I loved our editorial shoot … in my opinion the outcome was amazing and stunning. Each person contributed a part, which made for a whole that was simply wonderful. From flowers and decor to staging, fashion and photography, the result captivates me each time I view the results (click here to view them!).

Even though the actual editorial photos do take my breath away, this set of photos makes me smile and fills my heart with thanks and a love for the people that were involved with the shoot. From planning their specific part to showing up for hours the day before and also braving the BAD (again … rain, sleet, snow, hail … crazy day for sure!!) weather to get the end results that we desired.

We all spent two days on the shoot. Our first day entailed sweeping the floor of the ballroom … literally it was covered in paint chips … along with moving metal railings and buckets of water due to the leaky ceiling so that our space could be clear to set up. We did a lot of the heavy setup the day before, and the day of was left for all of the details to be put into place.

I am SO grateful to these people, and I am so happy to share this behind the scenes look at our photo shoot day. A special thanks goes out to Liz Cook of Sincerely, Liz: Photography for capturing everyone hard at work doing what they do best.

Several of our group members had a hand in pulling off the staging of our set. Here Jennifer of La Bella Torta and Linda of Love Is in the Air are conversing. Jennifer provided us with such a stunning cake … it was actually a “dummy” cake, so if you see her at a show, you may be able to get a glimpse of it! Linda and her business partner, Mary, were responsible for our “dummy” food along with the beautiful calligraphy work.

Kate of SPA 4109 did a great job with the hair … notice our “craft services” table in the background with Panera, coffee, hot chocolate, chili and other delectables to keep everyone happy.

Notice something odd? The dress was lovely but HUGE, so we had industrial strength clips to cinch it so that it fit. We tried our best to keep track of them throughout the shoot, but alas, some still needed to be edited out of the final photos.

Kate and Patty of SPA 4109 did an absolutely flawless job with the hair and makeup on our “Josephine” model, Gordana.

It looks as though everyone is waiting on none other than ME to perform a shoe change and fluff the dress!

Here our crew is all in the midst of the shoot … working hard. In the back is Sandra Guelzo of RS Exclusive, who helped to keep track of the overall design aesthetic.

Crystal of Crystal George Studios and Sabrena of S Carter Studios had fun picking being on “jewelry duty” with our fine jewels from Bowen Jewelry Company.

Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions did an amazing job directing the models, which had such stunning results.

Sabrena of S Carter Studios braved the weather (literally!!) because our generator ran out of gas. She is a photographer by trade, but she proved that she can make beautiful favors along with get gas AND fill up a generator. Who needs a man for these things??

Those are MY shoes!!

Our fearless photographer, Jeremiah, from Stone Blue Productions had no qualms about laying on the dusty floor … whatever it takes to capture those amazing photos!

This is a view from the mezzanine … everyone is working hard!

Our beautiful dining scene against the backdrop of “The Ward Building” on Church Street in downtown Lynchburg. Even though Moyanne of Interiors by Moyanne and her crew are not pictured, I wanted to say a HUGE thanks to them. They brought and took back all of the furniture (along with some of the breakables for the table!). We even had a “mini catastrophe” when we had to switch a scene from the front wall to the back wall since the rainwater was leaking in … not only leaking in but leaking ON a $12,000 rug (along with equally fine drapes!). One quick call to Moyanne’s crew, and they were back and changing our scene for us in no time. They were such a pleasure to work with!!

Brad from Shaking Hands Productions captured our behind the scenes on video as Jeremiah photographed. Me, well … I supervised most of the time (it WAS an important job, and most of my work was in organizing everything it took to get us to our photo shoot day).

I love this shot!!

Even a queen needs coffee (to stay warm … poor thing; it was NOT very warm in there!) and to be connected with the outside world.

We definitely did not want lipstick on the teeth … Patty did a great job making sure everything was in check with the makeup.

Several lights were brought in by Jeremiah to illuminate the set, which was extremely helpful as darkness fell later in the day.

For once we are waiting for the GUY to get his touchups!!

Even Napoleon (Jordan) needed a little fixing here and there throughout the day.

I love this one of Crystal of Crystal George Studios! She was also on shoe duty.

We did have a little fun while we were on hair and makeup check breaks … our group of vendors really did have a wonderful time together!

The guys were hard at work capturing each and every moment.

Brad of Shaking Hands Productions did a great job with the behind the scenes footage! Many thanks also to Sandra for her work in designing the tablescape with such flawless results.

The atmosphere was definitely royal … rich colors, fine furnishings, lit candles … I am so glad that you get a behind the scenes peek!

Our dining scene captured the regal essence perfectly.

I was able to spend the DAY with all of the wonderful people above. Here goes …

Back row: Jennifer England (La Bella Torta), Joellen Perkins (SPA 4109), Sabrena Deal (S Carter Studios), Sandra Guelzo (RS Exclusive), Crystal George (Crystal George Studios), Linda Hall (Love Is in the Air), and Mary Love (Love Is in the Air)

Second row: Kate Pitera (SPA 4109), “Josephine” Gordana Ban, “Napoleon Jordan Sorber, Patty Mattingley (SPA 4109)

Front row: Kelli Sill (Shaking Hands Productions), Liz Cook (Sincerely, Liz: Photography), Jennifer Prince (Hill City Bride), Jeremiah Guelzo (Stone Blue Productions), Brad Bennett (Shaking Hands Productions)

And lastly, this is our Project Management Team … truly from start to finish, this project would have not been complete (or completed!) without them!! From L-R: Liz Cook, Michelle Duncan, Jeremiah Guelzo and Crystal George (and that’s me in the front!). You can see all of their kudos for what they did below, BUT first and foremost these people are all dear friends of mine from different phases of my life. It’s so wonderful to be able to work with friends … creative, talented, smart friends at that! Ok, roll credits …

Project Management Team

Jennifer Prince – Hill City Bride, Project Coordinator/Art Director

Jeremiah Guelzo – Stone Blue Productions, Photographer/Art Director

Crystal George – Crystal George Studios, Artistic Consultant

Michelle Duncan – Church Street Bridal/elle&anne, Style Consultant

Liz Cook – Sincerely, Liz: Photography, Creative Consultant

Hill City Bride Vendors

Bowen Jewelry Company – jewelry

Celebration – tuxedo

Church Street Bridal – gown, headpieces

Michelle Duncan, elle&anne– headpieces

Interiors by Moyanne – drapes, furnishings, rugs

Jennifer England, La Bella Torta – cake artist

Linda Hall and Mary Love, Love Is in the Air – food, calligraphy

Elisha Dudley, Petal Flower Company – bouquet, boutonniere

Sandra Guelzo, RS Exclusive – table design, decor

Sabrena Deal, S Carter Studios – favors

Brad Bennett, Shaking Hands Productions – cinematography

SPA 4109 – Eyelash Extensions (Joellen Perkins), Hair (Kate Pitera), Makeup (Patty Mattingley), Nails (Jeanine Maxwell)

To view more features from our editorial photo shoot, just click here.

Central Virginia brides are so fortunate when it comes to selecting a venue. Whether they crave a city chic wedding or a sprawling estate, our area offers such a vast array of choices to satisfy a variety of styles and tastes. Well, when it comes to a historical, family oriented, estate feel … Riverview Manor is an amazing venue to consider! Special thanks goes out to Stone Blue Productions for the photos from our field trip to the plantation.

I have been conversing with Mary Helen of Riverview Manor for a while via email and telephone, but I decided that it was about time that I venture out to meet her and see this amazing property … after all, the manor has been featured on the blog many times, and I wanted to lay eyes on it myself. I think I picked the absolute windiest day to go out (as you will see in one of the photos below), but what can you expect in March?

Driving up to the plantation is a pure treat. Although it is a short jaunt from Lynchburg, the drive to the property is beautiful, and when you approach the estate, it feels as though you are being transported back in time with its amazing features such as a cabin, original outbuildings (such as a summer kitchen and servants’ quarters) and pond not to mention the majestic home itself. There is even a long driveway with greenery and a fountain to greet you.

The views from Riverview Manor are breathtaking in and of themselves. Personal favorites of mine are the lone chimneys left from buildings (such as a schoolhouse) that are long gone and also the graveyards … one for former residents and the other for slaves (yes, the plantation has THAT much history!).

The outside really does speak for itself, and the possibilities are endless. Riverview Manor offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony area coupled with a barn that can be used for the rehearsal dinner. They are also in the process of having a permanent tent constructed … I adore tent receptions!

On the property is a cabin that the couple can stay in on their wedding night … it may look rustic on the outside, but the inside is truly a romantic retreat with its exposed wood and cozy feel. Mary Helen even lets you determine the time you would like your day after breakfast … how wonderful to be able to sleep on the property and have your breakfast freshly brought to you in a picnic basket.

Although the ceremonies and receptions take place outside, Mary Helen and her husband actually give the couples and their bridal parties free reign over their own personal plantation home to get ready and relax. The guys are given the first level with its many rooms (including the kitchen!), while the ladies have the upstairs to themselves to pamper and dress. As you can see, the interior also make a beautiful backdrop for photos of the bride, family and wedding party.

And, I must brag on Mary Helen herself. She is sweet, and after 14 years of owning Riverview Manor, her love for her brides and her estate definitely shine through. I would trust any bride into her hands as Mary Helen will take great care of you! If you would like to visit Riverview Manor, just click here and give her a call. She would love to show you around the manor. Below is a photo of Mary Helen and me in the foyer.

And if you think my hair looks windblown in the photo below, then you guessed it. Remember that windy day I told you about? Well, the proof is in the pudding, er, I mean the photography, which is again compliments of Jeremiah Guelzo of Stone Blue Productions.

Yes, so no matter rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor a super windy day … I am always there to support the great HCB vendors. I am laughing b/c I can’t believe I am putting this corny, hold up the house, windblown hair photo on the blog. Ha! Ok, enough of that … if you want to see Riverview Manor in action, be sure to click on the video below by Shaking Hands Productions. It is a great glimpse into what the plantation has to offer.

Angelica + Tim :: Riverview Manor :: from Shaking Hands Productions on Vimeo.

I can’t wait to show off some actual photos of weddings that took place on this beautiful plantation in part two of showing off Riverview Manor on Thursday, April 7th … sorry to make you wait, but it will be worth it!

I love DIYs … I really do! Especially when they are inexpensive, cute and practical as is the case here. Local bride-to-be, Cortney Lovelace, sent me this DIY that she has on her own blog, Faith. Home. Love. Cortney also works as a consultant at Church Street Bridal, and I have seen her in there on many occasions … she is so sweet and helpful. Thank you so much for this DIY, Cortney, and I appreciate you lending your craftiness to the readers of HCB!

Somewhere along the line of collecting wedding inspiration, I came across some pictures of personalized hangers for your wedding dress.  You can buy them online on Etsy, but I decided to try my hand at making some personalized hangers for myself and for my bridesmaids.  Here is what I came up with…

These are actually really simple and easy to make.  Just pick up a pack of wooden hangers at the store (I bought the shirt hangers from Wal-Mart for about $4.50/pack of 5).  If you are using them for dresses, make sure you buy the kind with the indentions for the strings that hold up the dresses.  You would hate to make these and then not the dresses slip right off of them!

Supplies Needed:

• Wooden Hanger(s)
• Paint
• Pencil
• Pen
• Computer and Printer
• Tape

Step #1:

Print off your monogram, name, or whatever you want to put on your hanger from your computer.  I typed up all of my bridesmaids names and my new monogram in Word using the font Lauren Script and just printed it on regular computer paper.

Next, cut out the names.

Step #2

Turn the cut out name over, and using a pencil, shade in the back.  (Making sure that you cover the entire section where the name is on the opposite side).

Step #3:

Turn the paper back over and tape to the hanger.

Step #4

Trace over the name with a ball point pen, pressing down hard.  You could just trace the outline, or you could go over the entire letter.  Since my letters were fairly fat, I just traced the outline.

Step #5:

Take the paper off the hanger.  You will now have an imprinted outline of the name from the lead rubbing off from the pencil marking on the back of the paper.  (Sorry I didn’t take pictures using the same hanger, but you still get the idea)

Step #6:

Fill in the outline using a thin tip paint brush and paint.  You could probably also do this with a permanent marker.

By no means did they turn out perfect, but they still look wonderful in my opinion!

Thank you again, Cortney for the use of your DIY … I love the fact that you are a LOCAL bride!! Also, Cortney plans on using her hanger to capture wedding photos of her dress hanging. I am sure it will be elegant! I wish you the best on your big day, Cortney. Again, click here to visit her blog. If any of you other brides have DIY ideas with photos, please feel free to email me submissions at jennifer@hillcitybride.com. Thank you!!

Devin has a knack for truly capturing people in their element, and this wedding trailer of Jacob and Megan is no exception. They both hail from big families (watch to see HOW big his family truly is!!) and have strong faith, and it is a pleasure to see the days leading up to their nuptials and hear their stories in their own words. I hope that you enjoy this treat from Devin Olson Media, and many congratulations to Jacob and Megan on your new life together!

The Wedding of Jacob Walker & Megan Spallinger from Devin Olson Media on Vimeo.

I also thought it would be interesting to post the graphics that Devin used for the DVD cover … he sent them along, and I thought you may want to see them! Below is the actual front and back cover of Jacob and Megan’s DVD case along with the image that is actually on their DVD. *sigh* Part of me is slightly jealous … MY wedding video is on a cumbersome VHS tape!!

Thanks again, Devin, for a peek into the lives of Jacob and Megan … and also for letting brides know the end product that they will receive. How nice that it is personalized with images from their special day. To check out Devin Olson Media‘s work, just click here.

I am really excited about the Lynchburg Bridal Expo … it is always fun to mix and mingle with brides during the height of their wedding planning excitement. It takes place on the campus of LU in the Schilling Center from 12-4. Stop by the HCB booth and say “hi” to me … I would love it!!