Michelle Cross’s blog post was adorable. Michelle, your excitement is contagious!

Katherine says we succeeded with our cover mission… what do you think?

Love the glamour shoot that photographer Laura Ivanova arranged for her copy of V3 :)

A photo from our girl Brooke Schwab was featured in the blogger directory and she’s giving away a copy!

Lauren weighed in as one of our Southern honeymoon experts!

Camille Deann, one of our V3 sponsors, thinks no bride should be without a copy of SW. We agree!

The ladies at Simply Bloom contributed one of our lovely real weddings, Rachel and Phillip.

We LOVE Tanja Lippert’s work and were thrilled to feature a pair of her photographs in V3!

Christine Tremoulet is another one of our fabulous V3 sponsors. We love you and your images, Christine!

We were thrilled to feature work from Sarah Yates! Now, Sarah, you just have to come shoot a wedding in the South :)

Marie Labbancz was one of our cover finalists, and we loved her shoot so much we gave it an extended spread.

Y’all know I love me some Weddingbee! Thanks, Miss Brooch you’re making us blush!

Adrienne Gunde practically wrote the book on how to submit the perfect bouquet shot for Southern Weddings. We love you, Adrienne!

Rae and Wes are our huge fans, and we, likewise, are huge fans of theirs! It’s a mutual lovefest :)

Last but certainly not least, we were thrilled to feature a few photographs from Larissa Cleveland.

Thanks, y’all, so, so much!! We couldn’t have put out this issue without your support. If we missed your post on V3, leave a comment here and I’ll add it in!

Nah, we won’t apologize we’re too excited! Without further ado, a few of the lovelies who’ve given us a shout-out over the last week:

Our good buddy Jonathan Canlas made us blush.

We will forever be indebted to Brooke and the Curious + Company team for their work on the “Choose Your Own Southern Wedding” feature.

Kiley + Tim’s wedding by Paul Johnson was the last wedding we accepted for V3 and we’re so happy we did!

Jose, Jose, Jose… we can’t sing his praises highly enough.

Gina Zeidler wowed us with her Texas brunch cover concept.

And the Vue chicks cover entry was sweet as a peach. Make sure you check out Diva Productions’ video from their shoot day!

Sweet Southern gal Emily Ley was invaluable in helping us with some of the trickier graphic design elements.

Our girl Jen from Green Wedding Shoes came up with the most stunning concept for her “Southern by Design” shoot. We love you, Jen!

Her co-conspirators Carissa of JL Designs…

and photographer Stephanie Williams also had lovely things to say.

The ladies of 100 Layer Cake wowed us with their Great Gatsby concept.

We tapped one of our favorite bloggers, Kathryn of Snippet & Ink, to contribute to our Southern honeymoon story.

Kelly Hornberger was one of our fabulous sponsors, and she’s giving away a few copies on her blog!

Jill Thomas was responsible for one of the most beautiful real weddings we featured, Ali + Matt.

Bow ties and gorgeous pocket squares, oh my! The Cordial Churchman made us swoon with thier dapper creations featured in V3.

Lauren, from Every Last Detail, gave us her Southern insight on page 10!

Kirstie lent us a few photographs for the groom’s gallery and blogger directory.

We were THRILLED to have the chance to feature an A Bryan Photo wedding…

…and the work of SW fave Calder Clark.

Kate Headley was the talent behind another one of our real weddings (and perhaps my personal favorite!).

Yet another real wedding was shot by Anne Marie Photography. We loved the bold yellows!

We were thrilled to feature menus from Minted in one of our editorial spreads. They do amazing work and are so easy to collaborate with!

Lauren Larsen came through in the clutch with the perfect imagery to pair with an article that was in dire need of some beautiful photos. Thank you, Lauren!!

We couldn’t have dreamed up a better end story than Ruth & Jerry. Thanks to Donnan Photo for sending the two lovebirds our way!

Amelia Lyon was behind the camera for a stunning editorial spread!

And So Happi Together was the genius behind the details of the same spread!

To round out the all-star team from Amelia’s shoot, we were thrilled to find this post from The Loveliest Day who did event design and styling!

Last but DEFINITELY not least, Joey + Jessica were the photo geniuses behind our beautiful cover. We love you guys!!!

Thank you, again, to all of these lovely friends! If you wrote a post about the new SW on your blog, share it with us in the comments and we’ll make sure to include you in this post or a future one!

Want your own copy of V3? WIN ONE here, or take a pic with V3 and win one here, or order here OR find it on newstands all over the US (heavy in the South of course, but we’re in every state somewhere!) at select Barnes and Noble, Borders, Piggly Wiggly (YEEHAW!!), Walmart, Target, and major retailers. We’re waiting on our complete store list to come in, so if you find your copy, tweet us where you found it or leave a comment here so we can let other folks know. Thank y’all again so much for the love! 

Big congrats to the finalists and many thanks to everyone who submitted.  We cannot wait to see what you create!

Happy Monday!

Want a peek into the magazine?  Check out these amazing preview posts floating around the blogsphere and be sure to follow Southern Weddings on Twitter for all the latest!

Gorgeous post from the beautiful Kristy at Momental Designs POST

Amazing post and a bonus CONTEST from J. Malahy POST

We LOVE Christy and Blair at Junebug Weddings! POST

From the always awesome, Sarah Rhoads. POST

Two people who knock my socks off in so many ways: Our Labor of Love. POST

I love these ladies so much: Simply Bloom POST

Reading planner-extraordinaire, Kelly Mc Williams’, post made me teary-eyed.  She echoed exactly what we set out to do- make this issue real, approachable, and down to earth.  Thank you so much, Kelly! POST

We are in love with the creations from DK Designs. POST

One of my favorite photographers, Leo Patrone. POST

These two never cease to amaze me with their joy and unending talent! W. Scott Chester Photography POST

Whitebox Weddings POST

From the amazing Eliana at By Your Side Events who is launching a whole new site and blog soon!  POST

Erin Hearts Court POST

Classic Bride POST

Rockstar wedding planner, Terrica, is an inspiration to us all! Cocktails and Details POST

A RAD post from Josh Ulmer. POST

Melissa Schollaert POST

From the lovely, talented, gracious, creative, wonderful Aletha at Pearls Events POST

Olivia Leigh Weddings POST

Lemiga Events POST

(quite possibly my favorite post… I laughed so hard!) Broke Ass Bride POST

Vue Photography POST

Cherin‘s custom creations in this issue are to-die-for! Customized Wedding Creations POST

One of my absolute favorite blogs by the lovely Gia Graham, Flights of Fancy POST

Punam Bean POST

Something Blue Blog POST

Fidelio Photography POST

Gresham Photography POST

Laura Hooper Calligraphy POST

Blue Moon Events POST

The Raleighwood Blog POST

Vallentyne Photography POST

Melissa McClure POST

Meg Perotti POST

I heart Bonnie Tsang. POST

Ya know who’s awesome? Ashley and Jeremy Parsons! POST

Sweet Iced Tea POST

Planning diva, Latrice Cushenberry, is one of our favorite people in the world! POST

My dear friends and SW supporters from day one- literally! Rae and Wes Leytham POST

Two awesome posts from my new friends at Kim Box Photography.  POST 1 and POST 2

I am currently madly in love with the Linnea’s Lights “Winter” candle that’s burning on my desk. POST

If you blogged about us and you don’t see your link here, leave a comment here with the link and let us know!  We’ll be sure to add it.  Thank y’all so much for the amazing support and for encouraging us like you do.  We are so grateful! Happy Friday!

P.S. A little weekend fun for you… don’t forget to enter the MEGA PHOTO CONTEST and tell us what makes you happiest.

P.P.S. Snap up your copy right here!

In going through all of these submissions and incredibly sweet notes, I had to stop in the rush of all of this and give thanks.  I am so overwhelmingly grateful to have a job where people share their art with me.  Many of you confessed being nervous and that this was your first submission.  Many told me personal stories and made me laugh.  There were some mind-blowing submissions from people I had never heard of mixed in with some … uh… scary ones.  (By the way, after hours of scouring through submissions, I started posting #submission tips on my business twitter account:  WeddingRep.)  Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your work with me.  Even if I don’t pick an image of yours for this issue, just know that you’re on my radar.  I added a slew of new blogs to Google Reader and met some wedding professionals I can’t wait to follow.  I’ll be sending acceptance emails out late next week after I get back from Engage09 :: Encore. 

I wish I could personally hug everyone who sent images in.  As a thank you to those who submitted work to me in the last few days, I’m giving you a significant discount on print and online ads. (sorry, if I post the discount here, I’m afraid people will try to send me more submissions!  I’ve got my work cut out for me already! 68 more emails to go through…).  Email Katharine ASAP (discount ends in 48 hours) for the rates and available slots, which aren’t many at this point.

Last but certainly not least, I have a few VIP thank you’s…

Emily, Katharine, Whitney, Sydney, and Alyssa…  It’s a big couple weeks for us and you’re all working your tails off!  Words just don’t do justice to how much I love spending time with you ladies.  Em, I had so much fun with you in ATL.  Ladies and gents, this lady knows weddings!  She taught me more in those three days about blogs and the latest and greatest than I had learned myself in a year.  Katharine, thank you for keeping the SW engine running.  You are always raising the bar!  Thank you for your very sweet gift to me this week.  Made my week and I can’t wait to spend time with grandma busum.  Whitney, I light up when you walk into the office.  It could just be the fact that you’re my redheaded sister, but I think it’s just you.  You will rule the world one day and it will be very glamorous and gorgeous.  Thank you for always being so positive, happy and supportive.  Alyssa, we’re so glad to have you and Syd, you look good sitting at my desk girl!  Much love ladies as we launch this killer issue!  GO TEAM!

xo

Rae and Wesley Leytham, of Rae Leytham Photography, have been long-time friends of SW and we love love love them!  Their clients always rave about their experience and we can see why.  Based in Florida, they travel world-wide and make friends with everyone they meet.  Just spend 5 minutes with the Leytham’s and we know you will fall in love too!  Their style is warm, colorful, and as vibrant as the experience they give to their couples!  Be sure to check out their blog for more southern wedding goodness. 

Friends Matt and Garrett founded GB Photographers based on their mutual love for photography and for documenting the wedding days of people in love.  This duo is based in California but loves to travel for destination weddings (hint hint!).  Check out their site here and their blog here.

Next we have Christine Tremoulet, whose tagline is “a little unexpected.”  Christine is based in Houston but shoots almost exclusively destination weddings.  She’s also a whiz at boudoir photography (speaking of which, any of you ladies on the fence should check out the recently posted “shy girl’s guide” over on Weddingbee).  Check out her portfolio here, her blog here, and her tweets here.  You can also check out her business blog, Big Pink Cookie, here.

Rick Schamberger of East Hill Photo, another long-time friend and supporter of SW, describes his style as a unique blend of photojournalistic and traditional imagery, and we couldn’t agree more.  Shooting mainly in the Destin and Pensacola, Florida, areas, Rick is happy to travel, as well.  Check out his site here and blog here!  The images below were from the first shoot ever done for Southern Weddings almost two years ago- GORGEOUS!!

Next up is Kellan Studios, a husband and wife duo based in Virginia.  We are in love with the things these two do with light, as evidenced beautifully by Molly and Chris’ wedding (featured on the SW blog here).  Check out Kelly and Ryan’s site here and their hilarious tweets here.

And last, but certainly not least, we have Stacy Reeves.  Stacy is such a kind, fun soul, and we know she would do a fabulous job documenting your day in her signature “vintage modern” style (sounds like a contradiction, but is totally fitting!).  She’s based in Dallas.  Check out her site here, her blog here, and her tweets here.  Love these, Stacy!

Again, a huge, warm, SW thank you from all of us here in the office.  We know we say this a lot, but it definitely bears repeating: we couldn’t do what we do without these lovely friends, and even more than that, we really believe in their work and want to share it with you.  We hope you’ll take a moment to visit their sites and send them a little SW love!

If you want to get in on the SW sponsor love fest email Katharine for a fall edition media kit [katharine at iloveswmag dot com].  She’ll be delighted to hear from you!

P.S. Just two weeks left to reserve your November print edition ad!  They’re going fast, so hop like a bunny over to Katharine’s inbox right… now!

Missed something? 

Sponsor Love, Part I: Nancy Aidee, Nine Photography, Our Labor of Love, Dede Edwards, + W. Scott Chester

Sponsor Love, Part II: Cook Images, Agnes Lopez, Luna Photo, Brooke Schwab, + Millie Holloman

First up is Cook Images. Their tagline is “photos that will make you smile,” and that definitely holds true for the SW ladies.  Jeremy and Hara’s style is delightfully unique – we love that they’re able to strike an edgier vibe without taking themselves (or their subjects!)  too seriously.  Visit their site here, follow them on Twitter here, and check out the fabulous bowties in one of their recent weddings here!

Next up is another Florida photographer, Agnes Lopez.  This multitalented lady does details as well as she does portraits, all in a beautifully crisp and classic style.  As evidenced by Lauren and Jeff’s wedding (featured on the SW blog here!) she also does amazing things with light.  Check out her site here, her blog here, her commercial studio, Pose Well, here, and her tweets right here!

What can we say about Luna Photo.  Seriously.  Paula and Mike are based in San Diego but love to travel (especially to the South… hint hint!).  We love the raw emotion they’re able to capture, as well as their rocking engagement sessions.  And like Agnes, this pair uses light to their advantage; so many of their photos have a lovely warm quality because of it.  Check out their site full of photojournalistic, fine art goodness here, their blog here, and their tweets here.  And if you’re ever in San Diego, you must check out their gorgeous new office!

If I had to describe Brooke Schwab’s style in three words, I would go with modern, romantic, and emotional.  I’m not sure whether she would agree with me, but I just love that she is equally talented at capturing iconic images like a bride slipping into her dress and fun, new-feeling portraits like the one at bottom right.  Brooke is based in Houston but willing to travel the world.  Check out her site here, her blog here, and her tweets here.  (You can also take a gander at one of my all-time favorite maid apparel options, on Brooke’s blog here.)

And last, but most certainly not least, we have Millie Holloman.  Oh, Millie. Really all there is to say about Millie is that she is amazing, and that any couple would be lucky to have her by their side on their wedding day. Just to give you an idea of the consistent quality of her work, I didn’t even get through the first post on her blog before I had found eight photos I wanted to feature today.  Another thing we love about Millie is that she works closely with a team of photographers, any of whom might be a perfect fit for a couple who is a fan of Millie’s style.  Check out her site here, her blog here, and her tweets here.

Again, a huge, warm, SW thank you from all of us here in the office.  We couldn’t do what we do without these lovely friends, and even more than that, we really believe in their work and want to share it with you.  We hope you’ll take a moment to visit their sites and send them a little SW love!

Check back on the blog later this week for another installment of our Sponsor Love series!  In the meantime, if you want to get in on the SW sponsor love fest email Katharine for a fall edition media kit [katharine at iloveswmag dot com].  She’ll be delighted to hear from you!

P.S. Just two weeks left to reserve your November print edition ad!  They’re going fast, so hop like a bunny over to Katharine’s inbox right… now!

Missed something? 

Sponsor Love, Part I: Nancy Aidee, Nine Photography, Our Labor of Love, Dede Edwards, + W. Scott Chester

I’m thrilled to launch my new site and business blog today! The wedding market is a big mystery and navigating through branding, marketing, submissions, business strategy and perfecting the client experience can be a huge frustration for so many. My goal with Lara Casey Reps is to take businesses to their fullest potential so artists can focus on their art and wedding pros can focus on the client experience. I’m taking the guesswork out of business and helping wedding professionals get clear, focused, and put their energy where it matters most.

I have been so fortunate to work with some incredible artists over the last months. My clients blow my mind on a daily basis with their commitment to their work and their brides. Jory Cordy, Jeff Holt, Kyle Barnes and newcomer to the wedding world, celeb photographer, Jeremy Cowart, have filled my days with excitement and inspiration. I look forward to sharing more about them and how their businesses evolve on LaraCasey.com. The blog will be filled with a lot of surprises– not only biz advice, but personal adventures, insight from my team here and top advice from the best of the best in the wedding industry. I also have a new twitter account specifically for Lara Casey Reps news and advice: WeddingRep.

I have to thank Ross and the team at Flosites for being so patient with me during the creation of my sites. They are really one of a kind and a joy to work with! And thanks to Kyle Barnes for recommending Ross to me and to Kyle, Jeff and Nick Onken for helping me through the initial design/branding stages. Most of all though, thanks to all of my friends and encouragers who have waited patiently for my new sites since I first mentioned the concept on Twitter many months ago. Your belief in the integrity of the wedding world is why I do this!

Making the leap,

I’m launching my new business blog and a new company in about 24 hours.  Stay posted for the big reveal. Here’s an exclusive sneak peek of on of the many headers for the blog. The new company site you’ll just have to wait for :)  ps- thanks to Jory Cordy for my Venice Beach pics and thanks to Ross and the team at Flosites for being so patient with me in getting both sites perfect.  Also, the Southern Weddings blog is getting some much needed sprucing up in the next couple weeks.  So excited!  You can follow along with the progress with me on Twitter.

Bee Kim of –Weddingbee fame– just posted her mega recap of Engage09, a luxury wedding symposium I was blessed to be a part of a couple weeks ago in Grand Cayman.  (ps- if you haven’t already, be sure to vote for Grand Cayman as the top honeymoon destination pick for the next Today Show Throws a Wedding!)  Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce outdid themselves once again!  My megapost is coming very shortly, but until then be sure to check out Bee’s amazing post with pics and all the details of this phenomenal week of priceless education, lavish parties, and new friends galore. I had the honor of speaking on Social Media with two very inspiring women…

Above left: my new friend Jeff Fowler from the beautiful Breakers Resort, me, Bee looking fabulous as always. right: outside our Social Media platform with my fellow panelists Bee and the amazing Liene Stevens of Think Splendid.  MUCH more to come!

For everyone in the Texas area looking for copies, we have confirmed that they are being sold at 80% of all Safeway (and sister stores) locations. Go out and grab yourself a copy!

If you find that you cannot get Southern Weddings at your local stores or are not located within the United States, you’re in luck. You can now purchase the magazine online and we will ship them all over the globe!

Check these two posts for the store locations we have confirmed so far:

Books a Million Locations

Barnes and Noble + Hastings Locations

We REALLY wish we had a full list of locations, but getting these lists from wholesalers is like “herding cats”!  If you find a copy, please post locations here so we can let others know. 

Note from Lara:  Here’s how this works…  we are a new magazine, so when stores see the magazine doing well, they ask for more and put it in more store locations.  This happens pretty quickly. So, if you are in an area that you know doesn’t have the magazine, leave a comment here with where you would like to see it.  This info will help us get wholesalers to push copies to those locations over the next weeks.  They are SO excited about the response so far and can’t wait to get us in more stores ASAP!  Thanks to everyone here, on Twitter, and FB and to all the new brides who have personally emailed me to tell us how much they love the issue!  We are such a small company, so all of this amazing feedback means the world to us!  THANK YOU! Lara

Enjoy a few of the ADORABLE pics we’ve received so far this week!

top row: from fabulous photographers {Scarlett Lillian}, {Millie Holloman}, and {Kate Benson};  middle row:  the team from {Favor Events} enjoying a relaxing moment with SW, Lindsay Pitt from {Toast Events};  bottom row: SW on newsstands Target in Austelle, Ga as found by {Sara D Harper}, photographer {Leslie Roark} finds her copy, Emie from {Oh Me Oh My Wedding!} bought the last two copies in Charlotte at Target!

Cover image by the amazing Jose Villa.

Read the BUZZ and take a look inside the magazine:

From Cristen at {W Scott Chester Photography} “… the sw gals have really topped the upper echelons of wedding fabulousness! … be sure to run (not walk) to your nearest book store on january 6th to pick up your copy of the magazine.”

From Jonathan at {Jonathan Canlas Photography} “Thanks to Southern Weddings for having one of the classiest publications around!”

From {Stephanie Williams Photography} “Be sure to check it out on newsstands in January, since it is sure to have tons of inspiring weddings and gorgeous details! Also, anyone looking for wedding ideas and inspiration, definitely head on over to Southern Weddings!“

From {Leo Patrone} “I love the layout of this magazine. Make sure to pick up this issue!”

From {Martha Manning} “Check out their fabulous cover. (I am loving the “Film is Alive” article, by the way!)…”

From {Casey Cunningham Photography} “Check your local retail stores for the new issue, premiering January 6th! Southern Weddings is being so highly reviewed that their publisher has already decided to distribute it nationally! GO GIRLS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!”

From {Sarah K Chen} “The SW Blog features some of the most beautiful weddings ever and showcases so many inspirational ideas for soon to be brides that I know their premier issue is going to be beyond amazing! Be sure to check it out starting January 6th!”

From {Darling Dexter} “Have you heard? Southern Weddings Magazine is launching Jan 6th and I am so honored to be a part of it! … Can’t wait to see the magazine in person :) Be sure to grab a copy next week!”

From Liene at {Blue Orchid Designs} “I was fortunate enough to receive the test issue of the magazine this past June and have also had a few sneak peeks at the new premiere issue, and I can say without hesitation that you are in for a treat! Lara, Kirstin, Laura and Rachel, office manager Abby K Pants, and the rest of the Southern Weddings team have done an incredible job of putting together a magazine that is full of eye-candy and practical information for brides and grooms everywhere.”

From Jamie at {It’s a Jaime Thing} “Even though I’m from Chicago I’m going to try this out…”I dooooo declaaare” this is going to be one breathtakingly beautiful magazine that you’ll surely enjoy! Happy flipping!”

From {Fred Egan} “Southern Weddings is about to debut their premiere issue on newsstands this week. I’m honored Lara, Kirstin and crew chose to feature Chinedu & Evana’s Atlanta wedding in their Real Weddings. One of the most extravagant weddings I photographed this year, pick up an issue to read their story and other beautiful southern weddings.”

From {Altmix Photography} “We really encourage you all to go GRAB the issue off the closest shelf! the inspiration you will find, the images you’ll digest and the advice you’ll read will completely change the way you view your wedding and the wedding industry as a whole.”

From {Our Labor of Love} “this magazine is an explosion in the wedding industry!!! we *heart* SW! thank you all at SW for making it all happen! BRIDES, SOON-TO-BE-BRIDES, FIANCES,MOMS OF BRIDES, PEOPLE WHO LIKE PRETTY PICTURES, PEOPLE WHO LIKE WELL WRITTEN ARTICLES, PEOPLE WHO LIKE GOOD DESIGN, PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SUPPORT A FABULOUS GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO MADE A GREAT MAGAZINE- go to the newstands and get a copy of this gem of a publication…go on…do it…now.”

From {Millie Holloman} “If it isn’t apparent by the rocking blog these girls have (loaded with incredible updates and such style) just how amazing they are, then this magazine will confirm that they know what’s hot! … This is the most updated wedding magazine I have seen yet and it’s FULL of great images for brides to enjoy along with fabulous ideas and fun articles. Pick up a copy for yourself when they hit the shelves on January 6th!”

From {Jeremy Harwell} “The Southern Weddings Blog in one of the most prestigious blogs on the web and their first magazine issue continues on in their excellent tradition! Lara Casey the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief and her amazing staff have done an amazing job to deliver the South’s hottest wedding magazine for the modern Southern bride. … I am honored to be a part of their wonderful magazine!”

From {Joy Marie Photography} “Lara Casey, and her wonderful team already run one of the most popular wedding Blogs in the wedding industry, and now they’ve outdone themselves with the new mag. …I’ve been following the Southern Weddings team every since they featured Emily & Tye’s wedding last summer. I’m so excited to see what 2009 has in store for all of us! For all of you brides out there, be sure to check out the Southern Weddings Daily Blog for ideas & inspiration. Congrats, ladies! The premiere issue is a total reflection of your blog…classy, elegant, and modern! “

From {Jenna Walker Photography} “This very first issue of Southern Weddings is chalk full of beautiful weddings and amazing event detail ideas from around the country. The ladies over at SW have an incredible eye for the trendiest fashions hitting the wedding scene – a treat for any bride, no doubt.”

From Maria at {Ritzy Bee} “If the talented team over at the Southern Weddings blog did not inspire readers enough already with their daily posts on gorgeous wedding inspiration…now all of us can put our hands on the premiere issue of their beautiful new magazine, Southern Weddings, which will be in stores on January 6th and will also be available over at their blog too!”

From Kathryn at {Snippet and Ink} “Southern Weddings magazine has launched (and yes, that’s Chelsea and Tec on the cover), and I’m so flattered that Snippet & Ink made it onto their list of favorite blogs! Pick it up on newsstands, or order your copy HERE starting January 6. Congratulations ladies!”

From Myra at {Twigs and Honey} “The wonderful ladies at Southern Weddings have released their first print edition! … Look for the issue on newsstands beginning January 6th. I can’t wait to receive my hardcopy. From what I can tell, theirs will be a beautiful wedding publication! Thank you Southern Weddings!”

From {Michelle Rago} “Congratulations to Southern Weddings Magazine for launching its very first print issue! We are thrilled to be included!”

From Emily at {Once Wed} “The magazine officially launches tomorrow, so be on the look out for it on newstands all over the US. Have I also mentioned how excited I am to see Tec and Chelsea on the cover…”

From Erin the {Blue-Eyed Bride} “I’ve been so excited about the launch of the Southern Weddings magazine for months now and today is the day! The Southern Weddings blog is the best wedding blog out there and features the most inspiring details and images. I get excited every morning to see what gorgeous weddings they’ll post each day. The premiere issue of their magazine hits stands today and I’ve got to go out to find my copy.”

From Andria at {Andria Lewis Events} “The hard-working ladies atSouthern Weddings Magazinehave given birth to their newest wedding baby. The premier issue of the magazine goes on thenewsstandstoday. How exciting! I am checking my mail religiously, awaiting my preview copy. Lara, Laura, Kirsten, Rachel and Leah have produced one of the juiciest, comprehensive wedding mags out there. And this publication focuses on weddings in the South, our home.“

From Kerrie at {Platinum Weddings by Kerrie} “The premiere issue of Southern Weddings Magazine hits stands today! I am so excited to get my hands on a copy- seeing as it is being brought to us by the fab femmes behind the truly inspirational and one-of-a-kind blog, the magazine will no doubt be utterly amazing. You’ll be guaranteed to find inspiring details and beautiful pictures to get your creativity going, no matter where your wedding will be. So what are you waiting for- go grab your copy now.”

SW on {Weddingbee Pro}

SW on {Weddingbee}

From cover bride, {Chelsea}

From cover groom, {Tec Petaja}

From {Kate Benson} “Southern Weddings Just published their premiere issue and it’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It’s one of those magazines that you just want to sit down by yourself with no distractions and examine every snippet in detail. It’s eye candy to say the least, even my seven year old couldn’t keep her hands off it. It’s now one of my favorite wedding magazines with lot’s and lot’s of photos from my absolute favorite wedding photographers. It caters perfectly to everyone in the wedding industry whether you’re a future bride or simply a photographer like myself. “

From Erik aka {Poser} “southern weddings premiere issue hits the stands today. the ladies over at www.swsmag.net do an amazing job of keeping up with trends and whats going on in southern wedding culture. if you havent gone by the blog, stop by and if you are in basically ANY place that stocks wedding magazines, pick yourself up a copy of this wedding goodness. oh, and the ad on the inside front cover is flippin SWEET!”

From {Joyful Weddings and Events} “I love the wonderful ladies over at Southern Weddings and their blog is a daily read. We have been honored to have our weddings featured numerous times and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy today. It is sure to be filled with gorgeous photos, fun details and lots of inspiration.”

From {First Coast Weddings} “It’s finally here – the debut issue of Southern Weddings! I picked up my copy this morning at Barnes and Noble on my way in to the office. While I have only had a chance to flip through the pages, I can tell already that it is on my “faves” list!”

From {Stacy Reeves} “I have gushed about the Southern Weddings blog several times already, as it is hands down no contest my favorite wedding related website of all time. Thus, it should be no surprise that the brand spankin’ new Southern Weddings Magazine is now my favorite wedding mag of all time! Seriously, this magazine is a photogasm of gorgeous weddings. Lara Casey and her team of talented Southern belles have collected some of the coolest wedding details I have ever seen. Normally when I go through wedding mags I rip pages out of things that I love, but I can’t do that with this magazine, because there is something on virtually every page that inspires me. If you’re engaged or hope to be soon, if you’re a wedding planner or vendor, or if you just love weddings, you need to run straight to your closest bookstore and buy one RIGHT NOW. It also makes a great gift for the new bride-to-be in your life.”

From Brenda at {Best Wedding Sites} “I’d like to send out a big congratulations to Lara and her team at Southern Weddings – today is the official launch of the premier issue of their new magazine. While I haven’t seen a printed copy – I have a feeling that it will be nothing short of spectacular. I love the photos they showcase on their daily blog and cannot wait to get a copy of the magazine for myself. I just love that there is a new publication available for brides. And, this is a publication that won’t be just for southern brides – I’m sure all brides are going to enjoy this one. I’ve seen some sneak peaks of the inside pages and WOW – so much eye candy! Anybody get their copy yet?”

From {Heather Forsythe} “I just received my gorgeous premier issue of Southern Weddings Magazine! What an amazing magazine and resource for southern brides. Southern Weddings is full of glamorous design ideas and beautiful imagery.”

From {Lucky Designs} “After many phone calls, no one in my community has the new Southern Wedding magazine. Waiting for it to arrive in the mail is going to be excruciating! I will have to read all the lovely daily posts in the meantime!”

From {Brooklyn Bride} “The new magazine Southern Weddings will be out before you know it, and I’m excited to say that Brooklyn Bride and Bklynpillow both grace its pages! I’ve had a chance to check out the magazine and its got some great stuff, so pick up your copy soon! Congrats ladies!”

From {The Bride’s Cafe} “I’ m so excited to share with you that the beautiful ladies at Southern Weddings are celebrating the release of their gorgeous magazine…Southern Weddings….make sure you pick up a copy…it’s filled with gorgeous “eye candy” to inspire you while planning your special day…and thanks ladies for including TBC on your wonderful list of favorite blogs….much success to you in 2009….YOU LADIES ROCK!!”

More links: {Kate Headley Photography}, {Chewing the Cud}, {Wedding Paper Divas}, {Studio 222}, {Martha Manning}, {Joel Flory}, {Don’t Box Us In}, {Cannelle et Vanille}, {By Your Side Events}, {Outstanding Occasions}, {Kelly Moore Photography}, {Agnes Lopez}

One of our fav posts this week:

From {Scarlett Lillian} “Back in my journalism days, I used to publish a magazine and I remember that EXHILARATING feeling of seeing it for the first time on newstands. All the hard work, all the late nights, all the attention to detail… it truly is like giving birth! So I just want to extend a big CONGRATS to Lara and the girls over at Southern Weddings, the blog where Sarah & Brian’s wedding just got featured! I finally picked up a copy of the magazine tonight at my local Publix, and jumped up and down for them when I saw it! I have to confess, because it was a new magazine, it was in the very back row on the shelf, but to help the girls out, I moved the whole stack to the front where it deserves to be and switched it with Martha Stewart’s placement ! Sorry Martha, but Southern girls rule!

You must check this magazine out! The pages of Southern Weddings are deliciously juicy in vibrant colors and details, and has the same charm and grace as Southern hospitality. It’s definitely the new “it” magazine for every bride, Southern or not!”

So honored to discover this post from the phenomenal {Rebecca Grinnals}. I won’t post it all here, so be sure to click the link.  Thank you, Rebecca!!!

From {Joy and Tyler Thigpen} “Hey hey! Look who’s on the cover of the premiere issue of the awesome new magazine, Southern Weddings! Its Chelsea and Tec with a 4 page spread to boot! Pretty fun. Be sure to look for it on news stands. There’s so much buzz about it right now I’m dying to get my hands on a copy. I think its just the magazine brides are looking for these days. Its new, fresh, and has quality content.“

From {Playing House} “My dynamo sister-in-law, Lara, has outdone herself once again. This week, she and her lovely team launched the premier issue of their magazine, Southern Weddings. If you haven’t seen the SW Blogsite, check it out immediately for unlimited wedding-related eye candy (and their 3-part feature on our wedding here, here, and here).”

From {The Treasured Petal} “Looks like Jill and Harry’s dahlia and tulip bouquets have been featured in the first ever print edition of Southern Weddings. I can’t wait to get my paws on that magazine! I read their fabulous blog everyday, and always oooo and ahhh over the amazing inspiration I find there. …please grab a copy and let the drooling begin! That cover shot is so charming.”

From {Bespoke Stationery} 

From {Regina Holder} “This week, the first issue of Southern Weddings Magazine hit the newsstand! I was so excited to see Jose Villa’s photo on the cover! The magazine is an awesome print version of their very stylish blog. Every day, Southern Weddings features a new incredible Southern style wedding. It is awesome to see a blog that appreciates photographers as much as they do. I actually have a small ad on their website and was featured on their blog in July. See the post here. I need to post more on my blog, so that they can see the awesome weddings I am shooting and feature them. Another 2009 goal! I was thrilled to have one of my images in the magazine, even if it is very tiny.”

From {Perez Photography} “We hope everyone had a great New Year. Things have been crazy hectic here with lots of new and exciting things. A new website is coming really soon! We just flew in from Jamaica last night. We have been to Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Colorado City all within the last 3 weeks. And the Studio will be opening, we hope, in the next two weeks! Lots of stuff to come on the blog! We also just found out that Southern Weddings featured Stephanie + Ulises’ wedding as wedding of the week. Really cool! It was also featured on Dallas Wedding Planner on their Something Blue Blog. Check them out! Also definitely go out and run… don’t walk to go buy the new Southern Weddings magazine . It is BEAUTIFUL!”

From {SJB Weddings and Events} “I blogged about Southern Weddings Blog last May because I simply loved the blog. It was so pretty and full of beautiful photos from real weddings. So I was excited to finally find the magazine today and I must say it is simply stunning! The ladies of SW Magazine have truly produced a beautiful magazine that is sure to inspire any bride, whether they are from the south or not. What is so impressive about this magazine is the number of actual real weddings featured. Unlike any other wedding publication currently accessible, Southern Weddings Magazine is the ultimate wedding inspiration! Today, I bought Southern Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings and Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazines. I have not been able to read the other mags yet, because I can not put Southern Weddings down! So listen brides out there, if you are in the planning stages of your wedding and you can not find it in your local bookstore, please order it from the site it is well worth it. The internet is wonderful, but it still does not compare to a great magazine that you can flip and dog ear the pages!! :)”

From {Peach and Pearl} “Have a delightful weekend, lovelies! Any readers who are anywhere near the South should plan to hightail it to the Southern Weddings magazine launch party next Sunday (the 18th). Knowing these ladies, I’m sure it will be a fantastic event. Register here. And look for their premier issue on newstands across the country now! If it’s not offered in a spot near you, you can order one online {which I’ll be doing, as well!}”

From {Next Exit Photography} “Happy is a wedding photographer published in the premiere national issue of the magtastic Southern Weddings Magazine! Their daily blog is to die for. I love the gals over there. They are so kind to us! The first image is of the gorgeous bridesmaids’ wristbands from Bonnie and Ivan’s wedding. The second yellow set “walking on sunshine” is from Dani and Mark’s wedding, shot by Stephanie Williams, Next Exit Rockstar Associate!”

From {Drew B Photography} “Well, duh. You already knew that, right? But, no really he is. Brayden just won a FLIP video camera from the awesome girls at Southern Weddings! I entered a picture of Brayden showing off his holiday spirit and we won! Woohoo! I already loved Southern Weddings and now I love them even more! Thanks girls! And did you know that the very first edition of Southern Weddings Magazine is on newsstands now??? Yep, that’s right. I haven’t had any luck locating it in California yet, but I’m on the lookout and when I do I will let you all know. If you see it be sure to grab a copy. I’m sure it’s full of beautiful wedding goodness!”

From {Beau Coup} “I’d also love to join the loads of other bloggers in congratulating the ladies over at Southern Weddings Magazine over the launch of their new bridal magazine yesterday. This has been coming for a long time and they have worked very long and hard. It sounds like a fantastic read and well, the cover features one of my favorite weddings of 2008. So if you live in one of the locations that sells it, head on over and pick yourself up a copy!”

From {Christine Farah} “Not only that I got my copies of the totally awesome Southern Weddings magazine premier issue! One of my ringshots made it into this gorgeous magazine, and of course one of my favorite photographers Jose Villa had his image on the cover. So far this year is starting off on a great foot, and there are many more things I will share with you all as soon as I get word.  Love Jose’s cover image!”

From cover photographer, {Jose Villa} “Im thrilled to have my image of Tec and Chelsea’s wedding on the cover of SW Magazine, plus there is a fun thing about film in there as well…”

From {Weddings with Tara} “In Southern Weddings Magazine‘s premier issue, Melissa and Ryan’s wedding was featured in a two-page article. I just love the new magazine…packed full of lots of real and gorgeous weddings! I’m so happy for you, Melissa and Ryan!”

From the lovely ladies at {Elizabeth Anne Designs} “Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore and pick up your copy of the new Southern Weddings Magazine! There’s almost too much gorgeousness to handle.”

From {Style Me Pretty} “A huge congratulations to Southern Weddings for launching their first (absolutely, positively gorgeous) print edition! If you haven’t already, you really HAVE to go pick up a copy of this stunning magazine. If not for the pages upon pages of wedding eye candy, you can also read a little blurb about Style Me Pretty!”

From {Rae Leytham Photography} “Well, we’re going to be in Atlanta Sunday night for the premiere of Southern Weddings Magazine at the Dogwood Restaurant in downtown Hotlanta.. If you’re in the Atlanta area (or not), click HERE for all of the details and find out how to RSVP! We’d love to meet you while you mingle with some of the South’s best wedding vendors. Be sure to see our photos throughout the magazine at a store near you!”

From {Punam Bean} “I’m a little late posting this, but so super excited about it! As most of you probably know, I’ve only been in this business a little over a year (feels like 5!), and I’m so excited to announce my very first publication, in the very first publication of Southern Weddings Magazine! That’s my little old picture of Tiffany and Jared’s fabulous rings, atop a fabulous mushroom I found growing on the patio of their hotel room (bottom left!). I suppose Jamaica’s pretty far south!  Congratulations to the lovelies over at Southern Weddings Magazine! It’s so exciting! And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out their blog. It’s one of my most favorite wedding blogs!”

From {Amy Atlas} “Southern Weddings just launched their first printed edition, available at newsstands now or at http://www.swsmag.net/, and I’m so excited to share the feature with you. View the whole article at http://amyatlas.com/index.php/main/press. We have so many exciting events coming up and we’ll be sure to include you in all of our fun!”

**ONLINE ORDERING IS OPEN**

So, in honor of our week ahead, we are having a long-overdue photo contest.  OK, TWO contests, because that’s just how we roll.  You know we like to give a lot of stuff away and you know we love surprises!  So, we’re not telling you the prize this time.  Yeah, that’s right.  Don’t even try to sweet talk us.  (unless you have dots (my fav), chocolate covered anything (rach’s fav), peppermint patties (Laura’s fav), or mac n’ cheese (kirstin’s fav))

Photo contest 1: Send us a pic of you having fun, happy, joyous, bubbling over with laughter…  whatever floats your boat.

Photo contest 2: In the spirit of Thanksgiving, send us a pic of what you are thankful for… could be anything… person, place, thing.  Get creative.

Rules: These must be your pics.  Don’t steal someone else’s unless you have express permission to do so.  Extra points for iPhone pics, camera phone pics and anything that isn’t edited.  But, feel free to get creative and do whatever you want to the pics.

Contest ends next Tuesday the 25th. email {win at swsmag dot com} with your entries.  Max of 5 per person.  Try not to send us too high res files.  Our mailboxes don’t like it.

Is anyone else as excited about the Mammoth Men trip as I am?  Some of our favorite photographers are getting on a bus in about 24hours for the ultimate man trip.  And you can be a part of it!  Last time, the Mammoth Men let blog readers vote on their activities.  We love these guys and can’t wait to follow their goofy crazy travels next week.  You can follow along on twitter too. Mark Brooke and Michael Chan will also be joining this wildly talented group…

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have already seen this video.  But, I have to admit watching it about 10 times.  It never ceases to make me laugh until my sides hurt.  We are so thankful for all of the blog love we have gotten lately and can’t tell you how much it means to us!  One very special post this week from the A Bryan Photo guys caught our attention so we just had to share the laughs…  Enjoy!

The SW IT LIST Scooter Tricks from A Bryan Photo on Vimeo.

Have a fun weekend!

For
those of you who aren’t familiar with engage!08, it is a high impact
wedding business symposium. The event gives wedding
professionals the opportunity to learn the secrets behind the
business successes of some of the wedding industry’s most celebrated
innovators. The symposium will be featuring Carley Roney & David
Liu of The Knot, Sylvia Weinstock, Bee Kim of WeddingBee, Sean Low,
President of Preston Bailey Designs, Rebecca Grinnals and other well
known and respected leaders in the wedding industry – with special
guest inspiration from Simon T. Bailey - renowned author of “Release
Your Brilliance”!  As much as we are excited about the syposium’s presentors, we are moreso excited about finally meeting so many of our new blog, twitter and wedding industry friends!  The wedding world is such a wonderful community of professionals and we can’t wait to toast with them at next week’s event.  To learn more visit the engage!08 {Blog}.

Susanna + Justin from {Gandy Photographers}
Katrina + Matt from {Our Labor of Love}
Melissa + Ryan from {TM Photography}

Spend some time getting to know {Ritzy Bee}.  You have a three day weekend coming up… get inspired! Thanks again, Maria!

“The Anatomy of a Southern Wedding”

From groom’s cakes to a deep commitment to family tradition, Southern weddings have a charm all their own.

By Anna T. Hirsh
CTW Features

The groom’s cake! It’s awful … it’s in the shape of a giant armadillo. Worse, the cake part is red velvet. People are going to be hacking into this poor animal that looks like it’s bleedin’ to death!

So goes one of the more infamous quotes from “Steel Magnolias,” the 1989 film that served up a hearty portion of Southern charm and familiarized the rest of the nation with the Southern tradition of oddball wedding cakes for the groom. Although modern Southern weddings can vary as widely as any region in the United States, says Danielle Flowers, executive editor of Southern Weddings magazine, there are definitely a few elements that characterize a true Southern soirée, and the always personal, often outrageous – think football mascots or stadiums, golf bags, boats and duck hunting scenes – groom’s cakes are just the icing on the, well, cake.

First and foremost for a Southern wedding are family traditions, and the rituals begin well before the big day.

“It’s customary to have a number of showers for the bride thrown by her cousins, bridesmaids and every female friend of the family, who will then expect your mother to throw their daughter a shower when it’s her trip down the aisle,” says Flowers. As for the gentlemen, they tend to forgo the stereotypical bachelor party in exchange for a day of golf or deep-sea fishing. But come the weekend of the wedding, the party once again belongs to the bride, with a bridesmaids’ luncheon, usually given by the bride’s aunts or the closest friends of the bride’s mother.

A deep connection with family, especially symbolically, then continues through the wedding. The classic Southern bride wants to honor her family with special remembrances, says Flowers, such as incorporating flowers that her grandmother had chosen for her own bouquet.

“The bride’s shoulders are covered when she goes to the church (where no one is wearing a baseball hat), the bride is married and then the couple is out the door to a big reception at the parish hall, the country club, or the property of a family member or friend,” says Gayden Metcalfe, a lifelong Southerner and co-author with Charlotte Hays of “Somebody is Going to Die if Lilly Beth Doesn’t Catch That Bouquet: The Official Southern Ladies’ Guide to Hosting the Perfect Wedding” (Hyperion, 2007).

Wherever the location, the Southern wedding reception also has a flavor all its own. According to Flowers, it may be stereotypical, but it’s also typically true that Southern couples will have an extremely long guest list, including cousins, cousins’ friends, all the members of their church and anyone they went to elementary school with. “I’ve seen couples put their wedding invitation info in the church bulletin as an open invite,” says Flowers.

And what do you serve those numerous guests? “In the South, you can hardly have a thing without cheese straws or salted nuts,” says Metcalfe. “It’s almost as if the wedding isn’t consummated without a salted pecan.”

In addition, brides tend to opt for good, old-fashioned Southern comfort food, featuring family favorites and Southern classics, says Flowers, incorporating their deep-fried favorites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, corn fritters and crab cakes, by serving them in small bites. In fact, small bites are often the way to go for most of the meal. Rather than the plated dinners that are so popular in other parts of the country, festive Southern receptions usually are buffets or stations.

The band will usually start off playing old favorites and then progress to a more modern feel throughout the night. But first the bride will almost always dance with her father to a very touching song, and the entire room will have teary eyes, says Flowers.

At the end of the night, expect to see the bride and groom depart the reception in a different clothing ensemble than they were sporting earlier in the night. “The honeymoon has begun,” says Flowers, “and it’s time to be comfortable – and cute!”

Focus on family, etiquette and beauty, as Metcalfe defines it, and you too can have a little Southern charm when you celebrate your big day.

Here’s another favorite from Erik Clausen aka {Poser}.  He thinks I’m kidding about putting this on my wall, but I am just in love with this photo.  Can’t wait to see the rest of this wedding!

We are debuting a new weekly feature on the SW Blog next week: 5 + 5: The South’s Top Photographers.  The hottest pros in the South will be sharing their top 5 favorite wedding images and answering our 5 hot topic interview questions. Stay tuned for some fab photo overload! 

What a week! We are so excited about everything that is happening in the SW world and have to give thanks to all of our fabulous readers.  Just 2 weeks ago I posted that we had reached the 300 subscriber mark.  Well, thanks to our amazing readers, that number has now almost DOUBLED!  We are thrilled that people love Southern weddings as much as we do.  All the credit goes to the phenomenal photographers and designers that we feature every day.  You do the work, we just help people see it. 

• Thank you to all the people who have linked to us and written such kind words about SW this week: {Our Labor of Love}, {Hello!Lucky}, {Junebug Weddings}, {The Bridal Bar}, {Best Wedding Sites}, {Style Me Pretty}, {Snippet and Ink}, {Weddingbee}, {Weddingbee 2}, {Table 6 Productions}, {Love and Splendor},  {Ksenija Savic}, {Joyful Weddings and Events}, {Lucky Me!}, {Elizabeth Anne Designs}, {EAD Library}, {AHS Photography}, {Drew B Photography}, {Sparkliatti}, {Blue Eyed Bride}, {Masterpiece Weddings}, {Christine Farah}, {Monogrammed Life}, {Melissa’s Greetings}, {Love is an Adventure}, {W Scott Chester Photography}, {Perfect Bound}, {Weddings By Socialites}, {Ritzy Bee}, {Toast and Tables}, {Trista Lerit}, {Team Giles}, {Grace’s Birdcage Wedding}, {Amy Squires}, {In This Instance}, {A Delightful Day}, {Natalie Moser Photography}, {My Cleveland Wedding}, {An Atlanta Bride},{Kellie Kano Photography}, {Life Love Lipstick}, {With the Pixie Grin}, {By Your Side Events}, {Regina Holder}, {Saltharbor Designs}, {Grove Avenue Bride}, {Anne Sage}, {Barefoot Stargazer}, {Zinke Design}, {Life, Now}, {Cathy + David Photography}, {Hasel Bride}.  As always, if you linked to us this week, please leave a comment here with your link and we will be sure to add it!

• I love the blog world and especially when people celebrate their blogs…  The guys at {A Bryan Photography} really outdid themselves with this one… {A Bryan Blog Birthday} Hilarious!

• Holly Hatam of {TearDrop Weddings} sent me a very sweet email this week saying that she was so inspired by the Southern Wedding of the Week last week – Katrina + Matt (shot by the amazing Whitney and Jesse of {Our Labor of Love}) that she designed an invitation suite based on it!  How cute is this!? Holly is having a wonderful contest on her blog this week.  From Holly…“brides have to tell me their unique stories about how they met and fell in love with their fiance’s and details about their wedding. I will choose the 20 brides that inspire me the most and I will design an invitation based around them. And in return to the brides that I choose, they will receive this custom design, but at the price of ordering from my ready made collection, which is a savings of $1500!”  Brides, be sure to enter this fun contest!

• The fabulous {Hello!Lucky Contest} ends next Wednesday, so get those comments in for a chance to win 100 Letterpress Invitations from {Hello!Lucky}.  (1 ink color with plain envelopes; reply set not included. Retail value of $600)  I love getting invitation samples in the mail.  Sabrina sent me a lovely collection of Hello!Lucky designs this week.  Gorgeous!

• If you haven’t already spent several hours faux shopping on {Wishpot}, get to it!  This fun shopping site allows you to create “wish lists” and even wedding registries.  I plan to do more shopping this weekend, but check out the SW Featured Wishpot Gallery.  Thanks, Christine, for interviewing me today.

• I was so honored to be interviewed on {The Smart Planner}.  Click {HERE} to read my interview with the fantastic Liene Stevens of {Blue Orchid Blog}. 

Now, close your computer, pull out your bathing suit, get outside with the Slip’nSlide and have a fun weekend!  ~Lara

We are so excited that Bee (yes, that is her real name.. isn’t it wonderful!?) added us to the {Weddingbee} list of “BLOGS WE LOVE”.  Brides, if you haven’t discovered {Weddingbee} yet, welcome to bridal blog heaven!  Be sure to take a few minutes to click through their impressive link list that includes: Blue Orchid Designs, Bridal Bar Blog, Brooklyn Bride, Groom Groove, Junebug Weddings, Lucky Me!, Peonies and Polaroids, Perfect Bound, Ritzy Bee, Simply Modern Weddings, Snippet & Ink, Sparkliatti, Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Outstanding Occasions, and Toast and Tables.  Thank you so much for the blog love, Bee!  We are thrilled to be a part of the hive.

From {Junebug}… 

Following in the footsteps of our last post about new Seattle area wedding venues, today brings us fabulous wedding location finds in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina from guest blogger Lara Casey. Lara is the Publisher of Southern Weddings Magazine, a long time event planner with Bliss Event Group and a recent bride herself, which makes her a true expert in all things wedding! We are thrilled to have her valuable insight into wedding possibilities in her area of the country and we just love reading what she has to say…

The most popular southern wedding locations tend to be rich with history and tradition. Many of the “new” southern locations are actually historic landmarks that have been transformed into event venues or old mansions that have been remodeled for lucky brides to use on their big day. A few of our recent favorites:

Blackberry Farm, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. One of our favorite photographers, A Bryan Photography, recently shot a fabulous wedding we are about to feature there. They do very few weddings at Blackberry Farm each year (typically 1 or 2…sometimes 3) so although it has been around for awhile as a resort and hotel, they just finished their new reception hall and this wedding was the first to be hosted there.

 
Sea Island, Georgia, another location we love. They just finished an enormous renovation of the main hotel, The Cloister, which has created an incredible venue and setting. A Bryan Photography shot this wedding there in the fall. 

 
My favorite, Claxton Farm in Weaverville, North Carolina. Converted into an event space in the last decade, this is one of my favorite wedding locations! The 100-year-old tobacco barn is so versatile. I’ve seen several weddings here lately that show the versatility of the space. This wedding, shot by Woodward and Rick Photographers, used every element of the farm in a richly colorful modern way. Gorgeous! See our original Southern Weddings blog post here.

Thanks you so much, Christy!  We love {Junebug Weddings}! 

From the fabulous {Patsy Brown Photography}…  one of the groomsmen holding up Erin and Dan’s engagement picture, that was published in SWS. Congrats Erin and Dan!

Here are just small few of the people who linked to us this week.  We appreciate the love!

Altop Weddings, A Bryan Photo, Tamara Lackey Photography, Fred Egan, Ritzy Bee, Woodward + Rick Photographers, Fabu-Luxe, E Lucky Designs, Katy Stardust, Photography by Shannon, The Wedding Chicks, Tie the Knot (Our Preppy Guest Blogger–She’s getting married today!!), Susan Stripling, Snippet and Ink, Bells and Bubbles, Rae Leytham Photography,  Critsey Rowe, Wedding Paper Divas, Amy Squires Photography, Sasha Souza’s Sparkliatti, Whitebox Weddings, A Delightful Day, Long Beach Wedding Flowers, Wishpot, The Wedding Planning Audiocast, Pingg, A Perfect Engagement, Elite Bridal Concierge, SJB Weddings and Events, Granica Monotremata, Riso Studio

Wow!  We are SO excited about being a part of this exclusive list of the top wedding blogs.  Owned by former Apple evangelist and marketing guru, {Guy Kawasaki},  {Alltop} lists the crème de la crème of blogs in every arena.  We are in great company… {Martha Stewart Weddings}, {What Junebug Loves}, {Style Me Pretty}, {Brides}, {WEDDEX},  {Elizabeth Anne Designs}, {Blue Orchid Designs}, {DC Nearlyweds}, {Wedding Paper Divas} and {Weddingbee} to name a very small few!  Check out these listings!  It’s such an honor to be featured with such dedicated wedding bloggers and phenomenal professionals.  Their standards are very high and this is a tough list to get onto.  As Liene from {Blue Orchid Designs} posted, the gals at {Kirtsy} actually erected a statue of him in appreciation!  Congrats to all the other wedding Alltoppers.  A million thanks to Guy for including us and to our readers for once again making every day our best day yet!

Hi Lara,

It was an honor to be a part of such an elegant and great magazine, especially the premier issue! I wish you and the magazine tremendous success!

Warmest regards,  Jung
                                        Jung Lee
                                                      Fête

Hi Lara~

I received the copy of the magazine – what a tremendous presentation! I enjoyed looking through the magazine and finding the article. As I was reading the article I felt I could “hear” Dr. Chapman answering your questions. You did a great job capturing his compassion and desire to see people succeed in marriage.

I shared SWS with my marketing team friends – they enjoyed looking at the magazine, especially Jenna who is in the process of planning her wedding for the fall. I hope we can work together again; it’s been a delightful experience.

Take care,
Janis
Janis Backing
Publicity Manager for
Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishing