When Alexis and Kevin chose to elope on a crisp October afternoon, they couldn’t have picked a more enchanting setting than the Italian Garden in Maymont, Richmond, Virginia. Nestled within the grounds of the historic Maymont estate, this location delivered romance, rich textures, and a hint of old‑world elegance that perfectly matched their intimate celebration.
Why the Italian Garden Was the Right Choice
The Italian Garden at Maymont was conceived in 1910, created by architects Noland & Baskervill, and modeled after the grand terraced gardens of 15th‑ and 16th‑century Italy. American Planning Association+2MDT Travels+2 With its grand granite pergola, formal fountains, geometric beds, and statuary, the setting offers both grandeur and intimacy. Virginia is for Lovers+1
For Alexis and Kevin, the appeal was many‑fold:
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The timeless elegance of the stonework and pergola provided a refined backdrop for their vows and photography.
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The October light and foliage gave the space warm, glowing tones — perfect for autumnal mood and memory.
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The intimate scale of an elopement meant fewer onlookers and more chance to soak in the moment.
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The venue’s known popularity for outdoor ceremonies in the Italian Garden signaled reliability and beauty.
Atmosphere of the Day
The day dawned with crisp air and abundant golden light. As Alexis made her way along the “Via Florum” flower‑path and entered the Italian Garden, Kevin awaited beneath the classic granite pergola. The columns, crafted from Petersburg granite, created a quiet, sculptural frame around them. American Planning Association+1
The ceremony space:
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A low fountain pool shimmered in the October sun, leaves drifting gently across its surface.
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The surrounding parterre flowerbeds, now in their autumnal transition, lent soft earthy tones and texture around the bright greens. RichmondRegional
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The air held the faint scent of fallen leaves, vines on the pergola, and the distant hum of the park beyond the garden walls.
They exchanged vows beneath the pergola’s lattice roof, surrounded by the warmth of the stone and the quiet rustle of the garden. With just a few close friends and a photographer present, the moment felt deeply personal and timeless.
Portraits and Details
Post‑ceremony, they strolled the terraces of the garden together:
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By the urns on the upper level overlooking the hillside, where the original vista to the James River once stretched. American Planning Association
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Along the fountain court, the reflecting pool lending soft symmetry behind them.
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Even beneath the pergola, capturing romantic interplay of light and shadow in the autumn afternoon.
Their attire echoed the setting: Alexis in a simple, flowing gown (with a hint of timeless vintage cut) and a bouquet of rich burgundy and amber tones. Kevin in a dark suit, his boutonniere picking up the golden highlights of the season. The garden’s stonework and architecture became their natural décor — no added florals needed beyond what nature provided.
Why October in Richmond Works
October is an ideal month for outdoor ceremonies at Maymont. The weather is typically comfortable — not yet the cold of winter, but crisp enough to bring out rich autumn tones. The garden’s deciduous plantings begin to show color, and the light tends to be warm and directional in the later afternoons. Visitors note the formal elegance of the garden beds and pergola shining through in any season, but October adds a special warmth and texture. Virginia Family Fun+1
Practical Notes & Tips (for Future Couples)
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Footwear & terrain: The garden is beautiful but involves some terraces and pathways — heels and long trains need planning.
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Photography timing: Late afternoon light (just before golden‑hour) is ideal for rich, directional light on stone and foliage.
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Backup & weather: Even in October, drizzle is possible — know your rain plan and how the venue handles it.
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Minimal décor works beautifully: The garden’s architecture and foliage provide so much visual richness that additional décor can be minimal.
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Guest numbers & intimacy: By eloping, Alexis and Kevin kept things small and focused.
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Parking & access: Maymont is a large estate (100 acres) with multiple entrances, so plan for guests’ mobility.
For Alexis & Kevin, the Italian Garden at Maymont offered the perfect combination of romance, architectural elegance, seasonal beauty, and intimacy. The pergola framed their vows. The stone steps and fountains carried the weight of history. The October light and quiet garden pathways gave them a moment that felt both rooted and magical.
In years to come, they’ll return to that garden, walk the pergola, wander the urns and reflect on the moment beneath the leaves and stone — and remember that in October, in Richmond, they chose a place that mirrored their love: graceful, heartfelt, and timeless.
Here’s to many anniversaries in that pergola, many quiet walks under the granite columns, and many memories built on the foundations of that day. 🌿
