If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
  • Home
  • Books
    • Reviews
    • Monthly Wrap-Ups
    • New Releases
  • Lifestyle
    • Self Care
    • Food
    • Home
    • Blogging
  • Fashion
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Books
    • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • About
  • The Social Edition

The Espresso Edition

A Cozy Bookish Blog

  • Home
  • Categories
    • Books
    • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • About
  • The Social Edition

Travel · January 9, 2019

#WeddingWednesday: Our Wedding Night at Graduate Richmond

This post is in partnership with Graduate Hotels Richmond who generously put us up in a king suite for our wedding night. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that support The Espresso Edition.

When Graduate Richmond suggested that Brandon and I stay at their hotel on our wedding night – it was an offer we couldn’t (and didn’t want to) refuse.

We first stayed at Graduate Richmond over my birthday last year. They not only set us up in a queen room, but gave us rooftop access (though the rooftop wasn’t open to the public just yet) and provided the most delicious dinner and breakfast for us at Brookfield, their lobby café and restaurant. We took pictures, watched TV, fawned over the decor, and immediately began making plans to stay there again.

Over the summer, we attended several of their events, and often visited their rooftop bar, Byrd House, for some of the most refreshing drinks paired with the best view of Richmond. We’ve yet to grow tired of their spectacular customer service, wonderful menu, cozy suites, and relaxing atmosphere. The one thing we seem to love most about Graduate Richmond is that while they’re considered a boutique hotel, there isn’t a bit of that stuffy feeling that tends to come with venues such as theirs.

Not native to Richmond? Don’t worry – Graduate Hotels are all over the US!

From California and Arizona to Michigan and Nebraska – there’s a Graduate Hotel for everyone, and they’re opening several more locations in the next couple of years. I’m so glad they’re expanding, because eventually, I hope to visit every one of their hotels across the country! Each one is incredibly unique, catering to the city’s culture and college history. They’re an experience in-and-of themselves.

Graduate Richmond welcomed us warmly on our wedding night. We were already soaring, having come straight from our reception – dressed to the nines. There was a kind gift package with snacks and beverages waiting for us in our king suite. We couldn’t believe the space in this room! Not only did it include a massive, king-size bed, but it also had a full couch (with a pull-out mattress), two bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a desk space. We never wanted to leave. In fact, when we did leave and venture to our honeymoon location, we were highly disappointed by the boutique hotel we booked there. It just wasn’t the Graduate! From that moment on, we realized nothing would ever compare to Graduate Hotels. They’re on another level, and we plan to stay with them whenever we have the opportunity.


Related Post
5 Reasons You Should Book a Staycation / My Review of Graduate Richmond

Have you stayed at a Graduate Hotel?

In: Travel · Tagged: Graduate, Graduate Hotels, Graduate Richmond, hotel review, hotel stay, Richmond, Richmond Virginia, RVA, travel, wedding night, where to stay

You’ll Also Love

The Best Wineries to Visit in the State of Virginia
Traveling With Your Significant Other
A Full Review of Avenue Suites Georgetown
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
Recipe Rating




Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

60 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Brandon
7 years ago

It was so much fun! Love you!

Reply
Rach
7 years ago

This hotel is so cute!! I love the decor and ambiance! I love that their service is awesome. For sure will need to keep the Graduate Hotel in mind!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com

Reply
Liz
7 years ago

What a cute room (and a nice gesture)! The colors and decor are super cute – very mod!

Reply
Cathy
7 years ago

Sounds like an amazing hotel. I love the room, it’s so chic!!

XOXO
Cathy

Reply
Donna
7 years ago

Such a fun hotel chain. I can’t wait to stay there!

Reply
Tanvi Rastogi
7 years ago

Absolutely LOVE the decor. I am going to have to check it out. It is just about an hour from Maryland 🙂

❥ tanvii.com

Reply
Nataly
7 years ago

This looks like a fabulous stay! I love the hotel decor so much!

Reply
Laura || Walking in Memphis in
7 years ago

Oh my gosh how fun! I need to see if one is local to me! I love how personal they were to you! One will be in Nashville in fall 2019, I’ll have to go there when they open!

Reply
Becky @ Disney in your Day
7 years ago

Looks like a great place! I’d definitely be interested in staying there!

Reply
clare @ oh these are the good old days
7 years ago

we’re just two hours away from berkely or palto alto. yay how sweet!

Reply
Candace
7 years ago

That’s a nice hotel! Hope that you had a great time. Enjoy your honeymoon!

XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com

Reply
Lily
7 years ago

This hotel looks and sounds awesome! I’ve actually never heard of them.

Reply
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
7 years ago

Oh my gosh how fun! I need to see if one is local to me! I love how personal they were to you! One will be in Nashville in fall 2019, I’ll have to go there when they open!

Reply
Laura Leigh
7 years ago

Oh that is so sweet! I’m really glad you were able to have a special place to stay your wedding night! I’ve stayed at The Graduate Hotels in Athens and Charlottesville. Absolutely love them. Such special hotels!

xo Laura Leigh

Reply
Lee
7 years ago

Aw it sounds so amazing! And i love the bold colors for the room!

Reply
Candace
7 years ago

That’s a nice hotel! Hope that you had a great time. Enjoy your honeymoon!

XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com

Reply
Sharon Wu
7 years ago

Awww sounds like you both had a great time babe! What a treat it must have been to spend your wedding night at Graduate Hotels. I have never heard of them but would love the opportunity to experience it for myself one of these days! Thank you for sharing xoxo

Reply
Lily
7 years ago

This hotel looks and sounds awesome! I’ve actually never heard of them.

Reply
Kileen
7 years ago

That is so awesome and it looks amazing!! I am loving the color palette, and that orange chair is amazing!!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Laura Allen
7 years ago

I am amazed at this opportunity – that’s so awesome! Huge congrats! I absolutely love this hotel, it’s so cute and cozy!

Reply
Hillary Conheady
7 years ago

I’ve heard nothing but great things about these hotels!! Definitely on my list!

xo, Hillary | hillheady.com

Reply
Kelsey
7 years ago

What a cute little room! love the decor!

Reply
Laura Allen
7 years ago

I am amazed at this opportunity – that’s so awesome! Huge congrats! I absolutely love this hotel, it’s so cute and cozy!

Reply
Danielle
7 years ago

I’ve seen this hotel a few times on your feed and stories and it just looks like the quaintest, coziest little place! Love all of the decor too!

xx, Danielle | http://www.pineappleandprosecco.com

Reply
ashley hargrove
7 years ago

This hotel looks absolutely amazing! Their decor is SO ME! And I love that cute dog print above the bed!!

Reply
Hillary Conheady
7 years ago

I’ve heard nothing but great things about these hotels!! Definitely on my list!

xo, Hillary | hillheady.com

Reply
Carolyn
7 years ago

Sounds like an amazing place to stay! Having the right hotel really sets the tone for any night or trip you wanna do!

Reply
adriana
7 years ago

This place looks AMAZING! The room is so unique and beautiful! I can see why you love it!

Reply
ashley hargrove
7 years ago

This hotel looks absolutely amazing! Their decor is SO ME! And I love that cute dog print above the bed!!

Reply
Felicia
7 years ago

The room looks so nice and cozy like you’re at home! I wish I stayed there while I was in Richmond. Looks like I”ll need to try out one of their other locations on a future trip!

// http://www.thefeliciarenee.com

Reply
Gretchen
7 years ago

This hotel has the cutest decor! I loved your post and will certainly add this place to my list

Reply
adriana
7 years ago

This place looks AMAZING! The room is so unique and beautiful! I can see why you love it!

Reply
theeyetraveler
7 years ago

such a cute hotel! Also your matching pjs are seriously goal!

Reply
Beth
7 years ago

The Graduate looks like a great hotel! I am a big fan of the artwork. I wish I would have known about it when my daughter was in grad school in Richmond. It would have been fun to stay there.

Reply
JASMINE VARGAS
7 years ago

So I actually went to our Graduate Hotel here in Madison and although the place was cute and stuff we had a terrible experience. I actually wrote a blog post on it lol

Reply
Felicia
7 years ago

The room looks so nice and cozy like you’re at home! I wish I stayed there while I was in Richmond. Looks like I”ll need to try out one of their other locations on a future trip!

// http://www.thefeliciarenee.com

Reply
Beth
7 years ago

The Graduate looks like a great hotel! I am a big fan of the artwork. I wish I would have known about it when my daughter was in grad school in Richmond. It would have been fun to stay there.

Reply
Taylor Mobley
7 years ago

How sweet! It looks like the perfect boutique hotel. I love how modern the style is.

Reply
Deborah
7 years ago

Sounds like a great place to stay while visiting! I should check it out – we went to Richmond a few years ago but I’ve been dying to go back! I

Reply
Ruthie Ridley
7 years ago

What a great hotel! I love the aesthetics so much!

Reply
Deborah
7 years ago

Sounds like a great place to stay while visiting! I should check it out – we went to Richmond a few years ago but I’ve been dying to go back! I

Reply
Chelsie
7 years ago

So much fun! And I really love the color of the walls – it’s so untraditional for a hotel but makes it feel so moody and cozy! Congrats on your marriage!

Reply
Torey
7 years ago

Oh good to know they’re in Michigan! Looking them up now!

Reply
Caitlin
7 years ago

I’ve not heard of Graduate Hotels yet but they sound so accommodating and great!

Reply
Azanique S. Rawl
7 years ago

This hotel is beautiful! I need to plan my trip to Richmond soon 🙂

xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com

Reply
Azanique S. Rawl
7 years ago

This hotel is beautiful! I need to plan my trip to Richmond soon 🙂

xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com

Reply
Caitlin
6 years ago

I’ve not heard of Graduate Hotels yet but they sound so accommodating and great!

Reply
Ruthie Ridley
6 years ago

What a great hotel! I love the aesthetics so much!

Reply
Chelsie
6 years ago

So much fun! And I really love the color of the walls – it’s so untraditional for a hotel but makes it feel so moody and cozy! Congrats on your marriage!

Reply
Torey
6 years ago

Oh good to know they’re in Michigan! Looking them up now!

Reply
Next Post >

Windowpane Sweater Dress

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

Archives

My Rating System

Where I’m Connected

Professional Reader
Reviews Published

80%

Resources

17th Avenue - Feminine & Stylish WordPress Themes

instagram

follow @theespressoedition

If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Are there any book small towns you’d like to live Are there any book small towns you’d like to live in? 📍

I think I’d sell a kidney to live in Inglewild 😂 Small towns give me such happiness and this one seems especially cozy and filled with so many entertaining people 🙈

I kinda wish this series would last forever, but simultaneously, I just live for ANYTHING BK Borison writes 😍 I adored First Time Caller as well and can’t wait for more of that story to unfold! 📖

Have you read any of this author’s books? 🤎 

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover #booksmalltowns #smalltownbooks cozy read, romance books, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have you already read any of your most anticipated Have you already read any of your most anticipated books this year? 😍

I felt like I was counting down the days to Oathbound and Sunrise on the Reaping—and both of them definitely lived up to my expectations (best feeling ever)! 🙌🏼

Now to fully immerse myself in some of my fantasy ARCs and continue listening to EmHen’s latest! 🤎

Were any of these on your 2025 TBR? 📚

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read

Copyright © 2026 The Espresso Edition · Theme by 17th Avenue

wpDiscuz