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Tuesday
06Jan

More store listings!

WOOT!  Here are the Books-a-Million store listings.  Check it out and get your copy today!  More store listings coming as we get them....


Tuesday
06Jan

We've LAUNCHED!

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?"

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}

**WE WILL HAVE ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE THIS AFTERNOON**


Monday
05Jan

SW Locations Coming In....

We are hoping to get the rest of the master list in today, but here is a small few of the locations.  Please note that some of these locations have 3 copies, some have 20.  So, get out there tomorrow and get them while you can!  More locations coming as soon as we get them....  I have about 50 requests in for location lists!

A few chains we have CONFIRMED so far: Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Target, Army & Air Force, Bi-Lo, Brookshire Grocery, Bruno's Supermarket, Fiesta Markets, Food Lion, Gerlands Food Fair, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Homeland Supermarkets, Lowes Marketplace, News Center, Niemann Foods, Piggly Wiggly-Carolina, Publix, Rice Food Market, Rouse's Supermarket, Safeway Rand-Thumb, Super S Foods, Sweet Bay/Kash N Karry, Target, United Supermarkets and Winn Dixie.

I am pretty darn proud that we will be in Piggly Wiggly.  How much more Southern can we get!? : )

Please read this post for more info and FAQ's.  You WILL be able to order the magazine online here starting tomorrow if it's not sold in your area, but, again, this list here is just a partial list.  There are many more locations.

CLICK TO VIEW LARGER


Monday
05Jan

Details: Kacie + Greg

Thanks to {eHarmony}, Kacie + Greg were matched and the rest--as they say--is history.  The couple said "I do" at an Aunt's house in beautiful Napa, California.  One of Kacie's personal friends, Shannon Raymond of Hedge Row, did all the amazing flowers.  To top off this family affair, Kacie and her mother planned the entire wedding.  Quite a talented group!  They enlisted the phenomenal team at {Gabriel Ryan Photographers} to capture every magical detail.  Check out what Gabriel had to say about this classic wedding {here}

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story: We first met at church. It was a Tuesday night young adult weekly worship service. After the service we talked and it was obvious we had interest in each other. Unfortunately, Kacie signed up for a volunteer service and Greg had to leave before she could return. Greg thought he would see her next week but she was not there. His hopes were also high for the second week. Kacie didn't show. Fortunately both Kacie and Greg signed up on {eHarmony} that week and were matched up right away. It was not until the third stage of their communication when Greg connected the dots -- Kacie never did. Three months into their relationship Kacie commented to Greg how she wondered what their meeting would have been like if they were not matched on eHarmony. Would they have been interested? Would there have been an attraction? At this moment, Greg said, "Well, I know the answer to that." Immediately Kacie remembered the night we met at church. The rest, as they say, is history.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? Timeless and romantic.
Favorite design element of your big day: Then tent and gazebo.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: It was the first day I went shopping and it was the last dress of the day I was going to try on. The store employees were reluctant to let me try on the dress because it was out of the budget range I gave them. After a little persuading they agreed to let me try it on. Once they saw that the dress was just what I was looking for and fit perfectly they decided to sell it to me off-the-rack in my price range. It was an {Ian Stuart} gown. 
Describe your wedding flowers: Mostly roses with curly willow and some silk flowers to cut down cost.
Describe your wedding cake: Three-tiered square. One layer was chocolate with a mocha-cream filling. Another layer was vanilla with strawberry filling. The cake was covered in a white fondant frosting, decorated by my florist with golden rose ribbon and a flower/curly willows as the topper.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Taking communion while our favorite worship song (Enough by Chris Tomlin) was playing.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Holy, fun, sacred
Any DIY items? We created a twenty minute video that was played during the reception. It was a chronologically ordered side-show with theme-related songs to match the pictures.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Get a good day-of wedding coordinator who you can trust to follow through with your vision so you can relax.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Learning how to mature and grow with God's grace as one. Raising a family that will bring glory to God.

Congratulations to Kacie + Greg.  We wish you a lifetime of happiness and joy together!


Monday
05Jan

24 Hours! SW is almost HERE! CONTEST...

CONTEST: When the mag debuts tomorrow, take a pic of SW on the newsstand wherever you find it and send it to {win at swsmag dot com}.  Use your camera phone, your fancy camera, whatever!  We want to see it on the shelves in your home town!  5 lucky winners will get iTunes gift cards.  Bonus points if you are in the pic too.  Contest ends this Friday, so get out and get yourself a copy!


Sunday
04Jan

SW Countdown: 2 Days


Saturday
03Jan

SW Countdown: 3 Days


Friday
02Jan

DRUMROLL!!!...........

Yes, I am on vacation and supposed to be banned from the internet this week, but I had to share some breaking news...

We had no idea this was going to happen, but apparently some of the retailers (we are not sure how many) got so excited about our print edition when they saw it, that they went ahead and put it out! I don't have any details yet, but I will let you know AS SOON as I do.   So, if you are lucky enough to happen on a copy, post locations for us here so we can grab them too!

Our official launch date is still January 6th, so stay tuned for all the details. WOOT!

Without further ado.... the new Southern Weddings! Cover image by the amazing Jose Villa.


Friday
02Jan

Contest: Mok Duk Winner

Last week, we introduced our readers to the incredible paper company {Mok Duk} by Anne Benjamin.  Mok Duk is custom made paper goods that are absolutely amazing.  (The Melissa + Daniel paper goods were also seen in last week's Southern Wedding of the Week!  Click {here} to see the feature). 

Now, back to our winner. Congratulations to Lil Miss Sha!

Email me at {laura_e at iloveswmag dot com} with your contact info and we will put you in touch with {Anne} for your very own custom designed wedding logo and 75 letterpressed thank you folded cards with envelopes.  Enjoy!


Friday
02Jan

Contest Sweetly Lovely Winners

Alright! We have some winners from the {Sweetly Lovely Contest}. In the spirit of Christmas, we asked readers to tell us their favorite Christmas song. With over sixty comments we could make one really sweet holiday play list!  Here are our winners (chosen at random).

These lucky three winners will receive either a preserved corsage, boutonniere, or a rose bouquet from {Sweetly Lovely}. Ladies, email me at {laura_e at iloveswmag dot com} with contact info and your fabulous prizes will be sent to you. Enjoy!