LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
he year is 1973. My parents – fueled by romance love story, shared interests, preferred clothing comforts, dietary and plans for a cross-country trip – exchange restrictions and cultural backgrounds continue to be prominent. wedding vows at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Big-impact items such as custom signage, specialty rentals and Gastonia, North Carolina. Dad’s amateur photographer bonus entertainment – formerly considered splurges – are now the brother poses the handful of family witnesses for portraits norm (it’s easy to see how the per person price point has grown before they celebrate with wine and nosh at a casual house party. even as guest count averages have shrunk). Self-written vows are a These few faded snaps are the only evidence our family has of my given. And the “Style Me Pretty” era of uniform pastel palettes has mother’s whimsical daisy crown. happily passed on. We’re not hating Fast forward 50 years, and on neturals – our sophisticated things look a little different – or black-and-white styled feature at do they? Yes, my mother – the The Carolina Inn on page 102 then future founder of North walks the line of timeless and Carolina’s first, and now longestultra-modern. Still, we’re over the running, wedding magazine – had moon that vibrant color palettes a simple wedding, especially by have popped up in every color of the today’s standards. But, in the year rainbow (see our styled wedding at of my parents’ golden anniversary The Durham Hotel on page 88). (read my mama’s marriage tips on Rules are out the window across page 56), a distinct nod to the past the board, evidenced from the way has surged in weddings, both in couples mix up wedding party attire attitude and in styling. to who walks them down the aisle. It’s no surprise that in this The common thread is increasingly restless post-pandemic a re-centering on the eternal world, quick turnaround weddings purpose of the occasion: a are at an all-time high. Many couples celebration of a couple’s unique don’t want to wait 18-24 months for a relationship and their personal wedding venue; they want to seize the commitment to each other. As it moment! The expeditious engagement turns out, my parents’ unpretentious phenomenon is true regardless of nuptials remain a timeless classic guest count – and, fortunately, the (although I do wish they’d had a wedding pros have adapted. (We still professional photographer). recommend managing expectations So, congratulations to all the if you want a speedy engagement, but lovebirds who are planning a it helps that several top-notch North wedding this year! As always, Carolina venues have opened in the Heart of NC Weddings’ mission is to past couple years – see our “What’s connect you with talented vendors New With Venues” roundup starting who can design and deliver a Photo by Richard Barlow Photography on page 70 for the latest.) wedding that articulates your story. Our “AI generation,” despite the inundation of new We hope the resources we’ve assembled in this book help make technologies, is embracing simpler times when it comes to style planning easy, because you deserve to savor your engagement. trends … the Gen Z cool wedding roster includes candid flash Whether you’re hosting an intimate party with a handful of your photography, uber classic traditions such as the piped-icing cake closest kin or a massive bash for hundreds, we remain honored to smash and bouquet toss, audio guest books, disposable cameras, be your local guide. cathedral veils, retro fashion accessories and getaway gowns. Without the added TikTok content, you might think weddings Warmest wishes, have stepped back in time a few decades. We leaned into this nostalgic trend in this issue’s fashion editorial (page 136). Luxury weddings are boldly back, but the term is redefined. We’re seeing weddings continue to evolve and elevate even as past @JennaLovesLocal jenna@heartofncweddings.com traditions return. Personal touches that showcase the betrothed’s
JENNA PARKS
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