Plum is such a beautiful hue, and add ombre to that … you do have perfection! Here is an editorial shoot that was submitted by Reese Moore Weddings, and even though our bride and groom’s event was styled, there are lots of ideas just waiting to be had! Here is what Sabine, event planner at Fabulous Fete had to say …

Who doesn’t want a chic, contemporary style for their big day? Deep purples fade to pale lavender in this stunning wedding style shoot. Sequined pillows in varying shades of plum add a festive touch to the sleek, all white lounge tent, and glass orbs filled with purple blooms hung from the ceremony site… which overlooked the gorgeous Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, SC. The bride set her best foot forward in a short, romantic dress and whimsical veil, and her bridesmaids wore statement-making frocks: a form-fitting black frock sported a rhinestone encrusted bow, while the deep plum look presented a stunning backless style. A dramatic carpet of ombre petals ringed the feet of our couple, who stepped inside to delicious cocktail eats boasting their wedding palette: roasted purple heirloom potatoes, filet in burgundy sauce, and roasted beet salad. A gorgeous purple ombre cake capped off the evening, making a dramatic statement!

Enjoy!

I adore the fact that love can be found at any age or stage of life, and this is such a special wedding! Linda recently moved from the Lynchburg area, and her three Lynchburg sisters (one is Sandra of RS Exclusive, who had a part in the planning and decor) and nephew (Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions) made their way out to CA to celebrate her nuptials … on the beautiful beaches of California. An intimate, beachside wedding was followed up by a lovely dinner showcasing that a smaller affair with family and close friends can be as lovely and unique as any large event. Personally, the creative touches like the lanterns and starfish in the bouquets are beautiful, but nothing outshines the love between Linda and Bob. Enjoy this beautiful, sand-between-the-toes wedding!

I hope you enjoyed your quick, mental trip to the west coast, San Diego and the Hotel del Coronado! Craving more beach weddings? Take a peek at another one by clicking here.

For the first 12 days of December, I am reposting my personal favorite photography postings. There are just so many that deserve attention once again … and these postings are not only getting attention, but they are getting a prize. That’s right! On December 13th, voting will begin to determine the best posting of 2011.

The photographer who submitted the winning posting will receive a $50 gift certificate to Gerald’s in Wyndhurst (what a great way to take a break and have a nice meal out during the holidays!). The couple featured in the winning posting will receive a $50 gift certificate to Charley’s in Lynchburg and also a $25 gift card to Starbucks … what a great date night!

So, whether you vote for the couple that speaks most to you and has that special spark, you root for the couple that has the most creativity or you even choose your favorite based on whose photography most aligns with your personal style, take a moment each day to look at the postings so that you can help us determine Hill City Bride’s winning couple and photographer.

Smith Mountain Lake always will hold a special place in my heart, and I adore this colorful lakeside wedding. Without further due, here is today’s favorite:

The lazy days summer are long gone, yet one place that my family especially enjoys during the summer is Smith Mountain Lake. Today, I have the pleasure of showing off this lovely wedding by David Duncan of David Duncan Photography, which took place at Mariner’s Landing. Here is what David had to say about this wedding…

We shot this wedding of Lisa and Tim at Mariner’s Landing, and their son, Nicholas, was also in the wedding. It took place outside on the lawn, and this was the first time my assistant and I were allowed to wear shorts while shooting a wedding… Lisa insisted that we be nice and cool while shooting on a hot day outside. This was also the first time for us to shoot a wedding at Mariner’s Landing, which is such a cool location!

For me, I love it all… the lakeside views, the initials in the sand and the colorful flowers. Without further due, take a peek at Tim and Lisa.

Thank you, David, for sharing this lovely lakeside wedding with the readers of Hill City Bride! If you would like to view more of David’s work, just click here to go straight to his website.

It is always fun to reminisce about the beach, and what a perfectly romantic place for Bethany to have her Trash the Dress session with Kimberly Burke of KD Burke Photography. Even her new husband got in on the fun, and here is what Kimberly had to say about the day …

I am not a morning person (I hate to get up early), but my hubby has always told me the best light is in the morning at sunrise … he was right! These where taken in Hilton Head ,SC. I am sure you remember Bethany’s wedding submission as well, too. What a fun couple these two are ! I am over floored by this shoot, and it is my favorite of all time!!! I do not think that any other TTD shoot that I do will ever top these.

Enjoy a glimpse into Kimberly’s time with Bethany at the beach …

What a great, dreamy session. Thank you so much, Kimberly for sharing this with the readers of Hill City Bride.

Once again, I am pleased to have the team of RS Exclusive lending their expertise in all things wedding to our HCB readers! Be sure to check out their website to see examples of their work by clicking here.

For many of us, the mention of the word “centerpiece,” usually draws our mind to some sort of arrangement composed of – or centered on – flowers. And with the vast variety of shapes, colors, and sizes available to compliment any number of wedding themes or styles, it is no wonder flowers are often in the spotlight.

However, while fresh flowers most certainly are beautiful, they can also get expensive. For the bride (or hostess) on a tight budget – or simply one who wishes to expand her creativity beyond the norm – with a little inspiration, there is really no limit to what you can create.

Rather than seeing your centerpieces as another item to simply check-off on your “wedding-to-do-list,” use them to show off your individual personality and flair. Those tables are your artistic canvas in a sense, have fun with them.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Want to go natural? Fruit and vegetables can make a beautiful centerpiece. With their bright, natural colors, they can add zest and life to a table. Whether arranged in a vase or spread out in a long, rustic basket, their natural beauty will shine.

(photo: http://youaremyfave.com/gallery/backyard-harvest/)

Bring the outdoors in with the use of branches. For a more modern look, go with a sleek, naked branch, or follow the style of the recently-wed Duchess of Cambridge, and incorporate full, tree leaves to add rich depth and dimension to your tables.

(photo: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/non-floral-centerpieces#slide_7)

Set a romantic mood using all candles. Choose all one style (taper or pillar) for a sleek and elegant look, or mix and match styles and candleholders for a more eclectic, relaxed feel. This type of candlelit centerpiece is especially beautiful for a late afternoon or evening wedding.

(photo:http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/tips-techniques/magic-candlelight-00000000016059/page2.html by Annie Schlechter)

Another option for adding candlelight to your table is through the use of a beautiful array of lanterns. Again, mix and match for a more eclectic, rustic feel, or use similarly colored lanterns for a more upscale look. Enjoy reading? Incorporating your favorite books (choose volumes with antique or colorful covers) into the mix can add a distinguished, and vintage, feel to your tables.

(photo: http://iloveswmag.com/)

Want to incorporate fresh flowers into your centerpiece without having them as a dominant feature? Consider topping off a variety of vases with water, and either floating or sinking a single flower into the center for a simple, yet elegant, look.

Getting married at the beach? Nothing says summer loving like a little fun in the sand.

(photo: http://www.engagementweddingring.net/wedding-centerpieces/)

Depending upon your theme, potted plants  – like the uniquely-shaped cactus – are another great alternative to a floral centerpiece, while also being eco-friendly. Following your event, these plants can be sent home with family members and guests as special favors to enjoy long into the future.

Who says dessert has to come last? Add some whimsy to your table and surprise your guests with a colorful – and delicious – candy or dessert centerpiece. Choose goodies that coordinate with your color scheme, and then go to town!

(photo: http://budgetdreamweddings.com/2761/candy-buffet-centerpeices/ by Megan Robbins Photography)

Want a little chic without going over-the-top? An airy chandelier made from doilies can be a beautiful addition to both an afternoon and evening affair.

(photo: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/non-floral-centerpieces#slide_3)

These are just a small sampling of non-floral centerpieces that can be done. Whether or not you choose to incorporate floral elements, use your imagination and have fun with it. Remember to utilize your wedding planner! Using their vast experience, they can help you fine-tune your ideas to develop a design that will not only fit your budget, but that will be memorable and special to both yourself and your guests.