Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography by Valerie Demo Photography

Ferris wheels, thrilling rides, wacky games, sinfully decadent foods…This is the stuff of fairs, and for countless couples all over the country, fairs are perfect date material, lending themselves to fun and flirtiness and more than a few clandestine kisses at the top of the ride and in dark corners. And even though Kathryn Marshman might not have realized it when she first met Andrew Richardson through mutual friends at the Fairfax County Fair in the summer of 2015, she was soon to be on a ride straight to love.

After a year and a half of dating, mechanic Andrew knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his days with Kathryn, and so he took his shot, hoping that he would win the greatest prize of his life. “He proposed on a trip to New York City after we saw Aladdin on Broadway—which is one of my favorite things,” recalls Kathryn, a pink-haired free spirit who works as a pharmacy technician.

Two months after saying yes, Kathryn said I do after walking down the aisle on Café 44’s outdoor terrace on October 19, 2018, wearing an ethereal titanium gown with a full tulle skirt and leaf-inspired accents, excited for her future and happy to be facing it with Andrew. After the couple exchanged vows, the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Richardson joined their friends and family to continue the celebration at Café 44, the stunning view serving as the perfect backdrop for their perfect day. As the evening went on, so, too, did the party, and guests dined on a buffet of fantastic food and danced to great music—with a few memorable moments thrown in: “My cousins decided to do an impromptu drunk karaoke rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart!” Kathryn recalls with a laugh.

Sweet as the occasion was, it was made even sweeter as Kathryn and Andrew cut into their cake, a three-tier vanilla sponge with decadent fresh mango puree mousse filling covered in grey and white marble fondant accented with pink and splattered with gold. After the last crumbs had been eaten and the last sip of champagne tasted, the happy newlyweds bid their guests adieu, ready to take a ride to the very top, holding hands and exchanging kisses for the rest of their lives.

The Details

Venue: Café 44

Photographer: Valerie Demo

Dress: Galatea by Willowby, Rosalin's Bridal Boutique

Tux: Men's Wearhouse

Engagement Ring: Vienna Jewelry

Flowers: Petal's Edge Floral Design

Cake: Rollin Hall Pastry Shop

Catering: Café 44

Hair and Makeup: James Cornwell, Iva Bella Salon