Wedding Buzz General Advice
Spotlight On: Brad of Shaking Hands Productions
We are thrilled about this Spotlight - our very first on a wedding cinematographer in Charlottesville - and so happy to introduce Brad of Shaking Hands Productions to any bride around here who hasn't yet had the pleasure of meeting him! We so, so, so recommend our brides to consider securing a cinematographer for their weddings, because it isn't just the images of the day you will want to remember forever, it's the soundbites too: your vows, the words of the officiant, the speeches from your father, best friend, and best man... And I also just have this scenario in my head of, one day in the future, one of those inevitable arguments you'll find yourself in with your partner, and the magic that popping in that film and revisiting that day will do for you both; those promises, that love, those things you said and really, truly meant, but that maybe got a bit neglected amidst your children, the mortgage, two full-time jobs, and who knows what else. So yeah, get a wedding film! And check out the ones I've included here from Shaking Hands Productions! Read More
Best Bridesmaid Gifts
They love you, they've been there for you, and now they're right here for you. They've probably put up with a lot, attended your parties, spent some of their hard-earned, and maybe even traveled a distance (and maybe more than once!) to support you during this very special time in your life. Be sure they know how grateful you are to have them not only at your wedding, but standing beside you on the biggest & most important day of your life. To say "thank you" to your best gals, put a little thought into it - remember, there's no rule that says you have to give them all the same thing! Give them each something they'll always have to remember you & your Big Day by. Most of these things are less than $20, a couple things aren't. (Oh, and consider giving your maid-of-honor, a little something special!) Read More
Building a Beautiful Wedding: Layers of Little Loveliness
Most of us, if we’ve seen a wedding blog or two (million), have had the experience of making that tiny, barely audible gasp – “gasp” might even too dramatic of a word, but that short intake of breath when you see something so overwhelmingly lovely that it literally steals your breath away, even if just for a flicker of a moment. Those weddings, the ones that seem fake but aren’t, the ones where you can almost hear the tinkering of those gold-rimmed glasses underneath those swags of bistro lights outside on a terrace overlooking a Napa sunset (or Charlottesville vineyard, or seascape or…..) exude a level of loveliness that is inspiring. Stunning. And for some brides, completely intimidating. Read More
A Bridesmaid's Guide to Jewelry
If you opted for strapless bridesmaid dresses, you will want to fill this wide neckline with a strong presence. For example, chokers, chunky pearls, dramatic drops, and necklaces with several strands look best. In terms of earrings, go with a classic drop or stud to complete the look. Read More
Wedding Favor Ideas We Love
I'm a big fan of giving wedding favors to your guests. After all, they did take the time to make it to your wedding, they probably got you a wedding present, and maybe they were even there for your bridal shower & showered you with even more attention & presents. So why not return the favor & give them a little trinket to take home and enjoy? Granted, I see the point in skipping it if you're thinking your only options are bubbles or keychains stamped with your wedding date, but there is really so much more to consider! And I promise, if you give your guests any of these options, they will be enjoyed, and some for years to come! Read More
Expert Makeup Tips for All-Day Bridal Beauty
Your Charlottesville wedding & reception will be the event of a lifetime! Get ready for a whirlwind of feasting, dancing, and celebrating with family and friends! Read More
Spotlight On: Elizabeth of Bespoke Proposals
We have been absolutely smitten to get to know Elizabeth Carter, the incredible woman & the brains behind Bespoke Proposals. Bespoke Proposals launched in 2012 to assist some very special men from all over the country pull off to perfection the moment every girl has dreamed of since she was little: the day the man she loves asks her to marry him. We've all seen the movies - & maybe some of us in real life - how very nervous a man can be while planning, & especially executing, this moment. But with help from Elizabeth, he can be rest assured that not a thing will go awry, that his bride-to-be is in for the thrill of her life, and that she will have a story she'll love to tell for the rest of her life. We caught up with Elizabeth to learn a little more about how she got her start in the wedding biz, how Bespoke Proposals came to be, & what her process is to make sure everything is just perfect. Enjoy! xo, Maribeth Read More
2013 Wedding Trends: Bright Tablescapes!
From Alyssa of Alyssa Marie Photography & Samantha of Samantha Dapper Event Design: Read More
Bold or Bashful? Choosing the Perfect Lip Color for Your Charlottesville Wedding
The Spring 2013 runways showed both extremes when it comes to lip color - some designers glammed up their models with bold red lips, while others went with a more demure, nude color. Both are beautiful, on-trend options to consider for your Charlottesville wedding this year. For a sexy look at your candlelit evening wedding, a matte or satiny red would add the perfect touch. Or, for a romantic afternoon vineyard affair, a soft and glossy natural lip could be perfection. Read More
The Best Group Photo Shots for Weddings
Group photos at weddings are important to capture, but man, can they be tired. I think everyone should have a great group shot (after all, this is a group of your favorite people in the world!) but I swear, if I see one more jumping shot, it's all over. I'm always grateful for the wedding photographer who mixes it up to capture these must-have wedding photos without making us roll our eyes. These are some of our favorites for their creativity. From silly to classic, we adore these group shots. Read More
Flawless in Wedding Photos: Makeup Artist Reveals 9 Tips for Great Bridal Makeup
We are so very grateful to Anne Kibler of Charlottesville Makeup Artist for sharing with us these 9 incredible wedding makeup tips that will ensure you look flawless in the photos from your Charlottesville wedding. Anne is one of the sweetest & most fun-loving wedding vendors we have here in Charlottesville, not to mention she is truly a professional and takes her job, and more importantly, her brides, very seriously. We are over-the-moon to have Anne & Charlottesville Makeup Artist contributing on the Local Buzz Blog today! Thank you, Anne! Read More
The Groom's Duties
We tend to think of wedding planning as the bride's domain, but there are plenty of duties that are traditionally left for the groom, and since we know you don't want to end up left out in the cold wondering what the hell it is you are supposed to be doing, we thought we'd pitch in a bit to help you figure our what, exactly, the groom's responsibilities are. A groom not carrying his weight is definitely one way a bridezilla is born! Read More
How to Match Wedding Attire to Your Unique Personality
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I was so pumped when Colleen of Colleen Miller Events agreed to write a guest blog post helping our Charlottesville brides decide on their wedding attire & accessories. Colleen Miller Events is a wedding planning business in Charlottesville specializing in all plateaus of wedding planning, including full, partial, & day-of coordination to help brides tie up all the loose ends and execute a swoon-worthy soiree. We just knew she'd be the perfect person to inspire our Borrowed & Blue brides & their wedding attire. Enjoy, and thanks Colleen!! Read More
Do's & Don't's: How to Avoid Wedding Dress Scams
A few days ago the ladies of West Main Bridal sent us over an article from Inside Edition about counterfeit wedding dresses & asked us to warn our Charlottesville brides. Like the old saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Read More
Top 5 Alternative Wedding Registries
As we move into 2013, some of us may have noticed that more and more couples are living together before The Big Day. While in many ways this co-habitation does not affect our weddings, it it starting to affect the way we register for wedding gifts. Back in the day, wedding registries existed so the family & friends of brides & grooms, who may have been just moving out of their parent's house on their wedding day (hey, mom and dad!), could get them essentials - things they would need once they return for their honeymoon, like pots and pans, small appliances, linens, utensils, you get the idea. Now, however, since we move in with our partners before our weddings, many of us to make sure we really can live with that person, our kitchens are already equipped - many even overstocked - with essentials and more, and we simply don't have room for another food processor or mixing bowl. A need for alternative wedding registries has given life to a host of great companies that offer the families of modern brides & grooms a different way to congratulate and help them start off their new lives together. I've scoured for some of the best wedding registry alternatives and offer you my top five. Read More
Planning a Bachelorette Weekend in Charlottesville
Are you a Charlottesville bride planning the ultimate bachelorette weekend? You and your girlfriends don’t need to book an expensive trip to NYC for your bachelorette party. Show off your Charlottesville wedding location with a bachelorette weekend right here! I’ve pulled together some fun activities for your Charlottesville bachelorette party – a mini day at a spa in Charlottesville, fabulous Charlottesville restaurants, a night out on the town, and an afternoon of wine tasting; perfect for any time of year! Read More
How to Tie a Bow-Tie
I can't even tell you guys how many times I have heard this story: on the day of the wedding, despite everyone involved knowing bow-ties were to be worn, not a single groomsmen nor the groom bothered to look up how to tie a bow-tie. It's pretty hilarious, and actually does lead to some memorable images of the men getting ready for The Big Day. Read More
Wedding Hairstyles
Picking the perfect wedding hairstyle for your big day can be one of the most fun decisions you make! Whether you choose the DIY route and recruit your best friend to spruce up your do, or choose one of the top Charlottesville hair salons, you will be sure to be a vision at your Charlottesville wedding. Charlottesville hair salons like Elan & Moxie work wonders with long wedding hairstyles, half up hairstyles, up-do's... whatever wedding hairstyles you can imagine! Moxie provides a fun, quirky salon experience, while Elan will come to you. With a multitude of skilled & trained hairdressers at your fingertips, your hair will be your best accessory! Read More
Bridesmaid Inspiration for Your Charlottesville Wedding
I just love it when brides step outside of the box a little bit & dress their favorite ladies in something a little out of the ordinary, whether it be the traditional white bridesmaid dresses (it really is was the "traditional" look, once upon a time!), a textured dress, a gorgeous patterned dress, or letting them choose their own in a certain shade. Every now & then, a bride hits the nail on the head and manages to pull off matching bridesmaids & each dress looks divine on each of their 'maids. Still haven't been able to decide on a look for your bridesmaids for your Charlottesville wedding? Well, let me inspire you... I've gone through our Borrowed & Blue archives and chosen some photos of brides & their 'maids getting it right. Because I know you are not that bride who wants her gals to look less-than-perfect so you can shine. Besides, who could look better than you?! Read More
Top 10 Wedding Planning Books
Planning a wedding in Charlottesville is a doozy, and we all know it. There are so many decisions to make, and it's easy to get lost in what a brides & grooms are supposed to do and what is totally their choice. (Easiest answer? It's all your choice!) But seriously, when are you supposed to send out those save-the-dates? And can you skip the wedding party? And what's the deal with these "plus-ones"? There are so many questions to ask, and maybe you're the type that would rather do some research on your own before you hunt down a real, live person to ask a thousand questions about what, exactly, your Charlottesville wedding is supposed to be like. I know I am, and for those brides, I've scoured the pages of dozens of wedding planning books at our local Barnes & Noble to bring you the best hardbacks and paperbacks to help you navigate every aspect of your wedding day, from your wedding budget, DIY projects, etiquette, and those much-needed wedding checklists. Read More
The Most Beautiful Churches in Charlottesville to Wed
While many Charlottesville brides choose to take the vows in the great outdoors that offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge mountains & vineyards, there are still plenty who always imagined themselves having a church wedding. There are a number of beautiful & historic churches in Charlottesville, so to lend a hand to those brides-to-be who still haven't decided on which place of worship they'd like to wed but know that they want the traditional church wedding, I've done a bit of research & scoured our archives to help you find the perfect setting for your Charlottesville wedding. Read More
Must-Have Wedding Photos: The Bride Getting Ready
I've said this before, but I really do have a special place in my heart for images of the bride preparing for her wedding in Charlottesville. Maybe it's because of my own special memories buttoning up my sister's wedding dress & bustling my best friend, but I love seeing the bride being surrounded by her best girlfriends & female family members, all who have teamed up to make this bride look her very best. Thank goodness for the Charlottesville wedding photographers who arrive early to document the little details - the bride's jewelry, the family heirlooms she has tucked into her bodice, her mascara being applied - so that we can watch her transform from an everyday girl to a blushing, beautiful bride. There are so many emotions in this room at the time, from her teary-eyed mother & grandmother to hysterical laughter & joy from her girlfriends. I adore when the flowergirl is captured looking up at the bride in admiration; not only is she thinking of how glamorous the bride looks before her Charlottesville wedding, but this may very well be the first time this little girl has ever thought that one day it will be her getting ready for a wedding day... and it's captured on film! The most perfect wedding photos to me are the ones where the bride is enjoying a glass of champagne with her favorite ladies, when they're bustling her dress and then hustling her out of the room & onto the biggest day of her life, when she's peeking out the window to see guests arriving. I love seeing the bride relaxed and enjoying her day, but every now & then we see one on the phone, no doubt dealing with a groomsmen who's forgotten his tie. Read More
Top Ten Wedding Mistakes to Avoid
For most brides planning their Charlottesville weddings, this is the very first time they've undertaken such a task. Even if they're amazing hostesses who plan flawless parties & events year-round, their own wedding is something entirely different. It's the event you've been waiting to plan your entire life, and you want everything to be perfect. But of course, to achieve such perfection, you have to know what you're doing every step of the way - and isn't that just impossible? This is about a year-long process, after all. And without any hope of hindsight or wisdom from "that other wedding you planned,", these wedding planning waters can get a little murky. Sometimes you feel like you can't even see your feet! Read More
Vineyard Wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia
Planning your Charlottesville wedding? Look no further than the beautiful vineyards in Virginia’s heartland! Wineries and vineyards will provide the perfect backdrop for your Charlottesville wedding. Many vineyards in Charlottesville are nestled in beautiful valleys, creating a picturesque hill winery destination for your wedding reception. Vineyards in Charlottesville date back to the 17th century and are most known for the Viognier grape and Meritage varietals. A vineyard wedding is becoming extremely popular, especially among graduates of the University of Virginia (cheers to the Charlottesville idol and winemaker, Thomas Jefferson). Vineyard weddings are the perfect way to celebrate Virginian culture and heritage, and are sure to delight in scenery and spirit! Read More
Why We Love The Groom's Cake
What is a groom's cake, you ask? Why, the most fun (and delicious!) way to surprise your man at your Charlottesville wedding, of course! A groom's cake is a classic Southern tradition & we absolutely love that we've seen so many incredible examples at Charlottesville weddings. They're usually served beside the traditional wedding cake & are characterized as more masculine (read: no flowers, frills, or pearls). They're imaginative, silly, thoughtful, and often... well, just unbelievable. A groom's cake is a gift from the bride to the groom & is meant to reflect his personality, hobbies, talents, favorite things in life...whatever you love about him! There are no rules; it's just a fun way to surprise your new husband with something purely to celebrate him, and the wedding cake bakers & pastry chefs at the bakeries in Charlottesville do an amazing (I'm serious, just wait) job of creating groom's cakes that look so realistic, you wouldn't even be sure they're edible 'til you're told. Read More