Vendors in Review (Part 1)

All along we kept saying to each other "we have the BEST vendors!" And it was true! I think it is definitely a testament to Charlottesville and the great people it produces (no joke).  It's far enough south that the people are sweet and patient.  Bur far enough north that people still have a sense of urgency and promptness (haha, sorry to just totally stereotype the north & south!).

I'll start off this review by saying I'd recommend each and every vendor to another couple getting married (or anyone throwing a big party!).  I know I'm biased (hey, this is the first {and only} wedding I'll do!), and that people have different budgets and visions to work with - but every one of these people/companies were amazing to work with!

So, without further adieu...the vendor rundown:


Ceremony: St. Paul's Memorial Church
Reception: King Family Vineyards
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Platinum line)
Wedding Shoes:  J Crew
Groom's Suit: Jos. A Banks
Bridesmaids dresses: J Crew
Groomsmen suits: Jos. A Banks
Groom's & Groomsmen ties: J Crew
Flower girl dress: Priscilla of Boston
Wedding jewelry: earrings- borrowed from my mom; necklace- Priscilla of Boston; engagement & wedding rings: Princess Jewelers
Day of Hair: Bristles (they also did Meredith's, my mom's, and my aunt's hair!)
Day of Make-up: DIY (ha!), but seriously, I did my own.  I didn't want to risk hating the way my face looked!
Wedding Coordinator: Kate FitzGerald from I Do Details Events (and she did way more than just the day-of stuff!)
Flowers: Woodmont Designs
Band: 10 Spot (via Sam Hill Entertainment)
Caterer: 20 South Catering
Rentals: Festive Fare
Cake: Paradox Pastry
Getaway Car: Albemarle Vintage Limousine 
Wedding night accommodations: The Boar's Head Inn
Wedding stationery: some of DIY, but the Save the Dates and Invitations were Wedding Paper Divas
Calligrapher: Left Handed Calligrapher 
Honeymoon (!):  Oxygen Jungle Villas (ok, not really a "vendor" but they were so amazing so they totally deserve a shout-out)


...phew.  I plan to review all of the vendors, but like I said, we LOVED them! And can't thank them enough for helping our entire wedding (from the beginning stages to the actual day) such an amazing experience.
:::round of applause!:::

Another inspiring wedding!

I often check out Style Me Pretty (let's be honest, I pretty much stalk it on Facebook, Twitter, and their website!), and one of the most recent weddings they highlighted has a few elements I ADORE.

First - the color of the flowers.  The bride has a colorful bouquet and the b'maids have white bouquets. That's exactly the look we're going for!  Since it'll be spring, and the ladies will be in a bright color, we thought it would look really pretty for them to hold white flowers (we're thinking tulips since they'll be in season!).  On the flip side, I liked the idea of me holding a bouquet with some color to it - but honestly, at first I was really hesitant...I've really only seen brides carry white bouquets!  But, the more I think about it (and now with some awesome inspiration pics!), I know it'll be beautiful.  Humm....could it count as my something blue?

Second - I love their "WELCOME" sign at the reception!!  That would be the most PERFECT thing to put on the doors as people walk into our venue.  Plus, printing out 7 pictures and hanging them on twine is not going to put too much of a damper on our budget (score!).  Might have to use that idea ;)