Heart of NC Weddings Celebrates Four Decades as Your North Carolina Wedding Guide
A Letter from Our Publisher
First, let us congratulate you on your engagement! Wedding planning is a thrilling whirlwind, and you deserve a day that feels both joyful and meaningful. The good news? We’re here to help.
For the past four decades, we’ve guided couples in dreaming, planning and assembling the perfect wedding team. Think of us as your best friend’s recommendation, crafted to help you discover the vendors, ideas and inspiration that will bring your North Carolina wedding vision to life.
What excites us most is hearing from you that we’ve made a difference – whether through a design idea, a budget tip or introducing you to a truly special vendor. The professionals we feature aren’t just talented; they’re committed, collaborative and invested in our local community. They truly earn their Heart of NC Weddings badge, and we’re proud to showcase them.
As you explore our vendor directories and blog, know that every insight reflects years of personal experience and plenty of heart. You’ll also find some special stories celebrating our incredible 40 years in print. Above all, we hope you find inspiration, joy and connection with vendors who will make your day unforgettable.
With love,
Jenna Parks, Publisher
Celebrating Local: The 2026 Cover Gown from Be Everthine
For the first time in our 40-year history, a local wedding gown designer’s work is featured on our cover!
Model Stephanie Williams wears a gown designed by Eileen Schilly-Seefried, the founder and creative director of Be Everthine. Eileen’s business is based in Raleigh, and we’re thrilled to highlight a North Carolina bridal designer on the cover of our 40th anniversary issue. The image was captured by Fancy This Photography. Stephanie’s look was completed with hair and makeup by Reign Beauty and jewelry from Diamonds Direct.
This gown is named The Georgina. “I wanted something modern, yet rooted in old-world charm,” Eileen says. “She carries a Southern belle sensibility, softened by ease and elevated by intention. There’s a quiet sense of rebellion in her tiered skirt and train, almost like a reminder that tradition doesn’t always have to feel restrictive. I can picture Georgina running through Forsyth Park (like “But Daddy I Love Him”- a Swiftie reference!) And then, as the church bells begin to chime, she stands proper and poised — ready to walk down the aisle as the perfectly polished bride.
Eileen adds that she was inspired by current bridal trends. “Bubble skirts are certainly having a moment in bridal fashion, and I’ve always been drawn to them — they bring drama, movement and a sense of play that feels fresh.”
She adds that the physical structure and shape of a gown is just one layer of the overall look. “What I see emerging most clearly for 2026 isn’t a shift in silhouettes or details. With Gen Z stepping into the bridal space, the shift feels more emotional and intentional than purely aesthetic.”
Eileen says that she sees more couples choosing looks that genuinely reflect who they are rather than focusing on trends. In this new fashion landscape, intentionality is the priority. Looks convey personality, confidence and are a tool for self expression – whether you gravitate toward a traditional gown or something completely unexpected. “The common thread isn’t how the dress looks, but why it was chosen … and how authentically it represents the person wearing it,” Eileen says.
This Raleigh Designer Creates Wedding Gowns with Customization in Mind
Eileen works closely with her clients to customize designs so that their wedding day look is exactly what they want. “Customization was always part of the vision when I designed The Georgina,” Eileen says. Each tier of the skirt can be adjusted to your vision. The full-length version of the gown is the most formal style for walking down the aisle, while a midi length for cocktail hour or a mini for partying the night away can be made to order, like many of Be Everthine’s designs.
“I could also see customizations like removing the bodice ruffle for a cleaner, more modern look,” Eileen says. “For me, it was important that Georgina felt flexible and expressive: a gown with the potential to evolve throughout the day, without losing her original character.”
