When Adrian Sherrode Griffin and Onicka Daniel Griffin married on August 25, 2024, at New Branch Farms in Smithfield, Virginia, they did so with the full weight of intention behind every detail. The sprawling estate became the canvas for an Italian Renaissance-inspired wedding that their guests are still talking about. Candlelit estate tables stretched across the venue, greenery cascaded from chandeliers, and a reception tent was styled to match the grandeur of the main space with equal care. Tanya Frazier of Graceful Designs, a member of the Munaluchi Coterie, orchestrated it all with the kind of artistry that felt less like event planning and more like world-building.
The couple’s love for live music shaped the evening from the first dance onward. Violinist Casey Copeland of La Primavera Strings roamed the floor while playing “My First Love” by Avant, a moment that drew audible wonder from the crowd. Their son recited an original poem dedicated to his father. A bridesmaid and spoken word artist, Neisha Himes, shared a piece she had written about their journey together. And woven quietly into each of these moments was something the Griffins understand deeply: that beauty, at its most meaningful, is personal.
“Tanya Frazier of Graceful Designs brought our Italian Renaissance wedding theme to life,” the couple shared. “Our venue’s capacity was 200 guests, but we had well over that. Tanya designed our tent, essentially our 2nd venue, as beautifully as the main event space.”
How did you meet?
It was a stroke of fate. We met by chance at a bowling alley in Yorktown, Virginia, of all places. At the time, we were both working in the mental health field, each with our own clients in tow. Adrian spotted me across the lanes, and with a mutual friend bridging the gap, he worked his way into my heart, starting with a wide, pretty smile, an intriguing conversation, and a request for my contact information. I didn’t give him my cell phone number at first. I gave him my email address, and that’s how we communicated in the beginning stages of getting to know one another. With a little encouragement from my girlfriends, our love story began to roll.
Tell us about the proposal.
I still get teary-eyed thinking about that special night. It was Adrian’s birthday weekend, but it turned out to be a celebration of our love. I had planned a romantic dinner at a lovely restaurant called Lemaire in Richmond, Virginia, and Adrian had a secret plan of his own. He had asked my dad and our son for their blessing, which melted my heart. Our entire family was in on it: his mom, my mom, and both our sons all knew what was coming, except me.
As we enjoyed our dinner, Adrian got up to grab something from the car, and before I knew it, he was down on one knee, looking at me so nervous but with so much love in his eyes. The restaurant erupted in applause, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. He had even arranged for a hostess to capture the moment on video. It was such a thoughtful and romantic gesture. I was completely swept off my feet, and I said yes without hesitation. That moment will forever be etched in my heart as a reminder of Adrian’s love and thoughtfulness.
Describe your wedding attire.
My wedding gown was a beautiful ivory slip dress from Blush Bridal. It fit perfectly and accentuated my curves — elegant and sophisticated in every way. I paired it with a long, luxurious sequin veil that added a touch of glamour and drama. The sequins caught the sunlight during and after the ceremony and created a truly show-stopping effect.
Adrian’s custom suit from Miller’s Designs was absolute perfection. Every detail, from the stitching to the buttons on the jacket, was meticulously tailored. Crafted with the finest materials, his bespoke look exuded sophistication and style, and made him look so debonair.
What was the wedding shopping experience like?
It took me some time to find my dress, which was slightly stressful. I actually have six dresses in my closet now that I couldn’t return. Once I found my “it” dress, I simply knew it.
Did you incorporate any cultural elements into your wedding?
Our wedding was inspired by the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance. Adrian’s love for Italian style shone through in every detail. The estate tables, reserved for our closest family, were adorned with stunning candles and lush greenery, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The chandeliers suspended above cast a dramatic glow, bathing the venue in soft, romantic light. The uplighting added an extra layer of enchantment, infusing the space with a deep sense of romance.
We had several candy bars on the architecturally beautiful portico with a variety of desserts, and many guests expressed feeling that they were shopping at the likes of Bloomingdale’s. The outdoor seating area was elegantly styled, and the tent was a mirrored reflection of the main venue. The overall effect was nothing short of spectacular, with many guests remarking that our wedding was the most breathtakingly beautiful event they had ever had the privilege of attending.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
We have several cherished moments that stand out. One is the enchanting performance by violinist Casey Copeland of La Primavera Strings, who roamed around us while playing our song, “My First Love” by Avant, as we shared our first dance as husband and wife. Another unforgettable moment was our son reading an original poem he dedicated to his father, which left the entire room in tears. We also treasure the memory of Adrian dancing with his mother to Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.”
We were also deeply moved by the coincidence that my mom and stepfather were celebrating 30 years of marriage that same month, and their wedding was planned and designed by Tanya Frazier of Graceful Designs 30 years prior. We presented them with a beautifully framed photograph of their wedding day to honor their milestone.
Dancing with my father to BeBe and CeCe Winans’ “Lost Without You” was a moment we hold especially close. Little did we know at the time, it would be our last dance together, as he passed away just eight months later. My father, Dr. Jerome S. Daniel DDS, was a kind, generous, and humble man. We honored him during the reception with a “World’s Greatest Dad” plaque, expressing our gratitude for all he had done for us.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Let go of any stress about pleasing others and focus on what makes you two happy. Most importantly, be present and soak up every moment. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that is truly yours to cherish.
Post Wedding Photoshoot
Vendors
Venue: New Branch Farms, @newbranchfarms Wedding Planner, Florist, Decor, Design, Furniture: Tanya Frazier, Graceful Designs, @graceful_designsva Photography: Andre Lamar Photography, @andrelamarphotography_ Engagement Photography: Destiny Leigh Studios, @destinyleighstudios Gown: Blush Bridal Boutique, @blushbridalinc Formal Wear: Miller’s Designs Hair: Blown Away By Ranada, @iamranadamonique Makeup: Blush 757 Musician: La Primavera Strings, @laprimaverastrings DJ: DJ Mike Jones, @djmikejones Dessert: Cute and Simple Treats, @cute_and_simpletreats; State Fair Popcorn Co., statefairpopcorn.com Bartender: Liquaide Private Bartending Services, @liquaide6233 Spoken Word Artist: Neisha Christine Consulting, @nc_consulting_llc Invitations/Cards: Wordz Worth Designs
