Southport Magazine

Back in September, we sat down to create our upcoming editorial calendar. Kris Beasley, Southport Magazine’s advertising representative, and I sat down with lists of events from all over our area to explore the multitude of possibilities. When we stumbled upon the bridal expo from the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, we knew: February will be our wedding issue. What better time to celebrate such commitments than in the honorary month of love? So, along with all of our wedding coverage, we offer readers new spins on an old holiday: Valentine’s Day. On pages 12 and 13 you’ll find date and gift suggestions to really wow your honey.

As well, we encountered three beautiful couples, inside and out, whose weddings were stunningly unique to their own personalities (pages 6 through 9). From keeping their own honey bees—and giving fresh honey as favors—to taking a boat from the chapel to the reception where all details were handmade, the adoration is evident in each of our brides and grooms.

On page 11, check out tips fom regional planners and stylists–and brides—for taking on the big day, while pages 16 and 20 cover local food and beverages for the reception. On pages 22 and 23, we find out what love was like for two folks who were given a second chance at happiness, and page 24 offers legal and financial advice to the newly married.

As one-half of an inspiring, cheerful, dynamic couple, Kris offers her own nugget of knowledge for the recently engaged: “My advice is to have a small wedding at first,” she says. “Save money and set goals. Throw yourself a big wedding once you make it to a double digit.”

With all the tips in this issue, we hope you can make a dream wedding come true without breaking the bank. It just takes a tiny bit of elbow grease and some DIY know-how.

To love, laughter and happily ever after,
Bethany Turner
Editor, Southport Magazine