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I am thrilled to present you with our 2023 weddings edition of Pensacola Magazine. This year’s issue is jam-packed with useful tips and inspiration for your special day. Whether you are just starting your wedding planning journey or are in the process of planning out the final details for your big day, we have included a little something for everyone.

How is it August already?

How is it still 2020? These two questions may seem contradictory, but I can assure you I am feeling them both equally— and I don’t think I am alone.

Congratulations. If you’re reading this first 2021 issue of Pensacola Magazine, it means you have survived 2020, which is no small feat considering the barrage of pain, anxiety, divisiveness, uncertainty, loss and loneliness that 2020 brought to bear on the entire planet. Many have lost their lives, their loved ones, their jobs—one after another, the hits just kept coming. And here we are—on the other side, at least in terms of the Gregorian calendar. What will change in 2021? A lot? A little? We have multiple vaccines that we hope will eventually reign in the coronavirus, put the country back to work and allow for some semblance of social normalcy. When we can freely visit again, how will our lives be different? What has 2020 taught us? How has it changed us? I suspect it will take time to unpack all of the physical, mental and emotional impacts of 2020, but I hope time will heal us and that we are able to grow in positive ways from our individual and collective experiences. In 2021, I’m foregoing the traditional resolutions with specific, measurable outcomes. Instead, I am hoping to turn my energy and focus to a few of the themes that 2020 brought to forefront. No expectations. No stress.

Relationships

Good morning, Pensacola! What a strange place we find ourselves in this spring. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has arrived in our community and, although we have so far been luckier than many, the fight to keep it from spreading continues. We went to print with this issue on March 30. At that time, Escambia County had 42 confirmed cases and Santa Rosa had 30. Those numbers rose quickly once testing was expanded. Too quickly. The fact is, we don’t know who might have the virus or be carrying the virus without symptoms. That is why it is essential that we, as a community, stay home as much as humanly possible--leaving only for absolute essentials. I like the idea, too, of practicing physical distancing rather than social distancing. We can remain social via many avenues in this modern world—phone calls, texts, video calls—and I encourage everyone to stay connected to their tribe. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring and we all need to feel connected to something or someone in order to get through this.

Losing my mom early in 2020 really brought home the idea that time is a limited resource. We have this moment and the future is always uncertain. In 2021, I hope to give more attention to my relationships with family, friends and community.

Each year, we run a cover contest offering the cover to a local bride and groom featuring a photo from their big day. As you may have noticed, this year’s cover winners are nothing short of stunning. Congratulations to Keyosha and Jonathan Stallworth and their wonderful photographer Abi Van Meter. We love everything about this image—from the cool vibe of the bride and groom to the electric blue of the vintage Galaxie car. As gorgeous as their photo is, we think their love story is even better. Read all about them on page 13. We have also included details on our two runners up as well as a glimpse at all of this year’s amazing cover submissions.

Health

This year is just too much. All of it—the politics, the pandemic, the pundits. I’m over it. So, this month we chose to focus on a much more relaxing and playful “P” word: Pets. Who doesn’t go all gooey inside over an adorable kitten or a playful pup? Only the most heartless among us, I suspect.

Adoptions are on the rise during the pandemic and it’s easy to see why. Pets alleviate the stress, boredom and loneliness of social distancing and uncertain futures. There may be many things out of our control in 2020, but we can provide a loving home to a sweet pet and get more love than we could have imagined in return. While the Pensacola Humane Society has had great success with adoptions and fostering this year, those who love animals know that the shelters are never empty. There is always a pet in need, so if snuggling up to a sweet kitty or playing fetch with a playful pup sounds like a good way to pass some time, check out our adoptable pet profiles on page 34.

While we have always heard that good health is our most valuable asset, 2020 made sure we knew it.

We’ve got some feel-good pet stories for our readers as well. Gina Castro met with some

On the topic of physical distancing, in our COVID-19 resource guide, you will see that Pensacola neighborhoods and community groups have found several clever, unique and safe ways to stay connected and to make a difference while practicing physical distancing. I must say, I am very impressed with the outpouring of love and support I have seen amongst my fellow Pensacolians—yeah, the toilet paper hoarding was weird, but there are more than enough people giving of themselves to make up for it. Can I get a big round of applause for our

In this issue, we’ve also brought you a breakdown of different wedding dress styles. From classic silhouettes to daring trumpet skirts, you’re sure to find the perfect fit that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful on your wedding day.

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease became death sentences for too many people battling Covid. While genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d like to focus on making healthy choices while still enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.

Passion and Joy first responders and hospital workers? Thank you for putting yourselves on the front lines to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you! incredible special-needs pets and their owners and she discovered that while these precious babies may take a little more care, the love they give in return is worth every second.

I don’t know about you, but 2020 offered far too little of either of these to me. I was so consumed with my mom’s illness and then with surviving the grief of her loss and the anxiety of the pandemic and the sorrow of so many national news stories that I took little time for myself. This year, I hope to explore creative and personal endeavors that help me rediscover myself and discover new outlets for personal expression.

If exotic animals are more your thing, head on over to the brand spanking new and significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus added attractions, amenities and experiences that will make for a wonderful family day out.

Procrastination

On that note, I encourage you to read our COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides resources for food, business, community and more. The ever-changing nature of this crisis necessitates that I mention that these resources may or may not be available to you by the time you read this issue. I hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way.

We also delve into the world of tablescapes and bring in local planners to offer creative decor and table setting ideas that are sure to make for an unforgettable reception. This issue also includes a helpful guide to local wedding venues, showcasing some of the most picturesque and unique wedding venues in the area to provide you with ample inspiration for your dream wedding location. For those looking to honeymoon close to home, we have curated a list of some of the most romantic and adventurous options available in our region. And, because we know that planning a wedding can be stressful, we have consulted with a local expert to bring you some helpful tips and advice to help get your relationship in tip-top shape before your big day.

If you’re interested in conservation, check out Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region.

All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat recipes and some good news from the Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations.

You may also notice that we have some nonpandemic related stories in this issue. We made the call to include already planned articles that might still be helpful, relevant or enjoyable for our readers. We hope you find them useful.

Last but not least, our wedding directory offers a comprehensive list of the top wedding vendors and service providers in our area to help make your wedding planning journey as seamless as possible.

While many people made glorious headway on home improvement and personal projects in 2020, I did not. I did not organize anything. I did not fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. That’s an accomplishment. However, in 2021, I’d like to lighten my load and empty my house of much of the clutter and unnecessary junk that fills it. It’s time to make room for something new.

As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been published under one title or another for more than 40 years. We have no plans on changing that. We will continue to publish and to bring you all the information we can for as long as we can. Please reach out to us with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations.

We hope that this issue provides you with all of the inspiration and resources you need to plan the wedding of your dreams.

So, turn off the news, put down your phone and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re done, give your kitty a little catnip and throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.

In this issue, we’ve covered all of these topics and more to help readers shift their own focus in 2021. We hope you enjoy. Here’s to your health!

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!

Cheers!

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