mingling during cocktail hour beneath the trees in the garden courtyard at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond Va Wedding.
Catering team presenting trays of nostalgic brownies to guests during a Richmond wedding reception at The Branch Museum.
Bride and her father joyfully reacting to a surprise brownie display during the wedding reception at The Branch Museum. Richmond Va Wedding.

Planning a Wedding at The Branch Museum

As a Richmond wedding planner specializing in full-service events, we work with couples who want a celebration that feels curated, meaningful, and beautifully designed. From layered details to bold moments, we bring creative visions to life with precision, personality, and style.

Photographer: Neariah Christin Photography
Venue: Branch Museum of Architecture & Design
Florist: Fleure Studio
Linens: Nuage Designs Inc.Stradley Davidson Linen Collective
Rentals: Rent‑E‑Quip
Specialty Rentals: Paisley & Jade
Catering: Cater 2 Events

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