Right Around the River Blog

Rocketts Landing Residents Find Love at The Boathouse

Post Date: 08-11-2011

When The Boathouse's Sommelier Michael Avery began working at Rocketts Landing (after years in their Brandermill location), little did he know he'd find the love of his life in the process: Cedar Works resident Merrick Platt.

Merrick is one of the original Cedar Works residents, and as you might know, our residents maintain close-knit communities, frequently dining, partying and even boating together. So, when she and her neighbors started hanging out at The Boathouse almost daily after the restaurant opened, Michael and Merrick noticing each other didn't take long -- two weeks, actually.

They quickly became friends, and six months later, Michael and Merrick found themselves on their first date at the Shockoe Bottom restaurant Sumo San.

“She had her neighbor come in and check on us,” says Michael.

“I wasn’t sure if I’d have to bail,” counters Merrick, playfully.

Apparently, no escape route was needed. After the evening was over, Merrick immediately changed her Facebook status to say she was in a relationship. A year later, Michael (who was living in Brandermill) moved in with Merrick at Rocketts Landing and marriage discussions quickly began. So, they had a jeweler design a custom engagement ring that combined a new center stone with Merrick’s grandmother’s diamonds on the band. And as soon as the ring was ready and he found few hiding spaces in their home, Michael knew he had to pop the question that Sunday — (after her father’s blessing, of course).

True to their love’s theme, Michael gathered their friends at The Boathouse so Merrick would think they were enjoying a casual evening. On the patio overlooking the James River with the city skyline behind them, Michael proposed to Merrick. A neighborhood party broke out soon thereafter, and the rest, you could say, is history!

Their wedding is set for March 17, 2012, with a reception naturally happening at The Boathouse followed by a 12-day Caribbean Cruise. And when asked if they’ll remain at Rocketts Landing as husband and wife, Merrick was certain in her response:

“There is no other neighborhood like Rocketts Landing. The camaraderie of the people and what we can do here, the restaurants and businesses here, the diversity of the people, we have no plans on leaving — and even want to raise children here.”

And that, friends, is how memories are made at Rocketts Landing!