Virginia Bride features weddings weekly here on the blog. Being featured in the blog does not necessarily mean they are featured in the print magazine.
Bride: Laura Hazelwood, 30, Marketing Manager
Groom: Liam Cogan, 30, Entrepreneur, Former Navy SEAL
Date: June 8, 2024
Venue:
Ceremony: 66th Street Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Reception: Esoteric, Craft Beer & Curated Provisions, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Guests: 15
LOVE STORY
Liam and Laura’s love story began on the dating app Hinge in the vibrant spring of 2020. But their connection took time to blossom. When they first “met” online, Laura lived in Arlington, Virginia, while Liam, a courageous Navy SEAL, was stationed in Virginia Beach. Fast-forward several months, fate intervened as Liam unexpectedly found himself in Fredericksburg for a seven-week training course. Seizing the opportunity, he took a leap of faith and asked Laura out on their first date.
They ventured to the enchanting Medium Rare restaurant in Arlington, indulging in succulent steaks that left their taste buds tingling. Liam’s gentle manners and Laura’s infectious laughter combined to create an evening neither of them would ever forget. After dinner, they continued their adventure with a stroll to a nearby brewery, Bronson Bierhall, where their laughter echoed through the night as they clinked their glasses and lost track of time. From that moment on, they became inseparable, cherishing every moment they spent together.
Six months later, Liam gathered the courage to say those three words to Laura: “I love you.” Her joyous reciprocation sealed their fate. Soon after, she moved into his home and the rest, as they say, is history.
Liam’s proposal to Laura was breathtaking! He orchestrated a series of thrilling and mysterious adventures leading up to the big moment, culminating in a surprise proposal at the Virginia Beach boardwalk. As Laura gracefully glided along on her rollerblades, Liam presented her with an heirloom 0.7-carat engagement ring set in white gold, surrounded by four smaller diamonds. The Navy SEAL monument provided the perfect backdrop as their closest friends gathered to witness this magical moment. Laura’s excited “Yes” completed the picture-perfect proposal.
FACTS
Liam and Laura chose a cozy micro-wedding, kicking off their special weekend with a stunning Airbnb rental on 22nd Street in picturesque Virginia Beach. This wasn’t just any rental – it served as Laura’s getting-ready spot and set the perfect tone for their big day.
Liam and Laura wanted their special day to be focused on cherishing intimate moments with their families, free from traditional expectations. Their choice of pastel colors for the early summer wedding – lavender, peach, white and green – was delightful and added to the ambiance of their beachside ceremony.
Laura and her mother, Sonya, meticulously planned and coordinated every wedding detail. Laura’s maid of honor’s mom, Laurie, lent a helping hand on the big day to ensure everything was set up just right.
ATTIRE
Laura looked dazzling in a fabulous crepe-style gown designed by Maggie Sottero in the Doritte style. Its pearl-ribbed corset top brought an extra touch of sophistication to the bride’s look. She accessorized with stunning diamond and yellow gold earrings borrowed from her mother. She wore a hint of the delicate Gucci Flora perfume. Her sparkly heels were a fabulous find at Target!
Laura’s bouquet was a beautiful combination of loose wildflowers in soft pastel tones. It included peonies, peach and white roses, seeded eucalyptus, yellow poppies and a lovely lavender-colored flower. The bridesmaid bouquets were equally beautiful, slightly smaller and complemented the bridal party’s overall look. The bridesmaids’ floor-length dresses from Azazie were a gorgeous lavender color.
Liam looked sharp in a tan linen suit, a crisp white button-up shirt and rose boutonniere. The groomsmen wore white button-up shirts and tan linen pants. The whole crew looked seriously dapper!
Before the ceremony, Liam and his best man enjoyed a delicious lunch at Chix On The Beach. Afterward, they set up chairs at the beach ceremony site and took care of some last-minute wedding details. The highlight of their time together was when Liam’s best man surprised him with a special gift: a bottle of Weller 12-year whiskey.
CEREMONY
Liam and Laura’s ceremony took place amidst the breathtaking dunes at mile marker 66th Street in Virginia Beach. With convenient street parking, a romantic bamboo walkway and a tranquil, secluded beach area, the setting was nothing short of enchanting. It was the perfect backdrop for their special day that created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Laura’s dad escorted her down the sandy beach aisle to marry Liam.
COCKTAIL HOUR & RECEPTION
Liam and Laura’s photographer took family and couple portraits at the ceremony site. Meanwhile, their guests savored a cocktail hour at the beautiful Esoteric, Craft Beer & Curated Provisions, Virginia Beach.
Guests reveled in the picturesque surroundings in the venue’s charming garden. The caterer served a delicious assortment of wings, fried shrimp and an exquisite charcuterie board. The newlyweds’ signature cocktails were a refreshing vodka lemonade and an old-fashioned. Liam crafted a unique mead wine for the reception and set aside a single bottle for their 20th anniversary.
The venue’s beautiful garden provided a stunning backdrop for the couple’s reception. The venue provided plates and glasses that matched Laura’s pastel color scheme. The venue set up a single long farm table for all 15 guests that created an intimate and charming atmosphere. Flowers from the ceremony, extra blooms from a florist and baby’s breath from Costco finished the table decor.
In the venue space, Laura displayed poignant photographs of Liam’s late father that served as a touching tribute.
The dinner meal started with a fresh green salad. The entrees included an exquisite choice of grilled steak, flavorful lemon herb chicken or delectable pan-seared scallops. The sides were equally impressive and included savory garlic and herb fingerling potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. It was indeed a truly memorable feast!
FIRST DANCE
Liam and Laura’s first dance song was “I Am the Highway” by Audioslave. They chose this song because they had spent countless hours listening to Chris Cornell’s music while on road trips in their recreational vehicle.
CAKE
Pink Dinghy made the couple’s wedding cake. And it was adorned with white icing and delicate white flowers.
FAVORS
The bride’s mother assembled beach bags filled with beach towels and snacks to be given as favors.
EXIT/AFTER-PARTY
Before the newlyweds left the reception, Liam eloquently recited a heartfelt poem dedicated to Laura. They were the last to leave their reception. But the party did not stop. They continued their celebration at an after-party at a bar called The Shack on 8th Street. The Shack was a hidden gem and the bar’s atmosphere added an extra sparkle to the ending of their special day.
After the final festivities, Liam and Laura retreated to the cozy Airbnb they had rented for the weekend, where they reminisced about the beautiful day they had just shared. Meanwhile, many of their guests also opted for nearby Airbnb accommodations, making the weekend a fantastic celebration full of love and joy.
HONEYMOON
The couple is planning a honeymoon in 2025 and are considering visiting Japan or Europe.
Bride and Groom IG: @bulletbanshee
VENDORS
RECEPTION VENUE: Esoteric, Craft Beer & Curated Provisions, Virginia Beach, Virginia – @estoteric_vb
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: Katherine Sparks Photography – @katherinesparksphoto
https://katherinesparksphotography.com
OFFICIANT: Pastor Ron Jones
https://www.atlanticshores.org/lead-pastor-ron-jones
GOWN: Maggie Sottero – @maggiesotterodesigns
FLOWERS: Daughters Flowers – @daughtersflowers
https://www.daughtersflowers.com
CAKE: The Pink Dinghy – @thepinkdinghy
WEDDING BANDS: Tyson’s Watch and Jewelry
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Azazie
FORMALWEAR: Jo’s A Bank suit Lululemon dress shirt
INVITATIONS: The Knot
CATERING: Esoteric, Craft Beer & Curated Provisions, Virginia Beach, VA
ACCOMMODATIONS:
406A The Beach House, Virginia Beach, VA
406 22nd Street, Unit A, Virginia Beach, VA
AFTER-PARTY
The Shack On 8th – @theshackvb
RESTAURANTS:
Chix On The Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
Medium Rare, Arlington, VA
BREWERY:
Bronson Bierhall, Ballston, VA
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
2 Comments
Such a special wedding and couple!
What a wonderful day! No detail went overlooked! Special wedding sermon from Ron Jones, lead pastor at Crossway Church, Virginia Beach (and a family friend). Katherine Sparks did a fabulous job catching so many special moments. Esoteric couldn’t have been more attentive and accommodating. The gown was beautiful and the flowers were great. The bride and groom were such a handsome couple (if I should say so myself)! What a fabulous event!