After the big day is gone, how will you remember it? Couples opt for photography, which is obviously a great choice, but have you also considered capturing your wedding on video? I love how the use of video captures so many little special moments from the day … a smile here, a glance there. It is a wonderful way to document the variety of emotions of the day along with things like voice inflection. Of course, you will notice a lot of beauty in Amy and Tim’s wedding trailer … I love the detailing, and the florals are so amazing.

I hope that you enjoy this video by Shaking Hands Productions, and be sure to contact them for your wedding videography needs.

Amy + Tim || Farmington CC || from Shaking Hands Productions on Vimeo.

Cinematography: Shaking Hands Productions
Coordinator: Barb Wired/Barbara Lundgren
Florist: Beehive Events
Invitations: The Lime Tree
Photography: Holland Photo Arts
Reception Entertainment: DJ Rick Haggard
Venue: Farmington Country Club

With its stunning landscape and impeccable (and useful) rooms, The Trivium makes a wonderful spot for a bride to consider when planning her wedding. If you missed Part One of our spotlight posting, just click here to read all about The Trivium.

Recently, several area wedding and business professionals were invited to peruse the newly renovated estate, and Interiors by Moyanne did a wonderful job of bringing a fresh, new look to this venue (click here to see our recent posting on Interiors by Moyanne). We had a fun time at the open house eating, chatting and touring, and I wish Heidi of The Trivium many years of success at this beautiful location.

Enjoy these photos, which were taken by Allegra of Allegra’s Studio … it was a gorgeous day to walk the grounds and mingle with other local professionals.

The newly redesigned ballroom offers a draped ceiling, a “stage” area and beautiful Chivari chairs. HCB vendor, Love Is in the Air provided the table decor for the open house.

Parasols are available for inclement weather, and there is an on site photo booth, which was so much fun (yes, we did test it out!) … we HCB vendors adore fun photos.

Below is just one of the many beautiful sitting areas that are available for use within the house.

The dining area is available for many uses … rehearsal dinners and brunches for weddings, of course, but it also can be used by local businesses as a meeting space. There is even a flat screen above the fireplace (cleverly concealed behind a painting) that is available for use, and the room can be rearranged to suit a variety of needs.

The library like area is also a relaxing place for mingling and socializing.

The upstairs room below serves as a great place for getting ready and lounging, yet it is also ideal for entertaining children while the adults in the wedding party play (note the cute table and chairs in the corner!).

The “groom’s” dressing area makes a perfect spot for the guys to hang out, and it is complete with a working arcade game to provide fun and entertainment as the girls are getting ready. A gaming system is even available to while the hours away.

And of course, stunning bathrooms!

The bride’s area has soft colors, a place for lounging and even a comfy bed. What a cozy place for the ladies to get ready.

Even the kitchen is to die for …

Avenue Foods provided the delicious food for the open house.

One of my favorite parts is seeing the fab HCB vendors at get togethers! Below is Phil of Official Entertainment and Linda of Love Is in the Air.

Amanda from Ashley Baber Weddings is super sweet, and there I am (Jennifer), too!

Allegra even did her own self portrait … she looked so cute in her pigtails!

Again, if you are interested in taking a tour of The Trivium, contact Heidi, and she will be glad to show you around her beautiful venue. Thanks again, Allegra, for the photos!

Engagement isn’t the only time that a couple can schedule photos … how romantic is it to have a session after you’re married and settled into your life together? Not only can a couple create images after they tie the knot, but it also gives fuel to the ideas of those who are interested in an engagement session … so the ideas here do double duty!

It was a lot of fun to receive this session from Crystal of Crystal George Studios because I actually know April. The photos are stunning! Emily at Bodyworks Day Spa and Salon worked her magic in making April’s beauty shine through by doing the hair and makeup, and Crystal did the styling herself.

Here is what Crystal had to say before you enjoy the photos …

April and Will got married in Mexico and never had engagement pictures done. We put their love story together to celebrate them, and I think they rocked it out. Super romantic; super from another era.  Love it!

Crystal and Emily, you make an amazing team, and April and Will … thank you for sharing your continued love story with the readers of Hill City Bride.

We have all heard that June is traditionally the favorite month for weddings, and Melody makes such a beautiful June bride! The backdrop of West Manor affords such stunning views for this intimate ceremony (and fun reception!) for this couple. Thank you so much to Liz Cook of Sincerely, Liz: Photography for capturing Stephen and Melody’s special day and sharing it with our HCB readers. The catering was done by Father’s Table, and the cake was made by trusted HCB vendor La Bella Torta. Enjoy!

Thanks again, Liz, for lending Hill City Bride your beautiful work, and to Stephen and Melody … I wish you your “happily ever after”!

I am going to level with you … be straightforward as it were. About six months ago, I had somewhat of an “I’m fed up with this” outburst on the Hill City Bride facebook page. At the time, I had encountered several passé “trends” that people were still including in aspects of their weddings, and I had just had enough! Well, I posted the following status …

I am seriously thinking about doing an “in” and “out” posting … like what trends are in and which ones are out. I have some that I can NOT stand!! Any ideas on what should go into this posting? Feel free to sound off … I know I will when I write it.

As suspected both brides, former brides and wedding vendors stood their ground and posted what they were tired of seeing, and (in my humble opinion) things that should never be. So, welcome to my “In and Out”. Truly, this is not meant to offend as these are just opinions, but if you take the advice of professionals and those that are in the know, I would heavily consider listening to the experts (names withheld to protect the not so innocent).

This is Part Two (just click HERE to see Part One) …

Overly Posed Photography

Out are the backdrops of yesteryear. Why settle for studio style photographs with a backdrop pretending to be in a beautiful location when you could, well, opt for an ACTUAL beautiful location. You live in Central Virginia!! What a gorgeous place with its downtown area, waterways and rolling hills.

You can have a variety of photographs by creating your own scenes or merely going to a scenic location … even if you go in between your wedding and reception or schedule a “day after” wedding session. Candid photos and capturing the moments are more of today’s style. A great rule of thumb is to keep it relaxed and lighthearted to capture those truly special instances instead of trying to create them. Your photos will be more natural and memorable because it will really be who you are!

Traditional Guest Books

Long gone are the days where guests sign an actual book … yes, even sometimes if it is a book with photos of the couple (although this is MUCH better than a fill in the blank book merely with lines for guests to sign). Why not think outside of the book and choose something unique that speaks to you as a couple … one vendor stated, “… guitars, a boat oar, a bench … make it a piece of art you can proudly display for years to come.” Be creative and have fun!!

Matchy, Matchy, Pouf, Pouf

Don’t torment your bridesmaids! Anything with a pouf (ok, unless it is strategically placed rouching or something cool like that) is way gone. Also, your bridesmaids do not have to match. Pick a color scheme (or send them a color sample), and have them find their own dress that coordinates. That way they will have a dress that they will love and keep while expressing their own personality. They can also set their own dress budget that way. Sending them a fabric swatch with a few guidelines along with suggested shoe color will send your friends and sisters squealing with delight to go and shop for a fun look for standing by your side.

Here are a few other “outs” that were mentioned:

1. pairing red roses with baby’s breath
2. wedding party jumping and/or sunglass photos
3. doing everything that magazines (ok and blogs!) say you should
4. damask … go for plaid instead!
5. black and white cakes
6. unity candles/sand … do something creative instead!

Ok, I think that is a pretty great list, BUT I am sure that you have a few other things of your own to sound off about. If so, feel free to leave a comment.

It’s your day, and be unique! Never question letting your own personality shine through on your wedding day … after all, it is YOUR day.  Happy planning!

Images from top to bottom by: mbaylor, JamesHenry, and Bludgeoner86 all from Flickr.