In Issue #43 Jan/Feb 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

When I got married 35 years ago (gulp), most weddings were held in a church. One of five girls, I was a bit of a rebel and instead of getting married at All Saints like all my sisters did, we were married outside on a hill with tree stumps as seats. This happened for a variety of reasons but was as perfect then as it is now. The trend in weddings (and heightened due to COVID) is outdoors and green. And individual.

Today, anything goes. Not just because a pandemic shredded everyone’s plans (though it did), but because plan B and making do, seemed to be all the sweeter. Why not get married in your sister’s backyard, or your friend’s art gallery, or at a state park? How can you not smile when your neighborhood has a parade for you as you walk to your house for your ceremony as happened with Ann and Zander in East Nashville? Or when your mama cooks your favorite Italian meal and serves it up in the backyard you grew up in? Weddings in 2021 were about coming together, chipping in, and cheering one another on. 

We learned that getting hitched doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect or costly or in front of hundreds of folks. We’ve highlighted couples who had very different weddings in their own ways. And with that, all the local artisans that helped them do it. Weddings are very much about community - your community, be it 8 folks or 80. We hope this issue inspires and brings a smile to your face.

One more thing – food. We have recipes for a banging party and a fantastic tea cake that will make any party (or wedding) better.
-- Jill