As some of you may know, I'm goin' to the chapel with my long time honey this December.  The clock is ticking to get the necessary things done...save the dates, invitations, wedding website, registries, the list goes on and on.  On a recent visit home, my mother in her infinite wisdom decided that we must get moving on our weddingregistry.  Having been chained to my computer for the past month (finishing my thesis), shopping for kitchen essentials and home accessories for our future abode was the last thing on my mind, but my sister Madeline reminded me; "It's just shopping Emily, this should come easy to you."  She was right!

After my first registry spree in my hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, I realized that we had only gone to independent, locally owned stores.  I realize the ease of registering online and availability with big chain stores draws a lot of brides this way, and I'm sure I will be utilizing one or two of these retailers.  However, there is something to be said of registering with local shops too.  I had so much fun talking with shop owners about registry trends, popular items, and their favorites.  It was a more personal experience; having the shop owners and staff sharing their thoughts and stories about particular items and ideas...after all a lot of them have been brides, husbands, MOB's, maid/matron's of honor.

Shopping locally is something I try and do as often as I can, and I thought there might be other brides out there that want to do the same.  I know I'm a little Golden Isles heavy, but I have to give it up for my hometown...we know how to shop :)  So here's a list of some of my Southern favorites for wedding registries and gifts!

The Golden Isles, Georgia

Market on Newcastle: Brunswick, GA Great shop located in historic downtown Brunswick, Georgia with fabulous antiques and a variety of gifts!

Cunningham Jewelers: Brunswick, GA  Over fifty years of bridal registry experience.

Viola's Market: St. Simons Island, GA   Locally owned and operated shop in Redfern Village.  Viola's specializes in antiques, home and garden accents, tableware, cookbooks, and more.

Sea Island Home and Kitchen: St. Simons Island, GA This ultra cool and modern shop is relatively new to SSI and located in the Shops at Sea Island.  Part gourmet cafe part retail store...Sea Island Kitchen and Home has one of a kind antiques, furniture, and contemporary kitchen ware for the modern bride.

Athens, Georgia

Heery's Too Located in the heart of historic downtown Athens, Heery's Too carries an exceptional variety of home decor, and gifts including: Juliska, Vietri,  Pine Cone Hill, Rebecca Wood, Fire and Flavor and many more!

Atlanta, Georgia

Huff Harrington Incredible furniture, art, antiques.  They also have a fabulous selection of tabletop accessories and linens.

Charles Willis  Charles Willis has been an Atlanta tradition since 1948. Locally owned and located in the heart of Buckhead,  They have over 400 china patterns on display, locally made pottery, hand-cut crystal, excellent stationary selection, and other home accessories.

Boxwoods   Boxwoods has an eclectic mix of merchandise including vintage and antique pieces hand-selected from Europe and throughout the U.S., current and modern home accessories, affordable furniture and lighting, fine gifts, and an award winning plant department.

Birmingham, Alabama

Table Matters  Table Matters is a one of a kind gift shop nestled in the heart of Mountain Brook Village in Birmingham, Alabama.  They specialize in pottery from all over the world and unique table linens.

Jackson, Mississsippi

The Everyday Gourmet   About The Everyday Gourmet:  "We believe that it is our genuine neighborhood hospitality that sets us apart from the big market chains. When you walk into our store or browse online, we want you to feel at home. We have one of the largest bridal registries in the South, and we pamper our brides and hope to make filling their kitchens with the things they need."

Charleston, South Carolina  

Vieuxtemps   Formerly Brittain's of Charleston, a downtown establishment for over 29 years, Vieuxtemps' plans to continue the tradition of offering the largest selection of china, crystal and silver in the Lowcountry.