Mallory and Jon were married on 26th July 2025 at Mankin Mansion in Richmond, Virginia, a historic house that was just the right size for their guests and so full of character it barely needed dressing at all. Their day was photographed by Kaitlyn Burdette Photography, whose work Mallory had followed for a while before booking her, and whose film photography is absolutely beautiful.
Mallory is a fashion professor, and when it came to her own wedding dress there was only ever one person who could make it. She designed and made the gown herself and wore it with a cathedral-length veil, while her favourite blue found its way into just about everything else.
The couple first met on Hinge, bonding over the arts and a shared sense of humour, and Jon proposed at a picnic in Byrd Park in May 2023 with a little help from their friends. Here, Mallory tells the rest of their story.
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The Dress
Made by the bride
I designed and made my own dress entirely from scratch. I was a fashion design student at university and am now a fashion professor.
People kept asking me if I was going to make my dress, and I eventually decided I had to because no one else would be able to execute my vision exactly as I imagined. I hand-beaded everything and constructed the whole dress in about six months.
Designing and making my own wedding dress was a challenge I wanted to pursue ever since I was a design student at Virginia Commonwealth University.
I have always loved bridal design and have taken on several other clients since making my gown. The process was long… a very intense amount of hours went into the beading process in particular. I wore a cathedral length veil from an Etsy shop.
Jon’s outfit came from Jos. A. Bank, and my hair and make-up were done by Avenue 42
The Photography
Our wedding was photographed by Kaitlyn Burdette Photography. Kaitlyn is very professional and extremely talented. I had been following her work for a while, so it was a no brainer when we chose her. Her film photography is amazing!
How They Met
Jon and I met on Hinge when I was 21, and he was 22. We bonded over the arts, as well as our shared sense of humour. We got engaged in May 2023. He planned a picnic for us in Byrd Park, and had my housemate take photos, and his housemate record the whole proposal.
I suspected something was going to happen the whole day, but I was still completely surprised when our friends jumped out of the bushes with cameras, and he pulled out the ring.
The Reception
Mankin Mansion was the perfect size for our guest count. We love all the adornments and the fact that we did not have to do much to dress it up.
Our flowers were by Vogue Flowers, and Deep Run Roadhouse took care of the catering, with our cake from Publix. Our stationery was designed by Alexis O’Neill, and our entertainment came from The Masters of the Ceremony
Words of Wedded Wisdom
Don’t let others convince you to add add add when it comes to decor, services etc. If you have good food, good music, good drinks, and good people, it will be a good time.
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