Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Penny Lane Pub

Linden Row Inn

Our Wedding

What cherry blossomed into something beautiful

A more apt name for the dating app would have been Unhinged, but we both stuck with it— thank God for that. Krista sent Jo a message, and the two started talking all day from that moment on. What began as a prompt from Jo’s profile, a shared appreciation for making a therapist laugh, turned into ongoing banter and a long list of things in common. We weren’t going to let something like, say, the distance between Richmond and Rosslyn get in the way. Please put that into the perspective of DC traffic on 95 north. But regardless! K+J were quick to see if this was real or if someone was being catfished. So Jo headed up north for the official first date— going to see the cherry blossoms in Washington. It was magical. After grabbing questionable pink drinks on theme for the occasion, we headed to the Tidal Basin in a sea of people and pink. The scenery was captivating, but we were equally caught up in conversation and connecting. We walked 12 miles that day. From taking our first photo with the little tree who could, Stumpy, to sauntering around Georgetown for warm Levain cookies and crossing the Key Bridge for sushi, we would pass the spots from our first date often and look back at how far we’d come. And how nervous we were! We both knew that we had found something special after that initial meeting, and this continued to grow over time. The first time Krista met Luca and Oliver, she brought them pupcakes from Carytown Cupcakes. Sure, this is a cheat code into their little ho hearts, but over time they’ve come to recognize Krista as their second mother, nurturer and responsible party for five o’clock demands. Seeing Krista with the boys, jumping in to be a partner to Jo and a pet parent to them, was a special part of the journey. And the cat acts all coy and cool, but she’s also secretly grateful for this two-mom life. She sneaks into the bed for some secret lovin’ when everyone is unconscious so she can express her feelings. And we all play the ultimate game of Petris in a size queen. We did a great job with long distance, Krista often coming into town by train and Jo spending some time in Rosslyn, or lovingly known as— the boys’ summer home. We took advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the dining scene, drink Compass iced coffees (never pink drinks again), go to Krista’s first ever Pride and attend so many amazing concerts especially at the Wolftrap. We dug into our shared taste of music and sat under the stars soaking in Brandi Carlile, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, Jenny Lewis and lesser known artists at our annual tradition, the Out and About Festival. Fun fact: before we swiped left and were right on time for meeting each other, we shared an evening together. We were both at Brandi Carlile at Maymont in Richmond mere months before and shared in the lyrical masterpieces and magic of that moment. We have said: my person was out there so close, and I didn’t even know it! And that has everything to do with trusting the timing of the universe and never knowing what amazing miracle is just moments away from landing. Music continues to be an important part of the relationship, with Stevie Nicks stealing the show in the best-of category. As we pick our song, we look back on what was playing every week picking Krista up from the train station. Or playlists made on theme for a trip. Songs like Brandi’s “You and Me on the Rock” that cut to the core of who we are. And music that feels like love is both the ultimate safety and the biggest adventure, like Kishi Bashi “Manchester” and Fleetwood Mac “Everywhere”. We took sanctuary in our shared home aesthetic and knew we would combine our spaces brilliantly when we got there— which we did in summer 2024. While the boxes initially seemed to belie that 850 square feet of space should be enough for our head count of five, we got all in. And sure enough, our 100ish plants are still the centerpiece of our decor. We’ve energized the condo with our combined look that we are so proud of and cozy in. It’s a testament to the life we’re building and our shared vision for the future. Creating a gallery wall that’s reflected our journey so far really helped visualize how much we’ve done; how far we’ve come; where we're going... what an adventure! Our humble and happy space is the launching point of a thousand walks with the boys to the neighborhood bone bowls. Patterson Ave is also home base for travel and adventure globally, as we’ve both pushed beyond our comfort zones to discover the world and new depths of our love everywhere we go. We found a small slice of romantic heaven in Montmarte, Paris and can’t wait to go back and explore / eat more chocolate. We snorkeled past some fears and walked among the blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos. And most recently, our greatest adventure in Santorini— the adventure of engagement and taking the next step in our commitment to one another. We’ve gone out to Cali to see Jo’s cousin/ best friend / life support / person Kim, her partner Mark, her son Daniel and his wife Felisa. And now Anthony and Bryan are there, too! For what Jo lost in unfortunate estrangement to her parents 12 years ago, she’s gained the fullness of joy in family that has respect and celebration and participation in her life and in her love. The gift of a growing family has been a promise come true of recovery and getting sober and today family is such an important part of life. Jo deeply cares about her relationship with her siblings, Irena and Gregory, and their spouses, Will and Kate, and the incredible game-filled family time we spend together. And now Jo and Krista are proud aunties as Irena and Will welcome their beautiful baby Gemma to the world as of November 2024. Krista’s parents are local, so we are able to go over there regularly— and they even invite Luca and Oliver back despite O’s manic obsession with digging under the shed. They’re patient and welcoming, always with delicious food on the grill and amazing German recipes passed on through family tradition. It was a special treat to sit around Opa’s handcrafted German Christmas machines that hold candles and gently spin, made with painstaking care for quality and detail. We sat together in Pete’s recliner as Dottie wondered why her spot was taken, with Krista’s parents, Aunt Steph, Uncle Ron and the pups sharing in the present opening. We also enjoy the close bond with the neighbors who have watched Krista grow up and have been part of her life and story all these years–just so grateful for the community and support we have. Another fun fact on timing and how the universe works. Krista’s dad and Jo’s brother have been playing hockey together in a league, sometimes even on the same team, for over a decade. Small world. We are excited to welcome to our wedding the folks who molded us into the people we are today. The people who support us. The people we can ROTFLMAO with memes with, talking on multiple platforms at the same time. This is best friends / sobriety sisters in program. People we maybe grew up with. A friendship that started in a warehouse in Long Island City, Queens one summer with no air conditioning. Peloton accountability buddy turned global traveling buddy turned everyday best friend. Soul Cycle girlies turned Sanderson sisters. Longwood honeys. Neighbors. Family. Coffee and conversation pals. Friends on and off the bike. Friends for life. As a content designer, Jo can go on and on. Here we are. There are not enough things I can say about this love and this life. Especially considering there was a point she never thought any of this was possible at all. Please join us in Richmond for celebration and fun and a taste of this sweet RVA life. We will exchange vows in the gardens that Edgar Allan Poe called enchanted in his poetry and then walk down the street to Penny Lane Pub, a local institution and treasure that I proudly say is owned by a dear and amazing friend. We will eat British pasties and mingle and drink mocktails and we will give you all a big squeeze. Thank you for being such an important part of our story.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

Terry, Rose, Terence, and Lisa&nbsp;—&nbsp;and in a few years, Kate, Evan, and Landon&nbsp;— invite you to join the family here in their corner of Liverpool. And it's easy to say "yes" when we know and love Lisa. In fact, she's been an important part of Jo's life for years. Penny Lane is a tribute to all things English, from the&nbsp;beers&nbsp;on tap (if that's your thing) to gorgeous stained glass windows to the memorabilia that fills every square inch of the pub. You don’t have to be a&nbsp;“Scouse”&nbsp;to feel at home here, but you’ll feel a little like one by the time you leave our reception.

Come for the best sunset in town, stay and walk around for a bite at Proper Pie (careful, the hours are limited and you don't want to miss out on this sweet and savory goodness around the corner). This is quintessential Richmond right here. Oh! And as we're on the theme of UK in RVA for our wedding, the spot that gave Richmond its name is on the other side of the fountain. You'll note the placard that tells the whole story based on a similar spot in Richmond, England looking out over the Thames River.

Libby Hill Park

A quirky LGBTQ+ nightclub setting that's home to Richmond's world famous Sunday drag brunch bringing entertainers from across the region. Nightly Drag Shows with DJs &amp; Dancing.Doors open each evening with happy hour @&nbsp;8pmMusic with our Godfreys DJs @&nbsp;9pmShowtime @&nbsp;11pmDancing and Music after the show.$5 Door21+ free till 10pm

Godfrey's

It's Yiddish for Delicious! Creative Jewish deli bites served in a funky, retro eatery decorated with old photos. Located basically next door to Linden Row, Perlys is a classic and a Richmond tradition since its establishment in 1961. We love it a latke. Get there early or be prepared to wait in line for a while–but totally worth it to get a table 'n schmear. Challah! Note: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Perly's

One of our earliest dates was going to the Canal Walk downtown to enjoy the murals. Richmond has a vibrant street art scene, so it's a great way to take in some of the local flavor. Head over to the Canal Walk where Brown's Island is (a popular spot for live music during the summer months) and take a short walk to Belle Isle–our favorite loop to walk the dogs around the James River after crossing over the suspension bridge. You'll fall in love with this city just a little bit, I promise you.

Canal Walk Murals

Nothing says the beginning of our marriage like a little macabre, amirite? If you're around over the weekend before the wedding, let's make this a thing. Our ceremony venue is very Poe-tic: "Romance has always flourished at Linden Row. As an adolescent, Edgar Allan Poe first courted his lifelong love, Elmira Royster Shelton, on the property where Linden Row Inn now stands. Poe went on to describe this location as the "enchanted garden" in his famous poem&nbsp;To Helen." Let's see what else our raven-rearing friend was getting into. Closed on Mondays.

The Poe Museum

Good coffee + gay vibes + yes and yass. Note that Riverbend is in historic Church Hill near Libby Hill Park (sunset spot), Proper Pie and some great restaurants. If you're in the Museum District (our neighborhood), we will surely be hauling you around to a few other local spots for croissants and iced bevvies as well!

Riverbend Roastery

Welcome to the River City, friends and family! We are proudly still beating blue, with a vibrant and diverse community calling the many neighborhoods here "home". We are in the Museum District, walkable to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts with the famous Kehinde Wiley&nbsp;"Rumors of War" political statue proudly standing out front. In the back, the Chihuly glass sculpture garden is one of the most well-known Richmond scenes in bright red, surrounded by art, moving water, locals having picnics and pups on their evening strolls. We are less than a mile from Carytown, a hip and queer-friendly shopping strip home to vintage shopping galore, restaurants &amp; bars, a lesbian bar with beach volleyball and amazing people-watching and the majestic Byrd Theater–a Richmond landmark. Don't leave Carytown without goodies from For the Love of Chocolate, a visit to the Shelf Life Book Store and a visit to the window at Sugar and Twine for a pastry and a coffee drink. Less than a mile from our condo in the other direction is Scott's Addition. It's industrial and much newer and mostly full of breweries, which isn't really our thing but maybe it's yours. To be fair, there are some really good restaurants in there. And Richmond Triangle Players, the best local theater company. And Gelati Celesti Ice Cream. And one of a few locations of Stella's Grocery Stores. Stella's Restaurant and the grocery locations rule Richmond. Chef's Kiss. Downtown is the district where the hotel is located and most of the recommendations for Linden Row Inn are. Dip into Jefferson Hotel if you have a chance. It's historic and architecturally very cool! On the fringe of Downtown is Church Hill, and I dropped a few recos from there as well. A few other Richmond highlights worth mentioning are: - Our famous Pygmy Hippo Poppy/ Hammie Mae is now accepting visitors at the Richmond Zoo. This is absolutely an absurd trek for this period of time, but if you're interested and here early enough before the wedding, talk to me. - Maymont Park. If you love nature, animals in sanctuary and wild spaces, prepare to have your breath be taken away. Maymont will always be one of my most favorite places in Richmond. There's just a magic to it. Head over to the stepping stones in the Japanese Garden with the giant koi fish underfoot and you'll understand. - Edo's Squid - it's one word and that one word is pasta. - Shyndigz - dessert and sweets beyond your wildest imagination. As featured on the Food Network. Now with a giant to-go version across the street that's *literally* dangerous. - Hollywood Cemetary - back to the macabre, but you just have to trust us on this.

Jo + Krista

Jo + Krista

Photos