Jessica Szohr met Brad Richardson at Coachella in 2018
Image by Janelle Etzel Photography, via The Knot
This isn’t just gossip, girl! Actress Jessica Szohr, featured in shows like Gossip Girl, Shameless, and The Orville, wed former NHL player Brad Richardson in Arizona on August 11, 2024. The four-day event held at Pine Canyon in Flagstaff was filled with “elegant, boho-chic” flair. “It was the most magical, beautiful day, filled with people we love the most,” Szohr told The Knot.
After a chance meeting at 2018’s Coachella music festival and a “low-key” engagement, Szohr solidified their wedding aesthetic based on an early find — her Galia Lahav dress. “My style is a little more boho…but when I put it on, I felt like a goddess,” Szohr said of the designer’s “Tokyo” gown.
Image by Janelle Etzel Photography, via The Knot
After debating the possibility of a wedding in Italy or on the Coachella grounds, Szohr and Richardson decided on the luxury golf club Pine Canyon. “[Flagstaff] has given us so many memories as a family over the last couple of years,” she described to The Knot. “I wanted to tie that in with this magnificent, fancy and chic dress.”
The festivities began on Friday August 9, when 150 of Szohr and Richardson’s loved ones arrived in Arizona. After a round of golf and a relaxing evening of burgers, hot dogs, and live music, the official welcome party began on August 10. The event featured a bounce house, brick oven pizza, pickleball, and another Galia Lahiv dress.
Image by Janelle Etzel Photography, via The Knot
By Sunday, everyone was ready for the main event. The day began with a pool party for the guests, while Szohr’s 12-member bridal party prepared. Szohr’s best friend, The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev, served as maid of honor. “I couldn’t believe how magical and special she made everything for the wedding,” Szohr gushed. “I said whoever is getting married next in our friend group, I feel bad if Nina is not their maid of honor.”
The bride accessorized her gown with Louboutin heels and a custom-embroidered veil, with a phrase attributed to her late grandfather: take time to smell the roses. “He would always say that to us,” Szohr explained to The Knot. “My life was so fast with Gossip Girl, but he would always say ‘just make sure you’re taking time to smell the roses.’ That stuck with me.”
Image by Janelle Etzel Photography, via The Knot
After the couple exchanged vows, they invited their guests to an untraditional cocktail hour and reception. The bride and groom shared a first dance to the song “Faithfully,” performed by Szohr’s step-father, and the bride changed into her third Galia Lahiv dress of the weekend. “I love to get down, so I knew I needed to wear something where I could really dance,” Szohr told The Knot.
Post-wedding, Szohr and Richardson will continue spending time doing the things they love. “It kind of feels like we were married before,” Szohr commented. “But it’s nice that I can call him my husband, and he really is my husband.”
Image by Janelle Etzel Photography, via The Knot
Szohr/Richardson Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Pine Canyon
Photographer: Janelle Etzel Photography
Wedding Planner: Janie Reese
Florist: Form Floral
Wedding gowns: Galia Lahiv
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Jewelry: Established Jewelry
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Flower Girl Dresses: LoveShackFancy
Glam: Sydney Peters
Catering: Chef Albert Park
