If you’ve never stepped inside Schoolhouse on Hawthorne, it truly is what the name promises—an old Richmond schoolhouse full of character, warmth, and vintage charm. From original wood floors and radiators to dramatic staircases and “classroom” signs hanging above the doors, every corner feels steeped in story. And it was the perfect backdrop for Madeline and Micah’s wedding day—intimate, emotional, and absolutely full of joy.

These two go way back—same friend group in high school—but their story didn’t really begin until years later. After some time living in Colorado, Micah moved back to Richmond post-college, and what had once been a close friendship started to turn into something more. He proposed on a hike, and from everything I’ve learned about them, it couldn’t have been a more fitting way to start this chapter together.

On March 1st, they gathered with their families and closest friends for a celebration that felt completely true to them. The entire wedding day took place at Schoolhouse on Hawthorne, starting with Madeline & her girls getting ready in the bridal suite. That space has the best kind of light—soft and quiet—and it’s where Madeline and her bridesmaids helped each other prepare for the day. There were kids playing on the floor, bridesmaids pumping while chatting and laughing—it felt beautifully real and full of life in all the best ways.

The ceremony was held indoors in a room fittingly named “Homeroom,” with candlelight flickering above the white brick fireplace and warm wood floors that creaked with age. It was intimate, just family, and Micah’s dad officiated—a moment that had all of us a little misty.

After the ceremony, we stepped outside for family and bridal party photos while more guests began to arrive. We followed that with newlywed portraits in the schoolhouse’s front yard, which is so charming even during the winter months.

Before joining cocktail hour, Madeline and Micah snuck upstairs for something that felt sacred: reading their private vows to each other. We had originally run out of time to do this earlier, but honestly, the timing felt perfect. It was quiet and private, I always reccommend couples take intentional time together on their wedding day.

From there, guests gathered in the schoolhouse’s hallway for cocktail hour while we captured a few more portraits, and then everyone headed upstairs for dinner and dancing. The upstairs space has that classic schoolhouse auditorium feel, and it worked beautifully for a night of good food, heartfelt toasts, and an absolute blast of a party.

A favorite moment: cake cutting happened on a little auditorium-style stage, and in one spontaneous swoop, Micah lifted Madeline off the stage after they finished. It was the sweetest, the kind of moment you can’t plan for but won’t soon forget.

The dance floor was wild in the best way. This group came to celebrate, and celebrate they did. The night ended with a sparkler exit outside, full of laughter and hugs and just a little bit of that March night chill in the air.

Earlier in the planning process, when I asked them how they hoped their photos would feel, they told me:

“Genuine. More than anything we want to look back and remember the moments that made the day special. Posed photos are great and nice to have, but in 30 years, I want to remember the true moments of the day.”

That intention shaped everything I created for them. These two weren’t trying to make their day look perfect—they wanted to feel it fully, and let that be the story we told. It was such an honor to be invited in.

To Madeline, Micah, and your sweet, welcoming families—thank you! Thank you for trusting me, for making me feel like part of the group, and for reminding me (again) why I love being a Richmond wedding photographer.