The John Marshall Ballrooms wedding, a story that began with a chance encounter. For Drew and Bailey, their story had been quietly unfolding for years before either of them realized it.
Although they officially met at Richmond favorite, The Grill at Libbie and Patterson, their lives had been intertwined long before. Bailey attended Radford University, where she became friends with Mary, who was in nursing school alongside Bailey’s sister, Carter. Mary was dating Drew’s brother, Thomas, at the time, meaning Bailey and Drew were unknowingly connected through countless milestones over the years—from Bailey’s sister’s wedding and beach vacations to concerts and family celebrations.
One memory would become especially meaningful years later.
About six months into dating, Drew mentioned attending his nephew’s gender reveal party years earlier. Bailey casually replied that she had been there too. At first, Drew didn’t believe her—until Bailey described exactly how the baby’s gender had been revealed. The realization hit them both: they had been standing in the same place at the same time six years before ever officially meeting.
Fast forward to football season in 2022, when both were regulars at The Grill with their groups of friends. Bailey always recognized Drew and would make a point to say hello, often snapping a picture together to send to Mary. Then, in 2023, everything finally fell into place. Drew saw Bailey once again at their favorite neighborhood spot and asked her out.
“It was the best and easiest yes.”
Drew and Bailey Story: The Perfect Christmas Surprise
When it came time to propose, Drew managed to completely surprise Bailey.
She was convinced they were simply heading to his parents’ home for their annual family Christmas photos. Instead, as soon as they arrived, Drew got down on one knee and asked Bailey to marry him.
Making the moment even more meaningful, both of their immediate families were there to celebrate the engagement.
But Drew wasn’t finished planning surprises.
After spending time with family, he told Bailey they were heading to his brother and sister-in-law’s house. When they arrived, Bailey walked into a home filled with their extended family and closest friends waiting to celebrate their engagement—a second unforgettable surprise that perfectly reflected how important family is to both of them.
Opposites Who Balance Each Other Perfectly
Bailey describes Drew as fun-loving, incredibly sweet, and someone who naturally makes everyone around him feel comfortable.
“As an overthinker, he always knows how to bring me back down to earth.”
For Drew, Bailey’s generosity is what stands out most.
“She’s always eager to lend a helping hand whenever she sees someone in need. She’s selfless and would give the shirt off her back if it meant helping someone else.”
While Bailey proudly admits she’s the Type A planner who schedules everything down to the minute, Drew embraces a more laid-back, go-with-the-flow approach to life. Rather than clashing, their differences have become one of their greatest strengths.
“We’re so different, but so similar at the same time. We balance each other out and bring out the best in each other.”
Wednesdays on the Golf Course and Evenings at The Grill
These days, you’ll often find the newlyweds spending Wednesday evenings on the golf course after work, a tradition they’ve recently started together.
When they’re not golfing, they love spending time with friends—and, naturally, making frequent visits back to the place where it all began: The Grill.
A Timeless Wedding Vision for The John Marshall Ballrooms
Bailey envisioned a wedding that would never feel trendy or dated.
Inspired by timeless elegance, she selected a classic palette centered around white, green, and navy accents. The clean, sophisticated design perfectly complemented both venues while allowing the natural beauty of the floral arrangements to shine.
Every detail reflected an elegant, romantic atmosphere that felt effortless and enduring.
A Meaningful Richmond Celebration
The couple exchanged vows at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a choice that quickly became even more meaningful after discovering Drew’s grandfather had attended school there and served as an altar boy.
Their reception followed at The John Marshall Ballrooms, one of Richmond’s most iconic venues.
With 248 guests in attendance, they needed a space that could accommodate a large celebration while maintaining an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. The grand ballroom’s timeless architecture perfectly matched their vision, while the venue’s exceptional in-house catering by Homemades by Suzanne made planning seamless.
Together, the church and ballroom created the elegant backdrop they had always imagined for one of the biggest days of their lives.
Quiet Moments Before the Celebration
Despite the excitement surrounding the day, both Drew and Bailey agree their favorite moment happened before the ceremony even began.
Although they chose not to see one another before walking down the aisle, they spent a few quiet moments just steps apart, exchanging private words while soaking in the anticipation of what was about to happen.
It became one of the most meaningful memories of their wedding day.
Another unforgettable highlight came later that evening when they shared private vows before the reception and eventually found themselves dancing on stage alongside the band while family and friends packed the dance floor below.
The celebration was exactly what they dreamed of: joyful energy, surrounded by the people they love most.
Honoring Their Four-Legged Family
Of course, no celebration of Drew and Bailey would have been complete without including their beloved dogs, Chip and Ari.
Guests enjoyed signature cocktails named in their honor:
- The Chip – Margarita
- The Ari – Vodka Lemonade
The couple also handed out custom koozies featuring Chip and Ari’s photos, giving guests a fun keepsake and ensuring their pups were part of the celebration in spirit.
Advice for Future Couples
Looking back, Drew and Bailey encourage engaged couples to focus less on perfection and more on presence.
“Your wedding day goes by much faster than you expect, so be intentional about slowing down and soaking in the little moments together. Spend time with each other, trust the people you’ve hired, and don’t stress over the small details. Your guests won’t notice them—but they’ll remember how much fun they had. Most importantly, plan a day that reflects the two of you rather than trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.”
It is advice that perfectly captures their day: timeless, joyful, deeply personal, and centered on what mattered most—the people they love and the life they’re building together.
Richmond Wedding Photography at The John Marshall Ballrooms
The john Marshall Ballrooms is an exquisite venue to host a wedding in Richmond. If you are searching for a local wedding photographer to create life giving images of the unscripted moments of your Richmond wedding, you can find more details on the photography packages I offer, here.
RICHMOND VENDORS
Richmond Wedding Photographer – Nicki Metcalf Photography
Dress – Annalise Bridal Boutique
Hair & Makeup Artist – Avenue 42, Becky Wright Tash
Planner – Riverwood Designs
Ceremony Venue– St. Patrick Catholic Church
Reception Venue – The John Marshall Ballrooms
Planner/Coordinator – Riverwood Designs
DJ/Entertainment – Attraction Band
Catering – Homemades by Suzannes
Bridesmaid Dresses – Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen Attire – Jos. A. Bank
Linens/Tables/Chairs – The John Marshall Ballrooms
Invitations – Papeterie Stationery & Gifts
Priest – Father Joseph Indadano Wedding
Koozies – Etsy
Lighting – A Step Above
Transportation – RVA Trolley