On Tuesday night, SB&G attended a very special event. The Triangle chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) donated a wedding to a very deserving Garner couple. Shortly after the couple got engaged last summer, the bride was diagnosed with cancer, and she has now been given 3-5 months to live. Their original wedding venue fell through, so NACE, along with the help of several generous vendors, stepped in to help them have a memorable wedding day. Read more about their story here.

Several local wedding businesses donated different aspects of the wedding. The event took place at The Sutherland in Wake Forest. A dress was donated by Alexia's Bridal Boutique and a tux from Savvi Formalwear, the cake was provided by Sweet Memories Bakery, rentals & linens were from Classic Party Rentals, and both Katie Hamister and Brian Mullins were onsite to photograph the occasion. 

A few of the other local vendors who donated their services include Grace Leisure Events, Joe Bunn DJ Company, Mitchell's Catering & Events, Fleurtations Floral, Ed & Becky Sansbury, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, On Lokation Make-Up Artistry, Sea Sound Studio, Focused Videography, Raleigh Wedding Cars, and A Step To Gold International Ballroom.

This photograph of the couple being wed by Ed & Becky Sansbury was taken by Dara Blakeley (with my handheld camera!). 

We spent last Thursday evening handing out SB&G magazines to brides who attended the Cary Magazine Bridal Show at the Umstead Hotel & Spa. The event was beautiful and full of brides with their entourages.

The Umstead had their outdoor area set up for a mock wedding, so brides could get a preview of a ceremony on the lake. For more information about holding a wedding and reception at Cary's five-star property, visit: www.theumstead.com

Guests were serenaded with beautiful live music. Emi, of Emi & Udo Violin Duet (found in SB&G), was one of the performers. Our favorite flower arrangement was this incredible centerpiece by Watered Garden Florist- www.wateredgardenflorist.com. 

Yesterday evening was a busy one with three wedding events taking place in the Triangle. 

SB&G's new 2010 magazines were exclusively on display at the Belk Stores Engagement Party, which took place at Belks in Cary Towne Center, Crabtree Valley Mall and Southpoint locations. The after-work celebration featured music, food, champagne and fabulous raffle prizes. 

Donna spent the evening greeting brides and handing out magazines at the Brier Creek Country Club. The club hosted an intimate bridal show called "Wedding Secrets." A few select vendors had display booths at the show, and each gave a brief presentation on their services. Below is an excerpt from the magazine of this year's floral & table shoot, which took place at Brier Creek CC. www.briercreekcountryclub.com 

Jenna enjoyed pastries, chocolates and champagne at The King's Daughters Inn in Durham. The open house event was for wedding planners and local wedding professionals to mingle and get an inside look at the newly-renovated historic bed & breakfast. The photo below is of the dining room, where the Inn can host a wedding reception for up to 50 guests. www.thekingsdaughtersinn.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

SB&G had a successful day at The Carolina Inn's event last weekend, The Bridal Fair. Attendees previewed inspirational table setting ideas and mingled with some of the best wedding industry professionals while enjoying food and champagne provided by the Inn throughout their various ballrooms. 

The winners of SB&G's prize giveaway, a 3-night stay at Jekyll Island Resort, are Kristine Bushnell and Wilton Brown, whose wedding reception will be at The Carolina Inn this August. Congrats to the two of them, who are pictured below! Learn more about this beautiful resort at www.jekyllclub.com. 

Some of our local Carolina photographers have organized a new charity called Clicks for Quakes. The goal of the alliance is to help raise funds to support the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. 

As their first effort, Clicks for Quakes is organizing a Photo Drive. Throughout February, these photographers are offering $50/15 min studio sessions. Those who book will receive one digital file, high resolution, to be used for any personal purpose. 100% of the session fee will be donated to Lime-Aid, which will directly aid food and medical supplies in Haiti. Clicks for Quakes hopes to raise $5,000 for the cause.

Participating photographers can be found at: http://clicksforquates.wordpress.com  

Please remember to ask your photographer if any special promos are being offered in addition to the standard package. 

The Carolina Inn Bridal Show was snowed out this past Sunday. The makeup date is this Sunday, February 7, from 1:00-4:00pm. Tickets are still $10. (No worries- Superbowl festivities don't begin until 6:00pm so you can do both!) 

SB&G still has some free passes. If any brides are interested please contact info@southernbrideandgroom.com.

See you this weekend! 

SB&G spent this past Sunday at the third annual Washington Duke Bridal show. The afternoon kicked off with all guests hearing insider tips from a panel of wedding industry professionals while enjoying a delicious three-course lunch. The brides then moved to the beautiful event tent for an intimate tour of decor & apparel displays, cake tastings, and prize giveaways. 

Stay tuned for more upcoming shows that you don't want to miss! 

Photos by Jenna Parks

2010 Once In A Lifetime Designer Event at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
A Very Unique Wedding Workshop & Designer's Boutique 
Includes a luncheon, panel discussions by industry professionals and design demonstrations. 
January 10, 12:00-4:00PM
Call Beth or Diane at 919.313.2158 to register. 

Matthews House Open House for Brides
January 10, 3:00-5:00PM
Enjoy tastings and tour the historic inn. 
For more information call Nina at 919.467.1944 

SB&G gave away over 1,000 books at "The Wedding Show" this weekend (Forever Bridal Productions). 

We are also pleased to announce the winners of this weekend's drawings. We will be contacting them directly today!

 3-night stay at Jekyll Island Club Hotel goes to- Kerry Mahoney & Johnathan Parrish. This lucky couple received a complimentary four day, three night stay at this fabulous resort in Jekyll Island, Georgia, dubbed by Donna as "the Biltmore of the coast."   

2-night stay at Sands Resort, Myrtle Beach goes to-  Dana Stroup & Josh Garcia. The oceanfront Sands Resort is located in quiet North Myrtle Beach. 

It's here! Be sure to pick up your complimentary new edition of Southern Bride & Groom at all local Belk stores and other listed resources on the SB&G site, or at any of the upcoming wedding shows.

Highlights of this year's magazine include the first-ever featured bridal gown section, inspirational bouquets & tabletop ideas, stunning floral arrangements, eight real North Carolina weddings, planning tips and more.