The new custom: Carpenter Jeff Saine solves problems in wood

Jeff Saine has worked with wood for as long as he can remember. In high school, he spent most of his time in the wood shop and even helped his English teacher build a Japanese-style house on Lopez Island in his native Washington his senior year. After graduating from college with a degree in anthropology […]

Iron man: Spotlight on blacksmith Corry Blanc

Corry Blanc can’t remember the first thing he ever made. “Making ‘things’ is all I’ve ever known,” he said. A native of Georgia (he grew up in the Appalachian foothills in the northern part of the state), the blacksmith began welding after high school when he took a job at his uncle’s welding and fabrication […]

Princess brides: Seven sparkling gowns befitting a royal wedding

Whether it’s a crystal-covered shoulder, a silk-jacquard print, or a romantic bolero, it’s that little something extra that makes your dress—and your day—even more magical. Just ask Kate Middleton (lace sleeves, anyone?). Pretty in petals ERIN HOFFMAN (above) Date of her wedding: May 29, 2011 Groom’s name: Paul Gray Where she got her dress: Priscilla […]

Feel the love: 10 couples we can’t get enough of

What’s love got to do with it? For these 10 couples, everything. Most of them say they knew right away that they’d found “the one,” but it’s what comes after—the day to day experience of being with someone who bites his nails, leaves dirty clothes outside the hamper, and never turns off any lights in […]

We love this town: A friend indeed

It was peer pressure, ultimately, that led me to Charlottesville. In May of 2007, I had just graduated from James Madison University, and was entering my 22nd year in Harrisonburg, Virginia (which, by any account, is about four years too many). My two best friends whom I’d known since middle school were packing up and […]

Where the heart is: Have your Charlottesville wedding at home

As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. Consider then, on your special day, having your Charlottesville wedding at home. It adds a personal touch to your nuptials and leaves you with the first in a long line of memories you’ll make as husband and wife. Just don’t get stuck with cleanup! YOURS, MINE, […]