In the spring of 2011 (soon after our Napoleon and Josephine stylized shoot), the idea of doing the loved characters of Nancy Drew and Frank Hardy entered my mind. I thought it might be received as a crazy idea, but so many on our team grew up reading the books that the idea just grew into the shoot that we have presented to you over the past few Mondays.

From conception of the idea to gathering vendors to implement the scenes and capture images, untold hours go into planning the details. Here you can catch a glimpse of what went on behind the scenes the day of our stylized shoot, which took place on the ONLY snowy day in Lynchburg this past winter. It seems that bad weather comes on our photo shoots, but don’t worry… our next one is planned for the summer (hopefully it won’t rain!).

Without further due, here is a peek into our day of shooting at the old Jones Memorial Library. Many thanks to clutch interns Becca Burke and Steph McGinn for capturing these photos of our day.

Emily from Bodyworks Day Spa & Salon did our “Nancy”‘s hair and makeup at her salon early that snowy morning.

Ok, please just take note of the one photo that there is SNOW, but no worries. The show went on! Here we are checking out the beginnings of the table setting.

Here, Jessica from Celebration was using the snow to wash the floors so the dress would not get dirty. She was such a trooper that day, and those floors really were filthy!

We had a collection of vintage books to use for the shoot. I do have a cute story to tell, though. My 8 year old daughter knew that I needed books, so on her own she borrowed all that they had from her school library (hence the dotted and tagged books). So sweet of her to think of that!

Here is our staging center with props on the right and Panera on the left.

Sandra from RS Exclusive helped to design the table as did Linda and Mary of Love Is in the Air. Here Sandra puts finishing touches on the cake while Mary and Linda tackle the job of hanging the clock.

It’s always a collaborative effort, which is so beautiful to see. I adore the fact that wedding professionals (even those that do the same line of work) are truly friends and can work together with ease, fun and finesse.

Here Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions is getting some detail shots before our “Fred” and “Nancy” come out.

It’s always fun to get a sneak peek on the camera as things are moving along!

Fun shoes awaited in the dressing area.

Here our bride is ready, and I am waiting with Amy from The Arrangement Company so that we can start shooting with our couple. It was really cold, so I was on sweater duty for Ashley, who played Nancy Drew.

Lighting, check! Dress clipped, check! Yes, it’s time for photos.

It’s not all fluff and fun… sometimes holding lighting high above or getting down on the dirty floor for a great shot is required.

Aren’t they cute? In case you missed the story, Ashley was a model that came to our casting for our 2011 photo shoot, and she immediately came to my mind when I thought of Nancy Drew. She suggested her then boyfriend for the shoot, and he was perfect! Ashley thinks he’s pretty perfect, too… they have since become engaged. How exciting!!

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.

This fourth installment in our weditorial postings focuses on the library itself… the actual room that housed the books, complete with lingering shelves, glass flooring and a mysterious feel. With scenes also set in the main hall and the attic, the feeling of mystery lingers on for Frank and Nancy. Enjoy!

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…

DIY projects are all the rage nowadays, so of course we decided to incorporate one into our  Secret of the Seven Hills photo shoot. This one utilizes vintage books for table numbers, which turn into quite the beautiful keepsake! Many thanks to Lauren for designing this spectacularly beautiful DIY project for our brides. Look for the full spread of photos on page 27 of clutch, the bride’s guide to have and to hold. Oh, and the adorable couple in the DIY photos is none other than Lauren herself with her beau, Jared! So cute. 

Before we start, here is a photo of the finished product taken by Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions.

These next photos were taken by Lauren. Enjoy!

Step 1: Buy a vintage book at an antique/thrift store. The price depends; we got ours for $4.

Step 2: Now trace the outline of a circle onto the center of the front cover as a reference guide for where your numbers will be. Do this with a pencil so you can erase the marks afterwards. To create a perfect circle use a cup or bowl that matches the size circle you need.

Step 3: Mark with a pencil where you want the numbers to be. Use the dabber to evenly distribute ink onto the number stamps you bought, and very carefully stamp them onto the book cover.

Step 4: Once the numbers are dry, erase the pencil markings from the cover.

Step 5: For an extra cute factor, use the same color ink and stamp the words ‘I do’ onto either the back cover or the front page. Another option is stamping the groom and bride’s names or last name. If you don’t want to use words, get a pretty wildflower stamp or something of your preference to decorate the back cover. There is freedom in this project to personalize the book however you like.

Step 6: Use the black photo corners and adhere them to the front inside cover and back inside cover. Then place photos of the bride and groom in them to personalize it even more. You will want to measure the pictures and properly mark the book before adhering the corners.

Step 7: Glue some of the first 10 pages together so that when you set the book upright, the pages will not spread out so much but stay put so the wedding guests can view the pictures and stamp work.

Step 8: Measure the center part of the clock face and mark it with a pencil. Very carefully put a small dot of super glue on your mark and press down the bigger of the two clock hands. After, super glue as necessary to adhere the shorter hand. Press down firmly until dry.

 Now set the book upright and admire your handiwork!

Our actual DIY photos were taken by Lauren, and below enjoy some photos from our actual shoot taken by Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions. 

And here is a sneak peek of our “Frank Hardy”… tune in next Monday for more photos of our sensational couple!

What a darling project! Feel free to set different times for each table… Table 1:00, Table 1:30 and so on depending on how many tables you have. I love this idea, which provides uniqueness for any wedding… especially one themed with books or clocks. Enjoy, and thank you again, Lauren!

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.

In our first of four postings, we are focusing on the setting, which our vendors of Hill City Bride so thoughtfully put together at the library on Rivermont Avenue. Enjoy, and we hope that you can draw a few decor ideas of your own.