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Weddings
Maddy Sims

Maddy Sims

Associate Editor

As WeddingWire's Associate Editor of Digital content, Maddy covers all things weddings, with a focus on beauty, sustainability, trends, planning and mental health. She joined the WeddingWire team in 2019, but her love affair with weddings began well before that. When she was younger, Maddy spent her weekends flipping through wedding magazines and watching Say Yes to the Dress with her mom. Originally from Chicago (Go Hawks!), Maddy lives in New York City. As a former competitive swimmer, she loves staying active–specifically doing anything that involves the great outdoors (hiking, biking, kayaking) and sweating it out on her Peloton. She's passionate about clean beauty products, delicious vegan food, and making the wedding industry a more inclusive space.

Experience

Maddy got her start in 2017 writing for Bustle, where she quickly discovered her interest in beauty, astrology and mental health. She then interned for Real Simple, covering everything from breaking beauty launches to shoppable gift guides. She's also worked as a contributing writer for Insider, Apartment Therapy, and Better Chicago, where she wrote about relationships, mental health, weddings, travel and beauty. Currently, she uses her wedding expertise to contribute content to The Knot as well.

Education

Maddy attended Northwestern University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and Integrated Marketing. After, she was accepted into an accelerated graduate program at Medill, where she earned her Masters of Science in health, science and environmental reporting. During her time at Northwestern, she interned for three magazine publications, worked for a luxury public relations firm and regularly contributed to two different online publications.

Accolades

Maddy had the prestigious honor of receiving the Harrington Award for Magazine Writing and Editing, Medill's highest graduate student award. As the skin care industry took social media by storm, Maddy wrote about which skin care trends people shouldn't be following. When Project Runway announced it will feature size-inclusive models, Maddy covered the breaking news. At a time when cyber-bullying was capturing the attention of the nation, Maddy penned an article about how bullying helped actress Bella Thorne learn about self esteem. Upon graduating from the Medill School of Journalism, Maddy was inducted into Kappa Tau Alpha, a college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication. Maddy graduated Cum Laude in 2018 and Magna Cum Laude in 2019. She was on the Dean's List throughout her entire academic career. As a Division I student athlete in the Big Ten Conference, Maddy was recognized as Academic All-Big Ten all the years she competed.

WeddingWire Q&A with Maddy

What is your ideal wedding style?

I'm always drawn to boho-chic, laid-back events. Simple colors, outdoor spaces filled with greenery and flowers, airy decor and twinkle lights! Twinkle lights everywhere.

Dream honeymoon location?

Anywhere with a beach! One place at the top of my list is Positano, Italy. It's so gorgeous (seriously, check out what the sunsets look like there). Plus there's so much to explore and so much good food to eat.

What was (or would be) your first dance song?

I hope my first dance song would be something my partner and I pick out together. But if I had to choose a song right now, I'd say "The Great Northwest" by The Mighty Oaks. It's a folky acoustic song that I've loved since I was in high school. Plus, the lyrics are so sweet.

Favorite celebrity wedding look?

I'm still obsessing over Hailey Bieber's custom gown designed by Virgil Abloh. With its off-the-shoulder neckline, delicate lace pattern and low back detail, it was the perfect combination of classic and modern.

Articles published by Maddy Sims

21 Christmas Gifts That Will Get Any Engaged Couple in the Holiday Spirit
Family & Friends
Help the couple celebrate their upcoming nuptials with a thoughtful holiday present. Here are our favorite Christmas gifts for an engaged couple.
17 Celebrity Wedding Makeup Looks You'll Want to Screenshot Immediately
Hair & Makeup
Steal styles from the stars. From minimalist makeup to full-on glam, there's an idea for every kind of to-be-wed. See our favorite celebrity wedding makeup looks, here.
15 Celebrity Wedding Hairstyles to Steal For Yourself
Hair & Makeup
Steal hair inspo from the stars. From minimalist up-dos to glamorous waves, we have hair inspo ahead for every kind of to-be-wed. See our favorite celebrity wedding hairstyles, here.
43 Father-Daughter Dance Songs You and Your Dad Will Love
Wedding Songs & Music
Here are the very best father-daughter dance songs to make sure you savor that special wedding moment with your dad.
Exactly What to Include on Your Wedding Invitations
Invitations & Stationery
Make sure your guests have all the information they need to come celebrate you. Here's exactly what to include in your wedding invitations.
6 Black-Owned Businesses in Seattle Couples Can't Stop Raving About
Trends & Tips
There are so many amazing Black-owned businesses in Seattle, but we've selected a few that win praise from couples.
Your Go-To Wedding Stationery Shopping List
Invitations & Stationery
Ready to purchase your paper? Here's your complete wedding stationery list, from save-the-dates to thank you cards.
27 Simple Wedding Rings You'll Feel Comfortable Wearing Every Day
Rings & Jewelry
Simple wedding rings are elegant and timeless. Check out our top picks for simple wedding bands for both men and women, as well as our favorite gender-neutral options.
52 Engagement Card Quotes That Aren't Cheesy
Wedding Guests
Looking for engagement card quotes? We've put together a bunch of options to make it easier to choose the ideal quote for an engagement card.
10 Black-Owned Wedding Businesses in New York City You Need to Know About
Trends & Tips
There are so many incredible Black-owned wedding businesses in the Big Apple, but here are a few that couples love.
Wondering What Wedding Makeup Look You Should Rock? Here's How to Decide.
Beauty Tips
Choosing the perfect bridal makeup look can be challenging. Follow these simple steps to select the wedding makeup look option that suits you the most.
34 Thoughtful Gifts to Show Your Significant Other How Much You Love Them
Family & Friends
Shopping for your partner can sometimes be challenging. To help, we rounded up 34 gifts for your significant other that they'll absolutely love.
32 Gifts Your Stepdad Will Love (and Actually Use)
Relatives
If you're on the hunt for the perfect stepdad gift, these are definitely worth a look. You'll find presents that are both unique and useful.
8 Creative Engagement Party Ideas That Won't Break the Bank
Engagement Party
Looking for engagement party ideas on a budget? Here's how to throw an engagement party that's unique but won’t drain your bank account.
How to Plan an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal Dinner
What happens at a wedding rehearsal dinner, and who plans it? Consider this your ultimate guide to planning an epic pre-wedding event.
39 Bride Entrance Songs For an Epic Walk Down the Aisle
Wedding Songs & Music
There are so many options out there for bride entrance songs, which is why we made it easier for you with our top picks for bride walking down the aisle songs.
21 Bridal Shower Invitations For Your Winter Wonderland Celebration
Invitations & Stationery
Throwing a cold-weather bash for the bride-to-be? Here are our favorite winter bridal shower invitations.
21 Fall Save-the-Dates That Are Cuter Than a Pumpkin Patch
Invitations & Stationery
Whether you're hosting an autumn event or just love the time of year, here are 21 fall save-the-dates that celebrate the cozy season.
7 Reasons Why a Couple Shower Is a Must-Throw Pre-Wedding Event
Bridal & Wedding Showers
Planning a couple shower? Here's everything you need to know to host an unforgettable party for both of your loved ones.
Outdated Wedding Stationery Rules You Can Skip, and What to Do Instead
Invitations & Stationery
Your wedding stationery should be a reflection of you, the couple. Here are six traditional wedding stationery rules you're free to break.
11 Black-Owned Businesses in New Jersey You Should Know About
Trends & Tips
There are so many talented pros to choose from in New Jersey, but here are a few that couples absolutely love.
51 Wedding Video Songs We're Listening to on Repeat
Wedding Songs & Music
If you're looking for the perfect wedding video song, just check out this list of our favorite picks. Whether you're searching for a pretty acoustic tune or an upbeat dance track, we've got the song for you.
The Best 50th Anniversary Gifts of All Time
Married Life
Half a century together calls for a major celebration. Here are our favorite 50th anniversary gifts your partner (or the happy couple) will love.
Everything You Need to Know About Navigating Approved Vendor Lists
Trends & Tips
Building out your wedding team can be overwhelming. While approved vendor lists can be a helpful resource, they do have some downsides. Here's everything you need to know about preferred vendor lists.
Legit Everything You Need to Know about Planning an Outdoor Wedding
Trends & Tips
If you're planning an outdoor wedding, there are certain things you need to take into consideration. Here's all of our best advice.
The 62 Upbeat Wedding Songs That Will Get the Party Started
Wedding Songs & Music
Your union is a joyful event, so be sure to play lots of upbeat wedding songs to add to that happy mood. Here are a few of our favorites.
Our Favorite 25th Anniversary Gifts
Married Life
You've made it through 25 years together—congrats! Here are our favorite 25th anniversary gifts to show them how much they mean to you.
7 Black-Owned Wedding Businesses in Charlotte, NC That Couples Love
Trends & Tips
There are so many impressive Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, NC, but these are a few that stand-out among the crowded talent pool.
The 30 Best 15-Year Anniversary Gifts
Lifestyle
You've made it through 15 years together—congrats! Here are our favorite 15-year anniversary gifts to show them how much they mean to you.
59 Wedding Guest Shoes You Won't Want to Take Off
Family & Friends
Whether you're going to a beachside ceremony or a ballroom extravaganza, these wedding guest shoes will look amazing (and still be comfortable).
12 Black-Owned Businesses in Chicago That Are Leading the Wedding Industry
Trends & Tips
There are many phenomenal Black-owned wedding businesses in the Chicago area, but here are a few that are elevating the wedding industry.
Everything to Know About the Handfasting Ceremony Tradition
Traditions
Personalize your wedding ceremony by incorporating handfasting, a Celtic tradition that symbolizes unity.