I’ve always pushed for a week long celebration of my birth, but it always gets paired down to a single day. Thank goodness that we celebrate Southern Weddings Magazine’s birth week. We celebrated our Second Blogaversary in style with a week of fantastic giveaways. All birth weeks must come to an end (until next year) but I wanted to squeeze one more day of Blogaversary excitement in to announce the winners of all of our many contests:
We asked readers to send us their favorite memories of their significant other for a chance to win a 12 month subscription to Wedding Window to make their very own wedding website.
Congratulations to Amanda H and Sydney D!
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One of my favorite memories of my dear and I was right after he proposed–we were so excited! Most people would break open a bottle of champagne, or spend a night on the town, but the first thing that we wanted to do was to go get celebratory ice cream cones. We go back there all the time, not only because the ice cream is delicious, but because we always like to reminisce about our wonderful, and very “us,” engagement celebration.
April 5, 2010 | Amanda H
I am a girl who truly enjoys anything special. I am easily amused, lucky for my sweetie. My sophomore year of college (we had just started dating), the flu attacked me. When I get sick, I really get sick. I did not look like hot stuff- skin was broken out, my hair was a mess, my nose was dry and red and I was totally rockin’ the sweats. Lucas (previously noted as ‘sweetie’), asked if we could spend some time together but I let him know that I was a walking viral plague and that he probably did not want to see me. He played it cool and said we would hang out soon. Well, not a hour later I hear the doorbell ring. I hesitantly went to the door, and who do I see? You guessed it; ‘sweetie’. Insecure as I was, I found strength to open the door and let him see my zombie(ish) features. He answered, “Hello beautiful.” That was all it took and I was ready to say “I do!” He had my favorite smoothie in one hand and a single rose and ‘The Little Mermaid” (my FAVE movie of all time) in the other. I will NEVER forget how special and beautiful he made me feel when I had previously felt like death. From that moment on, I knew that he was a keeper!
April 9, 2010 | Sydney D
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Chaviano Bridal Couture has some of the best veils around! Traci has been selected as the winner of a custom veil from Annette at Chaviano Bridal Couture:
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What a wonderful giveaway! My gown is ivory satin with a wonderful vintage-y art-deco lace inset, and I’d love just the right veil to complement it. In my mind’s eye I see a float of ivory net, wafting to my fingertips, with gorgeous lace accents that evoke that 1930’s Hollywood glamour feel. It should complement the dress and the vintage jewelry, yet have an elegant and unique personality of its own… think Rita Hayworth glamour coupled with Katherine Hepburn sass. :-)
April 2, 2010 | Traci
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It looks like the Southern Weddings editors aren’t the only ones obsessed with Mika78! Hannah S. will get 50 custom thank you cards. She chose the Botanicals design from Mika 78 as her very favorite.
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First on the website and first in my heart, my favorite design is Botanicals. I love the simple yet elegant feel of the plain white with just a peek of color peeking over the corners. I also love the way they are held together with the Victorian style monogram print in the center. It is the perfect blend of antique and modern.
April 6, 2010 | Hannah S
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Did you register for china? We posed this question for the chance to win a gorgeous classic crystal vase from Wedgwood China. Congratulations to Randi E., who was selected as the winner (and has, coincidentally, registered for china):
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We registered for china so that we could have nice dishes to use for sunday dinners, holidays and special occasions. We registered at Macy’s for the Wedgewood “Golden Bird” collection. I can’t wait to start getting some of the pieces in!!
April 9, 2010 | Randi E
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I am a humongous chocolate fan, so I am super excited to announce that June W. will get 25 favor boxes from Delysia Chocolatier (that’s 50 pieces of chocolate) for her special day. Lucky, lucky. Plus, she provided tips on the correct way savor chocolates:
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Having worked in a gourmet chocolate shop, I think it would be a great addition to my wedding! Our date is November 21, 2010, and I think I would be a great recipient bc I truly know HOW to appreciate chocolate. Did you know you’re never supposed to chew it!? Press it between the back of your tongue and the roof of your mouth and let it melt. Enjoy!
April 9, 2010 | June W
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In addition, Delysia Chocolatier has a special offer for Southern Weddings readers! Readers will get a complimentary 9-piece signature collection if they place an order over $400 by April 19th. This is perfect for the newly weds to enjoy in their room with a glass of champagne. If you would like to take part in this special offer, please email Nicole at [email protected].
Cufflinks 2 Wear offers amazing cufflinks to add that little something to the groom’s attire. We asked readers to tell us why their man is the best. Congratulations to Rachel L. and her yo-yo pro groom. They will get 5 pairs of cufflinks for all the groomsmen (who hopefully can also yo-yo like pros).
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My groom is the best because:
1) he buys me a bottle of wine and draws me a bath when I have a bad day
2) he moved all the way to Georgia to support me in school
3) he can yo-yo like a pro
4) he has the most hilarious sense of humor I’ve ever seen!
April 7, 2010 | Rachel L
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Last but not least, we had a special photo caption contest on our Southern Weddings Facebook fan page for the chance to win a copy of the very first issue of Southern Weddings Magazine. It is completely sold out other than the few copies that we have kept in our private stock.
Congratulations to Daniel C! Check out his caption:
yay! girlscout cookie order has arrived!
I’m sorry to say I’ve never paid too much attention to this detail, but you are right…what a difference a great tie can make! I’m so glad there are other folks out there who understand and appreciate all that goes into the sweet perfection of a true southern wedding….i certainly do!
My hometown is Salisbury, NC. I now live in MN, but the South still has a piece of my heart. I love Salisbury because it is a beautiful small town with a lot of charm! Although, I really do miss sweet tea and BBQ…Thanks for the great giveaway! This would be a wonderful NC addition to our Midwestern wedding.
My home town, Middlesboro KY, is built totally inside a crater! We are 10,000 ppl living in a giant whole left from an ancient meteor! Who wouldn’t love that?
I love the small town feeling of my home town (even though its not a small town!) You still seem to run into someone you know when you are out for dinner, or shopping. Everyone is friendly and caring, and always smiling!
I love my hometown because of all the things I hated about it while I was growing up there. I love going to the grocery store and it taking an hour because I know so many people (even though my fiance hates this when we go visit). I love the huge Italian festival that happens every year and all the amazing food and people watching that comes along with it. I love the characters in town that everyone knows and has heard a different story about, but no one knows if any of it is true. I love the feeling I get when I drive by the park and its softball fields where I spent basically my entire childhood. I also love that my fiance and I are getting married there and that even though I don’t live in the town anymore, so many people I haven’t seen or talked to since I moved are so willing to help, offer advice, or just congratulate us.
My hometown is Augusta, GA, which is home to the Masters. I can’t think of a more famous Sunday tradition around here than visiting the Augusta National Golf Course, grabbing a beer and pimento cheese sandwich, and cheering on the best golfers in the world! The usually quiet town is transformed into an international hot-spot for one week. But through all of the craziness you still see plenty of Southern charm…gentlemen dressed in green jackets with perfectly matched ties, pink and purple azaleas in full bloom, and a stately plantation home that now serves as the clubhouse. Always charming, full of history, and truly Southern, I’ll always consider Augusta home.
i love my hometown! we have giant clocks and lanterns that light our main street with blocks of shops for people to walk around. you’re bound to bump into an old friend at the bagel shop, and the ice cream scooper at our ice cream shop probably knows your name!
I love my hometown of Harbor Springs, Michigan for the sheer beauty and fond memories. It is a resort town nestled in Northern Michigan with frigid winters and moderate summers. Of course I despised the cold winters but looking back on them it gave way for skiing, tubing, snowmobiling and plenty of other winter activities to enjoy the white fluffy snow. Our summers were spent on the many lakes that surround the area but mainly Lake Michigan. Our family favorite beach was Sturgeon Bay where you had plenty of room to build sandcastles, search for Petoskey stones and float along the shore. My dad always put up a challenge for a foot race which none of us (my siblings) ever won even as we were older. I could continue to go on about my hometown but if you are interesting in a relaxing resort town to get away from it all, I definitely recommend staying here.
My hometown is Austin, Texas! I haven’t been back in forever, but it will always have a special place in my heart. I love it for swimming in the barton springs, the lakes, zilker park, live oaks, bluebonnets, rolling hills, cliffs, texas swing music, cowboy boots, tex mex food, margaritas, 6th street, and all the live music!! My family later moved to NC (go Tarheels!!!), but I’d love to make it back to Austin someday! Just gotta convince my fiance who loves cold weather and skiing (fun, but brrr)!
My home town literally begins with love, Lovettsville, VA. It’s a very small town (<1,000 people) that has managed to avoid the upgrowth surrounding it. You can walk anywhere you want to go, and always find a smiling face. There are annual street fairs to honor the towns German heritage (Oktoberfest anyone?), and summer carnivals. As you drive into town you are greeted with a giant welcome sign, which makes me automatically feel at home. As a side note, this is an amazing contest. We’ve been looking for the perfect ties to gift our groomsmen. As our wedding has a laid back, country feel, they won’t be wearing suits, but rather light colored vests and slacks, and the perfect tie is key. I’ve been looking for the perfect (preferably floral print) tie and haven’t found anything I love, and this would be a great option!
I love Columbia, SC because it’s a university town through and through. The Carolina fight song plays on loud speakers downtown every Friday at noon, everything shuts down for football games, and most bleed garnet and black. There isn’t a prettier place than the Horseshoe, Carolina’s original campus.
I LOVE my hometown because the weather is always perfect, I live about 15 minutes from Disneyland, and about 15 minutes from the beach!
My hometown is Brewster, MA (Cape Cod). Growing up, my family actually moved around a bit from Connecticut, to California, to Texas. Every summer, though, we spent at our home on the Cape. Through all of our moves, this is the one place I could call home! Brewster is a sleepy fishing village with an adorable General Store and the most amazing sunsets. It’s famous for the Brewster Flats where you can walk out for miles on the beach during low tide. My fiancee and I are getting married in Brewster over Labor Day weekend this year. We’ve actually been on an endless search for the perfect tie. I think I’ve visited every possible tie store from Thomas Pink, to Vineyard Vines, to Nordstroms, to ties.com. It would be a god sent to have ties from Lumina!
I love my hometown because of the history of the area. I live in Peabody, MA which used to be a part of Salem. There are so many things that happened in the area I’ve grown up in that happened in our nation’s beginning. As a child, I went on field trips to Plymouth Rock, toured Boston, and went to see where the Salem Witch Trials took place. There are great beaches along our coast, and the awesome "summer towns" like Gloucester and Rockport with all of their cute shops and boutiques. I love being surrounded by big cities and small towns.
My sweet hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia is a sleepy, southern wonderland. You can stroll through streets of Victorian homes and pass people who all know your name. I love how quaint and easy being there feels.
OH what don’t I love about my hometown of Raleigh? Raleigh is a big enough place to draw many events and "to dos" but small enough to run into friends at your neighborhood grocery store. I love that it is an urban city where I can walk to have a fabulous dinner or hear a band play, but is still sprinkled with fantastic wooded walking trails (the greenway & lakes) to get away from the hustle & bustle when the mood strikes you. We are positioned just perfectly in the great state of North Carolina that, on a whim, you can be a couple of hours from the coast OR the mountains! I’d love to win…what a great giveaway … would be PERFECT for my October wedding!
Growing up an Air Force Brat I never really had a "hometown". When asked where I am from I always say, "do you want to know where I was born, where I lived the longest, or where I am living now?!" I love the fact that I can call 20 cities in the United States (and one in Germany) HOME! My Mother always did such a wonderful job of making our little base-housing feel and look like a home. She always hung the "home is where the heart is" sign at the front door and allowed me to paint my room my favorite shade of blue. Home truly is where the heart is. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this experience growing up, despite not having a "hometown"! I currently live in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is my home :-)
My hometown is north of Orlando and I love it. I love being a Florida girl and enjoying all it has to offer. The springs are a close drive and I loved getting to spend summer days with friends on floats on the lakes here.
Most importantly, I love my hometown because it is where the love-of-my-life and I were acquainted. I love that one of the bulbs was out on the little old bowling alley’s sign and for over a decade it spelt "owl" instead of "bowl" :) I will always love Brooksville FL for many reasons that I will probably never understand! Also, I think I may be cheating on Southern Proper by saying that I now have a crush on Lumina bowties :)
Being a State Department brat, I never had a real hometown. I’ve lived in every major city in Southeast Asia and in South Asia, so I guess you could say I have hundreds of hometowns. It’s difficult to narrow down, but if "home is where the heart is," then my hometown has to be Charlottesville, VA. My fiance’s family lives in Charlottesville, and I spent all of last summer with them- hiking, touring the UVA law school, and just enjoying my time. I loved walking under the magnolias and the dogwoods with my fiance, and our memories in my newest (and fondest!) "hometown" made choosing a location for our wedding pretty easy.Clearly, my "home is where the heart is."
The thing I love the most about my hometown, Playa Del Rey, CA is the beach.
My hometown is Raleigh too and I echo your love of it! 2.5 hours to the beach or mountains, never predictable weather, awesome college athletics, great culture and entertainment, all complemented by a laid-back, well-mannered (for the most part) population…. I never want to leave.
My love for my hometown (NASHVILLE, BABY!) exists because: 1. I can walk out my front door and walk to at least five hip coffee shops if I so desired. 2. Whilst walking to one of those coffee shops I would most likely bump into a friend or make one on the way. 3. Creativity flows through the air here- whether it’s some one jammin’ on the guitar on a sidewalk or a sculpture in the park; creativity reigns! 4. Sweet tea can be found on any menu.
I love my hometown of Palmer, ALASKA, because it is rustic, charming, and so very unique. It has never lost it’s small main street feel, and its residents remain very loyal to being homegrown- there are tons of unique gardens, farms, and creative outlets! I will be returning home for my very southern-influenced wedding this August!
I am from the quaint town of Newberry, FL. I love living here because everywhere I go I see someone I know. It is like one big family. It is so southern that at least once a day you will get stuck behind a tractor going down the road. Newberry has some great restaurants and some cute boutiques. It is centered right in the middle of Florida so I am about an hour and a half from both coasts and Orlando. It is only ten minutes from Gainesville, home of the Florida Gators. The weather is nice year round. I could not imagine having my wedding anywhere else, and I hope that one day I will be able to raise my kids here.
I love my hometown, Memphis, Tennesse because it has such culture and history! The music in Memphis is wonderful, and the art district is really flourishing. I also love my view of the city! I love downtown and look out my window at the Mississippi every day!
My home town is Birmingham, AL. Aside from its lush rolling hills, many hidden treasures and spirited population, I love my home town because it represents something. It stands in the face of its own history and proves the possibility of personal and societal change. To know what it was, is not to know what it is. I’ve lived and traveled many places, but none has captured my imagination and begged me to stay quite like Birmingham. It’s more than a location, it’s home and it’s about five custom bowties away from pure perfection.
I love my hometown, Mitchell, GA because…1. We have smalltown gossip, but there is always someone there when you need them.2. We only have one old-time gas station, but they serve some of the best baby back ribs every Saturday afternoon.3. We don’t have movie theaters, malls, or any other form of conventional entertainment, but we grew up learning how to enjoy walking through the woods and riding dirt roads.4. Our boys may wear dirty boots, but they will always open the door for a lady :)
I am from a small town in north florida just a few miles from the georgia line called Havana. Havana is known for its antique shops and well thats about it! Although it is quite small and only has two red lights and a caution light in coonbottom yes I said coonbottom it’s on the out skirts of Havana …..it has so much southern charm with it’s huge oak trees dripping with moss and red bugs=) You can go to the ballpark any weeknight during the summer and find a t-ball game to laugh at or hit up the local Hobbit Hoagies for a beer and gossip. We don’t have much to do in Havana but I do love my hometown!
The river, the beach, old oak trees, and summer heat all make me love my home town of Jacksonville Fl.
I’m from teeny tiny Howe, Texas. When I was a senior in high school, the boy’s basketball team made it all the way to the state tournament in Austin. Our little town turned out in full-force, completely buying out the section of seats made available to us. Many had a cousin, brother, son, nephew, or friend on the team, but most were just unable to turn down the opportunity to see our precious hometown boys show off at The Tournament.While we were sitting at the game, a gentleman from a different town who was walking through our section stopped to make a comment to my dad–"Where are you from?" "Howe," responded my dad, sure the man wouldn’t have heard of it. "Geeze man, it looks like a train headed to the beauty pagent broke down in your town about thirty years ago!" I’ve never heard a more applicable description for the beauty, grace, and charm of ALL of the women who helped raise me.The boys lost in the semi-finals–incidentally, to Colt McCoy’s team–but our town has never stopped bragging about the year WE went to state.And that’s why I love my hometown.
My hometown is Davis, NC…15 minutes from Beaufort. You know, the quaint little southern town which inspired Nicholas Sparks’ "A Walk to Remember" and "The Choice".I love my hometown for it’s southern charm, it’s historic downtown, it’s beaches, it’s salt air, it’s small-town nostalgia, it’s country food, it’s fishing tournaments, it’s music festivals, it’s seafood, The Dockhouse, allowing me to wear flipflops year-round, it’s summer visitors…I could go on and on and on about Beaufort, NC. Looking forward to seeing ya’ll at the Southern Bridal Show this weekend!~Melissa
I love Nashville because it is simultaneously a small town and a big city. There is so much to do and see, but you are never far from friends. Plus, there is music everywhere!
my hometown is Rockaway Beach, NY and i ADORE it because it’s right by a quiet beach and absolutely comes to life in the summer!
I love my hometown of Alpharetta, GA because of the quaint main street with mom-and pop restaurants and antique stores, but drive 5 minutes and you are at NorthPoint Mall with great shops and even some flagship stores! It’s also 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta. A little bit small town and a little bit city…the best of both worlds!
I adore my hometown of Newton, KS. It is the perfect sized community – I was always safe walking home from school with my friends, you know your all your neighbors and exchange treats every holiday, but it is big enough that you can be a wallflower, if you choose. Whenever I visit, I always shop on Main Street. I love the artisan stores and buying local harvests. And when you drive just a few minutes out of the city, you are surrounded by farms and can see every star in the sky.It’s definitely where I want to raise my kids.
I love my hometown of Houston, TX because of the location, the welcoming attitude, cultural diversity and the events. I love the fact that Houston is so close to the beach, which makes seafood very affordable and delicious! I love the history that the city has as well as the small town feel in a big city. You’d be surprised how many people you run into even though you live miles apart; at gatherings, events, etc. It always seems like you always know someone connected to someone else you know, even though you didn’t know that they were related or acquainted with one another and vice versa. Six degrees of separation definitely exists here. I love how welcoming everyone is and how we like say "Good morning! How are you doing?" to every stranger on the street. I love that part so much. To me it is what makes a town into a home. I also love how we are so open to other cultures and that we have cultural festivals like the Greek festival, the International festival, etc. This also lends to the fact that there is always a lot to do every day of the week. Rarely, are there less than three big events going on in Houston. I love Houston!
I am from Troy, NC. I love my hometown because of its small-town charm. There is only 3 stoplights, and if you blink while driving through the town, you’ll miss it! On the west side of Troy, there is a lake bordered by small mountains. The outdoor activities are endless and the air is filled with sweet aromas of honeysuckle. Everyone is super sweet and greets you as you pass by. I can’t imagine living anywhere else!
My hometown is Charlotte, North Carolina. I love Charlotte because it offers you the big city feel with the front yards, nice neighborhoods, wonderful parks and amazing trees. Charlotte has amazing culture with the arts museums and theatres. The state of North Carolina is my home and I love it!
I live in the small farming town of Brown Summit, NC. The best parts of Brown Summit are:1. Every person knows ALL about everyone, everywhere, and everything. My whole family lives within 5 miles of each other, and I have a huge family! We have thought about having the town renamed. Those that aren’t family by blood become family by default. 2. Growing up in a farming community really teaches you about responsibility, honor, and community ties. You learn to work as a community, live as a community, and have fun as a community. These lessons run deep and carry throughout your life.3. We have one gas station, which has a "grill" (debatable), an old country general store, one community school, hundreds of acres of rolling farm land and not a single stop light.4. My fiance and I want to live and raise our kids here because what could a kid (or anyone for that matter) not love about being about to see the stars every night, waking up with the chickens and cows, learning to be a hard worker and being proud of what you do, and having a huge family that loves you unconditionally every step of the way.Our wedding is of course a country, sophisticated one full pieces that exemplify our roots and where we came from. Some of the bow ties on the website would be perfect for the look we are going for! Excited about Lumina!
I love my hometown (Fort Worth, Texas) because of its mix of cowboy culture and Mexican flavor. There’s nothing like sitting on the patio on a warm summer day with a huge plate of cheese enchiladas, and a frosty cold Shiner surrounded by an amazing group of friends!!
My hometown of Indianapolis, IN is great because they are home to the Colts. I LOVE football and I love Indy for giving me my favorite team!
Being from Greenville, SC my friends a little farther in the woods like to say I’m a city girl, but really they have to admit, I’m only a Southern city girl. Yes Greenville is blossoming beautifully we now have Falls Park and the most amazing restaurants downtown. If you stop by you have to try my favorite, the Lazy Goat or Sobys for some southern food with a twist. But really what gets me is the creeks that run through so many of our backyards with spongy moss just kissing its edge, walking bear foot across green fields with my dog Cotton and most of all the taste of Peach Firefly (manufactured in the Lowcountry) mixed with Lemonade on the lips of my fiance on a breezy summer night.
I’m from Louisville, Kentucky! I love my hometown because of the Kentucky Derby! It is such a gorgeous time of year for our town and everyone gets into the spirit of the Derby and all the wonderful traditions it brings…southern dresses, hats, and mint juleps! It can’t get any better than that!:)
I love my hometown of Lexington, KY and the fact that no matter who you stopped on the street, you can bet they know how to do the "John Wall" dance. hahaha We love our WILDCATS.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a small town in the Mississippi Delta. While some might cringe at the very thought, I loved every minute. Knowing everyone in town and really having the support of a whole community just can’t be beat…soulful blues with soil as rich as the culture.
My hometown is actually Gulf Breeze, FL but I like to consider it part of Pensacola since it’s pretty much the same thing. I LOVE coming home to visit and driving over the three mile bridge looking out at the water and smelling the salt water air again. I can’t help but always roll down my windows and blast some Bob Marley to get me back to memories of growing up at the beach. I don’t live there anymore but I must say from the change of being in Birmingham now I see even more now how FANTASTIC Pensacola is. The heritage and pride that everyone who lives there upholds is the best, unbeatable! Some say we are a backwards town if you will, but I say we like tradition and history and if it doesn’t suit them, they should just move somewhere else! How can you not love to be at the beach and then 15 minutes later be in downtown where the first settlement EVER was built! We have the best support for our troops as well I would say! Blue Angel weekend is the most amazing/crazy party/celebration of our hometown and the wonderful talents that come from it! We might be small, but our voices echo across the nation when it comes to the Navy. I couldn’t be more proud of my hometown! Pensacola never gives up, even through all the troubles with hurricanes, we NEVER give up! Just look back in history to Pensacola, the first settlement in America, which got torn away because of a hurricane…we are still here!! I love my hometown so much and will always speak of it proudly! Thank for the chance to not only enter this contest but to express something that is so close to heart to everyone reading! It would be fantastic to be able to receive these amazing ties!
My hometown is a little town in Maryland. To show you just how little it is, we have no stop lights! I love it because it is where my family is! The running joke is that everyone is my cousin, and if I went somewhere and needed help, one of the cousins will be there! I even had 3 cousins in my senior year english class! It was a lot of fun, and I love my little town!