The A-List

Earlier this year, we asked readers to suggest categories for our best of bridal readers' survey. Our brides wanted to know not only where to find the best wedding cake, but also who does the best dessert and candy tables. In addition to the best still photographers, they wanted to know the best videographers and photo-booth suppliers. Thanks to our readers' input, we doubled our categories. You need to look no further for the best of bridal.

Wedding Jewelry Other Than Rings

Tiffanys Bridal 1517 N. Parham Road, 273-6303 Chunky bracelets and statement earrings are big hits with Richmond brides, says Tiffanys' owner Sharon Townsend. Since picking up David Tutera's wide-ranging line of wedding jewelry this year, Tiffanys has also seen a resurgence of interest in jewelry sets, Townsend says, but nothing too "matchy-matchy." 2. Tie: Adolf Jewelers; Schwarzschild Jewelers 3. Fink's Jewelers

On-Location Bridal Makeup and Hair Services

Lou Stevens Glam Squad 305-3965 or loustevens.com Lou Stevens has been making brides more beautiful for 22 years. She and her team of 10 hair and makeup stylists work about 150 weddings a year, and Stevens says it never gets old. "Starting a fresh relationship with each bride is my favorite part of the business," she says. 2. Avenue 42 Style Studio 3. BRIDEface Richmond

Wedding Ring Selection

Adolf Jewelers 1537 Parham Road, 285-3671 For more than 50 years, the family-owned Adolf Jewelers has worked with Richmond couples to find the perfect wedding ring. Their selection includes more than 550 rings by designers such as Coast Diamond, SUWA and Rony Tennenbaum. Classic platinum bands, diamond eternity bands and vintage-inspired rings are top sellers, says manager Daniel Wright. 2. Fink's Jewelers 3. Schwarzschild Jewelers

Local Wedding/Bridal Pinterest Pinner

Gardens at Serenity Cove 5254 Windsor Park Circle, Goochland, 457-4535 An early adopter of Pinterest, Pat Carrier has created a series of popular boards with themes such as "rustic and country weddings" and "garden wedding inspirations." Along with the pins, Carrier incorporates images from weddings that take place at her 2-acre lakefront venue. "You can get an awful lot of great ideas from Pinterest," she says. 2. Tie: Colleen Cook of CCS Events; Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events 3. Fête Studio

Bridal Purses/Bags

Tiffanys Bridal 1517 N. Parham Road, 273-6303 Tiffanys' owner Sharon Townsend says brides look for petite bags that complement their gowns and are just large enough to hold essentials such as lipstick and a handkerchief. "There is a lot of bling," she adds, noting that rainbow-hued crystals are especially popular this season. 2. Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3. Saxon Shoes

Dessert Tables

Sweet Fix 404-2349 or sweetfixrva.com Owner Amanda Robinson's art background is evident in her dessert displays. "I have a huge inventory of one-of-a-kind display items," she says. Robinson also handcrafts labels and pairs flowers to adorn the table. Recently, a Great Gatsby theme has been popular, allowing brides to combine vintage items with glitz and glam. 2. Pearl's Cupcake Shoppe 3. MOSAIC Restaurant

Photo-Booth Company

Photo Boom Boom (540) 230-3459 or photoboomboom.com Photo Boom Boom founder Michael Taliaferro says a photo booth provides more than just pictures of your special day — it can also be source of entertainment. Photo Boom Boom works with an open-air concept, rather than a curtained booth. "It is a spectator sport the way I do it," Taliaferro says. 2. Virginia Photo Booths and More 3. ShutterBooth

Salon-Based Bridal Hair and Makeup Services

Avenue 42 Style Studio 16 E. Main St., 303-3139 In addition to providing brides with a full complement of services, Avenue 42 Style Studio's second floor was designed as a bridal suite with gold mirrors, crystal chandeliers and white sofas. "It gives us an opportunity to make brides feel beautiful in a beautiful space," says co-owner Natalie Gordon. 2. Tie: Bombshell Brazilian Waxing & Skincare Studio; Mango Salon 3. Salon Del Sol

Bridal Manicures

Royal Nails 8901 Three Chopt Road, 288-4440 Royal Nails can accommodate bridal parties of up to 25 women. "We block other appointments away from them so we can make sure the group is taken care of," says owner Helen Tran. Most brides and attendants opt for a classic French manicure or pastels, Tran says. 2. Polished Nail Lounge 3. Tie: Fusion Nail Spa; Red Nails; Salon Del SolFarewell Brunch

Farewell Brunch Location

The Jefferson Hotel 101 W. Franklin St., 649-4750 Wrap up your wedding weekend festivities at The Jefferson Hotel's Sunday champagne brunch. Held in the rotunda lobby of the grand hotel, the brunch features a lavish spread of seasonal menu items each week. Live music, ice sculptures and attentive service enhance the experience. 2. The Boathouse 3. Historic Mankin Mansion

Bachelorette Party Alternative

Winery Tour/Tasting For brides who want to kick back with friends before the big day, nothing beats a tour of Virginia wine country. Start your planning at virginiawine.org , then book a limo or choose your designated driver and get ready to swirl, sniff and sip. Plan to visit three to four wineries in a day. 2. Tie: The beach; Godfrey's Restaurant and Nightclub; Wine & Design 3. Tie: D.C. trip; Casa Del Barco

Bridal Spa Treatments

Nesbit Salon 2311 W. Main St., 355-8775 The full-service spa at Nesbit offers brides and their attendants the chance to unwind with services ranging from massages to a Dead Sea salt scrub. What's not to love about the Renew, which includes a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure? 2. Salon Del Sol 3. Glow Med Spa

Engagement Rings

Fink's Jewelers 11800 W. Broad St., 377-8589; 9232 Stony Point Parkway, 261-9371; 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, 379-7171 Fink's Jewelers has hundreds of engagement-ring settings, most of which can be customized.  "Once they find a style they like, we can have the ring made to the customer's desire," says manager Steve Pridgen. The trend toward vintage- and antique-inspired designs continues, with brides favoring rings with pavé and halo settings. 2. Adolf Jewelers 3. Schwarzschild Jewelers

Bridal Gown Consignment

Bliss Bridal 2033 Huguenot Road, 560-4447 "Just because it's consignment doesn't mean you're getting a worn dress," owner Jessica Sparks says, adding that the vast major-ity of her inventory (nearly 500 gowns) is new. The full-service shop consigns gowns from bridal boutiques along the East Coast that are going out of business or that simply have too much stock. Bliss also accepts gowns from brides in like-new condition, most of which have never been worn.

Custom Wedding Bands

Fink's Jewelers 11800 W. Broad St., 377-8589; 9232 Stony Point Parkway, 261-9371; 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, 379-7171 While Fink's has hundreds of wedding bands in stock, couples often choose to customize their choices by combining elements from more than one design. "If a manufacturer doesn't offer what the customer is looking for, we can have it made," says manager Steve Pridgen. "We never have to say no." 2. Tie: Dransfield Jewelers; Schwarzschild Jewelers 3. Tie: Adolf Jewelers; Capri Jewelers; Diamonds Direct

Wedding Favors

(Tie) By Invitation Only 4017 Lauderdale Drive, 364-8474 Wieders Whimsy wiederswhimsy.etsy.com "Weddings are becoming more personalized, and couples are really paying attention to details," says By Invitation Only owner Kerrie DiStanlo. "We've seen everything from locally made honey labeled with letter-pressed tags to silver keychains personalized with each guest's initials." Wedding planner and photographer Sarah Wieder started making wedding favors after she got married in March. "I saw favors as another service I could provide brides to take some of the stress off," she says. Her best-selling items are per-sonalized poker chips. 2. Tie: Candy Valley Cake Company; Etsy

Honeymoon Travel Experts

Covington Travel 901 E. Cary St., 344-3244 Covington Travel's advisors are here to help plan your honeymoon, whether it includes a relaxing Caribbean getaway or an adventure-filled trek to South America. "Honeymooners want to be stress-free when planning their special trip," says travel advisor Barbi Partlow. "They've got plenty of other details to handle with their wedding, so a knowledgeable travel advisor can provide them with suitable options according to their taste and budget." 2. AAA

Bridal Skin-Care Services

(Tie) Glow Med Spa 5109 Lakeside Ave.; 201 Towne Center West, 262-0330 Salon Del Sol Visit salondelsolandspa.com for all locations and phone numbers. Owner Shia Noth says the stylists at Glow Med Spa often start working with brides six months before their wedding to begin a skin-care regimen that includes a microdermabrasion, a chemical peel and an oxygen facial. "We get a lot of new brides coming in for Brazilians as well," she says. With seven locations in Richmond, Salon Del Sol offers a variety of spa packages for bridal parties and uses Aveda products, known for their use of natural ingredients. 2. Spa310 3. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

Event Lighting

Blue Steel Lighting Design (757) 816-1939 or bluesteellightingdesign.com "Lighting can take an average wedding and turn it into something magnificent," says owner Jeremy Kilgore, who lights about 300 weddings a year. A typical design includes up-lighting, color-changing wall lights and a spotlight on the first dance. "It's the wow factor," Kilgore says. 2. Lighting Professors 3. Leap Audio Visual

Local Wedding-Related Blog

The Brides Café 937-9646 or thebridescafe.com To advertise her floral business, JMFlora Design, Janie Medley started a blog in 2007, but it quickly turned into something larger. Today, with about 3,500 hits a day, Medley covers all facets of wedding planning, from color palettes to slideshows of real weddings, many of them here in Richmond. 2. The Boathouse Blog ( theboathouseblog.tumblr.com ) 3. Courtney Spencer of Merriment Events ( merrimentevents.com )

Flower Girl Dresses

Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3979 Deep Rock Road, 855-1000 While all eyes are on the bride during a wedding, often it's an adorable flower girl who steals the show. "It is not just white and ivory for flower girls," says marketing director Christina Foy. Dresses with colorful sashes or floral details to match the bridesmaids' dresses are popular, as are lace dresses and tulle skirts. 2. Tiffanys Bridal 3. Bella Bridesmaid

Videographer

Mike Topham Photography 370-6385 or gingertopham.com Working as a woman in the male-dominated field of videography has its advantages. "I think it helps being a girl and having gone through a wedding," says Ginger Topham of Mike Topham Photography. "It helps me to understand what it is like for the bride on that day." 2. United Wedding Productions 3. Alzuro Video Productions

Historic Wedding Reception Site

(Tie) Main Street Station 1500 E. Main St., 523-3328 Historic Tredegar 500 Tredegar St., 780-1865 A national historic landmark that has been restored to its 1901 grandeur, Main Street Station is one of Richmond's most iconic buildings. "Most everyone knows the clock tower that you pass on I-95," says Diane Lillo, assistant facility coordinator. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests, and it hosted 66 weddings last year. The 8-acre Historic Tredegar site can accommodate bridal parties of up to 350 people. "People like us because we're downtown," marketing and special events coordinator Tracy Hynes says of the venue, which is located on the James River. "This site is like a blank slate for wedding planners. You can get really creative with it." 2. Tuckahoe Plantation 3. Bolling Haxall House

Bridal Luncheon

The Boathouse 4708 E. Old Main St., 622-2628; 4602 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, 744-2545 With two waterfront locations, both Boathouse restaurants make for a relaxing bridal luncheon venue. "At Sunday Park, the bridal party may be the only ones in the restaurant," says Bonnie Ball, sales director. "Small portion serving is one of the bigger things at bridal luncheons," she adds, explaining that many brides specify they do not want a heavy lunch. 2. The Jefferson Hotel 3. Can Can Brasserie

Calligraphy

Ginny Rogan 794-2124 or ginnyrogancalligraphy.com Ginny Rogan has been practicing the art of calligraphy for 25 years. While she hand-addresses invitations to about 100 weddings a year, her services extend to seating cards, reception menus and even invitation design. "Brides are wanting a calligrapher to design their actual invitation, which is then letter-pressed or printed," she says. "It is a lot of fun to come up with a unique design." 2. Kim Moody Design 3. Tie: Jen Maton of If So Inklined; Merrymaker

Rehearsal Dinner Location

The Boathouse 4708 E. Old Main St., 622-2628; 4602 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, 744-2545 The Boathouse's two locations both feature spectacular waterfront views. "Generally we do the cocktail receptions outside so they can enjoy the sunset," says Bonnie Ball, sales director. The restaurant offers signature cocktails and customized menus for events. "We pay close attention to what is being served on the wedding menu to make sure we are not stepping on any toes," Ball says. 2. Historic Mankin Mansion 3. Renaissance Conference Center

Most Beautiful Ceremony Site

Historic Mankin Mansion 4300 Oakleys Lane, 737-7773 The 5-acre estate in eastern Henrico County features a Georgian-revival mansion, formal English gardens, manicured grounds, a 4,000-square-foot reception tent and cottages to accommodate your wedding guests. Outdoor weddings are performed under a 100-year-old sycamore tree. 2. Gardens at Serenity Cove 3. The Mill at Fine Creek

Alterations

Tiffanys Bridal 1517 N Parham Road, 273-6303 Tiffanys' two in-house seamstresses, Huong Thi and Aksinia Ilieva, both began sewing when they were children, says owner Sharon Townsend, adding that both women have worked for her since she bought the business five years ago. With one specializing in wedding gowns and the other in bridesmaid dresses, the shop is able to streamline the alterations process. 2. Fariba Alterations and Design 3. AG Alterations

Wedding Ceremony Musicians

Choice Entertainment 10035 Sliding Hill Road, Ashland, 788-4603 From acoustic guitarists and string quartets to harpists and hammered dulcimer players, Choice Entertainment represents a wide range of professional musicians. In recent years, owner Bill Gilliam says he's observed a trend toward small bluegrass bands for outdoor weddings. He recommends hiring seasoned professional musicians who have previous wedding experience. "You'll have the security of knowing they'll show up," he says. Tie: Ninja Strings; Silver Strings Quartet

Wedding Site That's a Best-Kept Secret

The Renaissance 107 W. Broad St., 649-3373 Originally completed in 1887 as a Masonic temple, The Renaissance was the "toast of Richmond," says senior event planner Thomas Waters. Today, the full-service reception venue features a 5,000-square-foot Victorian ballroom, as well as smaller reception rooms. "It's a high-end, one-stop shop," Waters says. 2. The Manor House at King's Charter 3. Tie: The Boathouse; The Rice House

Outdoor Wedding Site

Gardens at Serenity Cove 5254 Windsor Park Circle, Goochland, 457-4535 When people ask Pat and Richard Carrier why they turned their 2-acre Goochland County garden into a full-service wedding venue five years ago, Richard jokes, "It's because my wife ran out of people to show the garden to." Pat, a master gardener and florist, spent five years manicuring the garden of her dreams, and she still does all of the landscaping herself. 2. Historic Mankin Mansion 3. Tie: The Mill at Fine Creek; Maymont

Tent Rentals

Classic Party Rentals of Virginia 9313 Burge Ave., 743-7980 A tent is a must-have for outdoor wedding receptions, and not just to protect guests from inclement weather. "A tent also provides shade for your guests," sales director Angela Smith says. "When you're pulling up to an outdoor venue, it shows exactly where everything is located." Classic Party Rentals provides tents of all sizes. 2. Tie: Rent-E-Quip; The Prop Shop 3. Party Perfect

Event Design

LK Events & Design 221-7257 or lkeventsanddesign.com Lindsay Kennedy of LK Events & Design spends a lot of time getting to know the couples she's working with to ensure that all the details of their wedding reflect their personalities. This is especially important since many of her clients live out of town. What does she like best? "The big reveal to the bride and groom at the reception," she says. "The look on their faces is the reason why I do this." 2. CCS Events 3. Kim Moody Design

Barn/Farm Wedding Venue

Adams International School 1655 Broad Street Road, Maidens, 784-0141 Not only is the big red barn at Adams International School a picturesque location for rustic weddings, but the weddings held there also support the pedagogy of the Montessori farm school. Students even help run the rental business. Brides are welcome to choose from an assortment of items — cornhole boards, candelabras, trunks — donated by previous brides after their weddings. The venue also offers vintage china for rent. 2. The Vintager Inn 3. Amber Grove Inn

Hotel Venue

The Jefferson Hotel 101 W. Franklin St., 649-4750 In 1895, some of the first guests to descend The Jefferson's grand staircase were the newly engaged beauty Irene Langhorne and artist Charles Dana Gibson. Today, the tradition continues. Brides and grooms who host their reception at The Jefferson receive the exclusive privilege of having their wedding portraits taken on the staircase. 2. Omni Hotel Downtown 3. Tie: Hotel John Marshall; Hilton Short Pump

Best Candy Table

Sweet Spot 2228 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, 360-7768 When it comes to candy tables, it's all about color. "Brides want their candy tables to coordinate with the rest of the wedding," says co-owner Chrissy Triano. The store provides everything from display jars and custom labels to scoops, bags and ribbon. 2. Tie: Sweet Fix; Kim Moody Design 3. CCS Events

Groom's Cake

Cakes by Graham 718 Cleveland St., 288-1920 A groom's cake — usually served at the rehearsal dinner — is a fun way to showcase the groom's talent or hobby, says Cakes by Graham owner Graham Haddock. Cakes in the shape of beer coolers? A fireman's helmet? An antique record player? Haddock's done it all. "It can be more challenging than the wedding cake," he says. 2. Pearl's Cupcake Shoppe 3. Tie: A Cake to Remember; Westhampton Pastry Shop

Best Place for Engagement Pictures

Maymont 1700 Hampton St., 358-7166 It's no surprise that Maymont took top honors in this category. Nearly every inch of the 100-acre park provides a stunning backdrop for engagement photos, from the formal Italian and Japanese gardens to the rolling hills dotted with grand trees. Plus, where else can you get a bear to photo-bomb your photo? 2. Richmond Canal Walk 3. Church Hill/Libby Hill Overlook

Nontraditional Wedding Gifts From a Local Store

Mongrel 2924 W. Cary St., 342-1272 Owner Stan McCulloch says quirky ceramics by Jonathan Adler, Charley Harper tabletop items, soy candles by Kobo Candles and picnic sets are all popular wedding gifts. "We are always looking for things that are useful, but that are beautiful and enjoyable," says McCulloch, who opened the store 23 years ago. 2. Tie: Tweed; Trend (in Blackstone) 3. Tie: Fraîche; Quirk Gallery; Tinker's Furniture

Rentals

Paisley and Jade 425 Strawberry St., 381-4625 If you're looking for out-of-the-ordinary and vintage furniture rentals, this is the place to go. The inventory includes church pews, wine-barrel bars, tandem bikes and upholstered seating for lounge areas. "With the growing popularity of Pinterest and the DIY movement, we're filling a niche," co-owner Morgan Montgomery says. 2. Classic Party Rentals 3. The Prop Shop

Linen Rentals

Classic Party Rentals 9313 Burge Ave., 743-7980; 9127-B W. Broad St., 270-9544 The hot Pantone color for linens next spring is dazzling blue. "A peppy shade of cobalt," Classic Party Rentals owner Nina Whittleton says, adding that her company plans to carry the color in a variety of fabric choices. She suggests mixing rather than matching decoration colors. "It's as acceptable as wearing white after Labor Day," she says. 2. The Prop Shop 3. Party Perfect

Place to Hold a Bachelorette Party

(Tie) Off the Hookah 140 Virginia St., 225-1918 The Tobacco Company 1201 E. Cary St., 782-9555 It's all about lighting, lavish design and novelty at Off the Hookah. The nightclub offers Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine as well as dancing. At The Tobacco Company, you can have dinner in the dining room and then head down to the club for dancing. "We cater to bachelorette groups," says marketing director Shannon Greenwood, adding that the venue offers special gift bags for bridal parties. 2. Godfrey's 3. Tie: The Boathouse; Casa Del Barco; Can Can Brasserie

Tableware Rentals

Classic Party Rentals 9313 Burge Ave., 743-7980; 9127-B West Broad St., 270-9544 Spring weddings are featuring back-to-the-basics designs with inspiration from the outdoors. So what will be hot in tableware? Gold-plated flatware, soft burlap, lace, natural wood chairs and farm tables. "We have an abundant supply of farm tables," owner Nina Whittleton says. "I can't keep them in stock." 2. The Prop Shop 3. Party Perfect

Offbeat Ceremony/Reception Site

Historic Mankin Mansion 4300 Oakleys Lane, 737-7773 Historic Mankin Mansion oozes Southern charm. Antiques and vintage décor provide a comfortable, relaxing ambiance. Outdoors, you'll find English gardens, as well as a grand lawn-size chess set. 2. Poe Museum 3. The Boathouse

Bridesmaid Dresses

Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3979 Deep Rock Road, 855-1000 Look for fashion-forward designers at this intimate bridal shop. Many brides are choosing the color and fabric of the bridesmaids' dresses, but letting each bridesmaid pick a style from that line that best complements her body type, marketing director Christina Foy says. 2. Tiffanys Bridal 3. Tie: Bella Bridesmaid; Bridal Elegance

Bridal Footwear

Saxon Shoes 11800 W. Broad St., 285-3473 Brides like the vast selection at Saxon's. The store stocks a variety of brands that offer everything from 6-inch heels to rhinestone flip-flops. What else would you expect from a store that has almost 75,000 pairs of shoes? 2. Bridal Elegance

Pre-Wedding Fitness Training

Aim 4 Fitness 13534 Waterford Place, Midlothian, 380-0389 Brides are taking advantage of the kickboxing, cage fitness and piloxing (Pilates, boxing and dancing) classes to drop pounds and inches before they walk down the aisle. Aim 4 Fitness offers a variety of classes that are guaranteed to "keep your muscles confused," owner Kathy Mullins says. 2. Tie: American Family Fitness; Gold's Gym 3. Seal Team Physical Training

Local Store for Bridesmaid Gifts

Tweed 4035 Lauderdale Drive, 249-3900 Monogrammed tote bags are the bridesmaid gift to give, and Tweed has a lot of styles to choose from. Brides can fill them with goodies — mints, dental floss, aspirin, hairspray and more. Other popular gifts include flip-flops for summer weddings, personalized wineglasses and engraved picture frames. 2. Blush on Berry 3. Tiffanys Bridal

Caterer

MOSAIC Catering + Events 3001 Cutshaw Ave., 525-2190 MOSIAC produces wedding receptions that range from 10 to 850 guests. Their repertoire includes a Star Wars wedding and a vampire-themed reception. "We've done an entire ceremony and reception tied around the movie Planet of the Apes,'" director of catering and events Ryan Traylor says. 2. Tie: Champagne Taste Catering; White House Catering 3. Groovin' Gourmets

Limousine Company

James Limousine jameslimousine.com Lincoln Town Cars are the most popular rentals for weddings because of their ample legroom. James also offers the classic stretch limo with all the amenities — an iPod docking station, champagne flutes and ice chests on board. All transportation choices include red-carpet service and "just married" signs. 2. Down Under Limousine 3. Tie: BioRide; TNT Limousine

Wedding DJ

Choice Entertainment 10035 Sliding Hill Road, Ashland, 788-4603 Owner Bill Gilliam is on a mission to raise expectations of what a professional DJ does. "It's so much more than music," he says. "Our DJs build relationships with the bride and groom and give them a wedding reception that is warm, engaging and fun." 2. Martin Ramirez of Historic Mankin Mansion 3. Sean McNamee of Xtreme Disc Jockeys

Invitation Shop

By Invitation Only 11741 W. Broad St., 364-8474 The shop carries a selection of wedding-invitation providers that includes designers Fine Press, Crane and Vera Wang. They also provide custom-design services. One of this season's trends is to foil-print invitations for a touch of glam. 2. The Cordial Cricket 3. Paper on the Avenue

Wedding Cakes

Cakes by Graham 718 Cleveland St., 288-1920 Brides are ditching white icing and turning to color to make their cakes more dramatic. Popular designs include colored ribbons that match the bridesmaid's dresses. Also look for dotted Swiss or picot embellishments on the cake. "Brides want their cake pretty, delicate and simple," owner Graham Haddock says. 2. A Cake to Remember 3. Pearl's Cupcake Shoppe

Shop for Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3979 Deep Rock Road, 855-1000 Mothers of the bride can shine on their daughter's big day, too. Styles today are more informal, with shorter dresses and softer fabrics like chiffon. 2. Tiffanys Bridal 3. Jingles Bridal Salon

Officiants

Two Become One Ministry (Rev. Brian Purcell) 7104 Mechanicsville Turnpike, 572-0833 Rev. Brian Purcell likes to help couples share their love story through their vows and to express the reasons why they want to be married. His most unusual wedding involved hiking up a mountain to perform the ceremony at the base of a waterfall. 2. Rev. Doug Bowman 3. Rev. Phyllis Min

Reception Location for a Small Wedding

Gardens at Serenity Cove 5254 Windsor Park Circle, Louisa, 457-4535 A true garden wedding venue, the Gardens at Serenity Cove features a lake as well as a natural creek and waterfall. Spring brings blooming azaleas, rhododendron and primrose. 2. Historic Mankin Mansion 3. The Boathouse

Place to Pop the Question

Maymont 1700 Hampton St., 358-7166 The Italian and Japanese Gardens are prime spots for proposals. Engagement packages will allow the hopeful groom-to-be to propose in a variety of ways — think popping the question in the garden after a carriage ride. "We can arrange it so they can be here after hours for a more private experience," facility rental manager Rebekah Davis says. 2. The Jefferson Hotel 3. The Boathouse

Groom/Groomsman Wear

Groom's Corner at Tiffanys Bridal 1517 N. Parham Road, 273-6303 Grooms are shying away from the traditional black tuxedo, opting instead for gray, khaki or navy suits. Complete the look by adding a vest or tie in a color that complements the bridesmaids' dresses. 2. Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3. Jos. A. Bank

Venue for a Large Wedding

The Renaissance 107 W. Broad St., 649-3373 Built in 1887, this Richmond historic landmark features a 5,000-square-foot ballroom with a 30-foot-ceilings and three crystal chandeliers. "We are a private, one-stop-shop venue," senior event planner Thomas Waters says. 2. The Jefferson Hotel 3. Hotel John Marshall

Bridal Headpieces

Tiffanys Bridal 1517 N. Parham Road, 273-6303 In the world of wedding veils, the choice is usually between birdcage and cathedral-length. Whatever the choice, brides are opting to add a lot of bling, according to owner Sharon Townsend. "They want crystals and pearls that will pick up embellishments off their dress," she says. 2. Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3. Tie: Bridal Elegance; Jingles Bridal Salon

Bridal Gown Salon

Bella Rosa Bridal & Special Occasions 3979 Deep Rock Road; 855-1000 Brides can choose from about 300 bridal gowns, 300 bridesmaid dresses and 150 mother-of-the-bride dresses. The shop is known not only for its selection and price range, but also for its one-on-one customer service. 2. Tiffanys Bridal 3. Jingles Bridal Salon

Place to Overnight on Your Wedding Night

The Jefferson Hotel 101 W. Franklin St., 649-4750 Since 1895, The Jefferson has been hosting happy couples on their wedding nights, with many returning for anniversaries. Keep your receipt, and on your 50th anniversary, hotel staff will honor the price that you paid on your wedding night. 2. Historic Mankin Mansion 3. Tie: The Berkeley Hotel; Linden Row Inn

Local Product to Put in Welcome Baskets

Virginia Peanuts No welcome basket would be complete without a can of Virginia peanuts. These crunchy delicacies come in salted, unsalted, redskin and a variety of flavors, from chocolate-covered to Cajun. 2. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery beer 3. Virginia wine

Local Invitation Designer

Paperfreckles 2520 Professional Road, 502-9595 Co-owner Joe Akers works with brides and grooms to make their invitations an integral part of the wedding. He says his most unusual design was a fairy-tale-inspired invitation with a map that told the story of the bride and groom. The company also specializes in laser-cut invitations on a variety of paper stocks. 2. Tie: By Invitation Only; The Cordial Cricket 3. Paper on the Avenue

Bridal Portraits

Hayes & Fisk 1003 N. Parham Road, 740-9307 Bridal portraits are more popular than ever, according to Mary Fisk-Taylor. She and her partner Jamie Hayes like to create heirloom pieces that help couples celebrate the day. Occasionally, brides opt for a boudoir portrait. "Some brides want to start a new tradition," Fisk says. 2. Mike Topham Photography 3. Portraits by Kristee

Floral Design

Flowers by Mona Ray 399-8190 or flowersbymonaray.com Flowers add beauty to any occasion, and brides can take comfort in the fact that no one will have the same bouquet from Flowers by Mona Ray. All designs are customized to the bride's specifications. 2. Vogue Flowers 3.  FloraCulture

Local Shop for Groomsmen Gifts

(Tie) Mongrel 2924 W. Cary St., 342-1272 Peter-Blair 5800 Grove Ave., 288-8123 At Mongrel, check out the Jack Black Supreme Cream shaving lotion or an umbrella shaped like a samurai sword. Gifts at Peter-Blair lean more traditional. You'll find special ties, cummerbund sets and monogrammed sterling-silver belt buckles. "It's a nice keepsake that someone can have for the rest of their life," co-owner Ed Cleavenger says. 2. Tie: By Invitation Only; Ledbury; Tweed

Place to Hold a Bridal Shower

The Boathouse 4708 E. Old Main St., 622-2628;4602 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, 744-2545 Both of these waterfront properties feature small rooms that overlook either the James River or the Swift Creek Reservoir. You'll also find creative customized menus. 2. Can Can Brasserie 3. Tie: Gardens at Serenity Cove; Historic Mankin Mansion; MOSAIC Restaurant

Wedding Planner

LK Events & Design 221-7257 or lkeventsanddesign.com Lindsay helps keep her brides sane on the big day by taking on the chore of worrying about every detail. You'll often find her scouring thrift shops or corner stores for items that will complement a bride's style. 2. Colleen Cook of CCS Events 3. Kate Franzen of Lovebirds Events

Top Band

(Tie) Attraction 2309 Little Fox Drive, 741-9905 The Jangling Reinharts (866) 726-4455 or jangling.net Band members in Attraction are always being asked unusual requests. "We've had a groom sing with the band," says bandleader Dave Barton. When it comes to the first dance, The Jangling Reinharts have played a weid spectrum, "from the Grateful Dead to Frank Sinatra," says band member Rick Schaffer. 2. Three Sheets to the Wind 3. Casper

Honeymoon Getaway in Virginia

The Omni Homestead Resort 1766 Homestead Drive, Hot Springs, (540) 839-1766 Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, the Omni Homestead Resort offers traditional elegance and natural beauty. Play golf on the award-winning course or relax at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. 2. Charlottesville 3. Tie: The Boar's Head Inn; The Tides Inn; Williamsburg

Wedding Day Photography

Mike Topham Photography 9400 Charter Crossing, Mechanicsville, 285-1979 With more than 20 years of experience, Mike Topham is familiar with the ins and outs of wedding photography. He is always working toward capturing the experience, not interfering with it. 2. Don Mears Photography 3. Hayes & Fisk

Wedding Registry

Short Pump Town Center 11800 W. Broad St., 360-1700 It's one-stop shopping at Short Pump Town Center. Whether you're asking for china or kitchen knives, you can peruse the stores and make your list at Dillard's, Macy's, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Williams Sonoma. 2. Fraîche 3. J. Taylor Hogan

Lingerie Shop

Blythe 11713 W. Broad St., 364-1717 Blythe has one goal — to make brides feel comfortable and confident on their wedding day. Even if you're being traditional on the outside, you can be sexy underneath. It's about looking and feeling your best. 2. Fiamour Lingerie 3. Kiss & Make-Up