wedding, DIY and travel blog for brides

Lynchburg, Rooftop Wedding

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This light, airy Lynchburg wedding features mint, gray and blush pink in perfect harmony – so lovely! Lots of shine and a beautiful view (compliments of City View and Terrace View venues!) are parts that I adore about Brittany & Justin’s big day. Here are a few more things I love:

I know I mentioned it already, but… that VIEW. Lynchburg is so stunning from the vantage point of both of these venues – you can see mountains, the river and the gorgeous buildings that make up the downtown. I can’t get enough of that stunning view!
Sparkle! From Brittany’s look – shiny shoes and a gown with just the right amount of sparkle – to the sequin tablecloths, the day shone on and on.
Speaking of the venues, I adore how this couple did the reverse of what I normally see by having their Lynchburg wedding inside at City View and their reception on the terrace level – it’s fresh and fun to see the venues utilized in this way.
The florals!! I’m so partial to peonies (we had them in my yard growing up). Coupled with white hydrangea and other flowers makes for a soft statement.
The state map guest book is so cute and such a fun keepsake – don’t miss it in the photos.

I hope you enjoy this wedding today – don’t forget to soak in the view!

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Vendors:

Photography – Visions by Heather Photography
Wedding Party Flowers & Reception Centerpieces – The Arrangement Company
Bride – Caryn’s Bridal
Cake – Billie’s Cakes
Hair – Tabatha Banton
Makeup – Jessica Reynolds
Catering – Repast Catering
Venues – Terrace View and City View

Fredericksburg Park E-session – Dave & Kate

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If you are struggling for a place to have your engagement session, why not head out to a local park like this Fredericksburg couple did with their photographer, Marie Hamilton? You can sneak off to private places, plus the backdrop is beautiful (and green!) as you will see in this session. Here are a few of my favorite things about Kate and Dave’s time together at Old Mill Park:

Speaking of Old Mill – this Fredericksburg park is just lovely!
You just can’t go wrong with a classic, round solitaire ring. Timeless, stunning and beautiful – it’s a choice that will always stay en vogue.
An off-the-shoulder dress? Yes, please! It’s absolutely stunning on Kate, and the styling is so lovely.
I love that they did an outfit change, yet it’s no fuss. So fun!

I hope you enjoy a peek into this adorable couple’s love today!

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Elegant Richmond Wedding – Nathan & Rachel

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After nine years of dating, complete with high school and college graduations, parenting a now 4 years old golden retriever, and the purchase of their first home, Nathan and Rachel finally tied the knot at their elegant Richmond wedding. When they started the planning process, the venues were not a difficult decision for them as over 30 years ago, Rachel’s parents got married at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (where the bride and groom both grew up) with a reception following at the Commonwealth Club.

It was so important and special to have the same venues as her parents’ wedding; it added such a special element to a day already filled with so much love. With venues that exude elegance and a historic Richmond feel, Nathan and Rachel wanted to make sure that the rest of the style matched and helped to play off such beautiful spaces especially with the invitations, linens, and flower arrangements. After picking her form-fitting, old Hollywood glamour-inspired wedding gown, the rest of the style-related decisions became a bit easier. The bridesmaids wore black gowns of their own choosing, and the groomsmen wore tuxedoes. Nathan wore a beautiful hand-made midnight blue bowtie and velvet loafers.

The wedding day met all expectations and more and was filled with so much love and joy, with families and friends traveling from Japan, California, Colorado and more. Having both of Rachel’s parents walk her down the aisle to Nathan was such a memorable moment and seeing the Commonwealth Club’s ballroom for the first time was an unbelievable feeling as the lovebirds finally got to see all of their work come together.

The room was filled with ivory and blush tones through the florals and tablescapes. Each table at the Club was named after a special street in their lives, including the king’s table where the wedding party was seated. After a delicious dinner, laugh-worthy and cry-worthy speeches, and first dances with their parents, everyone just danced the night away in celebration of Nathan and Rachel.

I hope you enjoy this peek into their special day!

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Vendors:

Photography – Stephanie Yonce Photography
Ceremony Venue – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Reception Venue and Catering – Commonwealth Club
Florals – Tommy’s Garden
Wedding Gown – Sarah Janks from Lovely Bride DC
Hair and Makeup – Avenue 42
Earrings – Mikimoto
Wedding Rings – Carreras Jewelry and Walker & Son Inc.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Aiden Maddox, Revolve, Jill Stuart and Vera Wang
Groomswear – Jos A Banks
Bow Tie – Brackish Bow Ties
Stationery – Page Stationery
Desserts – Sweet Fix
Band – En’Novation
Transportation – Taylor’s Classic Travels
Linens – BBJ Linen Rentals

Classic Williamsburg Wedding – Jason & Sarah

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Williamsburg weddings lend themselves to so much beauty. The area is filled with history, and so many of the locations feature brick and offset nooks and crannies for fun photos as you will see here. We also adore what the bride, Sarah, had to say about her special day:

The inspiration for our wedding was that we simply wanted our wedding to be a celebration of marriage and of what God has done in our lives. I am from the Williamsburg area, and I wanted to allow people traveling from out of town to experience all the history around the area. We also wanted friends who didn’t know each other to feel like family. About a month before the wedding, I was still unsure of what I wanted to centerpieces to be. One day it came to me that we could spray paint pineapples for our main centerpiece because Williamsburg is filled with pineapples, and it is the symbol of hospitality. We made directional signs for the walkways that led to the Alumni house and also hung globe lights over the dance floor. These small touches added a homey feel to the reception that invited people to become “family.”

So sweet! Here are a few of my favorite things about this classic Williamsburg wedding:

Sarah’s first look with her bridesmaids is so precious. What a great idea, and I adore the expressions on their faces – so genuine!
The “S&J” sign at the reception is SO gorgeous and unexpected. What a perfect touch with high impact.
As Sarah mentioned, the gold-painted accessories are so fun – both the bottles and the pineapples. Plus, the globe lights at the reception add such a fun touch.

Enjoy this lovely wedding today!

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Vendors:

Photography – Ashley Cox Photography
Ceremony Venue – Williamsburg Community Chapel
Reception Venue – William and Mary Alumni House
Florist – Jeff’s Flowers
Wedding Coordinator – Allison Byrne & Adrienne Thornbloom
Caterer – Williamsburg Concessions and Catering
Hair – Style by Design
Invitations/Programs – Taylor Bates Photography & Design
Groomswear – The Black Tux
Tents, Rentals & Decor – Williamsburg Event Rentals

Bright, Boho Wedding – Patrick & Emily

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Wow! There is so much to love about this boho wedding. The bright, festive, boho feel of these Forest, Virginia nuptials are peppered with fun, artistic touches. Here are some of my favorite elements of this day.

The colors! I adore when a bride isn’t afraid to use color, and this event is full of bright, fun hues (including pink). Love it – especially when flower crowns are involved.
Hand painted table numbers? Yes, please! Not only do these add a whimsical, artsy touch, but they complement the flowers in such a fabulous way.
Oh goodness – can we just pause to talk about the ladder of photos with the bookmark place cards, which were made by the bride’s mother? What a great idea!! Everyone gets to look at fun photos of the bride and groom while they are waiting to claim their oh so adorable table assignments. So festive!
Of course the venue of West Manor makes for a perfect wedding location, and their lovely ceremony backdrop adds to the beauty.
The option of having a tiny wedding cake – naked yet adorned with fresh flowers – coupled with a donut bar for guests is so yummy!

I hope you enjoy this colorful, boho wedding today!

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Boho Wedding Vendors:

Photography – Visions by Heather Photography
Cake – Love Is in the Air
Venue – West Manor Estate
Decor (display for place cards, wedding arbor décor, reception flower arrangements, hand-drawn table numbers) – Love Is in the Air
Bride, Groom, and Groomsmen Attire – Celebration
Wedding Party Flowers – Love Is in the Air
Hair – Strands Salon
Makeup – Makeup by Ashley
Donuts – Windmill Bakery

Art Deco Inspired Wedding Shoot

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There is just something about the Art Deco era that is so appealing to me! Maybe it’s the lines, possibly it’s the elegance, but it’s my go-to time period for the “ahhhhh” factor for sure. So when I found this inspiration wedding shoot, I just knew it was perfect to share with you. So lovely!

Take a peek at some of my favorite elements from this shoot.

Gold, gold, gold. I’m so glad that this metallic hue is back en vogue, and it has made a HUGE comeback. So stunning!
The cake is so sweetly layered, and it’s fun that a round was put on top of a square to add visual interest. The simplicity of the white and green floral elements adds to it’s texture.
Aqua pillows add comfort and style to the chairs, and who could resist those monograms instead of “bride” and “groom” on the back of the chairs? I adore those!! Plus they make for a pretty cool keepsake.
Accessories galore! Necklaces, earrings, shoes, the decked out gown – all of them are filled with glitz and glam.
Other touches such as the stylish paper products and the beautiful vintage rentals all add to the beauty of this session – not to mention the couple. Swoon!

I hope you have fun with a throwback to the Art Deco era today. Enjoy!

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Art Deco Inspired Session Vendors:

Photography: Amy Ellis Photography
Venue: Old Mill Farm Venue
Furniture + Decor: Happily Ever After Event Rentals
Invitation + Paper Goods: Cricket Printing
Gowns: Church Street Bridal
Jewelry: Jessica Foy, Stella & Dot
Hair: Erica Lynn
Makeup: Julie Witcher
Florals: Amy Ellis
Cake: Amy Ellis

10 Unique Guest Book Alternatives

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guest book alternative photos from Brides, Shannon Leahy and Style Me Pretty

A lot of planning goes into your reception—including who will get an invite. Guests are chosen with care, each name the list one that is linked to you by ties of love and friendship. In years to come, you’ll look back and wish you could remember every person who came to share in your special day. If a traditional guestbook seems a bit too impersonal, here are 12 unique alternatives for keeping a record of your guests.

This print from Etsy seller Custom by Bernolli allows your guests to help you create a work of art that can be hung in your home after your wedding. Each guest adds to the picture by placing a colorful thumbprint and their signature.

Another Etsy seller, Your Wedding Project, offers a beautiful wooden sculpture, formed from small wooden pieces that your guests can sign before adding to the tower. It doubles as a unique piece of art and a visible reminder of your special day and the people who shared it with you.

Let’s be honest. Most guestbooks wind up in a closet somewhere after the wedding and aren’t seen again for years. So, why not embrace it and let your guests contribute to a time capsule? Think of how much fun you’ll have cracking it open in a year or two and finally finding out what’s inside. We can thank Casey Fatchett Photography for the picture of this creative gem.

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photo by Casey Fatchett Photography

For the couple that plans to travel the world together, a blank globe from LoobieDesign is a fun way to commemorate the adventure you’re starting.

If you and your fiancé are game lovers, you can turn your guestbook into something you will enjoy again and again. Just have your guests write a short message on a block. Every time you play the game, you can relive your special day. The idea comes from DecentCraft.

A Mad Libs wedding game from Etsy seller PaintTheDayDesigns will ensure that you get more than a signature from your guests. Whether the completed forms turn out silly or serious, each page will hold a memory of someone special to you both.

A guestbook quilt from Style Me Pretty leaves you with a comfy keepsake the two of you can snuggle under for years to come.

Now that you’re getting married, you have a lifetime of a date nights to look forward to. Get a few fun and creative ideas from your guests by turning your guestbook into a date jar like this one from Something Turquoise.

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photos by Something Turquoise

This mail-themed guestbook is another fun alternative for the couple who enjoys travel, although with different postcards, the idea could fit in at any reception. Just find some postcards that match your theme and see what kind of message your guests “send” you. The picture comes from Shannon Leahy.

Or you could opt for this bucket list idea from Etsy seller Braggingbags and find out what your guests think are the most important experiences to share in your life together.

Your guestbook can be so much more than a simple book of names. Use one of these unique guest book alternatives to create a piece of art, an heirloom, or a memory book that you will want to read over and over again.

Virginia Plantation Wedding – Brian & Meghan

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Let’s face it – rain isn’t what brides are wishing for on their big day, BUT when you see how sweet these Virginia plantation images are, you’ll see how 6 years of love can totally overcome anything that tries to dampen your day (see what I did there, ha!). Meghan and Brian had so much to make their big day special, and here are some of my favorites.

The color palette! There is just something about navy blue as a neutral that sets my heart singing. That paired with orange brights were perfect to add a bit of pep to a rainy day.
Meghan’s shoes are oh so pretty with the jewels. I think they are stunning!
Yes, umbrellas and rain added a bit of sweetness to their day. From guests donning umbrellas to the bride and groom being covered as they said their nuptials. It’s so very quaint.
The favors are super cute! Homemade strawberry jam with the sentiment “spread the love” is just too adorable. And useful… and yummy, Im sure!

So much fun! I hope you enjoy this lovely Virginia plantation wedding today.

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Virginia Plantation Wedding Vendors:

Photographer: The Herrintons
Floral Designer: Arrington Flowers
Hair Stylist: Bang Salon
Dress Store: David’s Bridal
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Caterer: Plantation Creations
Event Venue: The Plantation on Sunnybrook

Mint Maymont Wedding – Josh & Kayla

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This Maymont wedding is so sweet, and when I read photographer Maria Grace’s recap, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Take a peek into this couple’s special day – including a hurricane plan.

A wedding day hurricane is not something I would wish on anyone, but if there was a bride who could handle the bad weather it was Kayla. We talked a few days before her wedding and she calmly told me that their backup plan (get married and party anyway!) would be intimate and meaningful just the same. When Hurricane Matthew blew back out to sea we knew the wedding was on in full force, but watching her maintain joy and excitement in a difficult situation is just a small testament of the person she is. And with Josh as her encourager, biggest supporter, and best friend, these two could take on anything with each other by their sides.

Kayla was the epitome of a bride creating a beautiful wedding day that also completely fit her and Josh’s personalities.

Seeing each other before the wedding for a first look was a decision Kayla made when she realized that her sweet, introverted husband-to-be would love the chance to have a moment of calm before the nerves set in. Her selflessness was evident the moment she made that decision, and it continued on from there.

On top of that, the wedding itself was beautiful and absolutely fit their style! There was gold everywhere – from the gold-foil invitations to the adorable gold glitter reception centerpieces and even a pie bar – with accents of teal bridesmaids dresses and TOMS shoes, strung together by a soft white in between. Even in the rain, the Italian Garden at Maymont was gorgeous, and friends and family were more than happy to endure some bad weather to be by their side.

What a lovely day they had. Enjoy!

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Maymont Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Maria Grace Photography
Bride’s Dress: Allure Romance + Bridal Elegance
Bridesmaid Dresses: RenzRags
Menswear: Jos. A Bank
Invitations: By Invitation Only
Hair + Makeup: Elle Style Studio
Florals: Petals and Twigs
Ceremony: Maymont
Reception + Catering: Havana 59
Cake: WPA Bakery

Lovely Lynchburg Wedding With Classic Vibes

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I love KJ’s style of photography. It’s so different – dreamy, and not quite as light and bright as other images. I really respect that he has stayed true to his own artistic style. I actually asked KJ to submit a wedding to me – any Lynchburg wedding, in fact – so I was so thrilled when this beautiful downtown Lynchburg, VA wedding came into my inbox. So beautiful!

Here is what I love about this event:

Rebecca’s wedding gown is so stunning! With a widely scooped illusion top and an oh so fluffy bottom, it complements her so well. And paired with comfy ballet flats, it’s just a smart choice for wedding day wear.
The bridesmaids’ dresses are similar yet each able to be styled to the liking of the specific girl. I adore this concept, and it allows each woman’s personality to shine through with confidence!
Ha – a limo ride to the wedding? So fun! Top that off with a carriage ride with your new groom? What a win-win for transportation choices. Love!!
The venues are stunning. For a church wedding the Old Pate Chapel is so regal and beautiful. That combined with the airiness and freshness of Tresca makes for a perfect match – just like our bride and groom!
Lastly, it just seems like this event was FUN. At the reception they had a DJ, caricature artist and a photobooth. All of those combined ensured that Austin and Rebecca’s guests had a great time.