Rustic setting + cowboy boots + horse = a wonderfully fun bridal session by Visions by Heather Photography.

Here is what Heather had to say about the session…

These were taken at her fiancé’s mother’s horse farm.  His mom was there during the session and shared that horse is actually blind. This is also where they are getting married… up in the loft of the barn. She is a sweet bride who doesn’t want anything too fussy on her wedding day… she does not plan on having a cake and is doing cobbler instead! 

So beautiful and serene. If you would like to see more work by Visions by Heather Photography just head on over to her site.

As soon as I was introduced to my first Nancy Drew book as a young girl, I was hooked. As the star of stories filled with suspense and anticipation, Nancy was level headed, smart and resourceful, much like her male counterpart, Frank Hardy of The Hardy Boys mysteries. Just like a thrilling novel, love can hold the same secrets of the unknown while causing feelings of intrigue. So, armed with the memories of staying up late at night to read the children’s mysteries and a love for books, I propose a twist of fate… a secret unlocked within the City of Seven Hills. Meet our Frank and Nancy, whose life together begins when the books debuted in the 1930s, as they play out their story at the Old Jones Memorial Library in the historic city of Lynchburg, Virginia.

As a sidebar, I would also like to mention that our “models” are a real life couple… both local students who were dating at the time of our photo shoot, but they are now engaged. We like to think we had a little to do with their true to life love story, and we wish them many happy years together!

Ok, on to Frank and Nancy…

The styling of this session is impeccable. From the red shoes to the delicate hairpiece to the perfect gown (notice how it has a detachable shoulder piece… love that to add interest and have the option of strapless or not!). If you love the gown, head to Celebration in downtown Lynchburg, and if you adore the photos, check out the work of KD Burke.

As a sidebar, I also enjoy featuring brides that I know, and Sarah is one of those. I used to teach high school science (everyone things I majored in journalism, but I was a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry… imagine that!), and Sarah attended the school where I was teaching. How fun! She and her family are a joy to know, and I wish her all of the best in the future. Thank you again, Kimberly of KD Burke Photography, for the lovely photos, and Sarah’s makeup was done by Ashley McCarthy.

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.

This one ranks high for me due to Allegra’s wonderful photography style, plus I really like the vintage vibe (and the green dining room!). Without further due, here is today’s favorite:

To me there is just something about the work of Allegra and her associate, Corbin, from Allegra’s Studio. In my opinion, I feel that her images are timeless, and her brides and grooms seem to have a genuinely real quality about them … maybe it’s the way she captures their private moments, the smiles and the very intimate parts of the day. Allegra truly is great at telling a story through her work.

The couple below exemplifies that perfectly, and their day was exquisite in every detail … the bride’s dress vintage dress is so unique, and the venues for their wedding and reception have a regal, yet family feel to them. I adore their cake (and the color of the room it is in … I have always wanted to paint a room clover, and I definitely foresee it in my home’s future!!). Thank you again, Allegra, for sharing Kate and Jason’s special day and their moments with us.

Jason and Kate, I wish you the happiest of lifetimes together! If you would like to view more of Allegra’s work, please head on over to her website by clicking here.

Catering: Avenue Foods

Ceremony – St. Paul’s Episcopal

Dress: First – Vintage, Second – J Crew

Flowers: Rod Meek & Company

Photography: Allegra’s Studio

Reception: Private Residence

Also, do not forget to enter our giveaway for an adorable, custom Waldorf doll for your flower girl! Click here to enter.

Aqua cowgirl boots, an umbrella and a rainbow … this session has it all! Sometimes darkening skies can look discouraging for a photo shoot, but the color of the sky and cloud pattern can really make for an interesting backdrop as is the case with this bridal session shot by Jane Morice of Jane Bradley Photography. How fun that a rainbow made an appearance, too. The overcast day really made Joy’s dress pop out in the photos. Enjoy this beautifully photographed session, which took place at Sweet Briar College, and congratulations to Joy!

What a beautiful job, Jane! to view more work by Jane Bradley Photography, just click here to take a peek at her website.