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…

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.

What exciting news! One of our new vendors, Stubborn Press & Company recently had their project featured, and it is SO thrilling for several reasons. If you are not familiar with Kickstarter, it is in essence a way for start up businesses to become funded. Patrons can fund them in any denomination, and it is also a way to “prepurchase” items so that a business can earn the funds they need in order to get started and grow.

Well, Stubborn Press is actually a letterpress company (who can design wedding invitations, save the dates and just about anything for your wedding paper needs!) run by Tiffany Smith and her husband, who purchased a 1930s letterpress. They are ready and waiting to create beautiful things for you!

If you would like to read more about Stubborn Press (and actually SEE the press), just click HERE. I am so excited for them and the potential for the project.

Also do not forget about Bliss, a fine wedding fair happening on Sunday April 1st, and just click here for more information… I can’t wait!

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.