112 Weddings

YOONHEE & TOM - Wedding #43

The wedding business is about the business of getting married.  At the end of the day, most teary eyed brides and sometimes grooms, say "It was the most perfect day of my life....it was perfect.....I wouldn't change a thing".  

Doug Block, a documentary filmmaker, who also shoots weddings, had a question......what happens after the perfect day and was it the best day of their lives.  He went back and interviewed some the couples he shot.  Some have divorced, deal with dept, while others have children with difficult medical realities, and then even though it's hard there are couples who are happy and wouldn't change a thing.

After watching 112 Weddings, I wonder what has happened to some of my brides that I connected with during the making of their dress.  All I can say is, I pray they are living extraordinary lives.

Summer Weddings/Party Crashers Can Really Bug Guests

If you're planning a beautiful outdoor wedding you must plan for those uninvited guests, bugs.  They can be a real mood killer.  Guests will be swatting, fanning, and some may even be allergic to bug bites, which can turn your wedding into a killer affair.

Photo credit Permed To Natural:My Wedding Photos

Time of day could be a factor to bugs coming to the party.  Dusk  and early morning appears to be when bugs like mosquitoes and gnats are active, so you may want to plan for after dusk or when the summer sun is at it's highest, but, have plenty of water and umbrellas to protect your guests from the hot sun.

Although a wedding by the lake (or any standing body of water), may be beautiful, this could present some issues.  Just be mindful that the unwanted guests may crash.

Photo Credit: The Veblen House:Buildings, Trail Trees, and a Sense of Place

Pest control at your wedding is not something you want to concentrate on.  You can try some of these tricks to help the wedding crashers at bay.

1. Hire a Pest Control service.  If you are getting married on family property, this could take some of the worry off your list.  The company will come out and provide you with the best solution based on your needs. FCM Pest Wire

2. Citronella Candles and Torches, the citronella oil is made from citronella grass, which grows in several countries in Southeast Asia. This tall grass has a pleasant lemon scent. This scent keeps some flying insects away, including mosquitoes, with its natural aroma.

Photo Credit: Elana Walker Presents the Art Of I Do

3. Bug Spray, supply your guests with some natural bug repellent. 

Wild Flower Avenue: Bug Off All Natural Bug Repellant

What happened to the Cicadas.  2013 was to be their mating year, it had been 17 years and the city would sound like call of the wild.  Cicadas are known for deafening high pitch droning sound, which is just annoying.  Some reports described locust like swarms, while others made us aware of this event.  It was suggested that outdoor weddings should have umbrellas on hand for guests.  

That's all changed, they just not coming.  According to this New York Times article 'Swan Song for Cicadas, but Many Missed the Show', there has been a change of plans.  So party on, at least this is party crasher.........more and likely will not be coming.

The Wedding Affair

The Wedding Affair

Saturday, January 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Richmond Hill City Center

520 Cedar Street

Richmond Hill, GA 31324

 

$8.00 online / $10.00 At The Door
  Register 

 

Attending Grooms register for a chance
to win a Round of Golf for 4

 

  Extraordinary Door Prizes 

Complimentary Parking

Wedding Planning Seminars

Spin the Wedding Wheel of Fortune
where every bride wins!
 
Fabulous Grand Prize
 

Stamped In Style

The minute your guest receive their invitation they are informed as to what type of event they are invited to.  This is the opportunity to show off your style, make a statement, formal or informal, what ever you want to say, the invitation is where they begin to get that information.

Having said that, your guests can gather that information before they even open the envelope.  A few years back Martha Stewart Weddings showed wedding invitations using vintage stamps....

.... so I thought I would suggest using Black Heritage Stamps, to make a statement.  African Americans have been placed on stamps since 1940, Booker T. Washington (10-cent).  Black Heritage stamps are available via sites like Ebay, Etsy, and the company Champion Stamp Company.

Ernest E Just

 Champion Stamps, sells vintage stamps, however you pay a higher price than the face value.

Black Cinema

Ebay, sellers (like moi) sell stamps at face value or a little more, but you can find some good deals.  Although you can get into a bidding war with another buyer, some sellers post "buy it now", which means you get the item.  Search on Ebay, by using Black Heritage Stamps, Sheets, and/or by the subject (Mohamed Ali, Jackie Robinson, etc, I found searching this was a bit hard, but did find some stamps this way) . 

Scott Joplin

Etsy, has less choices, but some non the less, Vintage Stamps.

American Clock 10-cent

To make up the postage difference, can be found at the US Postal Shop.

To Be Like Vivian

A few years ago, a bride to be, mentioned what she thought her fiance's mother was "supposed" to do.   

BTB:"Shouldn't his mother, like welcome me to the family.  Call me and say something about.....?"

M: "Maybe she thinks the same thing about you?"  

In-Law relationships can be sticky, but when you are "like Vivian", it is a perfect union.  My mother an I were adopted by the Etheridges and had been going to many of the family gatherings for years.  Gerry, the family matriarch, always had an open heart and door.  So when Vivian married her son she became the 7th child.  Their relationship was a strong one, sharing Sunday dinners, annual BBQ's and holiday fair.  It was the perfect relationship from the beginning, to the day Gerry passed away in 2008.  This was made possible because both accepted each other, bumps and all.   

I am not a relationship expert, but like a bartender, hair dresser, or cab driver I have a unique point of view.  If the relationship is rocky, look at yourself, you may be the one rockin' the boat.  Your Monster-in.....sorry Mother-in law may be a bit difficult, but she created the love of your life.

Below and idea that can help smooth ruffled feathers.

Earth Works Journals

Eye of Horus Hand Bound Leather Journal

Begin at a place of love and acceptance.  Here is what another bride did who had a great bond with her mother-in law.  Make a gratitude journal of what you love about him/her, filled with pictures.  This is a gift she will cherish for years. 

Places of Love:

We Love Gratitude

Gratitude Journal, Tree of Thanks

Soliloquy Bridal Couture

One day a woman called me about my dresses.  She said she was opening a bridal store.  It is always exciting when a new dream is realized.  Miriam Ligget spoke to me about her plans and how it included my gowns.  Wow, this is a great opportunity for my company to expand in a new way.

Not long after Miriam was in New York, sitting in my living room, checking out the gowns.  She has put orders in for a few gowns.  I am happy to say, Cassandra Bromfield's Gowns are available at:  

Solilquy Bridal Couture. 

754 Elden Street

Suite 103

Herndon, Virginia

571.449.2580

Wishful Thinking Can Come True

Wish Upon A Wedding is a nationwide 501(c) (3) organization, they celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of couples in love during their most challenging times. Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding will have 30 chapters spanning across the United States by the end of 2012. 

 

Jackie and Rochon

Most weddings are challenging but when you add difficult health diagnosis, you look at life, love, and a perfect wedding differently.  Wish Upon a Wedding makes dreams come true and you can help too:

• Wish Granter 
• Board Member 
• Host a Fund Raising Party 
• Bid a Wish.  

Bid a Wish, is where you can bid on items for your wedding and make donation at the same time.  It will be the best gift you will give and receive at the same time.  

 

Read more about the Wishes Granted or Apply for a Wish.

 

Wish Upon a Wedding.org    

Meet Me In The Ladies Room

These baskets were placed in both the men and women's restrooms at my cousin's wedding.  It made the bathroom experience quite lovely.

 

Fluffy white terry cloth towels

Everything from tooth paste to needle and thread

Show Some Love

Cabcomp/Etsy

Above are some Vintage Love stamps from my Etsy Shop.  It has become very popular to use vintage stamps  on invitations and    This may also create a valuable keepsake.  

Finding un-used vintage stamps (stamps over 20 years old) may not be as hard as it sounds.  It's big business and the resource for this purchase is right at your finger tips.  

• Ebay: Plenty of stamp sellers, including moi.  This will require you to research and read the descriptions carefully and ask questions. 
• Etsy: Same as eBay, there are individual sellers, but Etsy is not an auction site.  Many sell vintage stamps and this one stands out,  Verde Studio creates beautiful combinations for your mailings.  
• Champion Stamp Company: They sell stamps in varied denominations.  This may be the best resource of them all.  

The above mentioned companies sell the stamps higher than the face value.  That's the price of creativity.  Also read USPS Wedding Stamps and Rates.  This will give you an accurate accounting of what it will cost to mail your invites.

Something Is Bugging Your Guests?

If you have picked a garden or beach location for your wedding, there may be some additional guests that you didn't count on.  Bugs, they are pests, for your guests, you, and reap havoc your perfectly fabulous outdoor wedding.

Here is a natural and vegan solution that can be added to the welcome bags for out of town guests.

Pure Spa 2

Bug Off

Bug Off

A light Organic Bug Repellent. Enriched with Botanical, Essential Oils & Aloe Gel to keep bugs away and protect your skin as well as the environment.

This natural product is:
• Gentle enough for babies
• Safe and really effective
• Contains no Deet, Alcohol or Camphor
• Best of all it smells great !!!
 

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Aloe Gel, Catnip Tincture, Citronella Java, Neem Oil, Essentials Oils of Lavender, Lemongrass & Peppermint.
2.5 oz 

Bridal Plasty

Bridal Plasty

I bet you thought Bridezilla was as low as Reality TV could go and then the bottom dropped.  When I heard about Bridal Plasty, I was more appalled than intrigued.  Brides-to-be compete in challenges to earn plastic-surgery procedures in a quest to win their ultimate dream wedding.  Whaaaaaaaaaaat!!! this sounds as absurd as The Swan, an ugly duckling goes through major plastic surgery to compete in a beauty pageant (umm...isn't that the beauty pageant industry?).  That show was a new low for 2004-2005.

Then I realized my nose was getting too far out of joint.  There are lots of procedures that women will go through to better themselves for the big day.  Some procedures are a simple doctors visit and require no anesthesia.  

Photo from Live Strong

Botox: It's not what you think.  Some women suffer severe sweating issues and Botox can control the symtoms by blocking the chemical signals from nerves that stimulate sweat glands.  Read more here.

Photo From Family Dental Associates

Dental: I was at a wedding and the guy who caught the garter looked like Jack-O-lantern.  Ok this is a big dental procedure, but many women will have their teeth whitened  (a diy take home type or dental office visit) or  have their smiles improved by straightning the teeth. 

From the blog: There Won't Be Any Doves

  
Weight Loss: I think every bride has said this to me, they are working out to tighten this, that, or what ever.  One bride didn't want me to measure her until she had lost 30lbs.  She stopped eating rice and bread.  She was successful in loosing the lbs and looked great on her wedding day.  

Another bride I had did go under the knife for liposuction.  Although this was severe, she had the figure she wanted on her special day. It's not for everyone but it was a good option for her.

Photo from Beauty and The Bath

Lasik: If you wear glasses all the time, there are few photos of beautiful brides with glasses in the bridal magazines.  They want their wedding day photo's to be perfect (read more about The Lasik Procedure).  This procedure will last several years and can be life changing for eye glass wearers.

Contact Lens:  Lasik's isn't for everyone, but for those who don't want photos with squinting will opt for Disposable Contact Lens.   A non permanent solution those pesky specs.

Silicone Breasts: In the fashion industry we call them chicken cutlets, because that's what they feel like.  When brides want to look more boob-a-licious, without the surgery this accessories can enhance a wedding look perfectly.


Bridal Plasty sounded crazy at first but after thinking about it brides go through some level of augmentation.  Just remember he fell in love with YOU, and loves you just the way you are.

Stylish, Chic, Savvy

Cassandra Bromfield

Major bridal magazines have left us all longing for just a bit more color, culture, and style.  African American Brides Blog is going to close up that gap, just a little bit. 

Assisted by blogger Brittiny, they are looking for the funkiest, stylish, chicest, savviest, and the most fabulous weddings of color, to feature on their bridal blog.  If you think you have what it takes, drop Brittiny a line, amourtoujoursevents@gmail.com. 

See the original post here, and make it funky. 

Meet The Experts

Join future brides-to-be at whiteCHICAGO to learn how to plan the ins-and-outs of your dream wedding all while staying within your budget.  Enjoy wine and appetizers while listening to a panel of bridal experts chat about anything and everything wedding (your questions are encouraged).  On hand with tips and invaluable behind-the-scenes experience, this panel will arm you with more ideas than you’ll know what to do with!  From flowers to finances to food, you can be assured your wedding will go off without a hitch.

Meet the Experts at this free event:

Kyra Hernandez-Fitzgerald – gown expert, White Chicago

Kate Templin – bridal blogger, Bride-Buzz

Misse Daniel – wedding planner, Honey Bee Weddings

David Turner – photographer, George Street Photography

Jen Hutson – floral designer, Trendy Stems

Matt Bell – financial speaker and author, Matt About Money

Wednesday, January 26, 2011
6pm-8pm

White Chicago

222 W. Huron

Chicago Illinois

312.397.1571

RSVP this free event 

rebecca@bettebombpr.com

Happy New Year

Cassandra Bromfield

Happy New Year

This is your year to shine (until the next year) and make it all happen.  Remember to dream big, plan well, and love honestly.

Thanks so much for reading,

Cassandra Bromfield

The Importance Of A RSVP

 

Many couples struggle with those last minute fools.... I mean family and friends, who wait well beyond the RSVP date.  You've got to make those calls "Are you coming?" and it is annoying when you are working on the details of seating and cost.  

Well, I am guilty of this etiquette no no.  I never responded an email for the fund raising Gala for the Women's Venture Fund, titled 2010 "Defining Moments" Annual Gala at The  Capital, a nice site for a chic NY wedding reception.  As I arrived at the door, I could see the room was filled with corporate big wigs near and far.  For a rainy cold night, the attendance was spectacular.

Luckily I spotted one of the companies executives and as she saw me, her mouth dropped, "I thought you couldn't make it".  You see, my answer to the "Are you coming?" was vague and uncommitted. Realizing my faux pax, I told her I would leave.    Betti was gracious and said "We will find room".  I stayed and saw friends, BUT..... 

I was seated at a table for 10, all the way in the back of the room, and there was no one at the table for the first course (beet salad with some sort of cream cheese).  A few other table mates arrived, but it was then that I realized what I would be writing about today.  If I had RSVP'd, I could have had participated in scintillating dinner conversations.  So I learned a lesson and I hope you have as well.  It is just plain RUDE to not RSVP.  Then this happened....

I purchased a raffle ticket from one of the volunteers and when they read the numbers off I didn't even look at the ticket.  Someone is usually jumping for joy that they won.  There was no winners responding.  I looked at my ticket I WON!  Two bottles of wine and a gift certificate to Fairway.  

I'm am thankful for the lesson which means I am a big winner.

Aisle Dash

If you are getting married the last 2 weeks of May (wow that's now) and in June, Aisle Dash wants to hear your story.  How did you meet, who introduced you, where was it...... you get the idea.  You have a love story that tops, well "Love Story", then tell your story to Julie Rosenberg at juliezrosenberg@aol.com.

Found on African American Brides Blog

Saved!

Yes! Praise the Lord! Marriage can save a lives.  I had been hearing about the documentary, You Saved Me, which will tell the story of REAL HAPPILY MARRIED African-American couples.  The stats for African-Americans and marriage are disappointing to say the least.  Tired of it, the numbers game and happy that this will, at least, speak to the power of couple hood.

For those in Chicago there will be a viewing:

March 26th 

8:30 pm

Big City Swing (Dance Studio)
1012 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, Ill
Contact: 312-719-6632

 

Don't Miss it!

for more info

You Saved Me

Thank you to the creaters

Black and Married with Kids

and to bloggers

Style and Substance 

African-American Brides Blog

Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps

 

The Wedding Salon Bootcamp

Discover the latest tips and trends to Help You Plan Your Wedding.  This educational seminar features the best vendors from the weddings industry. Let the experts teach you how to avoid hidden costs and save. Get the step by step details, loopholes and "tricks of the trade."

Monday March 15th

6pm - 8:30pm

Dylan's Candy Bar

1011 Third Ave

NY NY 10021

RSVP

The Wedding Salon Bootcamp

Adding My 2 Cents

This is the time of year that you will be making memories, but if you are also planning a wedding, it can be like holiday magic of describing all the exciting wedding elements that you are creating. Or it will be a few months of Know it All's, Wanna Be's, Kind of, Used To Be A Wedding Expert Advising you on this that and what ever. Everyone has an idea that they want to share and believe me there are gems, jewels, and treasures in their suggestions.

However, it is your wedding and you had no plans of wearing white, covering up that tattoo, or cutting off your locs. As a free thinker you have decided to be just that, free of the traditions that you are not connected to.

Traditions do come from a good place. Their meanings are shrouded in good luck and lessons for the couple to have a successful marriage. So when you make changes many people worry about the success of your relationship. Then again I think people just want give unsolicited advice because that is the job of a Know it all, Wanna Be, Kind of Use to be a Wedding Planner adviser, which is add in their 2 cents, and I bet you'll want to give some change back.

LYAO, in 41 Seconds

As the wedding winds up, down, and all around. Tempers will flair up, the in laws make you question the next big step in life. You hate everything, from the dress, to flowers, your fiance`, and even your dear ole mother, makes you caaaaaarazy.
STOP THE MADNESS! Watch A Monkey Washing A Cat and laugh your a** off, really, just chill out.