Wowie Wow Wow!

Kurilla Design

"So let me see the ring", that's what they say when you make the big announcement. Basically, they want to see how big is his wallet. I know you want to go "BAM!, he loves me this much!", but of course that's bad manners and you are satisfied with the "Wowie Wow Wow!"

These days choosing the ring is about the wallet. Recently on Platinum Weddings, Tanya (Tanya and Jonathan at the right) wore white and canary diamond jewelry valued at $120,000, now that's a Wowie Wow Wow!

Most couples don't live, work, or love in those numbers. I had a bride who had a really beautiful ring. Before I could say "What a beautiful ring!", she responded " Yeah, it's pretty and we are broke". Although this was a little humor of a sad fact. That beautiful ring can be a life saver in a financial rough patch, so choose wisely.

A custom ring from Kurilla Design will make you love looking at your hands all day. He not only creates beautiful engagement rings but the rest of his collections which include bracelets, earrings and money clips (how big is his wallet) for men and women. Make an appointment for your Wowee Wow Wow!, moment.

Kurilla Design
212.459.1823
kurilla.design1@verizon.net

A New York Experience

Brooklyn Bridge Photo by Hassan Kinley, this was an unbelievable shot because it was a very nice day on the bridge and there were tons of people walking and riding bikes across the bridge.

Provide a NY tour for your Out of Town guest and they may just see this:

The other day while waiting for the G train (Brooklyn/Queens crosstown local) and across the platform I saw 4 kids all sitting on their skate boards waiting for the train. As I fumbled for my camera my train came and I missed the shot! It seem like one of those shots you see years from now that says "Brooklyn Subway 2008". So now it is a memory. But in New York, you only have to wait a few minutes and something else will happen. I sat down and then my moment came. A man with a Parrot came by. I thought it was some sculpture but no it was a parrot, a real live parrot, talking, swalking, and ruffling his feathers. So my camera was fired up and I took the shot.

Of course you realize New York is filled with the best museums, food, culture and shopping. But what's not on that perfectly polished list passed out to tourist at Hotels? I recommend a treat for the out of towners to a personal tour. You can outline the desired stops for the group and give your guest something to really remember about this great city.

Contact Taste of Harlem who will show you the pulse of Manhattan (one of 5 boroughs of New York). It's unique style, fabulous food and extraordinary history makes Harlem must see on any out of towners list.

You may not see Parrot Man on the subway but New York has always got something going on.

Personal Tours Contact:

Taste Harlem.com

info@tasteharlem.com

Jacquline Orange 212.866.7427

Walk That Aisle, Girl

In the olden' days of fashion shows, models would stride the runway to the cat calls "U Betta' Walk Girl!". Sashaying, posing, with confident strides in stiletto's, and never missing a beat.

Historic Films Stock Footage

Thanks to Naomi, we can still enjoy a little drama on the runway. Her sleek walk which is filled with personality has made her diva of the runway and say or think what you want about her personality disorder, she is still in demand!

Now you may never get the chance to be a supermodel running from show to show, but you do rule your walk down the aisle. Enjoy the attention watch the crowd rise up as you enter and Walk That Aisle, Girl, everybody is waiting just for you.

It's All About A Perfect Shoe
My Glass Slipper, has shoes from 20 different designers and a HUGE selection of dyeables. There is always a sale section which includes selected sale shoes at $15.00, shoes under $100, a couture section, wide widths, and more. My Glass Slipper is located in New York, NY, Columbia, MO, and is relocating in Washington DC (Locations). But don't worry, internet orders are welcome.

Look then link:

in stock in sizes 10 and 5.5
$15.00

$99.00 Hey it is under $100

Benjamin Adams $299

Mambo!

Lincoln Center Midnight Swing is up and running. Last Saturday couples by the hundreds descended on the Damrosch Park to Mambo! (some you will call it Salsa). If you get there early (6:30pm), there is a lesson that will give you the basics. The Midnight Swing website even has a video (click Dance Steps) you can view in private, then get down at the park with some fancy moves.

Dance Sport taught the class at 6:30pm ending with a performance of what it could look like with practice. HOT! like salsa, as the dancers moved across the stage. They made it look so easy that you wanted to move on the dance floor too. Even if it was out of beat and wacky turns, you felt like you were floating because the music made you feel so good.

Dance Sport also has a wedding package so you can wow your guest with your first dance. The wedding package will include:

• Dance lessons and choreography
• Music consultation and editing
• Rehearsal video
  
• Wedding Group Classes (so the whole bridal party can be fierce)

Dance Sport/Wedding

You will love dancing the Mambo and if you are in New York you can take a spin on the dance floor with Midnight Swing this Saturday July 19th.

This Saturday (July 19th) at Lincoln Center, it's Albita. Soulful Grammy-winning singer Albita electrifies the bandstand with rumba, son, mambo, guajiro and the Afro-Cuban rhythms of Miami’s Little Havana and her native Cuba.

Dance lesson at 6:30, live music at 8:00.
Lesson: Carlos König
DJ: Danny Ramirez

*Note: Set begins at 8:00pm

Lincoln Center for Performing Arts
132 W 65th Street
New York, NY 10023

Damrosch Park is located on West 62nd Street
Between Columbus and Amsterdam

See you there!

The Trousseau Collection

Article from by nubar/wordpress blog/ Wedding Nail Parties



by nubar

Bridal showers parties don’t have to be boring, with the same old - same old bridal party favors. If you’re looking to do something different? Have a nail party at your bridal shower. Break out the champagne and the nubar nail polish. nubar has the perfect collection for the occasion. Inspired by a lavish bridal tradition, nubar nail lacquer presents The Trousseau Collection colors are ideal for the bride as they are graceful and elegant. The collection includes six soft shades encouraged by luxurious laces, tulle, and satin. The Trousseau Collection also makes a great party favor.

All nubar products are Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Phthalate free products that accommodate the professional because women shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and health.

The Trousseau Collection:

· Pink Sachet: A subtle matte pink.
· Pink Cami: A translucent shade of pink with a touch of sparkle.
· Pink Bustier: A luminous shade of pink glaze.
· Blushing Bride: A soft rosy shade with a glittery finish.
· Je t’ame: A bright warm shade of pink with a slight hint of shimmer.
· Shimmering Tulle: A subtle glitter to go over any Trousseau shade or wear solo.

The Trousseau Collection is the perfect solution for you and your bridal party or bachelorette party.
For more information visit: nubar.wordpress.com

Saving On The I Do's

The average wedding will cost $14,000 + - $43,000, according to Cost Of Wedding.com. These numbers can spin out of control if you let it. With smaller budgets you can create a fabulous event, with a bit more creativity and numbers crunching your wedding will be all you want it to be. Here are 10 tips to keep the champagne flowing and you don't have to toast to Champale (Um but it is cheaper):

1. Thursdays, Fridays, or Sundays (provided not a holiday weekend) receptions are cheaper than Saturdays
2. Reception sites have lower prices for slower times of year. This could be a real saving but be sure and find out why. You may not want to experience inclement weather, building maintenance and things that are less festive.
3. Brunch or Breakfast are less expensive than a sit down dinner. Also have a buffet can save you a bundle.
4. Keep it simple serve red or white wine only for your cocktail hour instead of a full bar.
5. Keep it even more simple serve a signature drink named after the both of you. Have the drink created with and without alcohol.
6. Bands cost waaaaaay more than DJ's.
7. Work with your designer and see if the same or similar dress can be created with a less expensive fabric.
8. Get a very simple dress and accessorize it with great jewelry. You are more likely to wear your jewelry again.

Strapless straight fitted and slight flair silk D0uppionni gown by Cassandra Bromfield $1000
Headpiece in photo by Beauloni Style Hair by Khamit Kinks. Choosing a gown that is a simple shape allows your style to shine. Here we used a simple necklace by Amaka for great drama by draping it across the body.

9. Bouquets can be expensive, carry a small family bible, favorite book of poetry or a single rose tied with beautiful ribbon. During the ceremony read your favorite passage.

10. Now, this is all the rage a short wedding dress. You must have seen, that all the bridal magazines and designers (including me) are sporting short looks as "gown" choices. A great money saver, because you can take it on the Honeymoon and show off those beautiful legs he fell in love with.

On sale at Etsy.com, and yet another way to save. Choose a sale gown and save BIG

PS: If this post is really LARGE, the tech Gods had other ideas for the size of the text.

I Love This #3

Last year at the magazine launch of World Bride, in the gift bag was a tin, Bouteaque Tea. I was happy as a clam, because I do love tea and the flavor was the Rubious Raspberry Herbal Tisane. Oh my, was this a delicious tea. First of all, when I opened the can, the scent was intoxicating, sexy, and calming. I brewed my first cup and Oh My God, this was heaven. The tea is so flavorful, bold and yes sexy.
Then I was thinking, how fabulous this would be as favor gifts and this is how you can do it:
There are 6 flavors to choose from but I recommend choose one or two for your guest. Each 4 oz tin is $15.00, this is pretty expensive, but if you can afford this for all your guest, go for it.
* When buying in large quantity, make a deal.*

DIY this idea and it can be more affordable. Purchase the tins, which I found goo gobs so choices on line. Fill the tins up with loose tea. Then secure with a sticker and I think your guest will love it.

Below a few helpful links:

E Bottles.com

More Tins

Sophie's Favors

Personalized Labels

Beau-coup.com

Print My Thing

Handmade Just For You

Artist Shimoda and Laura center, clockwise upper left corner, ladder of indigo colored quilts, CAFE of delicious sangria and lemonade in Vintage serving jugs, Brownstone steps with potted plants, Shimoda's bracelet, Laura's wall hanging, more colorful quilts, a handful of pearls and beads necklace, backyard with 1 of 3 dogs napping, front stoop foliage greeting.

You may have missed this weekends "Cotton By The Sea" event, which was lovely. Laura Gadson (fiber artist) opened her home to lookie loos and collectors. Shimoda-Accessories provided the right balance with her beautiful use of pearls and semi precious stones. This Harlem brownstone which is home to 2 cats (the black one met me outside to sneak a few strokes) and 3 dogs, who all get along. Laura wouldn't have it any other way.

Quilts have a long history with weddings. They were specially created for young couples by family and friends and served as an opportunity to advise the bride as the quilting was done. Today we live different lives and sitting down with elders to create a quilt just does not happen as frequently as it did. However, you can order your own handmade quilt and begin your own legacy. Laura Gadson 212.694.0262

Below a few more handmade items I love:

Soapourri.com

Personalize soaps are a nice surprise in ladies and men's room. Your guest will be wondering "How did they do that?". Or give each guest their own clean heart as gifts. This is a favor that everyone can enjoy and use.

Crystols Boutique

Not everyone wants to carry live flowers, another option is this crystal bouquet. It last forever and you don't have to worry about the bouquet wilting.


Ask about matching boutonnieres.


Cassandra Bromfield/Etsy Store

White silk charmuese patchwork scarf available in my Etsy Store

Ushood This

Everybody is a wedding expert

The engagement announcement is made and in a nano second, you are bombarded with Ushoods. What's a Ushood, you ask, it's an unsolicited, well intentioned, sometimes ridiculous and irritating bit of advice from everyone who thinks they are an expert on weddings, events, dresses, etc. Ushood do this, Ushood do that, oh and Ushood call this person/company, because...(the why doesn't matter).

Ushood originated from two words, you should. It morphed into to one, which gives the Ushooder room for more Dogooder.Now, I know you are thinking, Ushoooders are everywhere, their advice extends beyond weddings and it's not all bad. Listen, "Cassandra Bromfield's Bridal Blog" is based in Ushoodium.

The Ushooder really can't be stopped, even though you want to say, "Ushood Shut Up!", this is usually not effective. The best way to deal with them is to say thank you, do your research and then move on. So I say this with love, Ushood enjoy your day.

Mixing It Up

Last Sunday on WE tv I watched an episode of Wedding Central-Culture Clash. I was intrigued by the title. This episode, showed an American White couple board with the American traditions of weddings, decided to marry out side their own culture and comfort zones.

With less than three weeks to the big day, the trials and tribulations of planning was documented. Kristian and Brandon were mentored by Neha an Rooshi in the traditions, symbols and fun of a wedding Hindu ceremony, of which there are many separate events that lead up to the big day.
Mehendi is an important pre-wedding ritual and is usually celebrated at the brides home. The beautiful henna decor is hand painted on the brides hands and feet. As well as other female family members. The tattooing is not permanent but can be very intricate and the bride must stay still so as not to spoil the design. Which means she will be treated like a princess. More on Mehendi Decor

One of my favorite parts of the show was when the Grooms feet is washed by his parents. This ritual comes with prayers for the couple. One family member I believe got it and with out hesitation as she washed his feet she said " May you use these feet to walk with God and may God bless you every step of the way". It brought tears to my eyes.

There was plenty of tension at making this decision but in the end the family got it. All the rituals and symbols are only meant to create a loving union.

You can borrow from other cultures without losing your own

Read and see more on this Culture Clash Wedding:
Reality TV Goes Desi
Video Trailer Culture Clash

Share The Love

Read about Jim and Shannon's Lush Life 8.28.05

Do you have a ooie gooie love story that you want to share with the world? The Producers of Wedding Podcast is looking for you. Read ahead for all of the deatails

The poducers of WPN are searching for couples married in the last 12 months to be featured on the wildly popular Newlywedcast program. This is a terrific opportunity to share your personal love and wedding planning story.
We are seeking couples that will enjoy retelling their unique experiences and share their best advice, ideas, and resources with our listeners worldwide.
Contact us
and
Share The Love
newlywedcast@thewpn.com

I Love This #2

This is really hot for you Earthy, hippie, chic, one of a kind brides who can only be fabulous on her special day.

Tribal Love Necklace

Could the name be more perfect!

$37.00

From the Fashion Design Lifestyle Team

Available on Etsy.com

A Wedding That's in The Pits

Slap on that sauce and let's get busy!



BIG APPLE BARBEQUE BLOCK PARTY

If you missed this event shame on you! Pit Masters came from all over to Grill New York, and we ate every bit of it and asked for more. While I smacked my lips and licked my fingers, I thought this could be a fabulous theme for a wedding. I have met many Brides weary of the idea of a big fancy catered event. "I would love to have just a simple back yard Cook out" lamented one worn out bride. So why not have what you want. Heat up the grill, slap on the sauce, and have plenty of Wet Wipes on hand.

Let's Get Grillin'

Helpful planning links at the bottom of this post

1. Begin with choosing a location. This shindig could be planned at many different locations, like a family's home, friends back yard, local park or even your own home.
   

Home

• Choosing a home can feel just right but first can the home hold the number of guest you want to invite?
  
• Speak to the local police department and find out about the noise ordinances. You may have the shut down at 11pm.
  
• Parking on the block. Neighbors can get sticky on this one. When you have the date and time inform the neighborhood association. Give them an educated guess of cars and get a plan that everyone can live with.
  
• Higher a clean up crew. Your guest may drop a paper or two be sure that the clean-up crew also keeps an eye on the street. If you leave a mess it could cost you a fine and that's not fine at all.
• If you don't want everyone using your bathroom, rent one. Porta Pottys are not as skeevy as they seem
  

Eliza J

• Discuss with your home owners insurance "extra" for the day of the event.
  
• If the whole block is not invited be sure to send out thank you gift baskets.
• Out doors is lovely but what if, there is bad weather, the back yard looks like an abandoned lot, or killer bees are on the attack. You got the idea, have a Plan B, can everyone fit inside.
• Or, is the area large enough for a tent. There are many styles to choose from and they can be as cozy, with heating, air conditioning, floors, creative lighting and more.
  

Sugarlum Tents

• Top Shelf Liquor, remember to limit the drinking you could be responsible for any irresponsible drinkers. That could include relieving themselves on someone else's property to driving and becoming a menace to society.
• Benedryl, bug spray, Sun Screen
  
• Is the house wired for fun. Check with an electrician if the wiring can stand the extra equipment (DJ, Lights, Other). Also keep cables covered and out of the way. You don't want any slip, trip, and falls.

The above list is not packed with fun, but it is necessary. Now let's get to the fun part. Your back yard bash can be as fancy as you can afford or low frills as you like. Below some ideas to build on

• Who is the Grill Mister in your family. See if he/she is willing to man/woman the grill. If you can have two, that's great. Fish and chicken on one, red meats on the other. Can't afford all the protein hold to just one meat and have a spicy or mild sauce.
• Everyone can dress casual, even you. Wear a light airy gown, even a short one will be fun. If you are game, after the ceremony put on some shorts.

Quick Change Artist

• Centerpieces can include mini bottles of hot sauce and wet wipes.
• Family BBQ recipes books, make this yourself, use a publish yourself service.
• Plenty of food is obvious, but get creative. Baby lamb chops are all the rage now or include sweet, mild, and hot chicken wings.
• Create a special drinks (non alcoholic), Watermelon lemonade, Sorrel, or Ginger Peach Tea. Search the net for more exciting recipes and ideas.
• Make it personal with napkins that sums up the day.
  

Married A Saucy Guy, Married A Saucy Girl
Mr. and Mrs. Hot Hot Hot
We Got Grilled 8.10.08

A BBQ wedding is filled with fun. I can go on and on and on ...

More BBQ Wedding ideas link up with these blogs:

• Wedding BBQ Good Idea
• Pash Weddings
  
• When Things Come Together
• BBQ Caterers Around the Country
• A BBQ Wedding
  

Porta Pottys

• Crown Restrooms
  
• Eliza J

Wedding Tent Rentals

• Sugar Plum Tents
• Big Sky Tent
• Weather Wise Tent Rentals

Mini Bottles Hot Sauce

• Miss Anna's Hot Sauce
• Fire Girl
• Personalized Bottles, Beau-coup

Tip: For a Soul Food fashion show, I went to a local grocery store and struck up a deal with the manager. He gave me a great price because of the volume. They were full size bottles and we just tied a little note with raffia on the bottle.

Wet Wipes

• Wipes 1 2 3
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Pinks Wet Wipes

Personalized Napkins

• Cocktail Napkins
• The Stationary Studio
  

My Etsy Shop

My Etsy Shop
Store Hours: 24/7
Shoppers welcome anytime! Wear what you want, there are no snippy sales people to size you up, and you can browse as long as you like. There is so much to see on Etsy and it can be addictive, so you may have to load up on coffee, but you will find beautiful handmade items at great prices.
Enjoy!

Etsy Buy Handmade cabcomp