Lyndsay of Bella Bridesmaid in Richmond contacted me recently to let me know about their new shop and today I’m happy to pass that information along to you…  It looks very sweet but I haven’t been there yet so if anyone reading this has, please send me a comment to say what your experience was.
Here’s a note from Lindsay:

We are so excited to offer brides and their bridesmaids a unique and fun experience while shopping for dresses! Bella Bridesmaid offers modern, fresh and chic dresses in a wide variety of colors, fabrics and styles! No matter if your wedding is a black tie event or a classic vineyard affair, we have the dress for you!

In addition to dresses, we offer fun and innovative accessories. If you are looking for bridesmaid gifts, we have so many wonderful ideas! From customizable jewelry to luxurious clutches to hair petals, your bridesmaids will be ecstatic when they receive your gift! In addition to bridesmaid gifts, we have great accessories to outfit the younger ones in your wedding party. Maihar Design offers one-of-a-kind ring bearer pillows and flower girl wands that are simply beautiful!
If you are looking for bridesmaid dresses or accessories, we hope that you’ll stop by to see us!

Contact info. for Elizabeth & Lyndsay at Bella Bridesmaid
~ address: 5611 Grove Ave., Richmond 23226
~ hours: Tues. – Fri. 11 – 7 & Saturday 10 – 5
~ phone: 804-658-0105
~ e-mail: richmond@bellabridesmaid.com
~ website: www.bellabridesmaid.com

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to these wonderful handmade soaps. lovingly created by Amanda of Primitive Earth Soaps… another fantastic Charlottesville talent!  I am also welcoming Primitive Earth Soaps as the newest sponsor of the Charlottesville Wedding Blog.

It’s always a great day here on the blog when I get to share with you a locally made, eco-friendly, useful product that you can purchase for your wedding: perhaps as wedding favors or gifts for your wedding party.  Besides being beautiful to look at, these soaps come in a a wide range of aromatic fragrances for you to choose from.   Amanda can also create custom labels for them so that they’ll fit with the look of your wedding.

On her site, Amanda tells more about how she got into making soaps and what the ingredients and processes are… check out this very cool, original and low-impact alternative for wedding gifts and favors.  Thanks Amanda!

Contact Information for Primitive Earth Soaps
~ website: http://www.primitivesoaps.com
~ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25627506
~ e-mail: snydersonline@mac.com

If you’re planning a wedding in the Charlottesville area, the Charlottesville Wedding Directory will make your life so much easier… check it out… and happy wedding planning

Today’s post, featuring Taviametal, is the CWB’s first (of many, I hope) on a jewelry designer and maker. Tavia, who is right here in Charlottesville, creates custom one-of-a-kind jewelry including engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry as well as gifts for bridal parties. Tavia will guide you through a commission process that ensures that each piece will truly speak to you and remind you of your day and your union.

In Tavia’s own words, “Weddings are a special time in a couple’s life.  They can be simple, extravagant, subtle or unique.  There are many facets to a wedding ceremony and celebration, and at the core of it all stands the couple with their love for one another.  To represent this love, forever, are their rings.  The wedding rings can reflect the individuality of each person, and the unity of the couple.  Wedding rings are a significant part of a union.”

I hope that you will enjoy this gallery of some of Tavia’s beautiful work, her contact information is at the bottom.

Contact information for Taviametal:
~ website: www.taviametal.com
~ e-mail: tavia@taviametal.com
~ phone: 434-466-4042

Today I’m so happy to share a Charlottesville business that I hadn’t been aware of until just a couple of weeks ago… it’s called Ivan and Mary (named after owner, Mindy Goodall’s grandparents).. Ivan and Mary sells the whole range of their wonderful, handmade products thru Etsy but their own website is full of wonderful photos like the ones over on the left. The item that I’m particularly featuring here are these beautiful handmade bags that would make excellent bridesmaids gifts.

This is what Mindy wrote to me, “If a bride is looking for a unique, personal gift for her bridesmaids our tote bags are a fabulous idea. Each Ivan and Mary bag has its own personality, just like each special attendant. She can consider filling the bags with wedding day essentials such as tissues, bottled water, lip gloss, safety pins, and snacks. The tote will be used for years to come after the big day!”

Not only are the bags beautiful, useful and handmade but you’ll be supporting a local, Charlottesville business which is the best!

Check out Mindy’s beatiful work both on her own website and on Etsy. Enjoy!