Send Me Flowers

I've asked florist, event planners, and others to send me pictures of beautiful floral arrangements, cost cutting floral ideas, and outrageous dazzling shots of their own creations.

These from Lisa Michelle an Event Planner, serving the tri state area New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond 646.225.0324.

Lisa M. McGainey is a member of these organizations:
International Association of Wedding and Event Professionals
Black Business Women Online
American Academy of Wedding Professionals

also see her at:
LM Event Planner
LM My Space
Dreams and Keepsakes

Sketchy Favors

New York is just an adventure you will never know what you will find. As you remember my run in with a Parrot Man (A New York Experience). Today I sat next to a man on the train sketching, which is not unusal, I have worked out a few design ideas on many of my subway rides. He was doing these fast portrait sketches and asked if I would like my portrait done. I said thank you but I would not be making a purchase today. He really appreciated my honesty. Then I thought this would be a great wedding favor. So I asked would he do this at weddings or other events. He said YES! As a matter of fact Orin has done a few weddings and will work with you and your budget (don't be a cheapskate). Each guest can leave with an original sketch of themselves making this a favor they will cherish and keep.

P.S. That's not me in the sketch but that was what he jotted his info on. Maybe I'll frame it.

Contact the artist at orinink@yahoo.com 718.313.3254

Zania's Day

Sometimes the BIG day is a BIRTHDAY

Zania's 18th
Celebrated in Manhattan

Wearing a Red Silk Georgette Gown

by Cassandra Bromfield

Zania won't have to wish for a red carpet moment.

Moments before entering her star studded event

Head To Toes

From time to time I read a great blog that is important and hits the spot. From time to time I will add a Guest Posting.
I recently was looking at my tootsies, and ugh. Just because it's winter and not sandal wearing weather, doesn't mean I should let the them twist and turn in the socks. Well here is a word to the wise from Guest Blogger Anu Prestonia of Anu's Essentials, Head to Toes

I have always felt that a woman should look good and feel good from head to toes. Which brings me to the topic of toes. I'll admit, I have a foot fetish and this came about after many years of having a shoe fetish. But then it dawned on me, why should I have a fetish about something that hurts me? Where will Jimmy Choo be when you're suffering with with corns, bunions, and hammer toes?

Did you know that foot models don't wear shoes and they are carried everywhere they go... Ever notice that men never complain of their feet hurting (they wear sensible shoes), yet they are the primary designers of women's shoes! It is so sad that most women care nothing of their feet, only their pedicure.

Can I tell you? how many shoes I've given away over the years, because they hurt! Anu has much more to say. Read the complete article: Head to Toes From Anu's Essentials

The Other Vegan Bride

Michael and Nacala
The Other Vegan Couple

As you all know I am following Lia Brooms, The Vegan Bride, through her planning process. However before Lia, there was Nacala The Other Vegan Bride. Beautiful and creative this bride was a cool calm breath of fresh air for all her fittings.
We decided on a one shoulder silk shantung gown. Embellished at a high waist with a gold lace, beads and cowrie shells.

Two Photos Below by Cassandra Bromfield

A matching shawl that she wore draped around her head for the ceremony. The headpiece was designed by Beauloni Style. One of the symbols that was important to the couple was an Ankh. That was created on the front of the gown in Swarovski Crystals.

Nacala wasn't the stiletto shoe type and would have gone down the path barefoot. She found these at Aerosoles (these may no longer be available, the wedding was late spring 2008). They were perfect for her Afrocentric style. I joked with her that they seemed to replicate the Adinkra symbol, Besa Saka, sack of cola nuts, symbol of affluence, power, abundance, togetherness, and unity. She thought that was perfect.

This Photo By Cassandra Bromfield

The color was a light color of creme which matched perfectly with Michael's garment from Wilsdom Designs. They also made other family members attire.

The Wedding was early morning (about 8am) in Central Park on the northern side. Away from where they usually host weddings. Michael and Nacala wanted to begin the day with a sacred ceremony. It was fitting and symbolic. Atiba Wilson and Songhai Djeli were the drummers along with 3 dancers from the ministers recommendation, she is also a dance instructor.

I also asked Nacala:

Can you name some of the symbols and what they represented to you? Sankofa because we wanted to do a ceremony with traditional African (west) elements. If we were not stolen from Africa we would know exactly what to do for a wedding based on our tribe. It's important for us to celebrate where we come from and our roots. What a perfect way to start our union. Also we chose the Egyptian ankh because of its meaning for eternal life and the union of man woman and child. We want our love to be eternal, believe in eternal life, and definitely want children. Well said.

The reception was held at a favorite Brooklyn restaurant, The Red Bamboo, which is of course, is Vegan. So, what does a Vegan Couple cut, a Vegan Cake of course. Which has typical cake ingredients but there are dairy substitutions which are soy milk, soy margarine, and egg replacer. I am promised that the cake was delicious.

Red Bamboo Brooklyn
Vegetarian * Caribbean * Soul
718.643.4352

718.643.4806

redbamboobrooklyn@redbamboobrooklyn.com

After Glow:
So how is everything after the wedding. Nacala moved to California to join Micheal almost immediately following the BIG day. In an email she gave me her thoughts:

"It was just as we wanted it to be. I love the dress and I loved wearing it. Thank you so much, it was perfect.".
How are things going now months after the BIG day, was there anything you wish you did or anything you could have done without? "Things are good, never enough time together w/him being in chiropractic school. Wish we had gone on a honeymoon and had more time after before our cross country move and starting work/school immediately."

All the best to Michael and Nacala.
The Photos above (except where indicated by Cassandra Bromfield) are by Ed Marshall Photography

Suit Up Man

My Suit NY

It's no mystery that women have been enjoying the luxury of having their wedding gowns specially made for years. For most, this is a thrilling experience. She returns to the bridal shop for her couture fittings (even if it is a budget bridal shop) and has tea and crumpets amidst oohs, ahhs, and tears with all her friends.
The groom, on the other hand, rents his tux (who else has worn that suit) along with shoes and sometimes socks (eiwww!).
My Suit NY will create, a made to measure suit for the big day or any other day. Fabric choices are top notch and all traditional to fashion forward looks can be accommodated. In some cases only 2 weeks lead time is needed (what!). Prices begin at $495, which beats some off the rack prices. This is a perfect match, price, fit, and style, suit up man!
My Suit NY

Wendy Wendy Wendy

I was going to call this post The G spot but then I decided no.... Let me just tell you about the event.Wendy G has an incredible eye. Her photos are the total package and as your moments are captured it will be like hearing the laughter, the voices, and music of your event all over again. She is opening up her studio for an Open House, Saturday January 24th.

Stop by and you will be impressed, amazed and in love with this artist photographer. Details below

wendy g

Open House @ Wendy G Photography (here she is below)

Saturday January 24th, 2009
10am - 2pm
150 E. 39th Street New York City

wendy g

The Vegan Bride

The bride above is my The Vegan Bride, Lia. She found me through an interenet search and began with an email I received in August 08:
I have been reviewing your website and am extremely interested in a Cassandra Bromfield gown for my special day. We are currently planning our wedding for July 2009 in Barbados. I am looking for something fresh, sunny and funky with an Afrocentric twist. Rumor has it that Cassandra Bromfield is the place to go:)
Now I am really flattered and excited. The idea that I will be designing for a lovely spunky little Pre-K school teacher (my mother was a school teacher and I have a special fondness for educators) was exciting and Lia is a creative thinker. Her g0wn would not be the "normal" kind of dress, it's "funky with an Afrocentric twist". In fact she attached a picture of her self (above) along with her sketches of her dress that as she says is "skillessly" created by herself, I think she did an excellent job.

Lia and I finally met after playing phone tag, she was quite patient. As she describes herself and her plans for the wedding, Lia points out she and her fiance', Makalani, are both Vegetarian and not the namby pamby kind, they are vegan. How is she going to eat cake? What is the menu like? How is this Caribbean beauty going to pick a wedding based on her strict dietary choices? I thought all these questions and more could be asked by so many more couples, so I will follow her on her journey bringing you all the great finds.
Keep checking in with The Vegan Bride for updates, links, and ideas for a Vegan Wedding. It is even better to subscribe to this blog and you won't miss a post.

Just Add Color

Silk Patchwork Shawl

This Patchwork and tie dyed silk charmuese shawl, 91'" x 17" is the only one of it's kind. Each one is different from the next one. Perfect for adding color to any simple gown. This shawl is available in my Etsy Store.

Girlfriend Giveaway

Spa Week + The WeddingChannel.com + Red Door Spas =
One Fabulous Contest for you and up to 5 of your bridesmaids

One lucky bride and up to five of her bridesmaids the "Bridal Bouquet Package" to be used at a Red Door Spa. The Package includes: massage, bikini wax, mani pedi, haircut, and spa lunch.
Visit Spa Week.org and enter to win. There is only one entry per email address, so ALL your girls should enter. At least your narrow your odds.

Your girlfriends have watched you kiss a lot of frogs. Now that you've turned one into a prince, they endure the endless emails, wedding expos, bridal gowns tears sheets, and the me me me me me show. Let them know you really appreciate them.

Enter the Ultimate Beauty Giveaway

Be More Alluring For Free

Thanks to Spa Week, there are loads of giveaways, contest, and bargains
Sign up for a chance to win beautifully!

Win a Makeover!

For the entire month of January, you'll have the chance to score services with 92 experts in 14 cities, including hairstylists Serge Normant, Adir Abergal, and Oribe. You can win one of 739 free offerings, worth $146,676 in total!

Enter Here

You Amuse My Mouth

That's the literal translation of Amuse-Bouche. It is a bite size hors d' oeuvre and are different from appetizers. They are the chefs special selections, served with complimentary wines. The Amuse-Bouche adds excitement to the taste buds. No fuss no muss, your guest will love it.

Amuse-Bouche jambon melon
Easy French Food

Every Thing Must Go

Tribal Ties is closing their business after 15 years of providing high quality ties. Don't know if this is a causality of these tough financial times or maybe the owners have decided to retire and live on an island they purchased from their 15 years of success. What ever the case, they are selling off their entire stock and that is a good thing for you. All merchandise is 60% off while supplies last. If you are buying for a bridal party this is the time to do it.

When shopping use shopping code JANGOB

Fulani

Tribal Ties also sells scarves and suspenders

Fireworks Scarf

Hunter