The marriage of Miss Katie Leigh Hampton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Robert Hampton of Mechanicsville to Matthew Brandon Venezuela, son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Venezuela of Suffolk, took place on January 2, 2009 at the Jefferson Hotel. Mr. Randall Guerra officiated at the ceremony. The bride, escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Farmer, formerly of Hanover, the late Mr. Harry L. Lacy, formerly of Richmond. The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Patricia Richey of Houston, TX. and the late Mr. William L. Richey, and Sergio and Minerva Venezuela of San Juan, P.R.

Lacey Hampton of King William, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Erica Cage of Richmond; Katie Scott of Mechanicsville; Lauren Petty of Woodbridge; Rebecca Jackson of Colonial Beach and Jennifer Edwards of Alexandria; all friends of the bride. Remington Richey, cousin of the groom and Samantha Blizzard, cousin of the bride, were guestbook attendants.

Daniel Venezuela of Suffolk, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Michael Venezuela of Gainesville, FL. brother of the groom; Anthony Denale of Chesapeake Beach, Md.; Daniel Prieto of Wellington, FL.; David Toney of Mechanicsville; Daniel Hadra of Mechanicsville; and Christopher Wright of Houston, TX. all friends of the groom.

A rehearsal dinner, hosted by the groom’s parents, was held at Capital Ale House. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Jefferson Hotel.

The groom attended Hampden-Sydney College, and the bride attended Longwood University. They were introduced by Miss Lauren Petty, a mutual friend and one of the bridesmaids. The bride is a second grade teacher at Shady Grove Elementary School in Glen Allen.

The groom is currently employed with the law firm of BrownGreer PLC.

The couple resides in Richmond and is planning a spring break honeymoon.