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.

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.

Well, now that clutch has gone to print, I am taking a bit of a media break since I have basically lived with my computer by my side. So, I am enjoying a week of no phone/no internet, but I still want you to have pretty things to look at! So, enjoy my Spring Blogiday postings, which are repostings of oldies but goodies. Oh, and don’t forget to register for Bliss, a fine wedding fair on April 1st by clicking HERE.

This session has it all … details, color, beauty and one super gorgeous couple … seriously! Jeremiah Guelzo of Stone Blue Productions was there to capture it all at the wedding of George and Laura at The Inn at Virginia Tech, which provided a beautiful setting with its interesting stone buildings and nearby field. I hope that you enjoy this wedding, and my favorite part is the flowers … what a perfect color combination! Enjoy your peek into an absolutely beautiful wedding.

Craving more? If so (or even if you are just a VA Tech fan), simply visit George and Laura’s wedding post on the blog of Stone Blue Productions. Congratulations you two, and I wish you many years of wedded bliss.

One trend that I can not get enough of is that of having all things vintage. When you mix vintage items with a theme and an authentic look, I think it is just dandy, which describes this shoot by Sabrena Deal of S Carter Studios.

This 40′s inspired engagement session was all planned out by Tim and Melanie, and they purchased their outfits from ebay, Goodwill and even Kohl’s so that they would be sporting just the right vintage look for their shoot. From Melanie’s stylized hair to Tim’s pocket watch, this shoot is a perfect step back in time. Enjoy!

How inspiring! The amount of time and planning that Tim and Melanie put in is evident, and it made for some beautiful, unique engagement photos. If you would like to see more of their throwback session, just click here to go to the blog of S Carter Studios.

One thing I adore about the photos taken by Allegra of Allegra’s Studio is their timelessness. This wedding of Ashley and Robert is exactly that, and such emotion is captured throughout the day.

Allegra had the couple answer some fun questions about their wedding, and here are their answers:

What detail did you like best about your wedding day?

Ashley: The flowers were BEAUTIFUL! I loved all of them especially my bouquet!

Rob: All the pictures. Especially the funny ones, but I could have done without the gnats when we were outside.

What was your favorite moment during your wedding day?

Ashley: After the wedding ceremony, as we were walking down the aisle, Rob pumped his fist up in the air to celebrate our tying the knot! It cracked everyone up and helped calm my nerves.  Also, when the minister announced us, he referred to us as the “Fine”steins.  If you are going to mispronounce the name, that is the way to do it!

Rob: Watching Ashley walk down the aisle with all my friends and family. 

So much fun! I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Robert and Ashley’s wedding day. Also, do not forget that our wedding conference, Bliss, is coming up in just a few short weeks. I can’t wait!

Band: Class Act Band

Cake: Lucy Cook of Magnolia Foods

Ceremony: Peakland Baptist Church

Florist: Rod Meek & Company

Photography: Allegra’s Studio

Reception: Boonsboro Country Club