EDITOR‘S LETTER
weddings are always a time of celebration. During this coronavirus pandemic, our celebrations may look a little different, but when it is all said and done, a wedding honors the love and commitment of two people regardless of how many guests are present or where the ceremony is held. Most of the weddings in this issue occurred prior to the
restrictions imposed because of COVID, but some of these couples had to rethink their plans and embrace new visions for their big days. For our future couples who will be using this magazine as a resource in their own planning, please take heart that there are many ways to plan a wedding that allows for you to celebrate safely, because being safe and responsible is the right thing to do. I was recently talking with a 70-plus-year-old woman. She said, “Back when I got married, you didn’t have these huge lavish affairs. We went to the courthouse.” She also didn’t have Pinterest. It does seem that, in the last 40 years, weddings have become much more elaborate. Courthouse weddings can be stunning and incredibly intimate. If you are thinking that this might be an option for you, West Virginia has architecturally amazing courthouses around the state that would provide beautiful backdrops. The management of many of these buildings will work with you if you’d like to add some flowers and decor to personalize the moment a bit more—just make sure you communicate that ahead of time. Outdoor venues, already popular, have become even more sought- after. Just look at the diverse options in this magazine. For example, The Gaines Estate, one of our longtime advertisers, is a stunning location in Fayetteville that marries the outdoors with Old World elegance. I toured this building and grounds before renovations, and I’m just blown away by the transformation. Snowshoe Mountain offers couples a place to play and celebrate with a plethora of scenic locations—and Corduroy Inn and Lodge is a new option on the mountain. Oglebay, another amazing resort, also provides all-inclusive packages that make planning simple. Tamarack, with outdoor and indoor options, is a venue that has really upped its game. And nearby Glade Springs Resort is another spot that offers a diverse range of options. Are you dreaming of a romantic castle- like backdrop? Then check out Highgate Carriage House in Fairmont. If you have your heart set on a little white chapel, then Blackberry Farm’s Chapel on the Hill in Charleston is calling your name. And if you are the outdoor adventurous type, then you should check out ACE Adventure Resort. So even with the added stress of planning a wedding during a pandemic, there are plenty of options to help make your special day a memorable one. And if you are looking for more inspiration and advice, make sure you visit us at wvweddingsmagazine.com and follow us on social media—we are always bringing you the latest and greatest inWest Virginia weddings.
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nikki bowman mills, Editor
4 | WV WEDDINGS Fall/Winter 2020
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