Her Magazine - Bridal 2024

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Her Magazine — February 2024

Contents

FROM THE EDITOR

Cover Story 4-7 A Journey of Love: Meet the Newlyweds Lauren & Josh Hocum

Inside

Where does love come from? The emotional feeling of being in love is stimulated by three brain chemicals. First, is noradrenaline which stimulates adrenaline production causing sweaty palms and a racing heart. Next, is dopamine which many people call “the feel-good chemical,” and lastly is phenylethylamine, which is released when we are close to our loved one causing the feeling of butterflies in the stomach. It doesn’t sound that exciting when you read the actual chemistry of love; it sounds more like a stomach bug. But, love is euphoric and powerful.

Once you get past the butterflies, you move through the stages of love from lust to attraction to attachment. For many couples, love eventually leads to marriage. For other couples, they may decide to stay in a committed relationship without the need to marry. It doesn’t matter if you choose wedding bells or a life-long committed relationship, it is your relationship and you make the rules. That is the beauty of love. I am excited to introduce you to our love and marriage issue. I’m also excited to share that after 23 years of dating my boyfriend, Craig, we finally got married in June of 2023. For the first time in my 20 plus years of wedding planning, I can finally call myself a bride, a wife, and a newlywed. You can read all about my decades long journey to the alter and other amazing newlywed stories in this issue, including cover models and newlyweds Josh and Lauren Hocum, who found love at the pool.

This issue celebrates love and marriage in all its gushy, beautiful, b u t te r f l i e s i n t h e tummy, chemistryfilled bliss.

6 Lauren & Josh's Special Day: Meet the Vendors 8 Her Health: Feel the Glow Inside and Out 8 Her Recipe: Refreshing Mango Smoothie 10-11 23 Years to Say I Do: Her Magazine Editor Finally Ties the Knot 13 Christina & Craig's Special Day: Meet the Vendors 14 Meet the Newlyweds: Lori Stancill & Marshall Aycock 15 Meet the Newlyweds: Mackenzie & Anna Park 16 Her Advice: Pearls of Wisdom for Wives 18 Meet the Newlyweds: Chris & Ashley Vershay West 19 Meet the Newlyweds: Jack & Michelle Roper Cochran 20-21 Wedding Trends for 2024

Meet Them 23 Lauren & Josh Hocum

Contact Her Christina Ruotolo-Franey | Editor 329-9532 | cruotolo@apgenc.com Briana Roper | Advertising | 329-9637 Jessica Harris | Designer | jharris@apgenc.com

Her Magazine is published by:

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Blessings,

Christina Ruotolo-Franey Editor, Her Magazine

Her Magazine — February 2024

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A Journey of

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO-FRANEY WEDDING PHOTOS BY CULLEN GRIFFIN

Sometimes all you have to do is cannonball into the water and you may just find the love of your life. Or at least that was the case for newlyweds Lauren and Josh Hocum, who recently married in May of 2023.

It all started in September 2017 at Aquaventure in Greenville, where Josh worked. Lauren got a job at Aquaventure that same year as a swim instructor and lifeguard. Lauren’s first impression of Josh was she thought he was crazy, but in a good way. “My first introduction to Josh was him cannonballing into the swimming pool lane beside me covering me with water. If it was anyone else I would have been mad, but he had such a joyful spirit (and I thought he was cute),” Lauren says.

For Josh it was a classic movie moment. He walked in to start work and looked out into the pool and there she was. “It was like a spotlight was shining on her. I immediately noticed her hair, delicate demeanor, and beautiful smile,” Josh says.

The cannonball in the pool must have done the trick because Lauren was smitten, although they did not actually start dating until July of 2018.

Their first date was simple but very special for both of them. Josh picked Lauren up at her house and introduced himself to her parents.

They went to the Town Common and rented Lime bikes and biked down the Greenway. “Then, we got Insomnia Cookies and talked and laughed for hours. It was great,” Josh says.

For five years, they dated and enjoyed little outings and extravagant adventures. “For a large chunk of our relationship, Lauren was in school two hours away, so this challenged us to find exciting things to do in the small pockets of time we shared together (although many weekends were spent in the library too!),” Josh says.

Both Josh and Lauren are very active people that love to travel.

Due to the remote classes in the wake of COVID, they were able to travel a lot together and share many fun adventures. One of their favorite trips was an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, Casa De Campo. Josh was invited for a travel agent preview as the resort was just reopening. “We felt like royalty and even accidentally crashed a movie set starring Jennifer Lopez.

Our favorite memory was the excursion to our own ‘Catalina Island,’ where we followed a secret path to an exclusive cliff-

“

jumping spot.”

Josh knew he wanted to ask Lauren to marry him and wanted to create the perfect wedding proposal. He purchased the ring a month before Christmas of 2021, planning a Christmas Day proposal at her family home. Josh knew how important family is to Lauren and wanted her family to be there for the proposal.

“My favorite part about Lauren is her selflessness and care for others. She puts everyone else above herself always and is the true definition of selfless. As I’ve come to know her, one bond she has that is the most beautiful is that of the bond with her family.

Her love and care for them is infectious, and I knew I wanted them to be a part of this special day,” Josh says.

And thanks to Lauren’s Pinterest board, Josh had a pretty good idea of the kind of ring Lauren wanted. The plan was Christmas morning, with Lauren’s mom’s help, Josh would decorate the den in her house with her favorite roses and sunflowers, and he would be there with a single red rose. She would come downstairs Christmas morning by her mom’s prompting, round the corner to the living room, and there Josh would be on his knee with a rose in his hand.

“It happened flawlessly, she was totally surprised and had absolutely no idea. I dropped to one knee as Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” played, posed the question and boom! We were engaged! And she LOVED it! It was such a special day.

I think about it all the time,” Josh says.

After their proposal, Lauren graduated and moved back to Greenville to begin her full-time position in December 2022 and spent the following six months preparing for the wedding.

Lauren loved planning her wedding and her favorite part was the wedding cake her mother would be making from scratch. They had lots of fun tasting various wedding cake flavors. “It was such a fun experience to be a part of the process and see her finished product on our wedding day. It was very special,” Lauren says.

On May 6, 2023, they tied the knot at the Merrimon Estate in Beaufort, N.C. Lauren’s aunt Sheri ofÏciated the wedding under a wooden arbor overlooking the water. For Lauren, one of the best parts was their first dance. “While we didn’t choreograph it, we decided the night before there were a couple of turns and lifts we wanted to include, but only had maybe an hour of practice. But we totally nailed it, and we were both so excited,” Lauren says.

We’re just taking it one day at a time until we know more about where that journey will take us.

Her Magazine — February 2024

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Lauren & Josh Hocum’s Special Day OFFICIANT: Sheri Lawrence (Lauren’s aunt) CATERER: Class Act Catering

Josh’s favorite moment of the wedding was the moment he saw Lauren. “Gosh, she was so stunning. When I turned around, I felt so warm and at peace. Also, that kiss that sealed it all was pretty sweet,” Josh says. After their wedding, they jetted off to the Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia for their honeymoon.

They are enjoying being husband and wife. For Lauren the best part of being married is having a true partner to share life with.

For Josh, it is the comfort of having his best friend to come home to every night. If they had to describe their marriage in three words, Lauren’s words are “honest, joyful, and intentional” and Josh’s three words are “committed, fun, and intentional.”

BARTENDER: Sassy Spirits PHOTOGRAPHER: Cullen Griffin BOUQUET AND BOUTONNIERES: The Flower Spot, Washington, N.C. Other floral items were ordered from Global Rose and Fifty Flowers and arranged by friends and family.

ENTERTAINMENT: Special Occasion Band WEDDING DIRECTOR: Christina Ruotolo-Franey

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Her Magazine — February 2024

So what does the next five years look like for the newlyweds? “Both of our plans are up in the air, but Lauren is hoping to finish up medical school in Greenville in five years. We’re just taking it one day at a time until we know more about where that journey will take us,” Josh says. No matter where life takes them, whether there are more cannonballs in the pool, and adventures around the corner, Josh and Lauren Hocum are ready for whatever exciting adventures come their way.

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Her Magazine — February 2024

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HEALTH

Feel the Glow Inside and Out

BY ROBIN TANT, MPA, RD, LDN

A wedding is one of the most special days of your life. With all the hours of planning, taking care of yourself can sometimes become a challenge. By focusing on health, you can get a jump start on your new journey. Nutrition and hydration are vitally important during this time. Eating a well-balanced meal plan of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains will give you the energy to carry out your days—with a smile. Here are some tips to get you started.

DID YOU KNOW THAT: • Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system, thus helping to ward off colds and other sicknesses. In addition, they help keep your skin healthy and glowing. Examples of these super foods include berries, oranges, mangoes, bell peppers, carrots and spinach. Remember the more color, the more nutrition. Aim to get at least five portions daily.

• Lean proteins help repair and build tissue, including hair, nails, muscle, and bone. Try leaner meats such as chicken, turkey and fish. Other lean sources can be found in nut butters and nuts. Try adding almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds to salads, entrees or cereal. Other great protein choices can be found in beans and dairy products.

• Go for the Whole Grain. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber that will keep you energized for the days leading up to your wedding. Examples include quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal,

popcorn, whole-grain breakfast cereals and whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers.

• And don’t forget about hydration! Make it a goal to get in at least 64 ounces per day (eight cups). The benefits are numerous.

Drinking enough fluids can help prevent dehydration, which can cause fatigue. It also helps remove toxins and other waste products from your body. You can get plenty of hydration by drinking water.

Don’t like plain water? Try adding fresh fruit such as oranges, lemons, or your favorite fruit or vegetable for extra flavor. You can also get extra hydration by eating fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, iceberg lettuce and celery.

Get ready to enjoy your special day by taking care of you.

Nutrition and hydration can make a difference in how you feel inside and out. Wishing you a happy wedding day!

Sources: www.webmd.com/diet/how-much-water-to-drink www.eatright.org Robin Tant is a Registered Dietitian and has worked in eastern NC for 25 years. She attended ECU and still considers herself a Pirate. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat rescue and days at the beach.

Refreshing Mango Smoothie INGREDIENTS: 1 ripe mango or 1 cup frozen 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

A GREAT SOURCE OF VITAMIN A AND C, PROTEIN, AND HYDRATION!

NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING Calories 117 | Protein 4 grams CHO 26 grams | Fat 0.75 grams Fiber 3 grams

Instructions: 1. Remove the skin of the mango with a food peeler. Cut the mango into medium chunks.

Reserve about one teaspoon of mango to use later for garnish on the smoothie (dice the reserved mango into small pieces). You can also skip this step and use frozen mango.

2. Place the mango, Greek yogurt and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in the blender. Blend for 2-3 minutes on high or until the mixture is creamy. Use a spoon to scrape the edges of the blender if any mango gets stuck on the sides. Pour into a cup, top with the extra mango and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.

TIPS: • If you use fresh mango and want a little more texture, you can add ice in the blender.

• You can also use plain or vanilla yogurt or ½ cup almond milk.

• You can use any favorite fruit with this recipe.

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Her Magazine — February 2024

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Her Magazine — February 2024

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23 Years To Say I Do HER MAGAZINE EDITOR F I N A L LY T I E S T H E K N O T

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO-FRANEY WEDDING PHOTOS BY TARA ANN PHOTOGRAPHY For the last 25 years, I have planned and directed weddings and other special events, and in 2008, I added minister of marriage to my list of duties. So it’s safe to say in the last two decades, I have planned hundreds of weddings and probably ofÏciated over 60 bridal ceremonies in my long career in the wedding industry. It has been an amazing adventure and I have been blessed to be part of so many couples’ special moments.

And in the last 23 of those years, I have remained in a committed relationship with my boyfriend, Craig. I never really had the urge to marry and I couldn’t tell you exactly what all the reasons were. Maybe it was because I have already planned hundreds of weddings. I was also a bit reluctant to get married because my parents died and I really wanted them to be there. I couldn’t imagine having a wedding without dad walking me down an aisle or mom helping me get into my dress.

As a wedding planner, I get to live vicariously through each of my brides and experience weddings in every season, every month, with every theme imaginable from rustic to country to classy, in every color scheme from the smallest wedding of seven to my largest wedding of 800 people.

I still cry when I see a bride dance with her dad, and every time I direct a wedding watching the ceremony from the back of the aisle, I always glance at the parents of the bride and groom and feel the profoundness and depth of the love they must have for their children. I even love the repetitive list of songs every wedding has from the “Cupid ShufÒe,” “Wobble” and “Y.M.C.A,” to “We Are Family.” Throwing the bouquet, jumping over the broom, bridal henna parties, cake cuttings, toasts, tears and the pomp and circumstance of weddings is magical. And sometimes it even ends with a fireworks display. When the event is over, the DJ is packing up, the lights come on and the energy of a wedding day fades into midnight, my heart is full of hope, love and the wonder of it all.

So having said all of that mushy stuff, it would seem I would have jumped into marriage with Craig the minute we met, as I fell in love with him quickly. But, I wanted to expand my career, continue in school for more degrees, write books and travel. Marriage was always a “maybe next year”. At the beginning of June 2023, Craig and I were talking about how blessed we were to share so many wonderful memories together. Next thing I know, he said “we should get married.” And, I said YES! He was shocked, as he had been asking me for years and I always said “one day when we can afford it”.

We decided to get married five days later and we decided to not tell anyone other than our bridal party. The planning was quick, but since I was a pro at wedding planning, the parts just fell into place. It was a magical whirlwind of a week. I found an inexpensive dress at Belk, a ring for Craig and an ofÏciant. My friends, Jess and Lora, helped me buy a pair of Cinderella heels and a sash for my dress. We invited Craig’s dad, Tim, my best friend, Kiki, and Craig’s best friend, Rich, to be our wedding party. Our friend, Mary, donated her condo for us to use for three nights. A local baker donated a dozen hand-decorated cookies, and my florist, Zack, made me a gorgeous bouquet with peonies.

We decided to have our ceremony on Craig’s 47th birthday on June 15, 2023. We selected one of our favorite hiking spots, Fort Macon State Park, located in Atlantic Beach. The ofÏciant surprised us by showing up with a professional photographer who took photos and videos during the ceremony. We selected a patch of green grass overlooking the dunes, beach and fort. The sun was shining and the weather was gorgeous. We took some of my mom’s ashes and spread them nearby so she could be there with us.

After the ceremony, we ate a delicious seafood meal at the Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant. I loved how low-key and intimate our wedding was. I wasn’t nervous and I finally felt like a puzzle piece that had been missing from my life just snapped into place. After our meal, we changed into bathing suits and went to the beach. We spent two additional days at the beach for our honeymoon enjoying delicious meals, walks on the beach, sunrises and sunsets, go carts and shopping. Our wedding was beautiful and I know my parents

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Her Magazine — February 2024

were there watching over us. When we came back to town, we put out a video post introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. Franey. Our friends went nuts and thought we were joking. I now understand how a bride feels on her wedding day. I felt that excitement and joy; I am happy to be called a wife.

My parents were married 42 years before they died and were beautiful examples of how fulfilling a marriage can be.

Craig and I have built an amazing life for 23 years.

We have had passion, pain, grief, health issues, deaths, bad years, blessed years, poor years and rich years. We’ve raised and buried a dog and a cat, lost five babies through miscarriage, and dealt with Craig’s cancer. He has been in remission for four years now. We faced our demons head on and carved out a future growing together in love.

We dealt with the loss of both of my parents three months apart, the death of Craig’s grandparents 30 days apart, the loss of my grandmother and so many other losses. But we also gained so much more. Love allows you to face any obstacle with less fear. It hasn’t always been easy, but we have never walked away because our love was too deep, and we know in our hearts it’s a once-in-a-lifetime love, no matter how cliché that sounds. We are not perfect people. We have our faults, but we love each other for the good and bad. We are excited to share more years growing in love, finally as husband and wife.

HOW LONG WERE YOU TOGETHER BEFORE YOU GOT ENGAGED? We were together 23 years before we finally got engaged.

DATE OF WEDDING CEREMONY: June 15, 2023

LOCATION: Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, N.C.

FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY? When Craig recited his personal vows to me, he surprised me by including a scene from our favorite movie, The Notebook. He said “So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, everyday.” The sun was shining, you could hear the waves behind us. It was so perfect.

Another favorite part I will always cherish is how Craig cut out a heartshaped piece from my mother’s wedding dress and we pinned it inside my dress. After the ceremony, we also spread some of mom’s ashes at our wedding site. It was such a beautiful tribute.

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Her Magazine — February 2024

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OFFICIANT: Amanda Clevener crystalcoastofficiant.com CATERER/FOOD: a nice, intimate dinner at Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant, Morehead City, N.C. HAND-DECORATED COOKIES: Shortstuff’s Kitchen, Greenville, N.C. BOUQUET: A Fling of Flair Florist, Greenville, N.C. PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER: Tara Ann Photography taraannphotography.com ENTERTAINMENT: a day at the beach with our friends, Rich and Kiki, the waves, laughter and our love made the day perfect!

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Her Magazine — February 2024

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MEET THE NEWLYWEDS

Lori Stancill and Marshall Aycock HOW LONG DID YOU DATE BEFORE YOU GOT ENGAGED? We dated eight years before we got engaged.

DATE OF WEDDING CEREMONY:: March 25, 2023, 5 p.m.

LOCATION: Brook Valley Country Club, Greenville, N.C. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY? My favorite part of our day was having our adult sons and grandchildren serve as our wedding party. My sons walked me down the aisle.

Marshall's son was the Best Man and my granddaughter was our flower girl. And our two oldest grandsons were ring bearers. After the wedding, we went to the Galapagos Islands and rainforest on our honeymoon. It was wonderful.

PASTOR: Dr. Patricia Hinson (my former physician) FOOD: Catered by Brook Valley Country Club CAKE: Samantha Raspberry (a childhood friend of my son and daughter in-laws) FLOWERS: Susie Bowen (former owner of Susie's flowers in Winterville and family friend) PHOTOGRAPHER: Grimes Photography WEDDING DIRECTOR: Michelle Perkins... one of my oldest and dearest friends ENTERTAINMENT/DJ: Impultz Entertainment

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Her Magazine — February 2024

HOW LONG WERE YOU TOGETHER BEFORE YOU GOT ENGAGED? 3 years DATE OF WEDDING CEREMONY: September 2, 2023, 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, Pittsboro, N.C. FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY? We worked very hard for over a year and a half on a very DIY wedding. Our wedding was held outdoors at a festival ground, so a lot of wedding details that are easy at other venues were difficult at this one; for example… cooking with little supplies/electricity and having to bring in basically everything (chairs/tents/tables/supplies/decorations). Watching everything come to life with the help of some of my best friends was overwhelmingly special and beautiful. The entire day was full of love, from the set-up to the final moments of the reception. Also, seeing all of our friends and family come together to not only celebrate our love, but to embrace and connect with each other, was really fun. We have some friends who met at our wedding who are now dating, and that brings us so much joy.

OFFICIANT/PASTOR: Stephen Klingman CATERER/FOOD: Jordan Gann from Greensboro, N.C. FLORIST: Heather Blythe, HB Blooms from Kill Devil Hills, N.C. PHOTOGRAPHER: Zachary Ryan, La Flecha Film Company BARTENDER: Pierson Moses, NoDa Brewing Company

MEET THE NEWLYWEDS

Mackenzie and Anna Park

WEDDING DIRECTOR: Stephanie Milosh, Beauty & The Budget Events DECORATIONS/DECOR: Mackenzie and Anna Park and all of our friends & family ENTERTAINMENT: Music by Psylo Joe (band), Rebekah Todd (band), JULIA (band), silent disco by Tymellord (dj)

Her Magazine — February 2024

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ADVICE

Wisdom PEARLS OF

BY COACH CHRIS arriage is a beautiful thing. I personally believe that marriage is designed and defined by God. Unfortunately, in today’s world, in many ways, the institution of marriage does not reflect the picture of long-lasting happiness. I am saddened by this because I personally see the value of marriage and the strength of marriages that under-girds a healthy society. I want to share some wisdom with you that has helped me as a wife. I believe for those of you who are about to get married and for those of you who are already married, these pearls of wisdom can strengthen your relationship with your husband. Let’s open the jewelry box, shall we?

M

PEARL OF WISDOM #1: BE HIS SOFT SPOT. If you think about it, men learn that women are their “soft spots” very early in life. From the time a baby boy is born, he is nurtured most often by his mother. If she is able to breastfeed him, he is drawn close to her and comforted by her voice, her touch, and is secure in his world as she wraps her arms around him to hold him. As the boy grows into manhood, his mother is there providing comfort, cheering, and the communication of “you did a good job baby!” When it’s time for a man to choose a wife, he most often will look for a woman that reminds him of the “soft spot” he had in his mother. In your marriage, I would encourage you to create the space for him to be able to relax and release the harshness from the world. The world as we know it, can be such a cruel place, especially for husbands. I want to encourage you to make it your personal priority to create the “softness” that your husband needs through your tone and your touch. It will make a huge difference in your marriage.

is critical for us to prioritize our relationships with our husbands because if not, it is so easy to get swept away in all the other roles that we play. When he is talking to you, intentionally stop what you are doing, look him in the eyes and focus on what he is saying. This is important because for a husband, there is an innate need to feel important in the eyes of the wife. This one simple pearl of wisdom will boost his esteem and make him feel as though he is valued. Isn’t that what we all want?

PEARL OF WISDOM #3: BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR COMPLIMENTS. One of the greatest things I have learned as a wife is this: every man wants to know when he is winning. It is vital for a wife to give her husband compliments and let him know when he is doing a good job. I have learned that you will get more of what you compliment than what you complain about. Praise is something that we, as wives, can do intentionally and it will pour the fuel of goodness into our marriages. Be intentional to compliment his hard work, his efforts, and his drive as it relates to the relationship that the two of you share.

These pearls may not be the kind that you can hang around your neck to accessorize your outfit, but if worn correctly, these pearls can accentuate the happiness in your marriage for a lifetime. I pray for peace, prosperity, and unhindered love in your marriage as you wear these pearls of wisdom proudly. Until next time, I am Coach Chris, your personal life coach and friend and I bid you God-speed in your marriage.

PEARL OF WISDOM #2: BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR ATTENTION. We all want to be seen, heard, and valued. It is imperative for us—as wives—to give our husbands our “undivided attention.” It

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FOR WIVES

Her Magazine — February 2024

Christy Jones, also know as Coach Chris is an improvement coach for leaders. She helps them break free from feeling overwhelmed and prepares them to take their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at www.beginmonday.com

Eastern North Carolina Real Estate Service Directory Here’s to new beginnings!

Your Full-Service

Local Realtor

I can help!

Sharon Alexander d , REALTOR REALT

Representing buyers, sellers and investors with experience & integrity.

Best of Greenville-Best Re ltor 2021 HOME AT LAST 3 words that exemplify feelings of peace, pleasure and relaxation at the conclusion of a journey. It’s the place you want to be. Whether you’re a property owner or a property seeker, we find real solutions for your real estate needs.

Office: 252.371.1710 ~ Sharon@HomeAtLastNC.com 3011 S Memorial Drive #4, Greenville, NC 27834

REALTOR® GRI, SRES

“Waterfront and Luxury Home Marketing”

mobile: (252) 945-3030 office: (252) 975-8010 gailkenefick@seacoastrealty.com Each Coldwell Banker Office is Independently Owned and Operated

norianamaz@seacoastrealty.com

Her Magazine — February 2024

17

MEET THE NEWLYWEDS 18

Chris and Ashley Vershay West HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER BEFORE YOU GOT ENGAGED? 2 years DATE OF WEDDING CEREMONY: September 16, 2023, 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Ayden Golf and Country Club, Ayden, N.C. FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY? Uniting our love forever OFFICIANT & WEDDING DIRECTOR: Christina Ruotolo-Franey MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT: Jhay Heart DJ PHOTOGRAPHER: Anne Marie's Photography CATERER/FOOD: Mustard Seed Company, Melissa Gay (Charcuterie table) CAKE/DESSERTS: Confection Connection, Greenville, N.C.

Her Magazine — February 2024

DATE OF WEDDING CEREMONY: October 8, 2023 LOCATION: Bath, N.C. FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY? We loved having our entire family and friends together in one place.

OFFICIANT: Christina Ruotolo-Franey CATERER/FOOD: Our friends made the delicious food CAKE/DESSERTS: My daughter, Rachel Autenreith FLOWERS: Cotton Sails Design & Events PHOTOGRAPHER: Susie Abbott Photography JEWELRY: I own Michelle Elaine Designs, so of course I used some of my own handmade jewelry

MEET THE NEWLYWEDS

Jack and Michelle Roper Cochran

$

1 ff a ok f O E on ! ** e i

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2120 E Fire Tower Rd #107, Greenville, NC 27858 · Phone (252)689-6920 · Fax (252) 689-6915 2 E Fire Tower Rd #107, Greenville, NC 27858 · Phone (252)689-6920 · Fax (252) 689-6915 2120

In Bloom Boudoir is Eastern North Carolina’s premier boudoir photography studio created for women, by women. Ask us about our bridal boudoir offerings!

Greenville, NC (252) 714-4569 @in_bloom_boudoir • www.inbloomboudoir.com

Her Magazine — February 2024

19

WTrends edding for 2024

Here are some fun and unique wedding trends you may want to add to your next wedding and reception

Audio Guest Books Instead of asking guests to sign their name in a wedding guestbook, ask them to record their well wishes on a vintage phone. These fun, retro accessories double as recording devices and a cherished wedding keepsake. While a handwritten note is always nice, there's nothing quite like hearing a family member's voice as they share marital wisdom or messages from your bridal party and guests to cherish for a lifetime.

Photo credit - Ryan Greenleaf Photography (Design: Tiana Crispino)

Giddy-Up Coffee House

Ice Sculptures

Good Coffee, Good Friends And Gaining Ground In Whatever You Are Striving To Accomplish!

We know what you're thinking—this is not the ice sculpture from a 1990s wedding. Not to be confused with an ice luge, this icy bridal decor is more personalized. Large blocks of ice are carved by ice sculptors in various shapes and sizes to match your wedding theme. Create a heart-shaped centerpiece for your food table, a flower vase, or even a full cocktail bar made from carved ice.

Photo credit - Ice Occasions of Raleigh, N.C. 919-662-1374 ~ www.iceoccasionsofnc.com Don't Forget To Get Your Furbaby A Treat Too!

Come Visit One Of Our Two Locations In Eastern North Carolina!

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For more information on our menu and flavor of the month, visit our Facebook page or Instagram Page @giddyupcoffehouse.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR

cake topper Out with the old, in with the new. Bridal couples are now throwing out the traditional plastic cake topper for a more unique and fun topper to match their wedding theme, describe how they met or even a nod to their hobbies or careers. You can even have a custom Funko POP created in your likeness.

Photo credit - Anthony Rodriquez (Los Angeles Daily News)

Live Painting DURING THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Do you want to make your wedding the talk of the town?

Hire a live artist to paint during your ceremony and reception. NC Live Wedding painter, Kaitlin Funkhouser, can paint your special day in watercolors to acrylics, capturing your greatest moments from first kiss to last dance. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate your special day and a memory you can share for years to come.

Photo credit - kaitlinfunkhouser.com www.kaitlinfunkhouser.com

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a1affordablehearingnc.com Her Magazine — February 2024

eflector

4551 County Home Rd. greenville ACROSS FROM THE FARMER’S MARKET

21

Lauren

MEET THEM

HILL HOCUM

AGE: 23 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Greenville, N.C. CURRENT JOB: Medical Assistant at Down East Diabeteology SIGNATURE SCENT: Tease, Victoria Secret FAVORITE PLACE TO GO FOR DATE NIGHT: Cafe Duo FAVORITE MOVIE: Timeline FAVORITE ACTIVITY OR HOBBY: My favorite hobby is either swimming, running, or reading.

FAVORITE MEMORY WITH JOSH: I think my favorite memory with Josh was sailing around St. Lucia with him! He was so excited to learn to sail and it was such an amazing and unique experience.

Josh HOCUM

AGE: 26 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Greenville, N.C. CURRENT JOB: Assistant Director of Operations/Marketing, Aquaventure HOBBIES: Video editing, biking, cruising HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Casual or smart casual most of the time. I don’t skip and opportunity to go fancy though.

FAVORITE PLACE TO GO FOR DATE NIGHT: Cafe Duo DESCRIBE A PERFECT DAY OFF: A relaxed morning with coffee and breakfast, walk or bike ride, afternoon nap, and a nice dinner and movie.

FAVORITE MOVIE: It changes by the season. 6 Underground is a good one right now.

FAVORITE MEMORY WITH LAUREN: Cliff Jumping in the Dominican Republic or learning to surf side by side in Hawaii. Both were unforgettable!

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Www.carolinafarmhousefurniture.com 686 E. Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC Located in Arlington Village

3701 Charles Blvd.• Suite 108 • Greeenville, NC (252) 253-2881

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Her Magazine — February 2024

M AT H

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Her Magazine — February 2024

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When all eyes are on the bride, you can feel confident knowing that Beauty Bar Medispa’s comprehensive bridal beauty consultations will have you looking and feeling your best on your big day!

BeautyBarMedispa.com • (252) 752-1406 • 1021 Red Banks Road • Greenville

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Her Magazine — February 2024