37+ Years Dedicated to Bridal!
From our first issue in October 1989, VOWS has been dedicated to one purpose: strengthening the bridal industry by connecting the people, ideas and insights that move it forward.
That mission was represented on the cover of our very first issue, where red and blue cords—representing bridal retailers and manufacturers—were tied together into a purple wedding knot. It symbolized the connection and community VOWS was created to serve among businesses that depend upon one another. More than 37 years and 225+ issues later, that remains our mission.
Today, bridal and wedding retailers have access to more information than ever before. Our job is to help cut through that noise and focus on what matters: industry-specific information, practical ideas and informed perspective that help independent bridal businesses understand their marketplace, make better decisions and thrive.
Published six times a year in print and digital editions—and supported by VowsMagazine.com, email and social platforms—VOWS covers bridal business intelligence, industry news and trends, practical how-to guidance, the people and companies shaping the market, and the experiences and perspectives of retailers throughout North America.
But VOWS has never been built by our staff alone.
For more than three decades, retailers, sales representatives, manufacturers, Markets and other bridal professionals have trusted us with their experiences, ideas and insights. In turn, our readers have trusted VOWS to present those voices thoughtfully, respectfully and without favor.
That continuing exchange of trust has resulted in more than 1,200 bridal-specific articles and a readership that today reaches more than 90% of North American bridal salons.
Meet the VOWS Team
Shannon Hurd | Editor in Chief
Shannon oversees the editorial direction and content of VOWS across its print and digital platforms. Her natural curiosity and ability to connect with the people she interviews bring an authentic, approachable voice to subjects ranging from the day-to-day realities of bridal retail to social media and the intersection of business and life.
A Colorado native and devoted Rockies fan, Shannon has a particular talent for finding the human story within the business story—and for turning those conversations into useful, thoughtful editorial content.
Shannon@vowsmagazine.com
Karl Nazarro | Creative Director
An award-winning designer and artist working in both graphic arts and ceramic sculpture, Karl has helped shape the visual identity of VOWS since its earliest days. As Creative Director, he is responsible for the distinctive design and presentation of VOWS’ print and digital editions and supporting materials, bringing together words, images and design to create a reading experience that complements and strengthens the editorial content.
Karl@vowsmagazine.com
Peter Grimes | Publisher
Peter founded VOWS with a simple idea: create a publication dedicated not simply to bridal fashion, but to the business of bridal and the people who make their living in it.
Since VOWS’ earliest days, he has worked alongside generations of editors, writers, designers, retailers, representatives and industry partners whose contributions have shaped the magazine’s voice and helped build the trusted relationship VOWS has with its audience today.
His publishing background includes the development of trade and B2B publications, specialty supplements and custom publishing programs serving industries including home furnishings, transportation, personal care and bridal retail.
Peter continues to oversee VOWS while working with its editorial and creative team to ensure that the publication evolves with the marketplace without losing the principles upon which it was founded: useful information, credible reporting, respect for its audience and a genuine commitment to the business of bridal.
peter@vowsmagazine.com
