A Grand Queer Wedding at The John Marshall Ballrooms
When Alicia (she/her) and Shandell (she/her) planned their wedding at The John Marshall Ballrooms in Richmond, Virginia, they weren’t trying to create a “Pinterest-perfect” day – they just wanted something that felt like them. And they nailed it. From singing Beyoncé in the car to two jaw-dropping proposals (one in Richmond, the other in Amsterdam), their love story has always been about joy, connection, and a little bit of magic.
Their wedding? Full of candlelight, meaningful moments, and even an interactive ring exchange. It was a celebration no one will forget – here’s how it all came together.
How did you two first meet?
We first met at work, but things didn’t really start to take off until Alicia switched jobs and moved to Richmond, Virginia, full-time.
Back then, we were just two single, independent women looking for someone fun and bougie to hang out with whenever our schedules allowed. What started as casual outings turned into deep conversations, belly laughs, and shared adventures.
Richmond quickly became the backdrop for what we’d later realize was the start of our love story.
When did you realize you wanted to spend forever together?
For Shandell, it was just a few short months into dating. We had spent so much time laughing, sharing meals, and singing our favorite Beyoncé songs together. It felt effortless.
By Valentine’s Day, we both knew this was it. We celebrated at the Underground Kitchen in Richmond, enjoying a six-course meal inspired by the greatest love songs.
That night was one of those moments where everything just clicked – it was clear we were meant to be.
Tell us about your proposals – yes, both of them!
Alicia popped the question first!
She planned a private surprise dinner back at the Underground Kitchen, this time with Shandell’s closest friends and family there to celebrate. It was intimate, romantic, and everything Alicia envisioned.
Not to be outdone, Shandell had her own plan in the works. While on a private canal tour in Amsterdam – yes, with Beyoncé playing in the background – Shandell proposed back to Alicia.
It was surreal and so fitting for our love story. How could we not say yes?
Why did you choose the John Marshall Ballrooms for your wedding?
We wanted a venue that was timeless, romantic, and elegant – something that would make us and our guests feel special.
The John Marshall Ballrooms in Richmond had everything we were looking for. From the stunning marble staircase to the grand architecture, it felt perfect.
It’s a space that combines historic charm with modern sophistication, which matched the vibe we envisioned for our day.
Plus, it gave us the intimate atmosphere we wanted, filled with warmth and love.














What were some of the unique details of your wedding?
We wanted our wedding to feel magical and personal, so we focused on creating moments that were unique to us. Instead of traditional floral arrangements, we chose candlelit décor to make the space feel intimate and romantic.
Our audio guestbook was another favorite – hearing our guests’ messages will be something we cherish forever.
And one of the highlights of the ceremony was the interactive ring exchange. We had the rings taped under the guests’ seats, and they brought them to us. It made everyone feel like a part of the ceremony and added such a fun twist.
Did Beyoncé play a role in your wedding?
Absolutely! Beyoncé has been the soundtrack to our love story from the very beginning.
We’ve sung her songs to each other, danced to them, and even saw her live during her Amsterdam tour (where Shandell proposed). It was only fitting that her music played throughout our wedding day as well. From getting ready to dancing the night away, Beyoncé added that extra sparkle to our celebration.
What’s your advice for couples planning their wedding?
Focus on how you want the day to feel, not just how it will look. It’s easy to get caught up in the Pinterest boards and Instagram-worthy moments, but what really matters is creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple.
For us, it was about making our wedding intimate, romantic, and inclusive. Whether it was the candlelit décor or the guest involvement in the ring exchange, we made choices that felt authentic to us – and that’s what made it so special.











Photography by Danielle Canady Photography
Caterer Homemades by Suzanne
DJ The Masters of the Ceremony
Dress Boutique Urban Set Bride
Dress Designer Maggie Sottero
Florist Weddings by Vogue
Makeup Artist Beauty by Jahara Jennaé
Rings Diamonds Direct
Signage Keith Fabry
Suit Designer Andre Julius
Venue The John Marshall Ballrooms
Videographer K&Z Film
Wedding Planner Mahogany Hill Weddings