Creating Memorable Weddings & Events

New Charlottesville Wedding Directory Unveils

2011-12-12T10:44:00.001-05:00

As the wedding & event industry in Central Virginia continues to grow by leaps and bounds, One Sweet Wedding (www.onesweetwedding.com) provides a long-needed comprehensive, easy-to-use online resource dedicated to helping brides and grooms find the wedding professionals that can best provide the services they'll need. One Sweet Wedding was created specifically for the local wedding community and will continue to grow and expand to better serve it's needs. Whether a bride needs something basic like a venue, photographer, caterer or florist or something extra like a tent, salon services or live music, One Sweet Wedding aspires to be Central Virginia's one-stop shop for everything wedding-related.

One Sweet Wedding is a unique, new local resource, developed by a talented team under the direction of Claire Goodman, a long-time member of the local wedding community known for her Charlottesville Wedding Blog and as co-creator of the Community of Charlottesville Wedding & Event Professionals (CCWEP). One Sweet Wedding will continue to grow and develop under her direction with additional features planned for the coming year and beyond. Pricing is designed to be affordable for all wedding professionals with 3 levels of advertising (Sweet, Sweeter & Sweetest), including one at no cost.

One Sweet Wedding is here to serve the Charlottesville, Virginia wedding community by showcasing Charlottesville's abundance of talented wedding professionals and providing a place where brides and grooms can find all the services they need in one convenient location.

For further information or interview:

Claire Goodman / 434-296-9885 / info.@onesweetwedding.com

Holly Boggs / 434-218-2617 / sales@onesweetwedding.com

Cameron Ammann Independent Thirty-One Purses and Gifts Consultant

2011-12-08T21:29:00.002-05:00

Please tell us a a little about your company.
Thirty-One Purses and Gifts is a great way to outfit your bridal party with their own bachelorette weekend, bridal shower, and wedding weekend totes!

Everything the bride needs fits neatly into our Organizing Utility Tote. Keep the bridal party cool by filling our Thermal Tote with their favorite treats. Make emergency supplies kits using the zipper pouch. The MOB and MOG can keep themselves organized with the Cindy Tote. And carry all the important essentials in the Large Utility Tote.

Thirty-One has everything you need to keep yourself organized on your big day.

Do you have any wedding tips for our Brides to be?
Brides, keep yourself organized. Pre-pack your wedding day bag using our Organizing Utility Tote. There is a pocket for each item you need to bring. Keep wedding day makeup in one zipper pouch and keep your honeymoon makeup separate in our Cosmetic Case- transitions from one to the other made simple. Wedding day jewelry can be packed in one Jewelry Roll and honeymoon jewelry in another. Pack for the night of your wedding in the Weekender City Tote- it is the perfect size for one nights essentials. Pack all your honeymoon carry on items in our Cindy Tote or Circle Spiral Beach Bag, they make the perfect carry on. Finally use the Large Utility Tote as your catch all- throw all those items that you need a member of your bridal party to take back to your house or hotel in one or two of these awesome totes!

Do you have any specials brides should know about?
Just for being a bride- enjoy $10.00 to spend on your wedding day essentials.
Order your bridal party gifts and receive monogramming for half price!
Book a bridal shower or party with me, receive AWESOME products from your party for FREE and half price- but also receive an extra $10.00 in product.

Contact me today and let me help you get started.

Cameron Ammann
Cameron.ammann@gmail.com
Richmond, VA
(704)562-5481
www.mythirtyone.com/cameronammann

Charlottesville Elegance In Bridal Show

2011-10-19T00:55:00.005-04:00

Cute swag bags

See the pink T-shirts? An Exist in Motion Videography giveaway

Samples from The Silver Pear Catering

Brides talking to the exhibitors.

West Main Bridal Salon

Reading the cool trip giveaway!

Informative Wedology 101 Wedding Planning Workshop

If you missed the August 2011 bridal show another fantastic bridal show will happen on January 22, 2012 at the Omni Hotel Charlottesville.

Pictures courtesy of Rachel Kurtz Photography
www.eleganceinbridalshow.com

An Interview with Mary Kay representative Lisa Mason

2011-08-05T21:57:00.001-04:00

Please tell us a a little about you and your company.
I am a Mary Kay consultant and a makeup specialist. I have taken classes with Robert Jones Academy of Beauty. I can be available during your wedding and you don't have to worry about a thing. We get together before your wedding date and choose and apply a makeup style for you and your bridal party. I am very flexible.

Do you have any wedding tips for our Brides to be?
Find someone who can be flexible and available to you before and during your wedding.
Find someone who has been taught by makeup artist.

When should a bride contact you to start a make up regiment?
I get together with the bride and her bridal party and mothers and mothers-in-law before the wedding date and this is a free service to select what look you want and how you want your bridal party to look. We do all this before the wedding date so you don't have to worry about a thing on your special day!

Thank you Lisa!

Lisa Mason
lmvm6930@embarqmail.com
15 North Bearwood Drive
Palmyra, Virginia 22963
434-589-6930
www.marykay.com/lisamason6930

Bling, Bling, and More Bling

2011-06-22T00:49:00.000-04:00

We love bling and that puts crystal trees at the top of our list. This tree was used as a centerpiece for one of NACE network meetings. The 36" tree can be dressed up for a more formal look by adding taper candles or votives with votive holders. For rental information send an email to info@heavenlyhavenproductions.com.

Forever Yours Dream Wedding 2011

2011-06-22T00:17:00.001-04:00

After months of planning, on June 17 in front of 80 close family members and friends, Ryan Turner and Loren Kirkland were married. What a beautiful event! We would like to thank all our sponsors for making this wedding and Dream Wedding Giveaway possible. Here are a few pictures of the wedding with more coming soon.

The lovely couple.

The Sweetheart Table

Sponsors:

Angelique's Boutique (Wedding Gown)
Heavenly Haven Tuxedos (Tuxedos)
Holiday Inn Select, ( Ceremony, Reception)
Decorations (Heavenly Haven Productions and Zahara's Events and Design)
Zahara's Events and Design (Wedding Coordination)
Platinum Photography by Lorenzo (Wedding pictures)
Blue Diamond Studios (Videography)
Martin's Food (Wedding Cake and Flowers)
RSVP guest ( Invitations and Programs)

Media Sponsors
Comcast Spotlight
Radio One
Richmond Times Dispatch

Bridal Show Exhibitor Workshop

2011-05-28T12:58:00.001-04:00

What a great time we had at the May 25 Bridal Show Exhibitor Workshop. Below are a few pictures of the Exhibitor Workshop. As you can see a lot of talking and learning occurred and the attendees left with a many strategies to improve their Bridal Show experience.

Khaliyah Barakhyahu with Heavenly Haven Productions Producers of Elegance in Bridal Show

Sarah Riley with the Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville

Kimberly with C-ville Weekly

Megan Ely with OFD Consulting

Mita Moody with Response Solutions

Harmony Tenney with Charlottesville Radio Group

Pictures courtesy of Jamie Reinicke Photography.

Re: A Kind Word

2011-05-28T11:45:00.002-04:00

We just received this very kind testimonial from a past Bride and Groom where we provided their decorations and tuxedos. Very sweet and very much our pleasure. Thank you Minah and Eddie!

The only regret I have is that I found Heavenly Haven Productions after it was a little too late. We would've saved me so much stress and time if we did everything through you guys. The setting up of the room and the tables, like we said before, we couldn't have explained better. You guys laid the tables out with just 3 descriptions. The wedding colors, candles, and water with flowers. That was all we described, and you made it happen. You guys tried to help us with our budget and didn't try to push us or sell us. The tuxedos came out GREAT!!!!!!!! Thank you for showing me every option that I threw out to you. You could've said no, but you guys told me that it was possible with a smile. I am so thankful that I got to experience your company and I will recommend you to anyone hands down!!!!!!!!! Thank you sooooooo much for your time and patience and making our day a dream come true!!!!!

LOVE,
Minah and Eddie Bang

Not Just a Flower with Valentine- Barnes Designs

2011-05-05T23:22:00.002-04:00

Valentine-Barnes Designs specializes in Wedding & Special Event Flowers. We offer beautiful flowers for your day that are as unique as you & your event! We work with fresh flowers, artificial flowers and even non-floral choices like seashells & butterflies for your wedding party,ceremony & reception..we can create anything your heart desires with over 25 years of design experience! Along with our creative talents we also offer exceptional personalized one on one service that comes from knowing you are working with the owner of the business every step of the way...that's right! From the consultation right up to the wedding day delivery-it's just me, so you can rest assured that no detail will be overlooked! So let Valentine-Barnes Designs create your hearts desire!

Key things to remember when booking your florist
Always know your bridesmaid's dress color before talking with a florist and bring lots of pics of flowers you like AND ones you don't-this really helps! And throw out the window the old fashioned time guidelines of when to talk with a florist...some florists book up early and only take a certain number of weddings, so if you wait, you might miss out! I know florists who book up to a year in advance, just like your favorite venues!

Just for reading our blog, Valentine- Barnes Designs LLC will give you a
a "FREE THROW-AWAY" Bouquet, to the bride so she can keep her bridal bouquet and all its memories...

Valentine- Barnes Designs LLC
804.937.1442
www.valentinebarnesdesigns.com

Heavenly Haven Tuxedos Shares Tips About Ordering Your Tuxedo

2011-04-20T15:13:00.002-04:00

Heavenly Haven Tuxedos shares useful information about ordering your tuxedo for a wedding or special occasion.

Heavenly Haven Tuxedos
4920 East Millridge Parkway
Suite 218
MIdlothian, VA 23112

Phone: 804.675.2900
Make an appointment or come see us at the July 17 Richmond Elegance in Bridal Show.

Classic Party Rentals of VA Shows the Wedding Trends

2011-04-14T18:06:00.002-04:00

Classic Party Rentals on the "Happily Ever After segment" on Virginia This Morning guides you through the wedding rental trends. From linens to chair covers, they have some vibrant colors and options for any wedding theme.

Classic Party Rentals
classicpartyrentalsva.com
9127-B West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23294
p: 804.270.9544
f: 804.270.7727

9313 Burge Avenue
Richmond, VA 23237
p: 804.743.7980
f: 804.743.7906

Pretty Pear Bride on CBS6

2011-04-06T23:43:00.002-04:00

Shafonne Myers enlightened the viewers earlier today on "Happily Ever After", on Virginia This Morning, giving us tips for the plus size bride. Today's bride comes in all shapes and sizes and Pretty Pear Bride is a resource for the plus size bride. Watch her interview for good information.

Shafonne Myers
www.prettypearbride.com

How to Give The Perfect Best Man Speech

2011-04-01T12:01:00.001-04:00

So you're going to a wedding and you have to make a speech, but you don't want it to be a boring speech. You want people to remember your speech and rightly so. It doesn't matter if you're the father of the bride, the best man or just a friend wishing the lucky couple well, making a memorable speech and making people laugh will add something to their wedding day.

Funny and vulgar are two different things. A lot of people, especially men tend to think that to be funny you have to be vulgar and rude and embarrass the newly weds, this is not true. My brother recently had the honor of being best man at his best friends wedding and the night before the big day, I think he was more nervous then the groom. My brother has always been an out going guy, but when it came to making a best man speech, he just couldn’t think of what he wanted to say and he was nervous as heck having to stand up in front of all those guests and give a heart felt speech.

It’s been said that people fear public speaking more then any other one thing in life. In this article I’m going to give you a few tips I passed on to my brother that you can take and turn your speech into something memorable. With these tips, I assure you, you won’t embarrass yourself in front of the whole wedding party.

Tip 1 Stand up while speaking

Always, always stand up when giving a best man speech or a toast. Make sure you have the gatherings attention first before you speak, and the best way to do that is to stand up and wait for quiet. Standing up is the first rule of any good public speaking and a wedding is no different.

Tip 2 Plan what you want to say

Never try and wing the speech. Giving a best man speech needs to be planned and written down well in advance. My brother started working on giving his best man speech weeks in advance. Unless you are a really confident public speaker, this is the best way to make sure you say everything you wanted to say.

Tip 3 Practice makes perfect!

Practice your speech until you know it off by heart. There is nothing worse then giving a best man speech and having to look down at your notes constantly. Fidgeting with paper is a big no no.

Tip 4 Keep it clean

If you and the best man have known each other for a while and you’ve had some wild times together, this is not the time to air his dirty laundry. People think that giving a best man speech gives them the right to embarrass the groom and upset the bride, this is not the case. Don’t mention the trip to the club or anything of that sort.

Tip 5 Keep it short

No one wants to be bored for hours with your speech. Make it short and to the point and don’t forget to add emotion when giving your best man speech. The wedding isn’t about you, it’s about the bride and groom, don’t forget that.

I hope these tips have given you some pointers on what to do when giving your best man speech.

Where can you find local wedding professionals..

2011-03-23T12:34:00.000-04:00

Where can you find a many of local wedding professionals, trends, checklists and much more for any wedding style or budget? Stephanie Strimple with Premier Bride is featured on Virginia This Morning, " Happily Ever After", to show you a good starting point for planning your wedding. Her magazine features hundreds of wedding professionals in the greater Richmond area. See her video below.

Choosing Your Caterer with Janices Kitchen

2011-03-22T23:35:00.000-04:00

We had fun featuring Janices Kitchen on CBS 6 Virginia This Morning, "Happily Ever After segment". Christina left us with several tips on how to choose your caterer. Watch her video below for some good information.

Wedding Make up Trends with Mary Kay

2011-03-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Cherres, Mary Kay Sales Director, shares beauty trends for the brides to be. Very nice Elizabeth!

Choosing Your Wedding Cake With Martins

2011-03-09T22:03:00.001-05:00

Executive Pastry Chef Jim Goodman helps you pick your wedding cake and shows you some really delicious designs.

2011-02-24T00:04:00.000-05:00

The Do's and Don't of "DIY" Wedding Planning with Zahara's Events & Design

Heavenly Haven Design Work in Action

2011-02-16T20:21:00.000-05:00

Last October we had the honor of designing the Bang Wedding Ceremony and Reception. The colors were navy blue, fushia and silver. Enjoy!

We love the WOW factor of Crystal Trees. We have several different types in our collection.

Flowers provided by Flowers by Mona Ray

Ceremony and Reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Richmond Downtown

Design, Chair Covers and Overlays provided by Heavenly Haven

Photography with Award winning Trusted Exposures

2011-02-14T22:42:00.001-05:00

Trusted Exposures is an award winning wedding and portrait photography studio located in King George, VA. They are a nationwide company providing all of our services across the country.

Below they share 4 items that separates them from all the others:

1. Two Photographers standard with each wedding Package

We know that to provide a complete photographic story of your wedding day, it takes two photographers. That is why we provide one photographer that will spend the day with the bride and another that will spend the day with the groom.

2. No time limits on your wedding day

All of our packages are priced for full day photography. You will never have to worry about getting all those details because a time limit has been reached.

3. Professional Portrait Studio available

Your guests have all dressed up for your wedding day. Why not take advantage of that? We can provide a Professional Portrait Studio with backdrops and studio lights to take pictures of your guests for you or for them.

4. Award Winning Service

Trusted Exposures is known for their friendly and professional service. We also won the 2009 Brides Choice awards from Wedding Wire and we are working very hard to win it again in 2010. We provide a copy of all our reviews for you. We will even contact our past clients so that you can speak with them as well.

all featured pictures are courtesy of Trusted Exposures

Tips for choosing a professional....
Look at all the services that are provided. Compare each of the services to what you are looking for and take advantage of the ones that best suit your needs.

For more information.

Trusted Exposures
4250 Stafford Lane
King George, VA, 22485
540-663-0525 or 301-602-7416
john@trustedexposures.com
http://trustedexposures.com

Happily Ever After with RSVP Guest!

2011-02-11T12:26:00.001-05:00

Looking for the perfect invitation or wondering the best way to track your guest responses? Mita Moody from RSVP guest gives you some wonderful advice.

RSVP Guest
Mita Moody
Phone Number 1-877-475-RSVP (7787)
Web Address www.rsvpguest.com

Happily Ever After with Platinum Photography by Lorenzo

2011-02-11T12:26:00.000-05:00

We are so excited with this new announcement! Each Wednesday on CBS6 we will present a Virginia wedding professional on the Virginia This Morning segment ,“ Happily Ever After”, to help with your wedding planning. If you are planning a wedding or just want to see what wedding businesses are in the Virginia this segment is just for you. Enjoy the latest segments.

Platinum Photography by Lorenzo
www.platinumphotographs.com
804.338.4765

A Look at the 2010 Forever Yours Dream Wedding Winners

2011-02-06T01:13:00.001-05:00

Casey and Kenny November 2010

Bridal Gown provided by Angelique's Boutique and Tuxedo by Heavenly Haven Tuxedos


Ceremony hosted by The Sheraton Richmond Park South. A platform was built over the pool so the bride could walk on water.

Flowers by Flowers by Mona Ray

The Wedding Party.

The special touches.

Special thank you to all our Forever Yours Dream Wedding Sponsors of 2010.
Bridal Gown: Angelique's Boutique
Invitations & Guest Reply: RSVP Guest!
Photography: Platinum Photography by Lorenzo
Rehearsal and Wedding Day: Rubies and Pearls Event Planning
Tuxedos: Heavenly Haven Tuxedos
Videography: Blue Diamond Studio
Wedding Cake: Signature Cakes by Erica
Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Sheraton Richmond Park South

Media Sponsors
Comcast Spotlight
Radio One
Richmond Times Dispatch

Is Anybody Hungry?

2011-01-15T21:49:00.001-05:00

Attention all food lovers looking for a place that treats you like royalty. Where you will experience both excellent food and service. I bring to you the Texas de Brazil. They offer a continuous serving of all you can eat meats such as steak, chicken, and lamb to name a few. They also have a very fresh salad bar. The service is impeccable, our drinking glasses stayed full, and the waiters were constantly asking us if when needed anything. The meats are top quality and brought to you as you desire them and are carved right at your table. This is done as often as you like until your stomach is content.

Nestled behind a gorgeous wall of different wines, was a rehearsal dinner and reception area that can hold up to 200 people. From weddings, corporate events, to private dinners, Texas de Brazil can accommodate any event with style.

The Texas de Brazil has a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere and a wonderful staff. If you are looking for a place with an endless supply of freshly prepared meats and salad with a splash of royal treatment to its customers, Texas de Brazil is the place for you. Texas de Brazil will also be showcased at the Feb 27, 2011 Elegance in Bridal Show.

Texas de Brazil
Regency Square Shopping Center
1420 North Parham Rd.
Richmond, VA 23229

More love, Less labor with The Pampered Chef Wedding Registry

2011-01-03T01:18:00.001-05:00

Theresa from the Pampered Chef Wedding Registry takes a few minutes to share with us some tips on how to have more love with less labor in the kitchen.

Your home is where you share meals and make memories. Since 1980, The Pampered Chef has been making meals and memories more special by offering high-quality products, delicious recipes and time saving entertaining tips. As a long time Pampered Chef owner, I know you can count on the expertise of The Pampered Chef to help you decide what to add to your kitchen to make cooking and entertaining easier and more fun.

You can see the full line of around 400 products when you visit my website www.pamperedchef.biz/TheresaWilliams
As you view their products, you'll find many necessities
for your new life together from kitchen tools to cookware to serveware. Each high-quality product features innovative styling and a multifunctional design. Many are also backed with a lifetime guarantee, so you know they'll be a part of your meals for a long time.

We've also sprinkled some fun entertaining tips throughout the catalog and website to help you entertain on the fly, save time in the kitchen, and set a stunning table. After all, while your wedding is on your mind right now, you have a lifetime of get-togethers with friends and family to look forward to. Let The Pampered Chef help you put more love and less labor into cooking and entertaining.

The best part is you don't have to do a thing ... just register for the products you want. Your friends and family members' purchases add up to earn the rewards for you.

Thanks Theresa for all the information! Contact her today for information on exciting specials.
The Pampered Chef
Theresa Williams
TheresaWilliamsPC@yahoo.com
211 Florida Avenue N W
Washington, DC 20001
202-256-3102

Featured Business: Jamie Reinicke Photography

2010-12-25T23:24:00.001-05:00

Jamie Reinicke Photography
is a full service photography studio specializing in artistic portraiture and documentary wedding style photography. We are based in Charlottesville, VA and will travel where ever a shoot may take us. Our studio/office is located on West Main St in Charlottesville, where you can always come and view our work!

A few tips you can't do without....
When looking for your wedding photographer, it truly comes down to the photos. Look at the photographers portfolio, meet them in person and see different printing and album choices. You should want to see yourself in the photos they present to you. You should also ask to see an entire wedding gallery so you can really get a feel for all of the images you will be getting. Another thing to remember is you will spend a lot of time with your photographer on your big day, sometimes in very intimate moments, so make sure you like them artistically AND personally! Meet them in person or at least have a phone meeting so you can get a feel for their personality.

Jamie Reinicke Photography
jamie.reinicke@gmail.com
801 West Main St Suite 207
Charlottesville, VA 22903
phone:434-825-2052

http://www.jamierphotography.com/

A Quaint and Elegant Event Location

2010-12-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

I have always enjoyed visiting the busy downtown Richmond. For a Southsider, I do not always get on that side of town but when I do, I enjoy visiting the Douglas Baird House.

For those of you who have not visited the location, it is a very quaint and elegant banquet facility that can accommodate groups up to 120-125 with cocktail rounds or for a more intimate event it can hold up to 70 people seated. My company has used the Douglas Baird House for model rehearsals, network meetings and it is well known for weddings, holiday parties and gatherings.

On the second floor is an area which can be used for food preparation in addition all furniture and equipment can be used for your event. If you are looking for a caterer or vendor, they will gladly suggest a few favorites since they do not have an exclusive caterer or vendor list.

Complimentary parking for guests is another benefit, as it is so hard to park on the street during rush hour. If you would like to visit the Douglas Baird House, please call 804 344-8081 and ask for Karen Beckman. She is such a sweet person and will help you plan the event of your dreams.

Douglas Baird House, 101 East Cary Street Richmond, VA 23219 http://www.douglasbairdhouse.com/

P.S. Don't forget to tell Karen you read about The Douglas Baird House on our blog:)