Ever since I have been involved with Hill City Bride and whenever I talk about it with my mom, she tells me to write a post on wedding shoes. I thought it was a great idea (but have been procrastinating), so I began researching the origination of wedding shoes and how it has become modernized throughout the years.

Did you know that Catherine De Medici, who was married in the 1500′s, was the first bride to wear high heels down the aisle? Therefore, she was the trendsetter for wearing heels, but of course brides have their unique preference on their wedding shoes.

My great grandmother, Thelma Bristow Milby, also known as Memama, was married October 2nd, 1932, and she wore a velvet blue high heel pump. My grandmother, Joyce Milby Green, also known as  Mamoi, wore white ballerina heels and my mother, Vicki Green White (yes, this is her true maiden name and married name … she changed colors!), wore white linen shoes with three inch heels. But now, almost 30 years since my mom got married, there are all kinds of shoes that are worn, but clearly the popular shoe of back when was high heels.

Everyone has heard the saying that the bride has to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in their shoe.” But the sixpence in their shoe part is sometimes left out of the saying. Brides of Old England created this tradition by tucking coins into their shoe on their wedding day, which symbolized good luck. I know of recent brides that still follow that tradition. My mother who was married in April of 1984 tucked that year’s penny in her white linen high heel wedding shoes.

Nowadays, brides choose among all types of shoes for their wedding day, and some make their own style and do not really stick to the traditions of back when.

My mother attended a wedding recently that the bride wanted to go out of the bubble and create her own style of wearing Converse tennis shoes due to her love of Converse, but the deciding factor to wear these non-traditional shoes were her fear of falling in heels. The groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen also wore converse. This bride customized her and her future husband’s (now husband) shoes with each others’ initials on the back side of the shoe. Thanks, Kyrstin and Benjy, for wearing converse just in time for my wedding shoe posting!

I have also seen brides who choose to make their wedding a country western theme or something to that nature, and they choose wear cowgirl boots, which I think is a cute touch for a country style wedding. The popular country music singer who recently got married, Miranda Lambert, wore pearl white cowgirl boots on her wedding day.

If you are going to have a beach wedding and want to go barefoot, there are elegant and unique ways to make your feet look pretty!

When beginning to think of this post, I utilized social media (Facebook) and created a poll for previous brides and future brides to see where their style was or will be in shoes, and the outcome was interesting. The shoe that won the most votes was the trend that was set many many years ago … the high heel! Coming in close was a ballet flat. Then, at least one bride wants to wear flip flops or go barefoot on her wedding day.

On a personal note, on my wedding day a few years down the road, I want to wear a ballet flat. No matter what you chose, I wish you a wonderful (and comfy) wedding day!

If you are looking for a wedding gown in Central Virginia, THE place to go is definitely Celebration as they have it all and can help you get exactly what you have been dreaming of since you were a little girl. They offer impeccable bridal gowns along with tuxedos, bridesmaids dresses (which work for any formal occasion!) and accessories.

Although they have lots in their store, one of the things that truly sets Celebration apart is their service, which is offered by their wonderful staff. Their fun personalities shine through in this video done by Brad Bennett of Shaking Hands Productions, and these ladies are truly invested in each one of their brides. As their NEW website states… “If you are planning a wedding, we will work closely from the day you set your personalized appointment until the day you walk down the aisle. As a full service bridal salon, we cater to every member of your bridal party from the flower girl to the grandmother of the bride.”

I hope that you enjoy watching this fun and informative video, and when you stop by Celebration tell the girls that Hill City Bride says, “hello”.

If you didn’t catch it earlier, Celebration’s website is brand new, so be sure to check it out by clicking here.

Aaahhh, summer is here, and in an attempt to sit back and enjoy summer, I am introducing Throwback Thursday, which is a collection of oldies but goodies that need to be revisited since Hill City Bride’s humble beginnings.

Small veils and headpieces are all the rage nowadays, and brides can have a little fun creating their own birdcage veil … it is not as hard as you may think! The following photos show a basic veil, and I will bet with a little personalization, you can create a birdcage style veil that will reflect your own personality and flair.

Just a few simple supplies are needed. Here, the bride chose a patterned tulle, satin fabric (you could also use ribbon of your choosing), a silk flower pulled off of the stem and a needle and thread to match the color of the tulle. In order to secure the veil to your head, you may want to add some hair pins or a small comb to your list of supplies. You will also need plain tulle, which is not pictured above.

By cutting a leaflike shape out of the tulle and adding a piece of the satin (again, I would probably use ribbon), the bride sewed the pieces together to give the accent piece the look she wanted.

The flower was then sewn on to the accent piece, which covers up the original sewing needed to attach the ribbon to the accent piece. She also cut the tulle and shaped it to give the veil the sense of structure that she desired, and then the end was sewn together to hold the shape of the cage.

By lastly sewing the flower accent piece onto the veil (and doing a good job of covering up the sewn end of the tulle), you will have your completed veil! In order to ensure that the headpiece stays in place, you may want to add a hairpin or small comb onto the inside of the veil so that you can feel confident that it will stay put.

Simple, but elegant! Here is the completed piece on the bride for her special day. I hope that this simple project helps to get some DIY headpiece ideas of your own for your wedding. Also, if you are looking for some custom pieces for your wedding, head on over to e&a WED … our newest advertiser for the beautiful items that she can make for your wedding day.

Many thanks goes out to Emily Kim Bart for the use of her idea and photographs. You can catch more of Emily’s photos on Flickr.

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.

Welcome to the last of our three scenes for our Napoleon and Josephine stylized editorial shoot. Truly, after a long day (and dealing with inclement weather), there were just a handful of us that stayed for the shooting of this scene … even the daylight did not linger.

In my opinion, no reception is complete without a cake (truth be told … dessert bars and creative solutions aside, I just like good old fashioned wedding cake!), and Jennifer England of La Bella Torta provided us with a cake that I am sure Napoleon and Josephine themselves would have coveted. Enjoy this last of our staged scenes, and be sure to visit our other sets by just clicking here.

Special thanks goes out to …

Bowen Jewelry Company for trusting us with their stunning jewelry for the day

Celebration for the tuxedo (and helping us pick the perfect one out!)

Church Street Bridal for the wedding gown (which I dubbed “the cupcake dress”)

elle&anne for their handmade plum headpiece

Interiors by Moyanne for the table, silver candelabra, pedestal, drapes and rug for “The Cake Reception” scene

La Bella Torta – for a cake that is worthy of royalty!

Love Is in the Air for their amazing calligraphy

Petal Flower Company for the fresh and colorful boutonniere

RS Exclusive for the table design and setup

Stone Blue Productions for our amazingly unforgettable photos

SPA 4109 for their wonderful artistry with eyelash extensions (Joellen Perkins), hair (Kate Pitera), makeup (Patty Mattingley) and nails (Jeanine Maxwell)

And of course thanks goes to our models, Gordana Ban (Josephine) and Jordan Sorber (Napoleon) for being wonderfully photogenic and great sports for the day.

Below is a full listing of those involved with the photo shoot:

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. Next Friday, I have the fun of showing off the behind the scenes photos, which show all of those involved hard at work on our shoot.