Letter from the Publisher

Letter from the Publisher

Back in a Big Way

ongratulations on your engagement! We are delighted that you are reading our wedding guide. This 2022 magazine has a special place in my heart, as it symbolizes a phenomenal survival story. In the midst of a global pandemic, weddings may have looked a bit different, but it’s clear we are not giving up on celebrating love! Once event guidelines eased up in the summer of 2021, a “wedding boom” ensued. This comeback is monumental for couples like you, who can feel confident in hosting a safe gathering with all of your loved ones; it’s also a joyous time for the thousands of creative professionals in the wedding industry who are passionate about helping couples design their own unique wedding experience.

This recent marriage boom has turned our old wedding planning protocols inside out. It’s changed everything from how far in advance couples must book their vendor teams to estimating the number of guests and determining costs of product-based services. You and your partner are not alone: 2022 will see more weddings than any year in nearly four decades.

This new edition of Heart of NC Weddings is filled with strategies to make your wedding weekend special, safe and smooth. Be sure to check out page 28 for suggestions from a local wedding planner on how to tackle the wedding resurgence. Also note our updated timeline and budget tips that open each chapter. Because we know there is no one-style-fits-all, we’re sharing an array of inspiring photo shoots and real weddings throughout the magazine. On page 228, peruse ideas on how to elevate four different venue types using florals and specialty rentals. As you read, we hope you’ll flag the incredible North Carolina event professionals who are behind each and every image that catches your eye within these pages.

The last two challenging years have reinforced just how important it is to gather together and celebrate life’s milestones. We are so grateful to be a part of a world that enriches the lives of families and friends in our community by creating and sharing in new beginnings.

Warmest wishes on your wedding planning journey!

Jenna Parks

 @JennaLovesLocal  jenna@heartofncweddings.com