This old ring: How to decide between vintage and custom

When it comes to your wedding band, when you know, you know. Unless you’re still stuck at the first step: deciding on a “look.” Assuming you’re searching for bands with a bit more personality than you might find at a chain retailer, there are, essentially, two options: vintage or custom. We asked local metalsmith Martha […]

Puppy love

Patricia “Treekie” Kavanagh has always been an animal lover. But until she gets pets of her own, she’s been making do with those around the neighborhood. “Everyone gets plenty of exercise with Treekie at the helm,” said her mom, Jill. The 7-year-old averages five miles per week walking Sky, a Wheaton terrier, and Callie, a […]

It takes two: Folly owners balance each other out

We asked Victoria Pouncey and Beth Ann Kallen, who own West Main Street home furnishings shop and interior design studio, Folly, to tell us a few things about themselves and their design philosophies. Here’s what they had to say. Antique or modern?  Beth Ann: Antique with modern mixed in, to keep things interesting. City or […]

A line to design: David Day stresses attention to setting

We asked the Charlottesville-based architect about his influences while at NC State College of Design, how his childhood informed his career, and what he’s working on now. Why architecture? For as much as I love visual arts and music, this profession can have that subjective, artistic life, but at its heart is shelter, a necessity. I […]

Glam romance: A modern winter wedding photo shoot calls for sparkle

It’s hard to deny the enchantment of a rustic Virginia wedding—with its pastel palette, woodsy accents, and laid-back attitude. But with the help of SOIREE’s Julianne Giuliano, we styled this modern French-inspired fête to help take your wedding planning in a chic new direction. Shot at a private home in Albemarle, it has a gold […]

It’s in the details: 10 wedding ideas we love

Take a cue from these brides to inject even more personality into your big day. Ring passing ceremony: One couple passed their rings around to each guest and asked for a blessing. What a lovely sentiment. Personalized present: One bride had custom handkerchiefs made for her parents. Sheet music flowers: We love that they’ll last […]