Djanna and Nic

Just some fabulous photo's of a fabulous couple. She wore a Cassandra Bromfield's two piece silk taffeta gown. The strapless top was patchworked pleated taffeta embellished with mother of pearl buttons, glass and wood beads then trimed at the top with raffia. The skirt was fitted and flaired with a slight train.

The couple incorporated the 4 tastings in thier ceremony, which represented all the elements of marraige ahead.

Gifts for guest, beautiful handpainted candles

The reception which included live jazz and a delicous menu from The Fork Goes On The Left: Chef Mellanee R. Harvin 718-390-7468 melsfork@aol.com

Here's Djanna and Nic's light summer menu.
Passed Hor's Oeuvres:
Cumin Coconut Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki Salmon Skewers
Spicy Codfish Cakes
Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas

Salads: Salmon w/Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes & French Green Beans
Wild Rice & Smoked Chicken Salad
Penne Pasta w/Sun dried Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Garlic & Parmesan Cheese
Field Green Salad w/Shallot Balsamic Dressing
Peach Lemonade

Also

The wedding was performed by Kim Kirkley
Above Photos by Macintosh Smith
Flowers by Barbara's Flowers
Cake by Heavenly Crumbs

Wedding was held at the Akwaaba Mansion

Running To Make A Difference

By Patricia Polhill
The Restoration Corporation 24th annual 10K Community Fun Run- Walk Event. It's not associated with the NYRR that host the ING NYC Marathon, but is the biggest community event in the Bed/Stuy – Crown Height area. Some of my family and friends are participated, in honor of my uncle Joseph Sonny Haynes and a neighborhood friend Lenny Gittens.

Both men loved Brooklyn and the neighborhood. They devoted time to neighbors and community events. Joseph "Sonny" Haynes lived on St Marks Ave. He always said “you have to love where you live” and he really did. He was a licensed private pilot by the age of 16, and as a member of the NAI. He was an aviation instructor for most of his adult life (Brooklyn’s Harry S. Simmons Architect, was a friend & student). As a PE, he was a math coach for Math Counts (www.mathcounts.org), promoting the importance of mathematic in the many of Brooklyn's Junior High Schools. He supported community art at the Fulton Art Fair and Dorsey's Galley as well as African History & contributions at the Weeksville Settlement on Bergen Street (www.weeksvillesociety.org).

Lenny Gitten, a photographer, also supported the community and even ran in this annual community run fundraiser. (www.bedstuyonline.com). He moved from Vanderbilt Ave to New York Avenue & Eastern Parkway. He supported the Fulton Art Fair, Skylight Galley (www.restorationarts.org), photographing changes in Africa and in our neighborhood both big and small ( the opening of Knapps on Fulton Street, Mandela coming to Boys and Girls High School, Bishop David Wallace consecration, Pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship).

Both men have passed, relative to a men’s health issue. I think we need to pay attention to the mortality rate of the men in our lives and community, since they are dying of prostate cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, heart disease, AIDS, etc.
Last year the 10K run proceeds benefited the Central Brooklyn Childhood Asthma Partnership (CBCAP), 18 community-based organizations that educated the Central Brooklyn community about managing asthma. This year the event benefits YAA – Youth Arts Association. Sonny & Lenny would have support Restoration’s efforts. The event has passed but if you would still like to support the cause, please contact: cmarr@restorationplaza.org, info@restorationplaza.org about registrations and donations or contact:

Deborah Jones - Development Coordinator
Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp
(718) 636-6972
(718) 636-0511 (f)

An Afrocentric Gown

Interests in African inspired gowns have been growing since Harriette Coles’ book “Jumping The Broom” came out in the early 90’s. It helped couples plan an Afrocentric style wedding. This included food, décor, customs, and of course the dress.
In any culture the garment the bride wears always the center of so much attention. Whether the fabric is specially woven for her from birth or hand made at the time of the engagement announcement, it is her red carpet moment. This is the moment that must be perfect. When the bride is first seen by her groom, she wants his eyes to light up.
So how do women pick the perfect dress? Very carefully, the consideration of personal style, dreamy fantasies created from youth, budget, and the opinions of adoring friends and relatives.
So the search is daunting to say the least.
Today’s African American women are now incorporating culture into their gowns with ease. Culturally and ethnically inspired dresses are now a big part of the wedding industry. White fluffy confections are replaced with gold gowns with gold embroidery. Pearls will embellish gowns along with cowrie shells. Adinkra, ankhs, and other symbols are embroidered, beaded or painted onto beautiful silks. Colorful choices like tie dyed silks, African prints and embroidered fabrics are all apart of the mix.
Here in America there is much to discover about Africa. All of its beauty is yet to be revealed. African American women can choose gowns that celebrate their heritage and create their own personal style. There will always be a great deal of inspiration to look for in Africa.

Afrocentric Wedding Books

Jumping the Broom by Harriette Cole
The Afrocentric Bride by Therez Fleetwood
Going to the Chapel by the editors of Signature Bride
Nubian Wedding Book by Ingrid Sturgis

Care For Your Wedding Gown

How would gowns like this one below be preserved? Very carefully of course. Traditional gowns have their challenges, now that cultural style gowns are popular, they need special care too. Before leaving the establishment where your gown is purchased ask how the dress should be cared for.
When you do go to the cleaners be wary of the “hermetically sealed box” sale. The cleaner tells you the gown is to be preserved in a box and is sealed so the air will not ruin it. Unfortunately many unscrupulous cleaners just box the dresses so you can see the front of it through the plastic window. You don’t see the stains that have not been removed. The stains will oxidize over the years and become more difficult to remove. Here are some more tips to care for your wedding dress:

Do not keep dress stored in plastic this may yellow fabric from the gases that are released by the plastic. Better to keep it in a cotton muslin bag.

Grass, mud, wine, alcohol, etc are hard stains to remove be realistic about what the cleaners can do.

There are special boxes for wedding dresses that are acid free, of archival quality and the same with tissue paper.

For More tips on care visit National Cleaners Association and Kent State University Museum.
Purchase the acid free paper and boxes at The Container Store.

This Gown by Cassandra Bromfield has been donated to the Museum of the City of New York.