Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Drinks

Seven Springs

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

(Grant and Sidney's Version) It all started our freshman year at Davidson College, where we lived in the same dorm (shoutout to the First Belk vibes and Facebook friendship since September of 2015!). We had our one and only college class together that fall (we’ll let you guess which one didn’t want to take classes with the other) so, naturally, we walked to and from the dorm twice a week and a real friendship soon blossomed. Fast forward to that spring, and we went to each other’s formals and had our first breakfast date at the campus coffee shop, where Sidney's aversion to most breakfast foods didn't scare Grant off. We spent the summer after freshman year writing each other letters while Sidney was at camp, became “official” the first night back sophomore year (yes, Michele, this is when our relationship started), and have been together every moment since. Junior fall we embarked on our respective semesters abroad, and in an early, telling sign for the future of our relationship, confidently decided to do intercontinental long distance, with Grant in Santiago, Chile and Sidney in Athens, Greece. Before going to Athens, Sidney took an incredible trip to visit Grant in Santiago, some of our favorite memories of our relationship are still from that trip 6 (!) years ago. Skipping ahead again, we both graduated from Davidson (though only one of us had the “good luck” of an owl pooping on us mid ceremony) and set off to start our careers on opposite coasts, with Sidney working as a paralegal in DC and Grant heading to Fresno, CA to work on a congressional campaign. While the distance, combined with demanding first jobs and COVID, was often difficult, we continued to grow closer, cherishing the time we would get together, taking advantage of Grant being in California by planning trips to Sequoia National Park, Monterey, and LA, and starting to really talk seriously about a forever future together. We were finally reunited on the East Coast and for a few brief months we both lived in DC before Sidney moved to Richmond, VA for law school. Grant was in DC for another year and we both became more familiar than we ever wanted to be with I-95, making the short drive up and down to visit each as frequently as we could. The three years of long distance ended with Grant (finally) moving to Richmond in summer 2022. While we had been excitedly talking about getting a dog together for years, Sidney took “we are getting a dog when Grant moves to Richmond" very literally and we went to the shelter on Grant’s third full day in town, where we met the love of our lives–our four-year-old beagle, Mabel. Anyone that has seen us since then knows that we are slightly (massively) obsessed – so you’re welcome, Grant, for the nudge to go to the shelter ASAP!&nbsp; That fall of 2022, Grant proposed to Sidney on a beautiful November day walking Mabel in a park overlooking downtown Richmond and the James River. Grant thought through all the details — even wearing a winter vest in the 70 degree weather so he had a place to put the ring. We spent the weekend at amazing restaurants, the Jefferson Hotel, and on overjoyed calls with friends and family. The engagement started with our first half marathon together the following week and continued with a full marathon this fall. We are enjoying our last year in Richmond and are excited to move back to DC together after Sidney graduates law school in the spring. We’ve loved every minute of being engaged, planning this wedding, envisioning our future as the Koehls (though Sidney is still working on the Grant Fox idea), traveling to many new places together, and have felt so loved and supported by all of our friends and family.&nbsp; We are so excited for this next chapter and are so grateful that so many people we love will be there to celebrate it with us. We can’t wait to see you in Richmond in March!

Our Story

Photos

Kaylea Berry

Alex Koehl

Krisanne Caffrey

Mike Blasey

Jenn Ritter

Noah Constantine

Madi Arens

Jeremy Fox

Sarah Ethridge 

Jack Kemp

Natalie Connell

Will Malloy

Daisy Koehl

Matt Porcelli

Ali Koehl

Tim Skinner

Mabel

George Koehl

Wedding Party

What should I wear? 

We want everyone to feel comfortable and we know that Google defines every attire type ten different ways! Below are some (non-exhaustive) examples of the definitions of cocktail and semi-formal that we are using.&nbsp; For welcome drinks, the attire is Cocktail, a balance between elegant and comfortable. Women should opt for a dress (cocktail dress, tea-length, knee-length, or midi-length) or pants/skirt and a blouse. Men should wear slacks, a coat, and a button down, ties are optional. No jeans please!&nbsp; For the wedding, the attire is Semi-formal. Women should wear a dress (Midi-length, tea-length or floor-length), a pantsuit, or a skirt and blouse. Men should wear a suit or slacks, a jacket, and a tie.&nbsp; Seven Springs is an indoor/outdoor venue and we plan to hold the ceremony outside. The Virginia weather can be unpredictable in March so we would recommend bringing a light jacket, shawl, or pashmina.

Q + A

We would love for as many guests as possible to join us in staying at the Marriott Richmond Downtown so that we can all be together. Please use the website linked below to book through our room block, and let us know if you have any issues doing so. There are rooms at both the Courtyard and the Residence Inn, which are located at the same address. There is valet parking at the hotel for $32/day or a public parking garage across the street for $7/day.

Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott Richmond Downtown

While there is parking at the venue, the wedding is a 35 minute drive from the hotel. We are providing shuttle buses to and from the wedding so that you can relax and enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside. Please meet the shuttle bus at the Marriott Richmond Downtown at 2:45pm for a 3:00pm departure. If you are running late and miss the bus, we would recommend calling an Uber/Lyft. The busses will depart from the event at the end of the reception and drop back off at the Marriott.

Shuttle to the Wedding

For those coming from out of town with access to Amtrak, there are two Richmond train stations. The Main Street Station (RVM) has fewer trains each day, but is conveniently located blocks from Marriott Richmond Downtown. The Staples Mill Road Station (RVR) has more frequent options and is an easy 10-15 minute drive from the Marriott.

Getting to Richmond by Train

For guests flying in, the Richmond International airport (RIC) is a 15-20 minute drive from the Richmond Marriott Downtown. Uber and Lyft are good options, and our hotel also recommends King Taxi LLC (804-300-7111), which runs 24 hours/day.

Getting to Richmond by Plane

Travel

Thank you so much for visiting us in Richmond, we hope you will love our southern city as much as we do! Sidney has lived here since Fall 2021 and Grant joined her here in Fall 2022. Below are some suggestions of things to do during the wedding weekend so you can get to know the city. We included suggestions walking distance from the hotel, as well as some other places around the city. Welcome to RVA!

Walking distance from the Marriott

Places to Eat

The Urban Farmhouse Market &amp; Cafe1217 E Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219A great coffee shop and place to grab a pastry in the morning.A two minute walk from the Marriott. Perly's 111 E Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219Creative Jewish deli bites &amp; dinners served in a funky, retro eatery decorated with old photos. A 20 minute walk from the hotel and one of our favorite breakfast spots! Leave some extra time as there is usually a long wait. Secret Sandwich Society 501 E Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219Some of the best sandwiches in Richmond, named after former presidents.An 18 minute walk from the Marriott and a great lunch spot! Casa Del Barco - Canal Walk 320 S 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23219A solid Mexican spot only a 7 minute walk from the hotel. Located right on the canal with a great patio if the weather is nice. Mom's Siam 2 Restaurant 1309 E Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219A tasty Thai restaurant a short walk from the Marriott. They have another location near where we live that we love! Starbucks100 S 12th St, Richmond, VA 23219In addition to the Starbucks menu in the Marriott, there is also a full service Starbucks a 3 minute walk away from the hotel (connected to the Omni).

Things to Do

The Canal Walk The Canal Walk is a walkway along the James River. A four minute walk south of the Marriott will put you on the path and you can walk east or west to explore.If you head east, you will end up in Church Hill, a historic neighborhood with several places to grab a bite to eat or a coffee. If you head west you will end up on Brown's Island, a fun walkable area on the water that hosts various concerts and events throughout the year. Hotel Greene 508 E Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219A 21+ indoor mini golf course and restaurant/bar. A fun activity in the city, only a 15 minute walk from the Marriott.

Exploring Richmond

Places to Eat & Drink

Gersi RVA805 N Davis Ave, Richmond, VA 23220An Italian Restaurant and one of our favorite date night spots! We recommend getting any of their homemade pastas! Can Can Brasserie3120 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221Parisian-style steak frites eatery in a classic bistro setting with dark woods, tiles &amp; mirrors. If you are from DC, think Richmond's version of Le Dip! Kuba Kuba 1601 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220Homestyle Cuban neighborhood eatery. A fun, casual spot in the heart of the Fan. Beauvine Burger Concept1501 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220Craft burgers, milkshakes &amp; weekend brunch are served in rustic digs in a historic building. Vasen Brewing Company3331 W Moore St, Richmond, VA 23230Located in the heart of Scott's Addition, this is our favorite brewery in Richmond. Scott's Addition is a redeveloping area with a lot of new restaurants, breweries, and wineries. The Jasper3113 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221The best cocktail bar in Richmond!

Libby Hill Park 2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223Where we got engaged! A beautiful park overlooking downtown and in the heart of Church Hill - a historic area of Richmond. Cute Areas to Walk Around We would suggest the Fan! Start on Strawberry Street at Idle Hand with a pastry, at 8 1/2 for a sandwich or Scoop for Ice Cream. Walk around the pretty and historic neighborhoods or along Monument Avenue. We also love walking around Church Hill, another historic neighborhood and where we got engaged! Grab some lunch or a drink at Union Market, a coffee at Riverbend Roastery, or a pastry at Sub Rosa. Hikes and Parks around Richmond The Buttermilk Trail/Northbank Trail, Forest Hill Park, Bryan Park (Farmers Market Saturday), and the Capital Trail. Hollywood Cemetery 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220A stunning cemetery and grounds to walk around. You can also visit the graves of several US presidents and Supreme Court Justices. Museums As a city with a lot of history, there are several great museums that we would recommend:The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)The Virginia Museum of History and CultureAmerican Civil War MuseumVirginia Holocaust MuseumBlack History Museum and Cultural Center of VirginiaThe Poe Museum

Pickleball 

For those who want to get out and about on Saturday morning and have some fun, come out&nbsp;and play some pickleball&nbsp;at 9:30 am at Hotchkiss Park/Community Center (about 10 minutes from the Marriott)701 E. Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222. All levels are welcome. We will have some paddles but feel free to bring your&nbsp;own if you prefer. Come out and meet new friends or reconnect with those you know.&nbsp; Please contact Megan Kearney if you&nbsp;are planning to come so we will have a sense of the numbers.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Mkearney2020@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mkearney2020@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 781-724-3969.

Sidney & Grant

Sidney & Grant

Registry