Southern Weddings

If you previously requested the New SWS Media Kit via email, you will receive it by the end of the day today.  Thank you for your patience and all the excitement around here lately!  We are thrilled about the future of Southern Weddings.  We are so honored to showcase the best of the best in Southern weddings and inspiration from all over the world here on the SWS Daily Blog.  If you would like a copy of the new media kit, email {advertise at swsmag dot com}.  Happy Monday!

Here are a few images from the current issue… Enjoy!

• Pink & White Candy Bar: design by Bliss Event Group, photo by Almasy Photo
• Green and White Bouquet: photo by Rae Leytham Photography
• Oak Trees: It doesn’t get much more southern than this. Photo by Liz Banfield for Soiree Charleston
• Floral Lion: perfect for a southern garden tea party. The majestic lion made of ruffled pink carnations and fuchsia garden roses speaks of family heritage and whimsy from the moment you see it. Design by Preston Bailey, photo by John Labbé
• SWS Wedding of the Year Couple, Natalie & Beau: design by Bliss Event Group, photo by Salter Photography
• Parasol Seating: design by Tara Guérard of Soiree Charleston, photo by Liz Banfield
• Truffles: this is a fabulous favor from Nonnie Waller’s Traditional Southern. The packaging is delightful and they send a personalized monogrammed handkerchief with each order—just lovely!
• Diamond Engagement Ring: ring via Rock Hard Designs, photo by JRD Photography
• Pink Bouquet: design by Bliss Event Group, photo by Cook Images
• Southern Cake: another favorite… this four-tiered confection rests on a base of magnolia leaves and is laced with sugar hydrangea blossoms. So southern and delightful! Cake by Betty Weber Couture Cakes, photo by Rae Leytham Photography
• Cowboy Boots: the bride went to Texas A&M. Her boots are such a fun contrast to the frilly tulle of her dress, photo by Meg Baisden Photography
• Bride with Rolls Royce: this Phantom Rolls Royce used to belong to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The bride looks like a Southern princess in front of this fabulous car! Photo by East Hill Photo
• Tulip Table: a huge part of celebrations is coming together as a family and feeling the warmth of that famed southern hospitality. This image really speaks that. Photo by Christian Oth Studios for Jung Lee’s Fête: The Wedding Experience
• Monogrammed Napkins: design by Tara Guérard, photo Liz Banfield
• Mason Jars: tags from My Wedding Labels, photo Almasy Photo.

We’re running a little behind this week with all the excitement and fab happenings.  I have a super-long list of people that have requested the New SW Media Kit that was scheduled to be released today.  We’re putting the finishing touches on it and will send it out ASAP next week. If you would like to get in on the action around here, email me and I will add you to the media kit send out list.  It will include exciting SW Daily Blog/SW Website advertising options as well as expanded options for print.  Thanks for your patience!  Happy Friday~  Lara

PS- a huge thank you to Rebecca Grinnals and the {Engage08} team for inviting us to include Southern Weddings in the gift bags for this week’s conference in Celebration, FL.  If you weren’t able to attend this year’s event (which included speakers such as SW Contributor, {Preston Bailey}, {Marcy Blum}, {Rebecca Grinnals}, {Simon T. Bailey}, {Liene Stevens} and {Christine Boulton}) then be sure to check out {Engage08’s Website} for future conference dates.  Thank you, Rebecca!

A few much needed updates:

We have a monster list of people that have requested our new media kit over the last few weeks.  It will be completed this week and is set to include exciting SW Daily Blog/SW Website advertising options as well as expanded options for print.  If you have put in your request, it will be emailed to you.  If you would like info on becoming an SW advertising partner, email us.

The SW main site is going to get a much-needed facelift and update over the next weeks.  If you would like to be added to the vendor directory, now is the time to get in on the action.

The Round 2 SW Photo Contest ends tomorrow night.  Winners will be voted on and announced on Tuesday.  The winner gets a banner ad on the SW Blog for a month OR a $25 Paper Source gift card.  We have four (yes, four!) exciting contests waiting in the wings with some pretty amazing designers participating. More to come…

In case you missed it, The SW Blog (along with Martha Stewart, Weddingbee and InStyle Wedding’s Blog) has been chosen for the Alltop List of Top Wedding Blogs.  We are so excited and honored to be included! 

And the BIG NEWS for all you southern brides and wedding pros is that we are having a spectacular southern soiree!  Our official Atlanta/Birmingham Launch Event is now in the works with the help of the fabulous team at {Legendary Events}.  Mark your calendars for Sunday July 27th in Atlanta.  This will be an afternoon garden affair, so get ready, book your plane ticket, pack the car, get the babysitter… just be there!  Details to be announced very soon.  We can’t wait to MEET all of you in person! 

We love this blog and all of the amazing brides, designers, and fabulous photographers we feature.  YOU do the phenomenal work, we just help people see it.  We’re on a mission to change the way people see southern weddings.  We have big plans, big dreams, and are completely motivated by the passion and quality of work that is brought to us every day.  Thank you for making all of this fabulousness possible!  The daily SW Blog traffic has increased over 800% in 30 short days.  We’re thrilled!

Have a fabulous wedding to submit?  We’d love to see it!  Check our new FAQ Section for submission details.

Happy June!