For Better or For Worse

Heart of NC Weddings Publisher Reflects on 2020 and Looks Forward to 2021 

Heart of NC Weddings Publisher Reflects on 2020 and Looks ForwardWith the introduction of our more inclusive name (we were known as Southern Bride & Groom for three decades) and an exciting partnership with Shannon Media, I’m not going to lie, Heart of NC Weddings was on top of the world at the start of 2020. My content manager, Marie Muir, and I were so ready for our next stage of helping couples. Well, we all know what happened next. The pandemic upended thousands of wedding plans across the state. Everything changed. 

But the power of love remained constant. You may be on a third – or fourth – round of wedding planning. Or you may be newly engaged, hoping to host an unrestricted party in 2022 or beyond, just like the “good ole days.” We acknowledge the way COVID-19 has changed weddings in our 2021 edition of the magazine, but optimistically and realistically look ahead to the ways we will celebrate in 2021 and beyond.

Because I’m a big fan of silver linings, I’m sharing my list with you:

  • Setbacks to the way we operate have not meant an end to creativity. Businesses serving brides and grooms adapted – from offering curbside tastings to front-porch photo sessions. Our magazines and digital outlets rose to the challenge of creating completely new, timely and helpful content.  
  • Shopping locally within our North Carolina community has never felt better.
  • We are inspired by those who continue to give back, even as they are struggling. Florists assembled beautiful displays at hospital entries, caterers delivered meals to school kids, and event pros worked together, helping our state government write safety guidelines for events. 
  • While racism and discrimination still exist in our nation, critical strides for justice are being made. Big changes start small, and for us, that means joining the conversation. We are listening, learning and sharing our platform to support the goal of equal representation in the local wedding industry.
  • Our new colleagues at Shannon Media (publisher of Durham Magazine, Chapel Hill Magazine and Chatham Magazine), embrace our mission of inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. We will always stand behind our “love is love” values.
  • The celebration of marriage will never be canceled. Couples made peace with delayed dates for big celebrations, and many used this time for microweddings or elopements. In the end, each wedding, in whatever shape or form you choose, will be perfect, memorable and uniquely yours. 

Heart of NC Weddings is Here for You 

As you navigate the months ahead, keep that feeling of the moment you got engaged close to your heart. We’ll be here, in print and online, to keep you up to date on guest count limits and safety guidelines, and to share trends and special offers to help with your planning. We hope you’ll be as amazed as Marie and I are by the fabulous local vendors in our magazine and on our website. 

You Might Also Like
Raleigh nc wedding caterer

What’s on the Menu?

We’ve got the scoop on the top North Carolina wedding caterers and what makes them stand out! If you want your wedding day cuisine to be uniquely delicious, keep reading!

Read More »