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4 minute read
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
A New Perspective :: From the Creative Director’s Desk ::
WHILE 2020 HAS BEEN AN UNUSUAL YEAR FOR ALL OF US, I KNOW THAT MANY ARE LOOKING TOWARD THE WINTER with hope that we are reaching a turning point. Jessica Burke, owner and publisher of NOW Weddings Magazine, and I have the same hopes not only for our industry but for this publication as well. We have used this time that our industry has been shut down to consider how we can best connect with couples and vendors, continuing to bring you not only a beautiful publication but one that is an educational resource built upon our more than 40 combined years in the local event and wedding industry.
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This October issue focuses on micro weddings, not only because many couples are opting to have them this year, but also because we see this as an opportunity. The single biggest factor in any wedding budget is the guest count; the budget dictates what venue you can use, what level of bar service you offer, what type of food you will serve, etc.
While we know there is disappointment for the wedding plans you once had, we’d like to encourage you to consider this situation from another perspective: This is your opportunity to have an intimate wedding of those closest to you and treat them to an unbelievable experience!
With a small guest count, you’ll have room in the budget to splurge on decor, upgrade the menu, and really do something extra special and unique that you may not otherwise have been able to do.
Of course, even though many couples are opting for micro weddings, we’re seeing just as many including their entire original guest list virtually by live streaming the wedding. We wouldn’t want these guests to feel left out, so we’ve also included some fabulous guest box ideas in this issue so that all of your guests who may be watching via live stream can feel even more a part of the celebration with their own mini cake, champagne, favors and more. Jessica and I have seen huge success with the guest boxes we’ve created for micro events over the summer and found that guests absolutely love receiving them!
With all of that in mind, I am thrilled as we launch our new digital you’ll enjoy the new connectivity this provides along with behind the scenes footage, interviews and insights like you’ve never seen before. As we continue to be at the forefront of our industry, we’re here to help make your wedding amazing, whatever “amazing” means to you.
My favorite quote is by the iconic Dolly Parton, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” So whoever you are, take this time to celebrate it! If who you are is to go ahead and get married with a “big” party person, we’re here for you too. As we shift from bi-annual to monthly issues, we’ll also continue to publish content for those of you who are electing to push back your wedding dates to remain true to what might be your original vision of a larger gathering.
With all of our publications now living online, you’ll never have to worry about missing something just because it’s gone from newsstands! You can come back and visit anytime! Of course, you’ll still be able to order a printed copy of the magazine, but with our fully interactive issues, website, vlog and soon to be released NOW Weddings app, we’ve got you virtually covered.
Thank you for your continued support of the wedding industry as we work to serve you during these unusual times!
Best Wishes,
Rena Sweeney Rena Sweeney
Creative Director, NOW Weddings Magazine + Owner, Alchemy Events
P.S. We’d love to hear your story! Be sure to submit your engagement and wedding announcements on our website. You may just see yourself in the spotlight!
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Jessica The Photographer
We typically spend 13+ hours on set for our editorial photo shoots and when all the work is done, we like to have a little fun on the set. We couldn’t resist taking a photo with ELEMENT’S carousel horse (we named her Betsy) from our Iridescent Editorial for this issue. Follow us on Ins- tagram @neworleansweddings for behind the scenes fun (and mischief) as we create each new issue! (LEFT TO RIGHT) Jessica Burke, Publisher; Dayna Dufrene, Account Executive; Rena Sweeney, Creative Director
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Toulouse Gourmet Catering | Jessica The Photographer
DELIVERY WEDDINGS CORPORATE EVENTS PRIVATE EVENTS
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The Cannery | Jessica The Photographer
WEDDING CEREMONIES RECEPTIONS DINNER PARTIES EVENTS
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