Romance in the movies is usually big and extravagant. Think about some of the most popular romantic movies, The Notebook, Pretty Woman, A Walk to Remember … etc. All are filled with extremely romantic plots that make every girls’ heart flutter. Although romantic movies are enjoyable to watch, the reality is that stories like them just don’t happen often in real life. Movies like this could lead us to believe that every moment of marriage should feel like a passionate kiss in the rain. So, what to do when real life sets in? Truly, things get busy, and who has time for romance?

Bliss and I take care to keep romance going through the small things. Between work, school, church, and laundry it’s hard to make time to plan extraordinary dates. Here are some of they ways we let our love show, in everyday moments.

Hug and Kiss. Bliss and I hug and kiss every chance we get. Not the super mushy kind that makes innocent bystanders feel awkward, but a simple hug and kiss is always a nice reminder that you are loved. Hug and kiss when you wake up, when you leave for work, when you come home from work, and anytime you feel like it in between.

The Giving Box. This is by far one of my favorite ways we show each other we love one another. Bliss and I have a pretty box that sits on a pedestal in our living room with a message board above it. We leave small surprises in the box with a clever note. It’s a simple way to say we care and that we are thinking of each other. It’s fun to be surprised as well as give surprises.

Call Just to Say “Hi”. This one really needs no explanation; it just shows you care.

Leave a Note. Bliss and I have fun with this. We have dry erase markers that we leave in the bathroom. We use them to write messages on the mirror, tub and shower. You never know where you are going to find a note; sometimes they are funny and sometimes sweet. Traditional note writing is great too!

Be Spontaneous. It never hurts to do something slightly unplanned. Routines are great, but I personally think they make me boring. Step out of the routine, and do something different together. Turn on the stereo, and dance in the living room. Go for a late night ice cream run. Do whatever you choose out of the ordinary.

I hope these ideas help keep things romantic and fresh.

Thank you again, Shelby! For those of you who are reading Shelby’s column for the first time, Shelby and Bliss got married in May of 2011 … we are taking their newlywed journey with them through Newly Wed. 

Don’t forget about our jewelry giveaway. Click HERE to enter!

 

 

Some weddings are submitted by request … as in I see them on the portfolio of a photographer, and I simply MUST have them to present to the HCB readership. This is one of those weddings. Honestly, I adore the photography style of Heather Cheatham by Visions by Heather … she has a way of capturing things so that they are so real. I just feel like I could step into any one of her images and actually be present where the photo was captured.

Also, I want to take a moment to brag on the capabilities of another spectacular HCB vendor, Love Is in the Air. These ladies constantly amaze me, and it seems like they can do anything … ok, scratch the “seems like” … these ladies CAN do anything!! They are responsible for the catering, cake, decor, linens, arbor and the bridal party flowers. Amazed?? I am!!

Ok, without further delay, enjoy this wonderful wedding photographed by Visions by Heather and given its panache by Love Is in the Air.

Wasn’t that refreshingly beautiful? I love the lodge feel, yet it has an upscale twinge filled with color. Thank you again both to Visions by Heather and Love Is in the Air for this gorgeous, inspiring wedding.

Also, do not forget about our amazing giveaway going on right now for a piece of monogram jewelry! Just click HERE to check it out and enter.

Fall is in full swing here in Central Virginia, and I love the fact that we have seasons … fall is one of my favorites with the beauty of the changing and falling leaves, the crispness in the air, the pumpkins and mums and the season of thankfulness. It’s so much fun to look forward to fall … especially if fall means a wedding for you! This wedding by Sabrena Deal of S Carter Studios gives just the right amount of inspiration for brides who are planning a fall union. Enjoy this posting as it fits in perfectly with our current weather.

Here is what Sabrena herself had to say about this wedding …

The air was clear and crisp as I made the drive to Mt. Solon … not a cloud in the sky and a gentle breeze wafting through the crisping leaves. I was nervous. I think I always get nervous, and I think that’s probably a good thing. All the nerves melted away as Kristen smiled and laughed about seeing her wedding cake and making sure she brushes her teeth.

I remembered why I love my job when she and Martin saw each other for the first time before the ceremony. His jaw almost hit the floor. It was the day they’d been planning for over a year, the day she’d been dreaming of her whole life, and it was simply perfect. They had a great bridal party, and the two of them were up for anything, including TONS of pictures. I hope you enjoy some photos from Martin and Kristen’s big day!

Martin and Kristen … I wish you the best in your life together, and thank you, Sabrena, for sharing this beautiful fall wedding with the readers of Hill City Bride.

Also, be sure to enter our giveaway for a beautiful initial necklace by clicking HERE.

Your bridesmaids are there for you … they are comprised of friends and family that have been by your side and mean so much to you. They will also be a part of your big day standing by your side during the ceremony and also providing a listening ear or a helping hand on the big day. Choosing a gift for them that they will treasure and keep for years to come while being a meaningful reminder to them can be difficult, but I have a suggestion for you … why not think about a beautiful piece of initial jewelry? John Wind Maximal Art has some wonderful pieces to choose from.

Here are some options to consider before we get to our giveaway …

 The Gold Script Initial Pom Pom Bracelet would be such a beautiful touch at the wrist of your longtime best friend.

This is so pretty! It’s the Pom Pom Sorority Gal Silver Initial Necklace and can be ordered in any initial.

The above design (the Petite Scallop Initial on Crystal Necklace) is from their fall collection … beautiful!

Also from their new fall collection are the Bronze Crystal Initial bracelet (left) and necklace (right). I have the necklace (in a “J”, of course!), and you can also win a necklace in your choice of initial … how exciting!!!

In order to be entered for the giveaway, there are just a few things that you need to do below (each thing counts as a separate entry but be sure to post one comment for each thing you do!).

1. Head on over to the John Wind Maximal Art website (click HERE) and come back here to tell me something you love!!

2. “Like” John Wind Maximal Art on Facebook (click HERE), and come back here saying you did so.

3. Head over to Facebook again to “like” Hill City Bride (click HERE), and let me know that you did by commenting.

4. Did you either give or receive (or are planning to give?) a great gift to your bridesmaids? If so, let me know in the comments below … I would love to hear your ideas!!

Happy entering, and good luck.

Come for the afternoon and meet with the area’s premier wedding specialists, ready to assist you in creating the perfect wedding day of your dreams!

Indulge in catered delights and delicious cake samples. See beautiful displays, and gain great ideas for your special day. Visit our photo booth, enjoy live entertainment and more, including stunning runway shows featuring the latest trends of the season and classic styles in bridal fashion!

Register for a chance to win fabulous prizes, special giveaways and discounts, including a fabulous honeymoon getaway. Brides must be present to win.

Registered brides will receive gifts bags with special surprises while supplies last. Admission is $7.00.

For registration, contact show producers at herperfectdaybridalshow@gmail.com for more information.

 

Her Perfect Day Bridal Showcase

Sunday, November 6, 2011

 Show Time : 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Location: Roanoke Civic Center, Exhibit Hall
710 Williamson Road
Roanoke VA 24016