Coast Publishing acquires Duly Noted wedding magazine

I just received the following press release from the other end of my office, from Coast publisher Christine Oreskovich:

Halifax, NS July 20, 2010 -Coast Publishing Limited is pleased to announce the purchase of Duly Noted Wedding Guide. The glossy periodical comes out twice a year, and over its seven-year history has become an invaluable resource helping Haligonian brides and grooms to plan their weddings. The first issue under Coast Publishing ownership will appear November 4, 2010.

"We are excited about all the possibilities this opens up to us," says Christine Oreskovich, publisher for Coast Publishing, which also produces The Coast weekly newspaper. "Lots of Coast readers get married, and we've looked at getting involved in the local wedding industry with a guide, but Duly Noted owns the market. By doing this deal, we get to build on a solid foundation and use all our experience to make Duly Noted even better. It's a perfect match."

Coast Publishing will be expanding Duly Noted immediately, printing 50% more copies and making them available at more distribution points.

15,000 copies of the free, digest-sized publication will be distributed at bridal shows, shops specializing in wedding services, reception venues, gift registries, spas and hair salons. Editorial will be written by Coast Publishing staff. The publication will also appear online where brides and grooms will find Nova Scotia's most comprehensive directory to services and providers, along with advice and photos.

Duly Noted Wedding Guide was started in 2003 by sisters Nicole Venema and Cindy Midgley when they saw a need in Halifax for good local information about wedding planning and trends. Over the last seven years, Duly Noted has become the go-to directory for future brides, grooms and families who are getting ready and budgeting their event.

"We weren't publishers, but we knew a wedding guide would work," says Venema. "Now I'm excited a dedicated publisher can take it to the next level."

The guide features stories and advertising from local wedding industry leaders. Nicole Venema and husband Michael Smith will continue to operate their stationery store Duly Noted Stationery on Brenton Street, specializing in event invitations.

About Coast Publishing Limited

CPL publishes The Coast, the 17-year-old award-winning newspaper, and is committed to electronic media through its popular websites thecoast.ca and HalifaxMatch.ca. CPL also publishes a series of four glossy City Guides, including the titles Food & Drink Halifax, Green Halifax and Buy Local Halifax. Based in Halifax, Coast Publishing LImited is an independent, locally owned company.