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.

Although I normally showcase a bride on Mondays using the work of HCB’s photographers and/or cinematographers, I just could not resist this darling video of the sweet Crystal George by Brad Bennett of Shaking Hands Productions.

Crystal and Brad are uber-talented in their fields of photography and cinematography, respectively, and they are both a joy to have on board in the Hill City family of vendors. In this trailer, you will see a glimpse of Brad and his wife, Lyndsey, along with our very own Rachel McLean (of RS Exclusive) with her husband, Chris. I love that this video is full of HCB love!! I hope that you enjoy it … it gives some great insight into who Crystal is along with highlighting the amazing work of Shaking Hands Productions.

Crystal George Studios from Shaking Hands Productions on Vimeo.

Also, if this brand spanking new video isn’t enough for you today, both Crystal and Brad have brand new websites, so be sure to visit the sites of Crystal George Studios and Shaking Hands Productions.

If you are a bride to be or just love planning events … save the date of February 26th and register for Bliss, a fine wedding fair, as it is just a few short weeks away.

Ok, I know it’s December, but I also am aware that just because it is December, many of you are getting married in times other than when it is bitter cold! Speaking of cold, I was really excited when I received this submission because it warmed me up just to think of being at the beach once again!

David and Mary Beth’s wedding was photographed by Kimberly Burke of K D Burke Photography in Corolla, NC in the Outer Banks. This was Kimberly’s first beach wedding, and I think that she did a spectacular job capturing all of the details! I hope that you enjoy dreaming of the beach on this chilly winter day as you soak in this beautiful wedding.

Be sure to go to the K D Burke Photography website and look at more of Kimberly’s stunning work … you will be glad you did!