If you have a copy of our 2013 edition of clutch, the bride’s guide to have and to hold … yay! If not, be sure to head out and get one (or view our online copy on our website here). This is a little teaser introduction into an editorial photo shoot that was submitted to us from Allegra’s Studio and Amanda Gray of Ashley Baber Weddings.

The full Marie Antoinette editorial is full of beauty, but today we are focusing on the hair and makeup … the artwork of Emily Garbee Harris of Bodyworks Day Spa & Salon. Enjoy and be inspired! Also, be on the lookout for more of this beautiful editorial shot at Oakridge Estate.

To view more of Emily’s hair and makeup work, just click here. We can’t wait to show you more of this beautiful photo shoot! Stay tuned …

Dresses: Church Street Bridal

Hair and Makeup: Bodyworks Day Spa & Salon

Styling and Coordination: Amanda Gray of Ashley Baber Weddings

Photography: Allegra’s Studio

Floral Neckpieces: Gilded Thimble

Forgive me if I’m a little excited, but I have come to LOVE John Wind‘s pieces. It’s a lot of fun when I receive an email asking if I want to go a giveaway because I get to road test the piece myself before I give it away … see?? FUN! It has also added several fun pieces (2 necklaces, 2 pairs of earrings and now a bangle bracelet) to my collection. Plus, I adore anything vintage inspired, and his pieces are modern yet have that vintage flair.

Ok, enough rambling! Let me show you some of the amazing pieces in this collection, which would be perfect for gifts for this time of year … but especially perfect for bridesmaids. What a beautiful way for them to have something personal to remember your wedding day.

First, let me introduce you to the letters and what words they are paired with … mine (J) has the word “joy” written on the side. You can give them to a girl who starts with that initial (say, give the “C/confident” to your friend Carrie), OR if your friend Carrie is vibrant and fun to be around, you may want to give her the “V/vibrant”. How fun to be able to pick out an attribute or an initial. Pick whatever inspires YOU!

Now on to some of the pieces … necklaces, bracelets and bangles, oh my!

And now on to what someone will win! The gold inspired initial bracelet in your choice of letter. I am SO glad that gold is making a comeback … yay!

Ok, so here is the skinny on how to winny (corny, I know!):

1. Comment on this blog posting telling me what letter you would want and why (this doesn’t commit you to that letter if you win!).

2. Share this posting on Facebook and tag Hill City Bride so that we know that you shared!

3. Tweet this posting and also include @hillcitybride so that we know you tweeted!

4. You can also Instagram the photo if you would like and tag @hillcitybride in your Instagram photo. How fun!

Ok, that’s four ways to win for each of you. This giveaway will end next Friday 12/14/12 at noon, so be sure to enter while you can. It would be a GREAT gift for Christmas (or for yourself!).

Be sure to check out the full Inspired Initial collection by clicking here, too!

DIY projects … love them or hate them? There seems to be an interesting mix of people and their levels of “craftiness” out there. Well, no matter your opinion, it’s still fun to look … even if it’s not for a wedding! Here is a roundup of some that we found recently, and just click on the links to go to the instructions. Happy DIY dreaming today!

What a pretty heart garland from The Sweetest Occasion …

These Scrabble tile magnet sets from Lavender’s Blue Designs are too cute.

This ombre lace jewelry is so fun for a gift or yourself from Glamour and Grace

Have you traveled a lot? This would even work with vintage postcards for your home or your wedding centerpieces. Interesting thought from The Flourishing Abode

Lastly for today, we found a DIY white birch holder from Tikkido, which has initials carved … so cute!

Vintage is all the rage nowadays … upcycling, recycling, doing something new with something old. Enter these three beauties from John Wind Maximal Art (and you can win one of them!). It has been a long time since we have done a giveaway, and we thought it was about time to do so.

John Wind has been designing jewelry for years, and this year he is thinking “modern vintage” for brides and bridesmaids alike. Retro chic button earrings are the newest look, and they are perfect with an updo for dressing up.

These 1940s inspired beaded flowers in midnight blue are the perfect “something blue” for a bride.

These sparkle buttons have a gold plated bee icon perched “just so”.

And THESE are what you can win! These are faux seed pearl knots (purchased from 1960s overstock) attached to new button bases. How perfect for a bride! I love the fact that they are old made new again.

What can you do to win? Just follow the instructions below, and when you do post a SEPARATE comment for each thing that you do.

1. Comment here telling us which earrings are your favorite! It’s hard to choose, I know.

2. “Like” John Wind Maximal Art on Facebook by clicking here (or let us know if you are already a fan!).

3. “Like” Hill City Bride on Facebook by clicking here (or let us know if you are already a fan!).

Interested in purchasing these items? They retail for $34 per pair, and they are part of an exclusive collection that is not available on their website called “High Tea at Hampton Court”. Feel free to call their customer service number at (800)573-3308 to inquire about these beautiful pieces, and don’t forget … one of you will win the seed pearl knots! Entries close on July 18 at midnight!

These DIY necklaces are so darling, and you can put just about any saying in the tiny bottle (as long as it’s not too long!). Imagine putting some glitter or a small trinket to add some color, and you could even tie on a charm for each bridesmaid around the neck of the bottle. These hail from Victoria Diaries, and just click here to head over to their site for a fun DIY!

Photo from Victoria Diaries