What do you think of when you hear New Orleans? A city that survived? A party that never ends? A place rich in history and architecture? Well, all three of those present themselves as a trifecta in this amazing wedding photographed by Crystal George of Crystal George Studios.

Like New Orleans, Emily and Courtney are a couple who had been through a lot as individuals before their life paths crossed, and this wedding has a Mardi Gras theme, creole style food and a building that has beautiful lines. It is also a great example of a DIY feast for the eyes!

Emily had each of her bridesmaids give her a pair of their own comfortable shoes to make over for the wedding, so she presented each of her attendants with an upcycled version of their shoes along with fun masks to wear. Their bouquets were also functional for the wedding, yet they were comprised of several pieces that could be worn as brooches and accessories long after the wedding was over. Being a hair and makeup artist, Emily also did the hair and makeup for herself and her bridesmaids… quite a task on her own wedding day!

Emily also wrote an article for the pages of clutch, the bride’s guide to have and to hold, and you can pick up a copy locally or click HERE to see more of her wedding photos and read her wedding story starting on page 64. Ok, enough reading. It’s time to enjoy this beautiful wedding.

Photography: Crystal George Studios

Hair and Makeup: Bodyworks Day Spa & Salon

Ceremony Venue: Grace Memorial Episcopal

Reception Venue: The Aviary

Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang at David’s Bridal (customized)

Maid’s Shoes & Masks: Customized by Bride

Cake: Family & Friends

Catering: Avenue Foods

Bouquets: Custom by Skull Fly

Decor: Kasey of Boudoir and Tabitha of Skull Fly

Band: Almost Brothers

Lighting: Castle Event Lighting

Videography: Lynchburg Live

Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

This is a reposting of an old post… I am trying a new program and needed to test out a post. For those of you who have not seen this, I hope you enjoy it!

Heather Cheatham of Visions by Heather has such a lovely photography style that captures such vibrant colors along with paying tribute to the personalities of the couple. I adore all of the little touches in this wedding, and here are Heather’s own words about the wedding.

Located in Vinton, VA at the Boxtree Lodge, this was a complete DIY wedding with the most darling details.  They were “A Perfect Pair” with a play on words; they used pears throughout with summery green accents against classic navy dresses and cobalt glassware on their tables.  They offered pear butter to friends and family to take home and hung unique quotes about love and marriage on eatch bottle on every table.  They crafted adorable signs everywhere.  Her sister sketched a beautiful tree on paper the morning of her wedding to be used for a unique guest “book” where they left thumbprints and their names to start their own “tree” together of family and friends.  Even the children participated by carrying a “here comes the bride” sign before the processional.  Simple acoustic guitar music was played for the processional and ceremony – only they were their own personal choices of Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and Lynyrd Skynard’s “Freebird”.  Colorful lanterns adorned the inside of the rustic lodge and lights twinkled in every corner.  It was a cozy event on a beautiful day.

Thank you again, Heather for sharing this stunning event with the readers of Hill City Bride! To view more of Heather’s work, just click here to go straight to her website.

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.

I truly enjoy it when someone has a vision in mind and then makes that vision into a reality! Several months ago, Devin from Devin Olson Media, came to me and said that he had this idea of having a contest to find the best wedding vendors in the Lynchburg area and then feature them in a video documentary. Great idea! Well, what Devin came up with is not only a guide to the vendors, but it also features a lot of wonderful tips to help a bride plan her wedding day.

I am also excited to be featured in it while representing both Hill City Bride and my new publication, clutch, the bride’s guide to have and to hold. It does take a few minutes to watch, but I would highly suggest it. If you are planning an event or a wedding, there are lots of Hill City Bride vendors featured. How fun! So, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy watching both part one and part two of these videos. Thank you, Devin, and I am so proud of you for taking an idea and turning it into a great resource for Central VA brides.

Part One:

Part Two:

This wedding offers so much! Gorgeous florals, an adorable bride and groom, a stunning location and lots of sweets (and fun!)) for the guests. This autumn West Manor wedding was photographed by Liz Cook of Sincerely, Liz: Photography, and be prepared to look at all of the details … there are lots of ideas here!

Wasn’t that just filled with all sorts of fun ideas? Love it! I am sure the guests had a lot of fun around the campfire making their s’mores. Thank you again, Liz, for sharing this wedding, and Lisa and Jared… congratulations!

Catering: Father’s Table Catering

Coffee Bar: The Muse Coffee Company

Cupcakes: The Cupcake Guy

Florist: Petal Flower Company

Hair: Fusion Salon

Photography: Sincerely, Liz: Photography

Venue: West Manor

Craving more? Take a peek at this wedding on Liz’s blog by clicking HERE.