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

It seems fitting that this issue of Coast Bridal is a “flip book.” On one side is our normal Coast Monthly May issue. Flip it around and upside down, and it’s our bridal guide.

For many in the wedding industry — and for brides and grooms — worlds, big plans and dreams have been flipped upside down in this age of social distancing. To the anguish of many, weddings have been delayed, and rescheduled. We understand the frustration of putting off the big day. Planning a wedding is stressful enough, which is why we sincerely recommend leaving the details to professionals.

ON THE COVER: Shay Rivera of Texas City at the site of pirate Jean Lafitte’s home, Maison Rouge, in Galveston. Dress from Nefertiti Bridal and flowers by Island Flowers, both owned by Connie Dryden. Hair by Rebecca Rivera of Total Technique Salon. Makeup by Daya Gracia of The Beauty Box in Pearland. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

But we hope you find solace in knowing that big day will come and it will be beautiful and filled with well-wishing family and friends.

And this crisis presented many couples with their first real stress tests. We’re betting it makes many couples stronger.

Putting together a bridal issue during the crisis at times was surreal, but mostly it was a hopeful reminder of better days to come. There’s something inspiring about working with professionals — the ones you’ll read about in these pages — who, in the words of wedding planner Peter Ochoa, are “in the business of making people happy.” And there’s the unflappable Connie Dryden, who for years has been the calming, creative drive behind many a beautiful island wedding that went off without a hitch.

There are reasons so many people choose to get married on the upper Texas coast. There’s beauty and history and a venue for every couple. A serene setting, or one with roots and history, is the perfect place to start a life together.

As you’ll read in these pages, times are changing and many couples are tossing out longtime traditions to make weddings their very own.

We hope this issue offers ideas, tips and hope for better days. At Coast Bridal, we raise our glass to your future and for all that you’ve got to look forward to.