Welcome to The Hampton Roads Wedding Guide Newsletter where you can plan the wedding of your dreams from start to finish. From inspiration to checklists and planning articles, to the best wedding professionals in Hampton Roads, it's all here!

January 2020 Newsletter
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New Year...New Wedding Plans!

David Schwartz Photography

Did you just engaged over the holidays? Congratulations! Welcome to the whirlwind of wedding planning. It's going to be so much fun and really give you a time to shine for the magical, unique bride (or groom) you are. But where do you even start? Scanning Pinterest can be a bit overwhelming and wedding magazines you see in the drug store often show you ideas that are high in cost, but those are also great places to get inspiration. Our magazine, Hampton Roads Wedding Guide, is an excellent source of local wedding vendors who we KNOW will offer an amazing service for you on your wedding day.

So, again, congratulations! And let's get planning! Head over to our website where you can find:

What Kind of Bride Are You?

Andre Lamar Photography
Andre Lamar Photography

While there are definitely different styles of weddings and brides, you don't fit in a box! So remember that you can wear cowboy boots and diamonds. You can have a champagne toast and craft beer. You can serve fancy hors d'oevres and BBQ. But there are certain styles that can be your guide to all things wedding planning and The New Yorker has a funny piece describing them, but there's some truth to each of these descriptions:

NON-TRADITIONAL BRIDE: This bride will wear Converse sneakers with her tea-length dress. A little hipster, a little beating to her own drummer, this bride isn't afraid to buck tradition for what she loves.

RUSTIC BRIDE: Hay bales and bourbon are what this bride is looking for at her celebration. A barn ceremony and a country song as her first dance, this bride is embracing her love of all things cowgirl.

GLAM BRIDE: Sparkles and glitz are what this bride is going for. The more it shines, the prettier it is and the glam bride wants you to walk away from her wedding with a little glitter on your shoulder.

CLASSICAL BRIDE: The classical bride is all about tradition. In a bright white gown, the classical bride wants to have the wedding her mother and grandmother had. Because if it works, it works. 

MERMAID BRIDE: This bride is definitely having a beach wedding. Nautical details are a part of all the decor from invitations to favors. An oceanfront view and a shoes optional ceremony are exactly what this bride is looking for.

Come up With a Budget

Heather Hughes Photography

Whether you're throwing a laid back, backyard event or a more formal event, almost everyone has a budget. And couples can find amazing ways to incorporate their style and the things they want in a way that fits their budget. The important thing to remember is that while your wedding day is a wonderful celebration, it shouldn't bankrupt you! There are plenty of ways to cut costs while still using qualified vendors and letting your guests have a great time. Use our Budget Guide to get you started! 
Plan Your Guest List

Will Hawkins Photography
Your guest list impacts a lot. It determines how big of a space you can rent, your catering budget, the rentals you choose- it all adds up when things are priced per person. While it might be tempting to start a guest list right away, often a couple will choose their venue first. This way, it puts some parameters on how many guests you can invite. If your venue only holds 100 people, you probably won't be inviting all of your sorority sisters and their spouses. If your venue holds 500 people and it works within your budget, you have much more freedom to invite who you want.

The other thing to keep in mind is your vision for your wedding. Did you always imagine a large wedding with a lot of guests celebrating with you? Or did you imagine a more intimate event with just your closest friends and family? If you chose the latter, then really be picky about who you invite. This is YOUR wedding. You'll see your great aunt Gertrude once removed at the family reunion.
It Starts With an Engagement

Heather Hughes Photography

One of the most fun parts of your journey from "She said yes" to "I do" is engagement pictures. Most photographers will offer an engagement session as a part of their wedding package, so make sure you check out the options when you inquire about a photographer for your wedding. Engagement photos are an exciting way to spend an hour or so with your soon-to-be partner and just be excited about your future together. Outside engagement photos are always so fun, but inside can be great too if you pick a place with a lot of light and fun architecture. Or head to an arcade! Have FUN!


Konzelmann Photography

Will Hawkins Photography

Upcoming Bridal Shows


Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase
Date: January 12th
Location:  Norfolk Scope Arena & Exhibition Hall
Time: 11-4
Meet over 140 wedding vendors who can help make your big day as special as you are! Enjoy a free-flowing fashion show featuring the latest styles courtesy of the area's most premier wedding boutiques.
www.uniquelyyoursbridalshowcase.com/ 

Dragon Studio

Winter Engagement Bridal Expo
Date: January 19th
Location:  Chesapeake Conference Center 
Time: 2-5
Tickets:  $10 each or purchase a party pass that allows up to 5 people including the bride for just $25. 

A Crystal Clear Vision
Date: February 9th
Location: Princess Anne Country Club
Time: 1-4
Tickets: $25 per ticket in advance, $30 at the door.
VIP Tickets: $40 per ticket in advance, $50 at the door. Limited to 100 couples.
Elite prizes for VIP guests, complimentary signature drinks, food & desserts in VIP Only Lounge
The Groom's Trunk Show

View 2020's latest and most popular wedding suits and tuxedos. 

February 2nd
12pm-3pm

6361 Indian River Rd. Suite 103 Virginia Beach, VA 23464
 
Receive a unique personalized shopping experience, while reviewing style options, colors and special savings, for your wedding day. 
 
* SPECIAL RENTAL PRICING
* SPECIAL SUIT PACKAGE PRICING
* SPECIAL CUSTOM SUIT PACKAGES
 
Light Refreshments will be served to guests, while enjoying the GREAT SAVINGS *

30 min appointments on the hour. Call Ahead to RSVP: 757.461.5466

David Schwartz Photography
Check Out Our Latest Issue!

The latest issue of Hampton Roads Wedding Guide is available in  over 50 locations throughout  Hampton Roads as well as digitally on our website. For a complete list of where you can find a copy check out our website! 

In our latest issue you can learn more about all of the incredible vendors we have featured, from venues to photographers to delicious catering options. Plus, you can learn some great tips for your big day!



"Walking with your hands in mine and mine in yours, that's exactly where I want to be always."
- Fawn Weaver

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