LAKE NORMAN WOMAN'S

LOVE, LAUGHTER, & HAPPILY EVER AFTER

BRIDE guide When it comes to planning a wedding, options abound in our lake/mountains/beach environment—even more so than other areas because of North Carolina’s remarkable location and climate. Once you decide on the venue, there’s budgets to consider … then there’s the guestlist, food, libations, décor, music, and the list goes on.

That’s why Lake Norman Woman Magazine is once again pleased to present our annual Bride Guide. In the following pages, you will find a large bouquet of ideas, plus some unique twists in the wedding knot that might have you thinking outside some of the more traditional events. So grab your notepad and check out the best options around the region as we break it all down for the couples of 2023!

barn, OR BRIDGERTON GARDEN BEACH,

No matter what kind of wedding you fancy, our area is

rich in choices. THE CHARLES MACK CITIZEN CENTER in Mooresville has all your bases covered for both the wedding ceremony and reception. With beautiful outdoor courtyards and six distinctive ballrooms, you can nd the right space for your speci c vision. If the romantic vibe of a barn adorned with owers and twinkle lights is your calling, CHICKADEE HILL FARMS in Statesville will set the scene perfectly with its 25 gorgeous acres complete with lavender, sun ower, and wild ower elds. ey o er three sites from which couples can choose their ceremony setting, plus a climate-controlled post-and-beam barn that accommodates 150 guests and features an elegant bridal suite with porch overlook and silo bar. Similarly, yet nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, WHISPERING RIDGE FARMS is another location for weddings and receptions in nature. With incredible mountain views from their private 189-acre farm near Elkin, North Carolina, they also have an indoor facility in case of rain or inclement weather. e property boasts amazing photo ops and it’s only a 15-minute drive from local hotel accommodations. Traveling now to Denver, North Carolina, where rustic meets elegance,

DUGAREN VENUES & VINEYARDS is a family-owned and operated business that sits on 32 acres of picturesque landscape. e entire venue is 10,000 square feet and o ers a covered drop-o area with plenty of parking. Additional amenities include a covered veranda and portico, grand stone replace, spacious bride and groom suites (each with a private restroom and dry bar), WIFI and music streaming by room, prep kitchen, and lots of natural lighting.

Whether you are looking to attend the BEST OF CHARLOTTE BRIDAL SHOW as a vendor or you are a newly (or soon-to-be) engaged couple, this event has it all. Unlike any bridal show you’ve seen, this is a one-of-a-kind wedding planning experience. No other expo takes the entire wedding party into consideration like the show in Charlotte, guaranteeing a good time for brides, grooms, family, and friends. Charlotte’s best wedding and event vendors will be in attendance along with special activities for brides and grooms. Beer, wine, mocktails, foods, and sweets will be in abundance as well as samples, swag items, and prizes galore! is year’s event is March 19th at Camp North End so be sure to mark your calendars.

WHERE TO begin

BUY THE shoes, EAT THE cake

Indigo Photo & Video With a passion for fashion, CLASSIC BRIDE & FORMALS is the premier bridal and clothing boutique of Lake Norman, Charlotte, and the surrounding areas. Classic Bride is excited to o er handpicked selections of bridal and formal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, everyday boutique clothing, and accessories. ey also inject a bit of their own creativity into the process to help you nd the perfect attire for any occasion. Featuring innovative designs from around the globe at inviting prices, Classic Bride o ers friendly, personal service in a warm and welcoming environment. Equally fun shopping involves the ever-important centerpiece—the CAKE! At SWEET CAKES BAKERY, they take that very seriously and make the wedding cake ordering process pleasant and fun. Sweet Cakes can partner with your wedding coordinator to plan out the delivery, set-up, and staging of your cake and other desserts. A combination of cakes, cupcakes, and sugar cookies is a recipe for success that will please all in attendance. Sweet Cakes also o ers vegan, dairy-free, and glutenfree options. Sweet Cakes Bakery

MAY I HAVE THIS danceDEANS’ DUETS & QUARTETS is a team of professional, classically trained musicians who curate event music to create unique and magical moments. Playing homeSWEET HOME throughout the Southeast, they specialize in exciting covers of top 40 and modern music. ey have developed the art of perfectly timed music so that your wedding or event is enhanced by crescendos and climactic moments at the right time. Whether you are looking for a fairytale entrance, a garden vibe, or an epic dramatic performance, they want to hear more about your event and allow your vision to become their vision. On a similar note, the professionals at MUSICALLY YOURS, based around the husbandand-wife team of Randall and Jayne Sprinkle, have a lifetime of experience playing live music for a wide range of events. Jayne’s harp and Randall’s harp guitar paired with cello and violin provide a new approach to the string trio/quartet ensemble. eir song list covers the classics, and they have an extensive selection of contemporary music as well. ey will work with you to put together a program of music that re ects your unique tastes and sets the mood for your big day.

e team at THE MORTGAGE PLANNER focuses on exceptional service before, during, and after the mortgage process—including live weekly updates, on-time closings, and savings from their premier partners. e Roche family has been in the mortgage business for more than three generations. ey have been a staple in the lending community for decades now and are truly experts on how to process and deliver a great experience for their clients. And when it comes to searching for your dream home, LKN HOMES is the leading real estate agency specializing in North Carolina homes in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus, Catawba, and Lincoln counties. MAUREEN ROBERGE’S extensive expertise in negotiations and outside-the-box solutions delivers remarkable results. Every member of LKN Homes is highly trained and dedicated to providing exceptional customer satisfaction. Also putting couples in their forever home is JILL MONROE FITZGERALD OF EXP REALTY®. Jill has a special knack and insight for the Lake area and understands that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make; she is a pro at making folks feel empowered and comfortable throughout the entire process. She prides herself on building relationships and takes it as a personal mission to help you achieve your homeownership dreams. w