That Galveston Island and the surrounding region has become a popular destination for weddings is no surprise. There’s something magical about such seaside affairs, whether they’re directly on the beach or in close proximity.

Coast Bridal Editors Laura Elder, right, and Melissa Rivera. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

Galveston and surrounding communities have a historic charm, character, beauty and the natural serenity that come with coastal living, making matrimony so memorable. There’s also such a wide range of venue choices and services, making the upper Texas coast appealing to couples from near and afar.

Because so many people are saying yes to a coastal wedding, we’ve decided to help by launching Coast Bridal twice yearly — summer and winter. Coast Bridal is brought to you by the same staff that produces Coast Monthly and features the best tips, advice, shops, services and venues that can help you get hitched here without a hitch. Whether you want a beach wedding or a mainland one with some seaside sensibility, we’ve got you covered.

As with Coast Monthly, you won’t find canned copy. It’s all local — from models, to real weddings, to dresses, to experts who know exactly how to navigate the elements while incorporating all the national nuptial trends.

While beach-bound brides envision sea breezes and the sounds of waves, there are things to consider — from sounds systems to seating — that can make it all as beautiful as the sunsets here. We’ve also compiled a directory of services to make it easy for couples to find everything they need for their big day.

As with Coast Monthly, Coast Bridal will grow and evolve, responding to the feedback while reaching thousands of readers. We hope to play our part in creating the perfect coastal ceremony.

Special Thanks

On the cover: Texas City resident Darcie Valenzuela models a wedding dress from Nefertiti Bridal in Galveston. Makeup by Desa Polivka. Hair by Karolina Kilbergerova. Spray tan by Beth Wilson. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

A lot of people work behind the scenes to make weddings go smoothly. The same goes for bridal magazines.

The Coast Bridal team would like to extend its sincerest thanks to Connie Dryden, of Nefertiti Bridal and Island Flowers in Galveston, for her invaluable expertise and advice, and for providing beautiful gowns and bouquets for our cover shoot.

We’d also like to thank Amy Voigt, marketing director for Ryson Real Estate and Vacation Rentals, for helping us secure a beautiful home in Beachtown for our cover shoot. You can read more about the Be Here Now property in this issue.

Our two models are naturally beautiful. But our highly talented team of professionals enhanced their beauty. A special thanks to:

• Desa Polivka, Mary Kay independent sales director, 409.682.1113, www.marykay.com/desa.

• Karolina Kilbergerova, of Hair Tech Beauty Salon, 16510 Termini-San Luis Pass Road, Galveston, 409.737.4247.

• Beth Wilson, with Flawless Glow, 317.730.2827, for providing spray tanning services to our cover model.