So, it’s true. If you can’t beat them, join them! And that’s just what your Lynchburg area wedding vendors did. We have a monthly get together for the purpose of camaraderie, keeping people in the know and networking, and we truly ADORE each other (and have a lot of fun!). I thought it would be great fun to do the Harlem Shake (ok, mostly because I’ve been dying to participate in one, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity!).

When I mentioned it to our group’s fearless leader, Kim of Capture.it Photography and Events, she was all over it … even calling in the costume collection of Aztec Rental (aren’t they great?) and the videography skills of our friend, Jeremiah of Stone Blue Productions. We literally SPRUNG this on everyone as most had no idea that they would be commandeered into donning crazy costumes AND dancing in front of a camera, but they were all good sports … SO fun!

Ok, without further due, take a peek at our Lynchburg Wedding Professional Networking Group’s version of the Harlem Shake, started off by local DJ, Wendell of Music, Music and More Music. So, turn up the volume and shake it (the Harlem way, of course!).

PARTICIPANTS

Love Boat Captain – Wendell (Music, Music and More Music)

Minnie Mouse – Kim (Capture.it Photography and Events)

Gorilla – Jeremiah (Stone Blue Productions)

Bumblebee – Jennifer (clutch and Hill City Bride – I was trying to STING people, ok?? LOL!)

Raggedy Ann – Shani (Timeless Affairs)

Tinkerbell – Liz (Sincerely, Liz: Photography and Lynchburg Snapshot Studio – fun photos to come!)

50s Poodle Skirt Gal – Linda (Love Is in the Air Events)

Pooh Bear – Larry (Marriage Alliance of Central VA)

Lady Liberty – Connie (At Your Service Events Planner)

Majorette – Sandra (RS Exclusive)

Little Bo Peep – Natasha (Bloom by Doyle’s)

Easter Bunny – Diane (Diane’s Cake Creations)

Dalmation – Mary (Love Is in the Air Events)

Brown Bear – Rick (Spring House Reception and Dining Hall)

Beast – Sheila (Spring House Reception and Dining Hall)

Jester – Karen (Repast Catering)

Jester – Erin (Grinnin’ Booth)

Brides, don’t forget that Bliss, a fine wedding fair is coming up soon. Be sure to register here … so fun. Paisley & Jade will be there!

I love vintage … it’s no secret around here. I’ve grown up with antiques (my mom had a shop!) since I was 5 years old. Right now it seems as though all things old are “new” again, and I love it!

One way to incorporate this is into your wedding, yet who wants to go to the expense of having to buy or schlep around a bunch of props and seating for your day? Well, let me say … that Paisley & Jade does! Their stash of lovelies (and I do mean a HUGE stash to suit such a variety of tastes and aesthetics) is available for you to rent. Imagine that. Not having to shop and search or buy or haul. How wonderful is that? I am really excited to have them on board for our 2013 issue of clutch, the bride’s guide to have and to hold. 

Enjoy some photos of their belongings, which again are available for rental, in these photos taken by Stephanie Yonce Photography. So fun!

All so lovely! Be sure to head over to their website to find out more, and they deliver all over. Thank you, Paisley & Jade!

Brides, don’t forget that Bliss, a fine wedding fair is coming up soon. Be sure to register here … so fun!! Paisley & Jade will be a part of it. So exciting!

Forgive me if I’m a little excited, but I have come to LOVE John Wind‘s pieces. It’s a lot of fun when I receive an email asking if I want to go a giveaway because I get to road test the piece myself before I give it away … see?? FUN! It has also added several fun pieces (2 necklaces, 2 pairs of earrings and now a bangle bracelet) to my collection. Plus, I adore anything vintage inspired, and his pieces are modern yet have that vintage flair.

Ok, enough rambling! Let me show you some of the amazing pieces in this collection, which would be perfect for gifts for this time of year … but especially perfect for bridesmaids. What a beautiful way for them to have something personal to remember your wedding day.

First, let me introduce you to the letters and what words they are paired with … mine (J) has the word “joy” written on the side. You can give them to a girl who starts with that initial (say, give the “C/confident” to your friend Carrie), OR if your friend Carrie is vibrant and fun to be around, you may want to give her the “V/vibrant”. How fun to be able to pick out an attribute or an initial. Pick whatever inspires YOU!

Now on to some of the pieces … necklaces, bracelets and bangles, oh my!

And now on to what someone will win! The gold inspired initial bracelet in your choice of letter. I am SO glad that gold is making a comeback … yay!

Ok, so here is the skinny on how to winny (corny, I know!):

1. Comment on this blog posting telling me what letter you would want and why (this doesn’t commit you to that letter if you win!).

2. Share this posting on Facebook and tag Hill City Bride so that we know that you shared!

3. Tweet this posting and also include @hillcitybride so that we know you tweeted!

4. You can also Instagram the photo if you would like and tag @hillcitybride in your Instagram photo. How fun!

Ok, that’s four ways to win for each of you. This giveaway will end next Friday 12/14/12 at noon, so be sure to enter while you can. It would be a GREAT gift for Christmas (or for yourself!).

Be sure to check out the full Inspired Initial collection by clicking here, too!

Next to cake, flowers are my absolute favorite thing at a wedding. From bouquets to centerpieces they just add so much fragrance, and their colors and textures are breathtaking. It takes a special florist to be able to create and construct unique arrangements for your day, and today we are focusing on The Arrangement Company. They also just launched a brand new website, so to view more of their work be sure to click here.

Take a peek at the beauty of the florals from The Arrangement Company. They are beautiful in photos and even more stunning in person!

Aren’t they lovely? To see more work from The Arrangement Company, be sure to head to their new website here.

*All photos provided by The Arrangement Company.*

If you are new to the concept of Thirty-One, welcome, but being familiar with this company is something that is not new to some. Either way, their products are fun, durable and economical. I am excited to have Thirty-One consultant, Katie Lee, as a part of our Hill City Bride family!

Thirty-One is a direct sales company, which is mostly known for their bags and totes. They are available in a whole host of designs and patterns, and can serve great as honeymoon getaway gear, wedding organization or even gifts for your bridesmaids.

Here is a little bit about Thirty-One in Katie Lee’s own words:

Thirty-One is a Christian business that seeks to celebrate, encourage and reward women of all ages. The name Thirty-One comes from Proverbs 31 where the virtuous women that cares for and provides for her family is described. Most of our products are able to be personalized, which is a great added touch. 

We have a variety of purses, bags, luggage and accessories that make great bridesmaid gifts, and we even have wallets, messenger bags, men’s shave kit bags and various other items for the guys in your bridal party … that may surprise you. Many of our bags would be great to take along on the honeymoon, especially with your new name on them!

Here is some of the nitty gritty about home shows and orders: any order over $200 qualifies as a party, which means that you would get free and half price items as a reward. You don’t even have to host an actual show … your own order can potentially qualify for discounts and hostess gifts. 

Example bridesmaids/mom gift may be something like this

-Flat Iron case ($22)

-Mirror compact ($12)

-Small Rosette clip ($5)

OR

-Mini Zipper Pouch with their name on it ($12+$7 for personalization)

-Wristlet strap ($5)

-Manicure nail file ($2)

-fill the pouch with fun manicure products!

OR

-Cosmetic Bag with their name on it ($30 + $7 for personalization)

-Fill with tissues, makeup, or other wedding day essentials.

OR

-Littles Carry-All Caddy with personalization ($12 +$7 for personalization)

-stick a pack of tissues in the front pocket and fill with lotions or other essentials

Example groomsmen gifts:

-Men’s Essentials case with personalization ($16 + $7 for personalization)

-Fill with shaving kit items such as a nice razor, quality shave cream and aftershave moisturizer

OR

-Leather Money Clip Wallet ($16 + $7 for personalization)

-Give the wallet with a gift card to his favorite store or restaurant

OR

-All-in-One Organizer with personalization in Textured Twill ($20 +$7 for personalization)

-Fill with hobby items, car wash essentials or anything else that you  can think of!

OR

Check out the new spirit collection and get him a cooler in his favorite team’s colors!

Example Flower Girl gifts

-Mini Organizer ($15)

-Fill with coloring books and craft supplies

OR

-Thermal Tote with personalization ($18 + $7 for personalization)

-Fill with some of her favorite snacks

OR

-Ruffle Cinch Sac ($25)

-Fill with fun little girl dress-up items

Ring Bearer Gift ideas

-Cinch Sac in Camo or another boyish print ($20 +$7 for personalization)

-Fill with little boy toys

OR

-Square Utility tote in Textured Twill with personalization ($25 + $7 for personalization)

-Stick his favorite sports ball in it!

The possibilities are endless!

If you would like to take a peek at the catalog, just click here, and click here to go to Katie’s personal Thirty-One page.

-Phone: 434.229.7866

-Email: kelee@liberty.edu