Fall/Winter 2011 Edition

MUNALUCHI bride for the bride who craves culture and style

romantic GOWNS, CAKES, TABLESCAPES,

&

REAL WEDDINGS ONE-ON-ONE with

Celebrating 30 dazzling

+ years of

designs by

PRESTON BAILEY 1

SHEILA JOHNSON Salamander Hotels & Resorts

AMERIIE’S

Lavish

Island Wedding

EXCLUSIVE IMAGES + WEDDING PLANNING DETAILS

EXCLUSIVES

DAVID TUTERA Jewelry Debut

+

Say “I Do Over” with DIANN VALENTINE

WIN

A trip for two to SOUTH AFRICA www.munaluchibridal.com

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FALL.WINTER 2011

theUltimate flower dress

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GOWN DETAILS The flower dress, worn by model Anouschka Dap, was created by Preston Bailey Designs using stems from 250 white phalaenopsis orchids, 400 white hydrangeas, 300 white tibet roses and 100 pink rosita vendela roses.

It took 3 people and 24 hours to create this masterpiece. All flowers were flown in from Royal Base (www.sunprideflora.com) in Taiwan.

Visit pg. 20 for our exclusive interview with Mr. Preston Bailey.

FALL.WINTER 2011

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Ines Di Santo

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INES DI SANTO Couture Collection - CALIFORNIA: Gabrielle’s Bridal 408 370 4999 Jobyna’s Bridal by INES DI SANTO 818 246 4637 M Bride 858 551 1718 Mon Amie 714 546 5700 FLORIDA: Ever After Miami 305 444 7300 Le Couture Bridal 941 373 3858 ILLINOIS: Bella Bianca 630 627 4027 Dimitra’s Bridal 312 787 0920 TEXAS: Belle Mariee 713 523 0068 Ivory Bridal Atelier 512 296 8884 Sposa Mia Bridal 956 683 8740 Stanley KOrshak Bridal Salon 214 871 3611Neiman Marcus 214 573 2663 MICHIGAN: Roma Sposa 248 723 4300 NEW YORK: Bergdorf Goodman Bridal Salon 212 872 8957 Bridal Reflections on Fifth Avenue 212 764 3040 Bridal Reflections Carle Place 516 742 7788 VIRGINIA: Hannelores of Olde Town 703 549 0387 WASHINGTON: La Belle Elaine’s 703 549 0387 CANADA: Ines Di Santo 416 925 0002 Veronica Di Santo Atelier Woodbridge, ON 905 264 5518 Blush Occasions 604 925 3219 ITALY: Errico Maria Ostuni, Italy Le Spose di Noi Due Bari, Italy 39 080 5244 804 Penelope Sposa Brescia, Italy 39 030 290473 IRELAND: Myrtle Ivory www.myrtleivory.com GREECE: Stella Tseka 210 971 5401 TURKEY: Beyaz Butik Istanbul, Turkey 90 212 296 6015 KOREA Beyond The Dress Seoul, Korea 82 2 512 5798 FALL.WINTER 2011

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From the Editor

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here’s a quote I adore by the illustrious Christopher Morley that reads, “There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way.” To take this simple but powerful quote even further, I have to add that there is only one way to measure whether or not your wedding was a success - if it was planned and executed in your own way. This issue is overflowing with unique ideas, glamorous real weddings, and beauty tips to help make your day your own.

We had the honor of working with Preston Bailey, the wedding industry pioneer, on our Fall/Winter 2011 cover. For the past 30 years, he has been living his life in his own way, breaking barriers and influencing new trends in event design. Learn more about how his career has evolved on page 22, as well as more details about the “flower dress” which took over 1000 flowers, 3 people and 24 hours to create. It just so happens that he designed the alluring wedding of Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET and an inspiring entrepreneur. We had the pleasure of chatting with her about her growing collection of luxury properties, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, on page 62.

In addition to successful pioneers like Preston Bailey and Sheila Johnson, we highlight the new jewelry line by Celebrity Wedding Planner, David Tutera on page 104, and showcase Diann Valentine’s new, heartfelt wedding show that’s nothing like any other reality wedding show out there on page 94.

Romance, bliss, peace, sensibility....are all words to describe the emotion one feels when viewing images photographed by Elizabeth Messina. She’s a photographer that portrays love and emotion through film like no other, and happens to be quite a humble and kind spirit herself. As you peruse through our “Sweet Romance” bridal editorial, you’ll be inspired not only by her charming images, but the poetry, which may serve as a great starting point for your own wedding vows. Speaking of romance, Grammy Award-nominated singer, Ameriie recently tied the knot in Anguilla, and we are thrilled to highlight exclusive images of her dreamy and romantic wedding on page 52.

As always, we love Africa and aspire to change it’s often-times negative depiction through our Pearls of Africa feature. This time around, we give you a glimpse of Sir Richard Branson’s African resorts in Morocco and South Africa on page 178. Also, a bit of African-inspired fashion never hurts. Check out page 136 for our “Gold Rush” editorial.

With so many bridal websites and magazine choices out there, we know that wedding planning can be an exhausting experience. That’s why we’ve taken the time to really fine-tune our website in order to provide you with all sorts of bridal inspiration with hundreds of images of brides that look just like you. While there, visit our new blog where you can find ideas for home decor, creative e-sessions, or anything that fancies you, wedding-related or not. That’s our goal, to be your #1 source for wedding inspiration showcasing brides of color - with a touch of style and an emphasis on culture.

Jacqueline Happy Planning!

Jacqueline Nwobu

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Continue to send your letters to me (editor@munaluchibridal.com).

I love the feedback:)

photo by UDS Photo

“Loving This”

These are a few of my favorite things in this issue...

photo by Elizabeth Messina

photo by K and K photography

Pop-star Ameriie sent out these unique Save-the-date cards to her guests. All of the text is engraved into the card itself. This is a chic and unique way to introduce your upcoming nuptials. The save-the-date cards and stationery were created by Natural Impressions Design, www.natural-impressions.com. You’ll love the outstanding decor of Ameriie’s island wedding thanks to Dream Design Weddings. Our exclusive feature of her wedding begins on page 52.

Not just for decoration... One of our Real Bride’s, Kristen, had guests type their well-wishes using this vintage typewriter. The notes are keepsakes that can be added to a scrapbook. Brilliant! Her gorgeous California wedding is featured on page 68.

This bouquet created by Kathleen of Katflower is simple mixed with chic, and the color is gorgeous! I love that it’s not totally symmetrical...Check out more of her work in our “Sweet Romance” editorial starting on page 24. www.katflower.blogspot.com

photo by Elizabeth Messina

I love natural hair...Here is a great way to accent a simple short hairstyle. This adornment was created by Myra of Twigs & Honey. It’s only a taste of her creative genius. Check out www.twigsandhoney.com for more.

FALL.WINTER 2011

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jacqueline Nwobu

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Eronmwon Balogun ASSOCIATE EDITOR Akua Abeasi

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche , Dex Phillip EDITORIAL INTERNS Kaylyn Eshesimua Chioma Onyewuchi Chioma Iwuagwu 12

PUBLISHER Chike Nwobu

BUSINESS DIRECTOR Uche Amaonwu

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Published by Munaluchi, LLC. 212 Route 38 West, Suite 200 Moorestown, NJ 08057 856.380.4068

Carol Roberts

Jewelry: Maiflores Gown/Bouquet: Preston Bailey Designs. Flowers from Royal Base (sunprideflora.com).

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Sharissa Fedee

Kimberly Giles

Cover Model: Anouschka Dap Photography: Andrea Blanch Stylist: Debra Ginyard Hair: Mann Nance for Halcyon Days Salon and Spa at Saks 5th Ave. NYC

using Enjoy Professional Hair Care and Eve Pearl Cosmetics

R BUSINESS OPERATIONS MGR. Ruth Ruggenthaler

ADVERTISING MANAGER Ben Anokute

(advertise@munaluchibridal.com)

The team at Munaluchi Bridal Magazine wishes to extend their thanks to all of the wedding professionals who gracefully shared their expertise and shared with us their works of art. All opinions expressed by the professionals interviewed are their own and other professionals in their field may have differing opinions. While Munaluchi Bridal Magazine aims to deliver accurate expert advice, no responsibility can be taken for the opinions of others. Munaluchi Bridal Magazine does not make any representation of the quality of any products, services, information, or material represented in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All photography not specifically credited to a photographer are courtesy of the respective company and used with their permission.

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Couples/Photographers interested in submitting a wedding for consideration in the publication can fill out an application online at www.munaluchibridal.com. Regretfully, due to the volume of submissions, we will not be able to respond to all requests.

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To advertise in Munaluchi Bridal Magazine or apply for membership into Munaluchi’s list of preferred vendors, please send all inquiries to advertise@munaluchibridal.com. Online advertising requests for www.munaluchibridal.com should also be sent to advertise@munaluchibridal.com. Once your inquiry is received, a media kit will be made available.

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IN THIS ISSUE

features

Preston Bailey Designs: Behind the Brand “Sweet Romance”: A Bridal Fashion Editorial Dex NY Dishes out Beauty Basics Exclusive: Pop Star Ameriie’s Island Wedding Save BIG for your wedding with the Budgetnista Gold Rush: A Fashion Editorial Relationship Corner: ”Single in the City” 5 Sexy Caribbean Destinations

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24 49 52 125 136 160 184

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photo: Elizabeth Messina

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departments Bridal Runway

Native Runway Men’s Runway Inspirations Ask the Expert: Le Pierre Caterers First Impression: Sweet Berry Lane The Pearls of Africa: Branson Resorts Dazzle Them Lifestyle: Ishka Designs

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photo: Elizabeth Messina

96 114 120 126 133 134 178 188 192

© 2011 Target Stores. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. 071314

THINGS TO DO IN YOUR LIFE TOGETHER

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34 Treat her to breakfast in bed

#

Meet the registry that has everything you need (and want) to start your happily ever after. Club Wedd makes building a registry fun, easy and uniquely, perfectly you.

So take the next step and build your moments at Target.com/clubwedd.

Thomas O’Brien® Vintage Modern coffee mug and plate

Dyson DC31 handheld vac KitchenAid 14-cup coffeemaker

gift registry

Black & Decker toaster

Fieldcrest® throw pillow

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S:10.375"

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photo: courtesy of Salamander Hotels & Resorts

64 Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort

spotlight 62 66 94 104

Sheila Johnson: Salamander Hotels & Resorts Sphatika: The Ultimate Spa Experience Say “I Do Over” with Diann Valentine David Tutera Jewelry Debut

The Diamond Directory

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Munaluchi’s exclusive listing of preferred Professional wedding vendors.

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photo: Elizabeth Messina

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Real Weddings Ameriie Mi Marie Rogers + Lennie Nicholson

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Kristen Henry + Alex King

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Aaliyah Franks + Patrick Rajasingam

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Ambra Heard + Aaron Duncan

84

Erika McGhee + Leroy Venn

108

Patricia Opoku-Mensah + Peter KoямБ Cudjoe

148

Taryn + LA

152

ANGUILLA

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA

52

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

68

TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND

PALMETTO, GEORGIA

Khaleshia Thorpe + Bryan Price OXON HILL, MARYLAND

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Kopano Matlwa + Motlasi Mobaso

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

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Jennifer Harrison + Armand Hutton NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

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A Royal Estate of Affairs Celebrating the art of entertaining since 1919

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Weddings & Celebrations A Castle To Call Your Own With Just One Wedding A Day 32 Luxury Guest Rooms & Suites Where Your Guests Can Sleep Like Royalty

Located on the Gold Coast of Long Island between New York City and The Hamptons 135 West Gate Drive 路 Huntington NY 11743 路 631-659-1400

www.oheka.com

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Contributors

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TIFFANY ALICHE

DEX PHILLIP

Tiffany ‘The Budgetnista’ Aliche is a passionate teacher of fun, financial empowerment. She began her journey to help empower communities through financial literacy by helping family and friends first and then extending her services to churches, schools and community centers. She started her own financial consulting company, CLD Financial Life LLC, to help show others how to make frugal, FABULOUS. Keeping in line with the mission of CLD, Tiffany has written a 12-step easy budget guide book, The One Week Budget. Her book is proof that you can do more with less. To learn more, visit her site, www.thebudgetnista.biz or email her at thebudgetnista@gmail.com.

Dexter Phillip, also known as DEX, has worked as a celebrated stylist, writer and visionary entrepreneur. His muse is the energy and glamour of living and working in New York City. Born in the British West Indies-Trinidad & Tobago, Dexter grew up in New York honing his craft in the realm of fashion. After studying theater and media communications at Marymount Manhattan College, and journalism at Columbia University, he eagerly positioned himself as an authoritative voice within the fashion industry by opening his own image consulting company called La Mode New York, styling for high fashion glossies, music moguls, celebrities and lifestyle advertising campaigns. Now a 20-year veteran in the world of fashion and beauty, Dexter embarked on making his long-time vision a reality - creating DEX New York – a private makeup studio with a red-carpet touch, and DEX New York Cosmetics – a healthy makeup line with good-for-your-skin ingredients, high performance standards, and photographic qualities that both the fashion industry and general consumer can all benefit and enjoy! Thanks to his life partner, global artist friends, stylists and photographers the DEX empire was born March of 2008.

www.munaluchibridal.com

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Preston Bailey Designs

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reston Bailey is more than just an awardwinning wedding and event designer bringing the extraordinary into the most ordinary of spaces. He is a true artist, creative force, and luminary whose presence in the event design industry for the past three decades has resulted in some of the most beautiful and elaborate designs ever seen. Though his creations are the stuff of legend and he counts such notable personalities as Oprah, Ivanka Trump, and Jennifer Hudson as clients, Preston has somehow managed to remain humble and so affable. He continues to share his wealth of knowledge with all who are willing to learn through his blog - going so far as to answer his readers’ questions. He also partners with the Wedding Design Institute to offer unique courses in wedding and event design.

Working with this visionary to create this issue’s cover was nothing short of a dream. In true Preston-like fashion, only the best materials were used - the flowers used to create this dress, a combination of phalaenopsis orchids, hydrangeas, tibet roses, and rosita vendela roses, were flown in from the Royal Base Corporation in Taiwan. Inspired by a gorgeous Marchesa wedding gown, Preston created a floral masterpiece that is sure to be the envy of every bride. From the elaborate floral headpiece to the intricately designed gown and deep purple bouquet, stylish brides everywhere will be inspired. That is the magic of Preston Bailey. In this issue, we sat down with Preston to talk about how his brand has evolved over the past 30 years and the lessons he has learned along the way.

How did you get started in event design? What’s your background?

I started in the design business because I needed a job. I actually, at one point in my life, didn’t know what to do and didn’t have any direction. A very good friend of mine, Interior Designer Vicente Wolf, suggested that I arrange flowers for one of his clients, and that’s how it all started. I started off as a florist, and then developed into designs and transformations, and now we do entire events.

How has the Preston Bailey brand evolved?

The brand has evolved very organically throughout the years. It’s one of those situations where a client would initially come to me and say, “Preston, we need flowers.” Then, they would say, “We need the ceremony done...we need the entire decorations for the room...we need for you to build a tent for us...” One of the amazing things is that I’ve learned by doing. It was not easy. Actually, it was very difficult. But after years and years of designing and making mistakes, eventually, you become an expert. I think that’s where I am right now and I’m very excited about it. That’s one of the reasons why I’m offering a Wedding & Event Design course.

That’s truly a blessing to give back in that way.

It is very rewarding. But again, the industry has changed tremendously in the past 20-30 years. It started in a very safe place, and now it’s at a place where one must be almost like an artist, and the expectations have grown tremendously.

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How far does the Preston Bailey brand expand?

Right now, we do events all over the world. One of the most exciting parts of my business is that I get to travel to these extraordinary places including the Middle East, Asia, South America, and I recently visited Nigeria which was really exciting.

What was your experience like in Nigeria?

My experience in Nigeria was fantastic. From the time that I arrived at the airport, I received first class treatment. Everyone was extremely hospitable and the food was amazing. What I loved the most was the passion for culture and entertaining. I was astounded to learn how lavish the weddings are What’s the most extravagant event you’ve ever done?

We’ve done a few royal weddings. These royal weddings are stately affairs, so clearly they need to be different and original because you are entertaining countries. I would say right now the most elaborate one I’ve done was for 5000 people.

How many flowers did you have to order for that?

An event of this kind is not only about flowers. It’s about building, it’s about transformation. We spent about a year and a half planning it. Regarding the flowers, it takes weeks just to deliver them... thousands of flowers. And you have to take care of them to make sure they are blossoming at the right time.

Photos: Courtesy of Preston Bailey Designs

>Spotlight:

So there’s so much that goes on in the background besides just flowers.

Yes. Most people think of events as these things where you just get together.

They actually require a lot of organizing and planning. Whenever I bring on a new client, I usually invite them to my office and show them different concepts in a drawing format. I’ve learned through experience to not only show them one design. Instead, I show at least three designs. After this meeting, I invite them back and show them all of the design concepts as real samples. Once I get their approval, the production can really begin. The production portion can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the type of the event.

There is always confusion with brides between the need for a wedding planner and the need for a wedding designer. Can you explain the differences between the two and how they collaborate together?

Yes, the confusion between planners and designers is an ongoing grey area in the industry. One way to explain it is that everything that involves aesthetics and design choices should be the responsibility of the Event Designer. This could be the process of designing flowers, table settings, giveaways, invitations, and the overall scheme. Anything that has to do with things such as seating, food tasting or anything organizational should be the responsibility of the planner. Usually what we do at Preston Bailey Designs is offer full service that incorporates both Event Design & Event Planning.

So if someone wants to use Preston Bailey Designs for their event, would you recommend a planner or would you work with their own?

We have an in-house planner, however we do work with other planners.

Event planners have such an intimate relationship with clients and can

spend sometimes six months to a year working together. So, if a client is more comfortable working with their own planner, then we are open to working with them as well.

Thanks for explaining the difference between the two roles. That was a great explanation! It’s important for people to understand that there’s a distinct difference between the two but realize that there’s a need for both. However, do you think that individuals can do both?

Yes certainly! I see that emerging more. There are many planner-designers that have evolved over the years. It really depends on the individual. I personally love designing and someone else within my company of course does the planning.

Have you ever had a last-minute disaster and how did you resolve it?

I would like to write a book about my last-minute disasters at events, as I’ve had many of those! I believe that many people in the industry can really relate to this. For one events are productions, and no matter how much you prepare, there are things that can happen on the day of that event that are out of your control. I’ve experienced disasters such as ordering thousands of a particular type of flower and receiving the wrong ones. My favorite one happened years ago in NYC…There was a blackout and we had an event to put together the following day! Talk about beyond your control. Overall, you just have to be prepared and make it work.

Any advice for brides when choosing an event designer?

I think the relationship between the bride and designer or planner is a very personal one. Each bride should feel comfortable not only with the services

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of the designer, but with the designer as well. They should make sure that they can actually get along well and should feel comfortable that this person is really truly able to interpret their style. That’s something that has to be instinctual. There needs to be a good rapport, and if there isn’t one or any question of one, they should not choose them. In my experience, choosing the wrong designer can lead to a disaster.

Any advice for up and coming wedding professionals on how to get ahead in the bridal industry?

My advice to professionals that are new to the industry is to take advantage of every opportunity. While a lot of information related to this industry exists, there is nothing greater than actually doing the work. Throw your own parties or start out with a friend or family member’s party. Nothing beats the experience. I believe it’s the best way to learn.

The Munaluchi Fall/Winter 2011 cover is breathtaking. Can you explain the concept of the cover and the inspiration behind the dress?

Firstly, I love, love, love fashion and have always had this fantasy of creating the ultimate bridal gown made of blooms of flowers. Orchids are my favorite flower and there are hundreds of different varieties. So the idea of creating a bridal gown made with orchids was very exciting. As far as I’m concerned, I would love to cover the entire world with flowers, so to do it with a bridal gown was amazing. The orchids used for the cover gown were flown in from Royal Base in Taiwan and they are a new variety because of the sizes of them.

With all of the bridal magazines out there, why did you choose to work with Munaluchi on this unique concept?

Munaluchi is one of those wonderful magazines that I think has a great future because they are ahead in the look of the covers and the content. For me, it was actually a joy to be able to work with the magazine, and I hope that this will be the first of many many covers that we do together.

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“I’ve always had this fantasy of creating this ultimate bridal gown made of all blooms of flowers.”

- Preston Bailey

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The floral masterpiece was inspired by this Marchesa gown.

Gown: Marchesa courtesy of Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier / Photography: Andrea Blanch / Stylist: Debra Ginyard / Hair+Makeup: Mann Nance for Halcyon Days Salon and Spa at Saks 5th Ave using Enjoy Professional Hair Care and Eve Pearl Cosmetics / Bouquet: Preston Bailey Designs / Sash: Nina / Ring: Swarovski Elements / Earrings:Rhanjana Khan

Thank you and it was a pleasure working with you as well! Keep up with Preston Bailey on his website and blog, www.prestonbailey.com, where he gives daily inspiration and transformation ideas. If you’re a wedding or event professional, visit www.weddingplanninginstitute.com/prestonbailey for information on his Wedding & Event Design Courses.

For behind-the-scenes coverage of our cover shoot, visit www.munaluchibridal.com.

Ad

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Sweet Romance

A bridal fashion editorial featuring romantic gowns, delectable desserts, and sweet poetry.

Photography by ELIZABETH MESSINA Floral Stylist: Kat ower / Fashion Stylist: Joy Adaeze Hair: Mann Nance

(for Halcyon Days Salon and Spa at Saks 5th Ave NYC using Enjoy Professional Hair Care and Shuly Wigs NYC)

Makeup: DEX Phillip for DEX New York Cosmetics poetry by Chioma Onyewuchi location:

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Oheka Castle

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this spread:

gown } Monique Lhuillier hair adornment } Twigs & Honey

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gown } Vera Wang shoes } Badgley Mischka for Couture.Zappos.com

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passionate, fiery, blazing relentlessly that they say is love but what about the softness, the gentleness the joy i feel when i’m with you the innocence, the purity the peace i have when i’m around you you make me tender you make me better you make me sweet you lift me higher

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you draw me into a kaleidoscope of colors from deep ebony to the brightest ivory my skin glistens in the light of your embrace take me away and make me yours ever thine, ever mine ever yours, ever mine...

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gown } BHLDN veil } Twigs & Honey

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gown } Romona Keveza hair adornment } Twigs & Honey

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gown } BHLDN hair adornment } Twigs & Honey

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gown } Monique Lhuillier hair adornment } Twigs & Honey

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Os car de l a re n t a • MO n iq u e l h u il l ie r • v e ra w a n g • Mar chesa a ng e l sa n ch e z • e l iza b e t h F il l MOr e • ca r Ol in a her r er a Pete r l a n g n e r • a n n e b a rg e • J e n n y P a ck h a M • l e la r O se ri v i ni • J u n k O y Osh iO k a • an n e b Ow e n • J e n n y l e e • l u isa b eccar ia and intrOducing

kevan hall W h i t e L a b e L

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bridal atelier

aappointment app ppoint ppoin ointtment ment only only park 55 building • 110 east 55th street • new york city 212 319 6778 • www.bridalatelier.com R R

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gown } Ines di Santo courtesy of Bridal Reections shoes } Badgley Mischka - Couture. Zappos.com hair adornment } Twigs & Honey bracelet } Tejani

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did i ever tell you how many things you are to me? you are my comfort, my safe place, my very castle your love surrounds me, supports me and guards me in your embrace i am beyond beautiful i become absolutely radiant rivaling even the sun i am not ashamed to love you and i will not be ashamed to have you

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gown } Claire Pettibone formalwear } Hugo Boss for Kleinfeld Men’s ring } David Tutera earrings } Tejani

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gown } Claire Pettibone formalwear } Hugo Boss for Kleinfeld Men’s ring } David Tutera cake } Palermo’s Bakery hair adornment } Twigs & Honey

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gown } Claire Pettibone formalwear } Hugo Boss for Kleinfeld hair adornment } Twigs & Honey cupcakes } Palermo’s Bakery

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gown } Oscar de la Renta courtesey of

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

formalwear } Hugo Boss for Kleinfeld veil } Twigs & Honey earrings } Tejani ring } David Tutera

www.munaluchibridal.com FALL.WINTER 2011 gown } Claire Pettibone OPPOSITE PAGE

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as i stand here and look over the beauty of this castle the lush greens and the vibrant flowers the expansive land and the gorgeous landscape i realize that it doesn’t compare to the beauty that i hold in my heart the beauty of the emotions that i feel standing here waiting for you

as you sneak out of your dressing room to look at me for the first time on our wedding day i can’t help but run into your arms i want you to envelope me and hold me wrap me in your arms and let’s create our own magic here in our own little world where you lean over and kiss me softly and gently but not too deeply because the deep, passionate kisses will come www.munaluchibridal.com

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when i look at you and you look at me and i call you my husband and you call me your wife forever and ever and ever and ever www.munaluchibridal.com till the world ends

Featured Article

BEAUTY BASICS

Finding the right color foundation for your complexion…. and how your face will love you for it. by, Dex Phillip

CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TONE THE BOTTOM LINE

Selecting the right color foundation is the key to having a great look and a flawless complexion. I have shared numerous amounts of tips and tricks with clients and found that when it came to choosing the right color foundation for your complexion, it was more important to perfect the skin tone than to create the sultry smokey eye. Without this information, I feel that most makeup tips and tricks are pointless! If you select a foundation that fits your specific needs, you will probably be happy and never switch again without good reason. Here are the specifics to consider before you purchase a foundation, and one that meets all your personal criteria.

CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TYPE

The first thing you need to consider when selecting a foundation is your skin type and the needs you have (like sensitive skin, allergies etc.) Do you have oily skin, dry skin, combination skin or normal skin? These are important factors when choosing a foundation.

Oily Skin – Make sure you select a foundation that is oil-free and controls oil and shine. Foundations with a matte or powder finish are very popular with people that have oily skin.

Dry Skin – If you have dry skin, you need a foundation that has moisturizing properties in the formula. Dry skinned people have better results with a creamy foundation rather than a matte or powder finish makeup. These types of makeup can appear caked on dry skin.

Combination Skin – If you have combination skin (like dry skin with oily T-zone) than you need a foundation that has moisturizing properties in the formula, but it’s oil-free and controls shine in your oily spots. There are many foundation choices for combination skin.

Sensitive Skin – People with sensitive skin need to select a foundation especially for sensitive skin.

Probably something that is oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy tested for skin irritancy. Check makeup labels to be sure about these things before you purchase a foundation.

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“I used to think it was impossible to find makeup that was the “perfect” color, but I now know that there is a color match for every skin tone.” - Dex

Selecting the perfect color foundation is a very important part of buying makeup. If your foundation does not match the color of your face, it will not look good at all. You need to be sure it is not too dark or too light, but just right.

Normally, all brands of makeup are grouped into something like “Ivory”, “Beige or Tan” and the “Natural or Neutral” colors. So you need to determine what your skin coloring is. Ivory would be fair skinned, Beige or Tan would be darker skin or suntanned skin, and Natural or Neutral would be darker than fair or pale skin, but not dark skin.

If you have ever looked at all the color selections available in foundations, you’ll notice that there are always several to choose from. Usually there will be several colors in the “Ivory” group and several colors in the “Beige” group. The reason there are so many to choose from in the same group is because everyone has different skin tones. You and your best friend may both have Ivory colored skin, but you may have different skin tones. Think about a medium colored Caucasian person (maybe part Indian), a light skinned African American person and an Asian person…they all have about the same color skin, but obviously the skin tones are very different.

What are skin tones? Well, if you look carefully at the different colors in the “Ivory” or “Beige” groups, you will notice that some are very neutral or natural colored while others have a pink, yellow or peach tint to them. This is to coincide with different skin tones. My natural skin tone is a bit on the pinkishreddish side, so I need a foundation with yellow or neutral tones in it to even out my skin tone. I would never use a foundation with a pink or reddish under-tone or else I’d look very red toned! Make sense? So you need to be sure about what the color of your skin is and what under tone your skin will favor before selecting a foundation. When trying to decide on a specific foundation color, once you have determined the above criteria for your needs, you should then test the foundation on your skin to make sure that it is a match. I have seen so many people test makeup on their hands, but your hands are not always the color of your face. The best place to test a makeup is from the high-plane of your cheekbone to your neck. The neck is where your makeup will meet your natural skin color, and it has to be the perfect color in order for it to blend smoothly and evenly, not leaving a noticeable line. So test the makeup on your face and blend it in well. The way you can tell if the color is just right is if it blends into your skin so well that you cannot even tell where you applied it. If this is the case, then you have found the perfect color for you.

Voila!!!

CONSIDER THE LOOK YOU WANT TO HAVE WHILE WEARING MAKEUP

There are so many different finishes in foundations today, so you need to decide what works best for you and your needs before selecting a foundation. This criterion may also be determined by your skin type needs .

Sheer or Natural Finish – This is the foundation for those natural beauties and people that do not need much coverage due to smooth, clear, even skin. If you are not a “makeup person” but you want a foundation that is light and sheer, you should go with this type of finish. These foundations are usually in liquid form and are almost the consistency of pure water. You can also use a tinted moisturizer.

Medium Coverage – These foundations are thicker in consistency and provide some coverage for people with blemishes, discolorations or just uneven skin tones.

They go on thicker and can be purchased in liquid form or compact form (like creams, sticks or cream to powder).

Matte Finish – These foundations are typically for those with oily skin. A matte finish is great for helping to control oily shine and breakthrough shine later. Matte finish makeup is also available in several forms (liquid, creams, cream to powder etc.) Matte finish makeup usually has a good bit of coverage to offer.

Powder Finish – These foundations go on creamy and dry with a powder finish. These are wonderful for those with oily skin or combination skin because they tend to be thicker and the powder helps with shine. This type of foundation can be used by anyone, however, if you have dry skin, you will definitely have to apply a good moisturizer first.

As you can see, there are many things to consider before purchasing a foundation. If you use all these guidelines to find the perfect foundation for you, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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Real Weddings

Ameriie Mi +MarieRogers LennieNicholson THE VICEROY, ANGUILLA June 25, 2011

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or absolutely gorgeous and platinum selling singer, Ameriie Mi Marie Rogers, it is obvious that there is more than “one thing” that her handsome sweetheart, Lennie Nicholson, has done right over the course of their relationship. Their mutual admiration and appreciation for each other culminated in a romantic Paris engagement and a captivating and sacred wedding ceremony in Anguilla on June 25, 2011.

The Proposal Knowing that Ameriie finds Paris incredibly romantic, Lennie put together what he thought was the most perfect, fail-proof engagement plan possible at the top of the Eiffel Tower. He would soon discover that wandering crowds and strong winds are a match for even the most romantic of ideas. However, luck was on his side when he found just the right well-lit spot and a nice stranger willing to record what is sure to be one of the most exciting moments of the couple’s lives. With Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” playing from the ring box, Lennie proposed to the love of his life; she said, “Yes!” Then, he shared a video he had prepared of their closest friends and family members sharing in their precious moment. Ameriie and Lennie were engaged! They were ready to plan the wedding of their dreams - one that would showcase their love and friendship, and remain a dream come true for years and years to come. In our exclusive interview with Ameriie, she takes us through her wedding planning process, and gives advice for new brides.

Chioma Onyewuchi

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What was the first step you took to prepare for your wedding?

I started looking for a wedding planner right away with the help of my sister, who also helped me find the perfect location for the wedding. I really wanted to handle a lot of the logistics because Lennie always does so much of that at work. I think I wanted to prove to my future husband that I could handle such a big project! We chose Tiffany Nieves-Cook of Dream Design Weddings because her work is so beautiful, and we chose the Viceroy Anguilla because Lennie’s dream was to have an island wedding. Also, the resort is so sexy and contemporary with its gorgeous architecture and decor. We also wanted to keep our wedding very intimate, with our closest friends and family of forty people.

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Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier

Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

Cake: Yannis Janssens of Yann Chocolates

Caterer: The Viceroy Anguilla

Calligrapher: Calligraphy by Jennifer

Entertainment: DJ Konikt

Flowers: Janet Flowers

Formalwear: Hugo Boss Hair/Makeup: Stephanie Pohl / AJ Crimson

Jewelry:

Rafaello & Co.

Linens: Nuage

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Officiant : Reverend Phillip E. Knight,Sr.

Registry: Williams-Sonoma, Bloomingdales & Tiffany & Co.

Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent

Stationery:

Tiffany Couture by Natural Impressions

Venue: The Viceroy Anguilla

Videographer: Utopia Video Productions

Wedding Planner: Tiffany Cook of Dream Design Weddings and Events

Photography: UDS Photo

Real Weddings

You looked radiant! Can you tell us how you put your look together?

For my gown, my mother, sister, and I searched high and low for the perfect wedding dress. Mark Ingram and Sandra Belizaire were great help.

I loved the idea of combining classic and tradition with fresh and modern. We chose Monique Lhuillier's "Love" gown because it was traditional with its nipped waist and large, exaggerated A-line skirt, but it was also modern with its asymmetrical neckline and uber texture. Adding to the drama of the moment, was my cathedral length veil with a very long blusher. For hair, I wanted to go with tradition again with an updo, but I wanted it to be edgy at the same time, so we created lots of gathered rolls with a thick braid accented with a long pearl necklace braided into the braid. It went in and out of the hair and was also asymmetrical like my dress. I wanted to keep the jewelry clean, yet striking, and also wanted a slight nod to my bohemian-gypsy sensibilities, hence the double rose gold bangles with natural pink diamonds worn halfway up one arm. I wore Yves Saint Laurent baby blue Tribute sandals for a pop of color, for both my “Something Blue� and my representation of Lennie. Lennie went classic with a black Hugo Boss tuxedo; it was important to him that he look back twenty years from our wedding day and still love what he wore. He put a slight twist on his look with a Tom Ford, black, oversized bowtie.

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Tell us more about your wedding decor.

The overall colors for the wedding and the reception was cream and peachy pink, really soft colors, and vibrant pink lighting to infuse energy into the night. I really love fluffy flowers, so I wanted the centerpieces to reflect that soft, cloudy feel. Lennie also loved the idea of incorporating some white branches into the floral arrangements, so our florist added them in, and to keep with “the fluff”, placed soft fluffy flowers going up the branches. Even our linens, covered with soft rosettes, were chosen because they echoed the fluffy texture of my wedding gown! We used traditional vases, but also lots of contemporary stacked glass with square, straight lines to keep with the modern yet classic approach. Our planner surprised us with some extremely beautiful glass lotus flower candle holders, which I absolutely adored. The menus, escort cards, and table

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“We chose to have a very traditional ceremony. My pastor, Reverend Phillip E. Knight, Sr., officiated, which was very important to me, and we recited traditional vows because it felt very sacred. The aisle was 375 feet long, so my father and I had a chance to exchange a few words in the beginning. Seeing Lennie at the end, looking incredibly handsome and looking at me with so much love, just took my breath away.” - Ameriie

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name cards were more feminine and gorgeous. They were a nude, tan color with gold glittery borders. Of course, being that I love monograms, they had our new marriage monogram cut into them as well, with the gold showing through. Our table numbers were actually large, silk, fluffy, textured cards that had names of global cities that held special meaning to us. Instead of a traditional guestbook for our guests to sign at the reception, our photographer created a book of our engagement photo shoot so our guests could sign that, making it extra special!

To incorporate aspects of Ameriie’s Korean heritage, and ensure the guests left satiated, Ameriie had Chef Charles of the Viceroy Anguilla include her mother’s recipe for Yakimandoo - a Korean fried wonton dish, as well as her parents’ own recipe for Dijon mustard and rosemary rack of lamb, and spicy tuna on crispy rice. Other highlights of the menu included a warm, panko-crusted baked goat cheese salad with honey and beets, raw oysters, miso black cod, spicy Caribbean jerk chicken, and conch fritters. “All the food was absolutely delicious, and it made us so happy that our guests enjoyed eating it,” states Ameriie.

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The cake is such an important part of the menu. What flavors did you select for your cake?

The cake was dreamy! It was seafoam blue with white applique, which truly popped in the peachy pink, cream, and vibrant magenta room. It was seven tiers (the number of God), and seven flavors: vanilla bean, pistachio with caramelized Sicilian pistachio pieces, red velvet with key lime buttercream, Devil’s Food chocolate with crispy milk chocolate pearls, matcha green tea with salty milk chocolate caramel, strawberry, and coconut. We had three tastings with Yannis Janssens, and the third was all about getting the perfect, fluffy texture. The cake was absolutely incredible!

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You were very unique and original in many aspects of your wedding design and decor. Did you do anything unique during the reception?

At the reception, I deviated from tradition by not tossing the bouquet to all of my sexy single spinster girls (apparently in Anguilla, an unmarried woman of any age is referred to legally as a “spinster.” I know, it surprised me too!). Instead, I gave a short speech about my wonderful, amazing mother, and presented her with the bouquet. In an impromptu moment, my sister (my only sibling and also my maid-of-honor) and I decided to toss her bouquet together to our girls, which was a really fun moment. My dad’s toast almost had everyone in tears, and the entire evening was emotional, fun, sweet, and elegant, all bundled into one.

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What did you do in terms of entertainment?

DJ Konflikt DJ’d my birthday party at the club Mansion in Miami, and I loved what he did so much, when it came time to picking a DJ for our wedding, I knew it had to be him!

He was able to read the crowd so well, it was perfect! We danced all night!

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“Our wedding was very beautiful, but what really made it so special was the love that we felt for each other, and the love we had for and felt from our family and friends. The energy was so warm and loving. We truly felt blessed...blessed to have each other as husband and wife forever, and blessed to begin our new life together so beautifully in paradise, in the presence of our loved ones.” - Ameriie

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Any advice for current brides-to-be?

Don’t wait until the last minute to think about some details that may feel overwhelming if you do, such as menu and floral arrangements. If you plan little by little, you won’t stress towards the end! And appreciate the sentiment of creating your registry. After all, some of these items will be part of some very special family memories.

Photos: UDS Photo

Designing Weddings that Dreams are made of

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Wedding Planning

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eddings

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vents

Event Design

Coordination

Custom Decor

Miami - Palm Beach - Atlanta - DC Destination Weddings Worldwide 888-478-6534 As seen on

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>Spotlight:

Sheila Johnson + Salamander Hotels & Resorts

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heila Johnson’s resume reads like that of a woman who has lived several lifetimes. Her accomplishments prove that she is no ordinary woman - she is a change maker, a trendsetter and a pioneer whose mere dreams have become realities.

As a founding partner of Black Entertainment Television (BET), and the only African-American woman to have ownership of three professional sports teams (Washington’s Mystics, Wizards and Capitals), Ms. Johnson has still managed to balance her exceptional career with a loving family life and passion for service. She is proof that a woman can accomplish the seemingly impossible, while remaining grounded and committed to the things that really count.

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In her newest venture, she set out to become a pioneer in the hospitality industry by founding Salamander Hotels & Resorts in 2005, which has a growing portfolio of luxury properties. Her hotels and resorts have been ranked among the best in the country and in the entire world. In our interview, we discuss the highlights of each property, Ms. Johnson’s determination to grow her luxury brand, and her plans for the future.

You are a successful business woman and humanitarian. How did you get into the hospitality industry?

I’m really in the third phase of my life. I was a music teacher for 18 years, and then of course BET...there’s a very fine line between the entertainment business and the hospitality business. I have always traveled and enjoyed visiting fine hotels. And I’ve always thought that I have a good eye for quality and luxury. Coming out of the second act of my life, I just thought it would be great to get into the hospitality business. And. I have to say, I sort of stumbled into it because I bought Pamela Harriman’s property in Virginia, which is a little under 400 acres. I thought I should build a hotel here because the area needs it and it would be great. So that’s how I first got into the industry.

It’s something that I always wanted to do and I’m having the greatest time... it’s like being on vacation.

Is there a story behind the name Salamander?

Absolutely. When I bought my farm, it wasn’t named Salamander but I discovered that’s what it used to be called. The former owner of the farm is Bruce Sundlun, a [WWII] war hero who was shot down. No one died, but they were captured as POW’s and Bruce was able to escape. He went and fought for the French resistance for a [while] and they asked him to go back in and rescue his unit. They gave him the code name Salamander. The mythical story behind the Salamander is that it’s the only amphibian that can walk through fire and still come out alive. For centuries, the salamander has been a symbol of strength, courage, and fortitude. And these are the traits that I really strive for in my business; but also coming out of a tough FALL.WINTER 2011

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period in my life, this really resonated with me. So I went back and asked Mr. Sundlun if I could call the farm Salamander again and brand the name.

He said he would be honored.

How many properties are included under the Salamander Hotels and Resorts umbrella?

There’s Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia which will debut in 2013; Woodlands Inn near Charleston, South Carolina, which we sold but still manage; Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, which I fully own and manage; and the new Fishing Lodge Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, which is owned by a company in Spain and we manage it. We started a management division a few years ago, and my goal is to really strengthen this part of the company. I really believe that between the team and myself, we are among the best out there. We are taking it one property at a time, and it will take a while, but I think we are fully capable of extending our brand.

Besides the new property in the Dominican Republic, are you thinking of acquiring any other international properties?

Outside of the Dominican Republic, we’re going to keep our focus on the East Coast right now. We hope to pick up more properties in Florida, because I think we’re very good at golf. [At Innisbrook] we’ve got Rodney Green, who is the only African-American Director of Golf at a major resort in the country, and he is just superb. We have the capabilities to look ahead and be very selective, because we really believe in excellence, luxury, and five star quality. That’s where we are focused…picking up quality properties.

INNISBROOK GOLF & SPA RESORT www.visitinnisbrook.com

Photograph: Christopher Fiffie

How do you go about selecting new properties?

I like to focus on really what I call “Best in Class” properties. If someone comes to me and says they want me to manage a property, then it has to have quality. I want to stay focused because I’m trying to build my brand on luxury. There are a lot of hotels out there, but I want to be able to put my thumbprint, the Sheila Johnson thumbprint, on my properties so when people go to them they [say] ‘This is Sheila.’ And I won’t accept anything less than that. I’m a perfectionist and I really want to keep my focus that way.

What are the distinct qualities of each location?

Innisbrook - not only is it big but it has four incredible golf courses. I put in a brand new spa there, Indaba, which is terrific. I brought this idea back from a visit to Africa while I was a global ambassador with CARE. Indaba means the coming together of minds for healing and health and well-being. Our accommodations are spacious and we have exceptional meeting and event space...67,000 square feet of indoor space alone. It’s easily accessible from Tampa airport. We just have perfect locations for weddings. We can hold weddings as grand as 1500 people. It’s really exceptional. We’ve had some incredible weddings there with a horse and buggy coming through the property...We have the space and the facilities, and that is one of the big distinguishing qualities of Innisbrook. The world is the bride’s oyster there and it can be done at an affordable price. Woodlands Inn near Charleston, SC, is a small boutique hotel with 18 rooms. It offers a very elegant but intimate setting for a wedding for about 200-300 people. Salamander Resort & Spa near Washington, DC, is still under construction and will open in 2013. It is in one of the prettiest settings overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a 27,000 square foot spa and a private wine dining room in an old stallion barn. What distinguishes this property is that it’s right in the middle of horse country. People can ride, they can hike, so even if the bride wanted to come in on a horse or a horse-drawn carriage, we have the ability to make that happen, and we could easily handle up to 600 people. Our newest property, the Fishing Lodge in the Dominican Republic, has amazing villas – some with swim-out access. It is located only 10 minutes from Punta Cana Airport and surrounds the largest inland marina in the Caribbean. It has its own secluded beach, a chapel, and, of course, the weather is fabulous. It provides a totally different setting, because you can have a wedding on a yacht or in the chapel, with the background of fantastic golf. It’s just amazing. Each of our resorts delivers different options and I think they’re unique, unlike many other places. There are lots of great hotels, but we distinguish ourselves and by offering something different in every one of our hotels. We are a flag that’s very flexible in what we present.

Above: Rodney Green, Director of Golf for Innisbrook Resort and his wife, Shekinah Brazzle-Green, on their wedding day.

Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort is the perfect setting for a Florida Destination Wedding. Situated on 900 acres of picturesque hills on the west coast of Florida, Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort is host for the PGA TOUR Transition Championship every March. The ultimate destination for a unique wedding or romantic honeymoon, the resort houses 609 guest rooms and suites, 65,000 square feet of conference facilities and a luxurious African-inspired spa. Invite your guests for a weekend of fun with Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties, Spa Treatments, Golf Outings, Rehearsal Dinners, and a morning-after brunch.

I’d like to talk more about the Indaba Spa at Innisbrook. Can you elaborate more on the African inspired treatments there?

I have brought in art work from Africa, so when you enter the facility, you will see the Maasai women and the strength behind them, as well as paintings on the walls. Everything is based around African smells, like amber, and strong earth tones. We used African based products that we have sought out, but also mixed our own and at the end of the treatment we ring a little gong to signify that’s its over. We have two treatment rooms dedicated to African-based treatments, the music is from Africa, the smells are of Africa...we believe in natural odors, but strong in the way it touches the spirit. The warm massages are ones that will keep you relaxed and it will be transformative. And we’ll give a little Indaba wine at the end!

What parts of Africa did you get the artwork from?

I’ve brought artwork back from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa. I’m constantly shopping for items for the spa, especially when I was a global ambassador for CARE. I’m going to Uganda this fall and will bring back more. Everywhere I go in Africa, because I really

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All images courtesy of Salamander Hotels & Resorts

Indaba Spa is located on 18,000 square-feet and also includes a salon and a fitness center.

Indaba, which means the succumbing together of minds for healing and well being, offers a variety of African-inspired, healing remedies. The decor, music, and scents are all of Africa and were inspired by Ms. Johnson’s trips to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. Bridal Party Spa Packages are also available and can include hair services, makeup artistry, manicures, and pedicures. Visit www.SpaAtInnisbrook.com for more information.

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at Innisbrook Resort

believe in women’s empowerment and dealing with gender based violence and maternal health issues, I try to champion the work that many groups are doing because we’re really trying to put these women in a position where they can regain control of their lives rather than being dictated by men. As chair of Parsons School of Design, I’ve sent students and faculty down to work with these women to try and better the products that they’re making and set up business plans for them. My goal is to bring more of these products into the Spa so we can sell them and 100% of the profits go back into the villages. They need everything they can get. I want to be able to talk about these stories more and more because I think that every woman should think about women, not only in this country, but globally. If we can strengthen women, we are going to have a much better world. So that’s my philosophy behind the Spa. I want visitors to understand what the women are going through.

What can a bride that plans to get married at Innisbrook look forward to?

They can design and put together whatever they want, and we will accommodate. Innisbrook is large, but we can make it as intimate as you want…and it’s so special, we can do anything. We’re sitting on 900 acres. [She] can [have] a parade...or if she wants to have a New Orleans theme we can have people dancing down the road for her...whatever you want to do, we can do it.

Salamander Resort & Spa is set to debut in 2013 in Virginia. Why Virginia? What does Virginia mean to you?

First of all, I came to Virginia because my daughter is a professional Grand Prix jumper. I have been coming to Virginia since she was six years old going to horse shows, and I fell in love with the Middleburg area.

Every day after school I would go from Washington and drive her out to have her lessons in Virginia. I was also going through a personal and painful time in my life and I needed to leave Washington to regroup and find myself again. So I bought a farm so she could keep riding there and we could start our own business...it was another sort of entrepreneurial move. Virginia became our natural destination, and as I’ve been in Virginia, I’ve fallen in love with the countryside. It’s really quite beautiful.

Yes, there are challenges here...challenges with people, but I have won them over. Someone has to do it and we can’t continue to run away from issues that occur in this country. I see myself as sort of as a trailblazer, opening a new path for other women, especially women with diverse families, to come in and start their own businesses. We are now seeing seeing a lot more of that. It makes me feel good when a limo pulls up and extraordinarily beautiful African-American women come to visit and eat at my Market Salamander. The word is out. Yes it’s been a struggle, but it’s also been one of the most gratifying journeys of my life. It’s made me stronger and I’ve earned the respect of many people, including the Governor, and they’ve been very supportive.

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WOODLANDS INN - Summerville, SC Woodlands Inn, located in Summerville, SC, is a boutique mansion known for world class service and one of only six recipients of the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards for lodging and dining. Some features of the luxury Five Star, Five Diamond Inn include 18 guestrooms and suites, a two bedroom country guest cottage, a day spa, croquet lawn, red-clay tennis court, outdoor swimming pool and a wedding garden.

Visit www.woodlandsinn.com for more information.

Fishing Lodge Cap Capa is a luxury resort located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic featuring 302 Mediterranean-style villas and stunning marina views. Guests can also enjoy Punta Espada Golf Course, offering the finest golf experience in the Carribbean, two restaurants, four swimming pools, and it’s own chapel. Visit www.fishinglodgecapcana.com for more information on destination weddings and honeymoon packages.

FISHING LODGE CAP CANA - Dominican Republic Tell us more about Market Salamander.

I have a wonderful boutique market in Middleburg. I call it a working chef’s kitchen. It’s true farm to table.

I grow lots of the vegetables right here on my farm.

The chefs cook them and put together different menus every day. Some parts of the menu stay the same because people are always asking for them...like our crab cakes, chicken tenders, mac and cheese.....these stay on the menu constantly. But every day our chefs come up with 3-4 brilliant dishes. We work with the farmers in the area. They deliver meat, produce and everything is organic. We have exceptional service and people can eat both indoor and outdoor. We’re renovating the second floor, which I’m going to call the library because I’m overrun with cookbooks. There will also be a private dining area. We actually cater polo matches, horse shows, and, of course, weddings. Our pastry chef makes the most incredible wedding cakes. We just do so much and the reason why I opened the Market is because there was really nothing in Middleburg for parents that were out with their kids on the soccer field. Now they can stop by the Market, pick up a full dinner and take it home. We’re also in the middle of wine country so we do box lunches for people that are on wine tours. I’m so proud of the staff that I have and it’s a very special market. I also have a little gift shop on the next corner called Salamander Touch where we sell unique and inexpensive gifts for people strolling through Middleburg and doing impulse shopping. I also have a line of soaps and body lotions that I’m part owner of called Mistral. It features organic products, which we will be using in our resorts. I like to connect the dots within all my business interests. For example,

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when we have weddings at the Middleburg resort, the Market will serve as an extension of the resort. So when our clientele wants to go into the town to shop, or if they want to go into wine country, we will prepare box lunches from the market.

What are your goals for Salamander Hotels & Resorts as a whole?

My goals are to continue to build my brand through our management division. I will also continue to build awareness of the resorts that I own, not just nationally but internationally, by bringing really distinguished guests in. I want to hold a film festival connected with Salamander Resort. Robert Redford was out here and said it was a perfect place for a Sundance-type Film Festival. I want to bring conferences here. I would like the government to be able to use the resort in Middleburg because it’s just an hour away [from DC].

I want to help change the world and move the needle in a way; and, I want to use my properties for that. At Innisbrook - I want to hold a journalism conference there...maybe focused on the road to 2012. Florida is a very important state for politicians. We also have a PGA TOUR event down there every year. So my job is really to build my brand and attract some of the most important people in the world, because that’s the way a brand is really going to develop. We’ll continue to grow the management company and use all of the hotels to draw the best, most creative and most brilliant minds, as well as host lots of celebrities and special events. That is my vision.

Above: Market Salamander

To learn more about Ms. Johnson’s growing portfolio of luxury resort properties, visit www.salamanderhotels. com. Also, stay tuned for the debut of Salamander Resort in Virginia in 2013.

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>Spotlight:

Sphatika International

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midst the clamor, the blaring horns, the constant commotion, the electric energy that is New York City, sits a quiet, serene getaway nestled away neatly at 1841 Broadway. Enter Sphatika and you immediately feel at ease - you’ve arrived in the ultimate comfort zone with its placid decor of baby blue’s, pastels, and crystal accents. Aside from the tranquil decor, the gentleness of the receptionists and therapists bring you down even further into relaxation. As a guest, you are given a one-on-one consultation with an aesthetician to identify the most suitable treatment for you. The treatments themselves...they take you to a faraway island where the waters are as blue as skies and the gentle winds rock you to sleep.

In our interview with Janet League-Katzin, founder of Sphatika International, we learn more about her journey to founding Sphatika, and the benefits of her skincare line and treatments.

Tell us about your journey to creating Sphatika?

My journey was a journey to wellness. I wanted to share what I learned with people who might not have that information. I learned all of this through the various types of holistic treatments that I had taken to make myself well. At one point I thought, ‘Wow, I could just put several of these modalities together, and we’d have a really good spa treatment.’ So I went to a conference in Annaheim, CA and saw everything that I wanted. It was at this conference that I found the infrared sauna. I knew a little bit about far infrared but found out much more that day. I also found the lymphatic drainage machine which we use for our facials in our Sphatika Signature Treatment. It’s so unique and works for us because the lymphatic system needs to be drained and needs to have the toxins removed. The detoxification is key to healing. After gathering all of this info I decided I’ve got to find out how I could make this work. The massage therapist that was working on me offered me a space in her basement. The basement turned out to be on the ground floor in her home in Upstate, NY. It had a gorgeous view of the pond and it was really beautiful. We had one room for the therapy and put the far infrared sauna in another room. I gave quite a few free treatments to get feedback which really helped us to refine things before we got started. For the skincare line, I had been looking for a skincare line that was natural and chemical free. I felt that it had to have the same standards and quality that the treatments had. So after looking and not being able to find any that met my high standards, I decided to do it myself. I happened to meet a product developer who got me started with different labs, and the products are now the finest I’ve ever experienced.

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You mentioned that the products are 100% natural. What does “100% Natural” really mean?

100% natural to me means there are no synthetic chemicals in the products and the ingredients in the products have not been modified by chemical ingredients. It also means that they’re botanical...we don’t use any animal by-products and they’re not animal tested. The skincare products do have minerals in them, but the minerals are natural. 100% natural also means ingredients in the products are not alien to the body.

The body accepts them and knows where they need to go and how they should react with the other elements.

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What is the meaning of the name Sphatika?

Sphatika means quartz crystal in the ancient Sanskrit language. I love the name, I love the idea, and I think crystals are very powerful. It’s been said that crystals move at the same vibration as the fluids in the human body, so they’re very akin. We use crystals throughout the space and in our treatments. For instance, we offer guests a crystal before they go into the far infrared sauna to make an intention. I feel that crystals are just very benevolent, so they are only going to give off good energy.

What are your favorite products from your skincare line and why?

I love them all, I really do! But there are times when I’m more drawn to one than another. If I had to narrow it down to 5, I would say my favorites are the Vitamin A Night Cream; it smells good, it feels good, it goes on so nice and it really works in regenerating exfoliating the skin. The other one is the Bulgarian Rose Oil. It’s just one of these products that you put on your face and immediately you see a result. You think that it would be oily, but it’s really not. I love the Pearl Night Serum because there’s a glow that you get from it and it has a touch and feel like soft velvet on your face. It takes about 55,000 rose petals to make the essential oil that goes into several of the Sphatika products. The fourth favorite is Treatment Serum. It’s so amazing for blemishes and men can use it for aftershave. It’s also great for burns...it’s like a medicine kit in a bottle. It’s a great primer to use under makeup. And the last one is the Signature Deodorant.

The Deodorant is delicious, smells good, and has the scent of geraniums. It’s not an antiperspirant, but it keeps you smelling fresh all day. But there’s so many more! I didn’t talk about the Citrus Cleansing Foam...and there’s the Gold Finishing Serum, which is a must for daytime.

All of the products have anti-aging properties.

Are there packages at Sphatika that are tailored to bridesto-be?

Of course! One of the things that we like to do are salons for the bride and her bridal party. We have specials for the bride and groom, specials for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom. We can also do customized bridal packages for them like bridal showers and any number of things.

What treatment would you suggest for a bride coming to Sphatika for the 1st time and her wedding is months away?

I would first suggest she has several treatments leading up to the wedding. The Sphatika Oxygen Facial with a peel is wonderful. That should probably be the day before the wedding. Our peels are organic, gentle and they make you look absolutely radiant. The very first time she visits Sphatika, she’ll get a personal aesthetician who will give her information on how to exercise, diet and what is going to help her maintain beautiful skin.

Sphatika International Founder Janet LeagueKatzin is the recipient of the 13th Annual Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in the "Beauty/ Fragrance Entrepreneur" category.

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For brides, grooms, and the bridal party, Sphatika Royal Wedding Packages are great for de-stressing.

Visit Sphatika and ask about The Royal Sphatika Signature Experience, The Sphatika Oxygen Facial Experience for the Bride & Groom, The Sphatika Facial Experience with Peel for the Bridal Party, and the All New Body Facial Treatment, especially for Brides. Visit www.sphatika.com.

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Krist+en Alex

Real Weddings

Henrye King

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA February 13, 2011

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t’s true what they say about Los Angeles—in a city where dreams come true and the sky is the limit, anything and everything is possible. Just ask star couple Kristen Henry and Alex King, two aspiring actors who sat directly next to each other at a graduation ceremony and immediately fell in love at first sight. While they both come from different walks of life, (Kristen, a professional musician from New Orleans, Louisiana and Alex, a business consultant from Portland, Oregon) these west coast dreamers moved to Los Angeles in hopes of making it on the big screen to eventually winning the role of each other’s love interest on their road to stardom. From that moment on, Kristen and Alex knew right away that they were each other’s perfect match and shortly thereafter, moved in together and thus began their relationship that grew beyond their wildest dreams.

Six months later, on the night before Halloween, Alex arranged the perfect proposal back at their home. “I wanted to do it earlier but was really nervous and kept putting it off,” said Alex. “I had already gotten the ring and everything. So finally one day I decided this was it, I was going to do it!” Wanting everything to be as romantic and special as his feelings for Kristen, he laid out a pathway of rose petals leading to a room filled with lit candles and flowers while Kristen was at work. “I wrote a letter to her describing how much she meant to me and how much I loved her and put it right in the middle of the table.” After spending a romantic evening out together enjoying dinner and a haunted hay ride, the two returned home to where Kristen opened the door to an enchanted dwelling. “I was shocked when I

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GROOM’S CORNER

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“If I had to do it all over again I would have just proposed to her when I had the ring so I didn’t have to sweat everyday worrying about when I should ask her. My advice to other men is if you know she is the right one stop waiting and just DO IT! And during the months where your soon to be wife is planning everything, you have two things to live by…. 1. If she has something for you to do make sure you get it done! 2. Stay out of the way! Good luck.”-Alex

came home to discover all the things he had lined up for me,” said Kristen. “I mean, he is a macho man, the ultimate GUYS GUY. It was so cute to see he took the time to decorate the house.” Once inside, Kristen followed the rose petals and read the letter. “By the end of the letter, I was on my knees with the ring and asked if she would marry me,” said Alex. “I was so nervous I was shaking.” Overjoyed with tears in her eyes, Kristen of course said yes. “It was utterly adorable when he was shaking like a leaf on one knee asking me to marry him,” said Kristen. “I was so happy I couldn’t believe I went through with it!” said Alex. “So, we celebrated with apple cider and strawberries and chocolate. It was definitely a night that will always stay in my mind.”

Wanting to take on the challenge of planning their wedding without the help of a coordinator, the two began to plan every detail of their wedding together, starting with the date. Not having a must-have wedding date set in mind, the couple decided to hold their nuptials during their favorite month in California and chose February 13, 2011, one day before Valentine’s Day. The pair sought a venue that could offer a vintage serene setting and outdoor gardens so that family and friends would be able to enjoy and fully experience their 1930s ‘Secret Garden’ theme. With that in

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mind, the two decided to host their festivities at Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank, California. “We had old skeleton keys for escort cards that were plucked by each of our guests on an old wooden door just before entering our gated secret garden,” said Kristen. As for their keepsakes, Kristen and Alex put a fun twist on the traditional pen-and-paper guestbook by having guests use a green 1930s Underwood typewriter. Guests also had the option of using fountain pens on vintage letter paper where they were placed into an antique birdcage that said “Tweet the bride and groom”.

The couple’s wedding color palette was inspired by the simple clean and vintage colors vividly displayed in a lush green garden. A touch of ivory and green were added to the bride’s dress, escort cards, guests’ tables and floral arrangements while gold was incorporated in the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s ties. “I wanted my bridesmaids to have Jessica Rabbit hair, and wear dresses that reflected their personality,” said Kristen. “So I sent my bridesmaids fabric of the color dresses I wanted and told them to go out and pick a dress that’s flattering on them that matched the swatch and had a vintage feel. It worked out great, and they all looked so beautiful!”

Once at the altar, the two locked eyes as they stood before family and close friends. While they both agreed the vintage style and elegance were an important tone of the wedding, the couple also wanted to share some traditional aspects with their guests as well. “We wrote our own vows and included excerpts and practices from both of our families’ religions,” said Kristen. After a beautiful ceremony, guests made their way to the extravagant Calamigos Equestrian ballroom where the panoramic view from the terrace transformed into a glamorous movie scene straight out of Old Hollywood.

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The ballroom was filled with golden chandeliers, illuminating light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling glass panels were decorated with curly willow and white bloom floral arrangements. As guests were settled in, the now Mrs. King made her grand entrance by slipping into something more enticing —a breathtaking surprise for all to see. “I changed my dress to a sexy vintage beaded gown and serenaded my husband with an old song that illustrated how much he means to me,” said Kristen. Although it took the couple 3 months to plan their vintage celebration, their wedding was unquestionably a grand-scale success. “Once the wedding was over, it was a huge amount of stress off my shoulders, and I had never felt more relieved and happier in my life!” says Kristen. “I love being a married woman!”

Kaylyn Eshesimua

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Bridal Gowns:

Shareen Vintage / Reception Gown from Vintage Expo

Bridesmaids:

Vintage gowns picked by bridal party

Cake: Porto’s

Entertainment: Get in the Groove

Flowers: My Wedding Blooms by Kerim

Formalwear: Hugo Boss

Hair /Makeup: James Thomas/Atticus Sharp

Honeymoon: San Diego, CA

Registry:

Target, Crate & Barrel, Macy’s

Venue: Calamigos Equestrian Ballroom

Videography:

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Brian Huckeba

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Photography: K and K Photography

BRIDE’S CORNER

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“Don’t think you can take it all on yourself. Give your bridesmaids, your Mom, your Dad, your soon to be in-laws, your pet, your man, everyone hats. They do want to help, all they need is for you to give them a hat! If you don’t, you will drive yourself crazy—and your fiancé!”- Kristen

www.munaluchibridal.com

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Real Weddings

Aaliyah+ Patrick

Franks

Rajasingam

CASA DE CAMPO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC April 24, 2010

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hile there is no mention of an illustrious glass slipper in this story or an enchanting fairy godmother, the story of Aaliyah Franks, an aspiring actress and Patrick Rajasingam, a law school student may be as close to a fairytale as reality allows. Introduced by a mutual friend freshman year at Hampton University’s cafeteria, their first encounter kindled an uncanny connection in a way that seemed destined to be. “I was so smitten by him that after he left our table, I told my girlfriends, “he’s so cute, he’s going to date me!”” said Aaliyah. As fate would have it, the handsome stranger would ultimately turn into her very own prince charming as the two instantly became close friends and supported each other during their many endeavors at Hampton University. “I attended his music shows and he attended all of my plays,” said Aaliyah. “He became a great confidant and good shoulder to lean on.”

Realizing that it was more than luck for the two to be in each other’s lives, Aaliyah and Patrick’s courtship began; ensuring a loving relationship and eventually a surprise wedding proposal that would thrill Aaliyah beyond her wildest dreams. “One night while watching some indie movie, I just turned and asked her to marry me,” said Patrick. “I was shocked,” said Aaliyah. “He repeated his question and I then asked, ‘So for clarification purposes, you are asking me to plan a wedding, get married, and one day have a family?’

He responded, “Yes” and I said for him to ask me again. So he did, and I screamed, “Yes! Yes!” In fact, the timing was so

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The Groom’s family felt it was important to incorporate their Sri Lankan culture in which they dressed in traditional Sri Lankan clothing for the rehearsal dinner. Aaliyah’s Saree was a gift from Patrick’s Aunt and Uncle, who attended the wedding from London.

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right, he happily asked for her hand in marriage again! This time around, he proposed on the Carnival Paradise cruise ship during a romantic voyage to Ensenada, Mexico while celebrating with friends and family on their engagement! “As he slid the ring on my finger, I screamed, kissed him and said, ‘Yes’” said Aaliyah. “I ran out of my cabin to show the world my beautiful engagement ring.”

From sharing their first kiss along the winding walkways at the Norfolk Pagoda Tea Garden to spending their first vacation sightseeing in Rome, Aaliyah and Patrick’s affection for one another has always proved to be an adventurous one. Needless to say, there was no doubt that the next step was for the two to experience the destination of a lifetime as they planned to hold their nuptials in the Dominican Republic April 24,

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2010. “We considered Argentina and Thailand as possible locations for our destination wedding,” said Aaliyah. “However, after having a conversation with my aunt and uncle, we decided to consider the Dominican Republic. We were invited to visit and stay at their villa on Casa De Campo. We spent the weekend of April 24th, 2009 and loved it so much we decided to set the wedding date for the same weekend the following year.”

Surrounded by over 100 guests, the traditional Catholic ceremony was set at the extravagant Saint Stanislaus Church in Altos de Chavón, a small village near the Casa de Campo resort. With the help of her father, grandfather and godfather, the three men escorted Aaliyah down the aisle in her stunningly chic sleeveless ivory Rivini gown with a sweetheart neckline and an elaborated ruffled skirt. As she made her way to the altar, the two exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony that featured personal touches of the bride and groom’s traditions and customs, including the African American marital custom of jumping the broom and the blessing of the rosaries, a traditional Catholic devotion used to aid both prayer and meditation. Aaliyah and Patrick were honored to use the rosaries given by her grandmother that were blessed by Pope John Paul II himself.

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Although Aaliyah and Patrick were officially pronounced husband and wife, family and friends were soon treated to yet another ceremony given by Aaliyah’s grandfather. He performed a traditional Hawaiian lei exchange, a ritual similar to exchanging vows where couples place a lei around the neck of the other to represent their everlasting commitment and love for each other. Following the ceremony, guests made their way to a private villa at the Casa de Campo resort for the reception. With the help of B3 Event Design, a wedding and event planning company that specializes in destination weddings, the couple’s vision of a modern yet romantic themed wedding was made true as every aspect of the wedding details were done in bright and bold arrays of fuchsia and platinum colors; beautifully implemented in the overall wedding décor, floral design and bridal party colors. “We choose platinum and fuchsia because they are both rich bold beautiful colors that blended an island and Sri Lankan feel which we thought would be perfect for pictures,” said Aaliyah.

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Keeping with the island ambience, a five course menu that celebrated the best Caribbean comfort foods the Dominican Republic had to offer were presented to guests, including two wedding cakes and an ice cream sundae bar.

Following dinner, the newlyweds provided their guests with a variety of dazzling reception entertainment: a musical act by singer David Burrows, an upbeat performance from local merengue dancers, and a breathtaking display of fireworks.

However, none would dare not to forget the DJ that traveled all the way from New York to keep the party rocking until the wee hours of the morning. “Our music was provided by the infamous DJ Marcus who had the wedding guests doing the electric slide before dinner was served and then kept the party going until 4 am when all of the guests were dancing in the pool,” said Aaliyah. For Aaliyah and Patrick, working together and with the help of their destination wedding planner, their plan to have a beautiful yet memorable experience with their loved ones was an overall huge success. “If we had to do it all over again, we would have made our wedding weekend into a wedding week!”

Kaylyn Eshesimua

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“Often times couples loose themselves during the wedding planning stage. I would like to advise couples to plan their wedding for each other. Make sure you day is a reflection of the two of you and the love you have for one another. Also, your partner can get overwhelmed with all of the wedding day details. So Patrick and I had one day a week set aside to go over all of the detailS. It was the birth of ‘Wedding Wednesday’.” - Aaliyah

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Bridal Gown: Rivini

Bridesmaids: Aiden Mattox

Cake:

Masterpiece Cakeshop

Entertainment: DJ Marcus

Event Design: B3 Event Design

Florist:

Pocket Full of Posies

Formalwear: Seyi Kwan

Hair:

Maisha Oliver

Registry:

William Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Macy’s

Shoes:

Badgley Mischka

Stationery:

Flamboyant Designs Couture

Ceremony/Venue:

Casa Carolina, Casa de Campo, DR

Veil:

Peter Langner

Wedding Planner: B3 Event Design

Photography:

Helene Cornell Photography

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Ambra+ Aaron

Real Weddings

Heard

Duncan

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

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here is an art to having an unforgettable wedding that leaves you and your guests filled with everlasting memories and cherished moments. It takes a recipe of style, personality, and love like no other between a man and wife to create the perfect matrimonial masterpiece. Take a look at Ambra Heard and Aaron Duncan, a stunning couple who found love at a college business event. Nevertheless, they both credit their lifetime commitment to each other to their parents who have been fortunate enough to value the sanctity of marriage for over 30 years.

Ambra, who currently works in brand management, undertook a dual degree from Fisk University and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Afterwards, she went on to obtain her graduate degree at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Aaron currently holds a career in commercial real estate. At Stanford University in California, he obtained his undergraduate degree, and later earned his graduate degree at The Wharton School o Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Destiny would have it as this dynamic career-oriented couple not only share the same interests in business but also attended the same minority recruitment weekend event at the Ross School of Business in April 2010. “We didn’t exchange information upon the first meeting,” said Ambra. “But, we did have a mutual friend that provided “convenient” updates on the other person.” Subsequently, the two met again at an Admitted Students weekend event and their chemistry was instantaneous. “Though there were several people present, we were so focused on getting to know each other that it felt like just the two of us,” said Ambra.

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Bridal Gown:

Romona Keveza from B. Hughes

Bridesmaids:

Bella Bridesmaid - Priscilla of Boston

Cake:

Maples Wedding Cakes

Caterer: Hutton Hotel

Event Design:

A Delightful Day Event Planning

Florist:

Brocade Design Arts

Hair/Makeup:

Tanzy Clark/ Lindsay Davis

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Honeymoon: British Virgin Islands

Registry:

Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Honeyfund

Shoes:

Christian Louboutin

Ceremony/Venue:

Scarritt Bennett Wightman Chapel / Hutton Hotel

Wedding Planner: A Delightful Day Event Planning

Photography: Joy Marie Photo

After three years developing their relationship and exchanging words on a daily basis, Aaron would arrange a highly expressive proposal of marriage. “Early in our relationship, I knew that Ambra was the perfect woman for me,” said Aaron. Enjoying Easter brunch together at Miss Shirley’s restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland, the topic of Easter egg hunts came up during their conversation. “I recalled how they used to be one of my favorite memories of Easter as a child,” said Ambra. “Aaron then replied that we should have one, and I responded yeah we should, and then I dismissed the thought with plans to execute it for a future Easter holiday.”

As they both arrived home from their eventful Easter morning, Aaron managed to secretly set-up an Easter egg hunt while Ambra was gearing up to finish a presentation for work. “To my surprise, he had hidden plastic eggs all around the house, each containing a clue leading to the destination of the next egg,” said Ambra. “Needless to say, the final egg had the best present ever! “I wanted to find a ring that would match Ambra’s elegance and personality, said Aaron. “I researched dozens of styles and jewelers before deciding to

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have a ring custom designed by Charleston Alexander in Bethesda, MD. “ For their wedding, the couple opted for a setting that would reflect both their personalities as well as distinguish ambience and modern flair. With the help of Nashville’s top wedding and event planning boutique, A Delightful Day, Ambra and Aaron set out to create their dream wedding of a lifetime.

“The first critical factor for us was to nail down a venue for both the ceremony and the reception – which proved to be more challenging since we were planning a wedding for another location,” said Ambra. “Both of us are very detail oriented so we began doing our own research online which gave us some good leads.”

The couple chose to hold their nuptials at the historic Scarritt Bennett Wightman Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 30th 2010. Inside the ceremony, close friends and family gathered around as the bride, elegantly dressed in a Romona Keveza gown from B. Hughes, graciously made her way down the 90-foot center aisle decorated with ivory rose petals.

The altar, embellished with orchids, tulips and tall white centerpieces filled with boutiques of white manzanita tree branches, curly willow, and birch lashes adorned with hanging crystals, provided the perfect backdrop for the sophisticated wedding they envisioned.

Inspired by the bright warm colors vividly displayed during the spring and summer months, a touch of gray was added to the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen ties, and flower girl’s dress, while pink was incorporated in the bridesmaids’ floral clutches

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“It worked well for us to take our pictures in advance of the ceremony. I know the old adage about it being bad luck, but when you really assess where this tradition came from, you will see that it was born from arranged marriages, not reflective of today’s dynamic. Moreover, it allows you to get some high quality photos and not be rushed trying to fit this in after the ceremony and before the reception.” - Ambra

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and adorned on the groomsmen and ring bearer buttonholes. Once the couple said their “I do’s” the celebration moved over to the Hutton Hotel grand ballroom filled with 14 foot high windows overlooking a panoramic view of downtown Nashville. Transformed into a stylish modern chic wedding, the reception venue was infused with a vibrant blend of raspberry pinks, grays and a tint of ivory.

A handful of pink calla lilies wrapped in white and silver accents created Ambra’s bouquet and Aaron’s buttonhole. Even the groomsmen wore pink orchids to coordinate with the color scheme. “The ballroom featured lounge elements interspersed throughout,” said Ambra.

“There was a wood dance floor with a gobo featuring our custom wedding logo shining in the center of the room.

We had lounge furniture surrounding the dance floor, tables on the outskirts and two bars. The lighting was low to provide a more formal ambience and we had three different floral arrangements sprinkled amongst the different tables.”

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As the evening celebration drew near, guests were welcomed by an array of home-style cuisine and later serenaded with music by DJ Spade that had everyone on their feet all night. “We knew that we wanted our guests of all ages to have a good time so we opted for a selection of current and oldies but goodies,” said Ambra.

“As the evening phased on and the older crowd said their good-byes, the music also evolved and it ended up being more of a genuine party.”

Planning an out-of-state wedding may have had its challenges, but with the couple’s seamless planning, support of one another and keen sense of style, these newlyweds achieved more than they could ever ask for. “We were very pleased with the way things turned out. Sure, some little things don’t end up the way that you had planned, but in hindsight these were minor and we were still thrilled with our event and more excited to begin a new chapter together.”

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“Don’t sweat the small things during the day of the ceremony. Yes, as a bride you spend tons of time obsessing over the smallest of details, but it is almost guaranteed that the day-of something won’t go as expected. The guests take away the holistic event, not each and every detail so in all likelihood, they won’t even notice when something isn’t exactly what you would call perfect.” - Ambra

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>Spotlight:

Say “I Do Over” with Diann Valentine

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very bride imagines her wedding day to be perfect...the couture gown, the flawless makeup, the charming decor, her Prince Charming, but what about those unthinkable disasters that occur - like the photographer losing all your wedding pictures, or the groom getting into a sudden accident, or your gown getting damaged, or even Mother Nature organizing a last-minute tornado on the day of your wedding. Diann Valentine, Event Designer to the stars including Toni Braxton, Usher, and Martin Lawrence, recognizes that these situations often occur, and she’s ready to help brides relive their dream wedding on her new show, I Do Over on WeTV. We had a chance to ask her some questions about the new hit show and her plans for the future.

In your words, who is Diann Valentine?

Diann Valentine is a trailblazer. A woman who has refused to accept tradition as the status quo and has helped women in love define their love stories on their own terms with style and confidence. Diann Valentine is a designer, an author, a mother, a wife, a proud African American woman and a pioneer.

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As a well-established wedding event expert, author, event producer and designer, just to mention a few – you have still been able to increase the depth of your brand by becoming Host and Co-Executive producer for your upcoming show, I Do Over, to be aired on WeTV. What is your vision for the Diann Valentine brand?

My vision for the Diann Valentine brand has always been clear to me and television has always been a part of the roadmap for my career. My overall career goals have been to be a voice for women in love that want a unique approach to their celebration. Television allows me to reach those women in vast numbers that I could never do by only servicing one bride at a time. In this era of reality TV, television personalities have more opportunities than ever before. My challenge has been finding the right vehicle that allows my sassy personality and wittiness to shine through without behaving badly. I finally feel like I have a great home at WeTV. Tell our readers a little about your upcoming show “I Do Over”. What is the general premise of the show and overall, what are you hoping viewers will take away after watching your show?

Couples who have experienced disastrous weddings receive a much deserved doover as I surprise them with the perfect wedding day they missed out on the first time.

Along with my wedding team, we transform bridal memories plagued by natural disasters, fainting grooms and missing dresses, into fantasy celebrations that will reset their matrimony. I also offer my brides the unique opportunity to throw tradition to the wind and embrace a few design elements that are anything but traditional.

For example, one of my brides wears a baby blue custom wedding gown from R Mine Bridal after tsunami warnings and gale force winds destroyed their first wedding. Another bride enjoys a ‘Vanity Fair’ style photo shoot with internationally acclaimed wedding photographer Mike Colon after missing bridesmaid dresses from her first wedding left her family as the butt of every joke for 18 years. My desire is

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“I will always be connected to women in love, and will continue to help them mold their love stories on my path to changing our industry – moving it forward – one bride at a time!” - Diann Valentine

that women will feel empowered after watching I Do Over - that they will be comfortable enough in their own skin to express their love on their own terms and no one else’s. I also hope that women will believe in second chances and that they will never lose hope in the possibilities of what tomorrow can offer us if we remain steadfast and never lose our faith.

How would you say this show differs from or is similar to shows you have done in the past?

The other shows I have participated in have been very traditional wedding shows of dream fulfillment for first time brides. Also the other shows have always attempted to mold me into something I am not…a conservative wedding planner. I Do Over gave me permission to be my sassy self and in turn, I am able to give my brides permission to do the same. Also, I Do Over is accomplished with only 5 days to pull off these weddings and it was very tough.

We really only had five days and there were some days that I was genuinely concerned if we could pull it off or not.

What are the requirements to be featured on “I Do Over” and how do you go about selecting a couple for “I Do Over?”

Couples looking for a do-over should go to http://www.wetv.com/shows/i-doover and share their wedding disasters on the forum. To be considered, couples must have a video proof showing the disaster that ruined their wedding.

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Your accomplishments are not only testament to your genius but also show you are one busy woman. Which aspect of your work is most fulfilling for you?

I love design! There is nothing more fulfilling for me than the experience of starting with nothing more than an idea and watching it develop into a jawdropping wedding or newly designed home or a gorgeous piece of furniture. I wish I could spend my time only designing beautiful things but as a business owner my list of responsibilities runs long.

What is next for Diann Valentine?

Before the recession hit our country, I had started developing a line of furniture.

With the future looking bright, I have started working again on bringing the line to fruition. And of course I feel that I will always be connected to women in love and will continue to help them mold their love stories on my path to changing our industry – moving it forward – one bride at a time!

by Akua Abeasi

Diann Valentine and the I Do Over team.

From left to right: Christine “Cece” Counts, D.Micah Lindsey, Diann Valentine, Tiffany Pompey, Stephanie Scribner. Photo: Mike Colon

Be sure to check out I Do Over on WEtv, Sundays at 10/9 central. Keep up with Diann by visiting her website, www.diannvalentine.com

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Intricate Bows www.munaluchibridal.com

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Corsets and flares

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Put a sash on it. .

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This page Photography: Kenneth Pool

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>Spotlight:

David Tutera Jewelry Debut

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“Finding the right ring, for the right moment, with the right style, and the right design, is not easy to do...that’s why I created this line.”

-David Tutera

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avid Tutera is a house-hold name in the entertaining, event and wedding planning industry. The brand is synonymous to what is extraordinary and spectacular, and what exudes style and class. Through his touch of genius, David Tutera continues to sustain a prolific portfolio of outstanding products and services and his esteemed reputation precedes him. David employs his imagination, creativity, sense of style and various inspirations to catapult the normal to spectacular, the ordinary to extraordinary and bland to brilliant. Tutera credits his success to his grandfather, a successful florist, who encouraged him to stay true to his destiny. David’s planning rolodex is home to various celebrities and stars including the weddings of Star Jones, NY Giants Antonio Pierce, events for Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Elton John, Barbara Walters, just to name a few. He is amongst the top 25 Trendsetters of the Year by Modern Bride Magazine and “Best Celebrity Wedding Planner” by Life & Style Magazine.

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Opposite page: Rings from the Eternal Collection. This page: 1. Heirloom Collection, 2. Legacy Collection, 3. Radiance Collection, 4. 3/4 cttw Certified Diamond earrings, 5. 1/2 cttw Diamond Signature Pendant, 6. Closeup of Sapphire detail for your “something blue.”

Partnering with Sears, David Tutera debuts his new line of inspirational bridal jewelry. The collection includes four distinct themed collections which are inspired by his belief that every bride needs to be unique and special on the most important day of her life. The four collections are: ETERNAL, HEIRLOOM, RADIANCE AND LEGACY. In order to stay true to tradition, each ring is adorned with a genuine blue sapphire lodged in the inner band, for each bride to have her ‘something blue’. David Tutera’s dazzling jewelry collection can be found exclusively at Sears. For more information about the collection, please visit www.sears.com/davidtuterajewelry.

by Akua Abeasi LEFT: Rings from the Eternal Collection. RIGHT: 1/2 cttw Diamond Signature Pendant

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Subscribe

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available Online One year. Two issues. $14 Photo by Stephanie Matthews FALL.WINTER 2011

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bridal fashion. glam accessories. stunning real weddings.

Get your daily dose of wedding inspiration.

Photography: Thomas Kletecka, CollectiveEdit.com

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Real Weddings

Erika+ Leroy

McGhee Venn

ATLANTA, GEORGIA October 10, 2010

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overs throughout the ages have shown us that the way to find true love is through the heart---but in the case of Erika McGhee & Leroy Venn, the health and beauty of a smile was what brought these two professionals together. The couple, both dental specialists living in Atlanta, Georgia, met at a student mixer while attending dental school at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee. “Our first year of dental school, we had to carve teeth out of dental wax. I remember Leroy would volunteer to carve my teeth and in exchange I would buy him a McDonald’s McRib sandwich,” said Erika. And though initially drawn to each other as friends, the two would not kindle a romance until their final year at Meharry Medical College. “During our fourth year of school is when the flirting began,” said Erika. “I remember Leroy always smelling good and dressing nice. He had the body of a God! He would make his chest move up and down just to make me smile.” After many consecutive days of stirred up emotions, sweaty palms and racing heart beats, the pair’s flirtatious banter led Leroy to pass a note in class to Erika asking her to dance with him at his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc party.

“The note said, ‘Would you dance with me? Check yes, no or maybe’,” said Erika. “I still have that note till this day. I also remember studying in the library with my friend, Syretta. I told her exactly what I was going to wear and how I was going to get him to notice me that night. The night of the party we danced, and the rest is history.”

While it seemed like the love of dentistry had brought the two together, it also kept them apart. Following graduation in 2003, the two went their separate ways to pursue their careers, Erika going off to Houston, Texas for dental residency and Leroy to Washington D.C. to specialize in orthodontics. “We tried dating long distance, but it did not work,” said Erika. “I knew the moment I started dating Leroy that I wanted to marry him. I had never met someone so kind, so gentle, and so romantic.”

When the two moved back to Atlanta and got together for Erika’s family Christmas dinner in Indianapolis, she had no idea that Leroy would plan to capture some of the most coveted photos of the beginning of their lives together. “Erika had been hinting that she wanted a camera for Christmas,” said Leroy. “So, I decided to incorporate her gift into the proposal. I bought her a camera for Christmas and I carefully unwrapped the camera and took pictures of the ring and repackaged the camera before wrapping it back as her Christmas gift.” In the midst of taking a few pictures with her new camera, Erika’s cousin, who was hip to the surprise to come, asked

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to see how the pictures turned out. “When she scrolled through the photos, the picture of the ring box and the ring appeared,” said Leroy.

“Erika started screaming and I almost forgot to ask her to marry me. I refocused and remembered to get on one knee and ask, ‘if she would do me the honor of being a part of my family and letting me be a part of hers’”.

With much anticipation from family and friends, the couple planned to hold their nuptials on October 10, 2010 at the North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Intent on wanting to plan the wedding themselves, Erika and Leroy did however encounter some obstacles, mostly with time management due to their busy schedules and the guest list.

“As a practicing dentist, it became hard to handle the wedding planning in between pa-

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tients,” said Erika. “With a growing guest list of 250 and trying to keep the peace between my fiancé and myself, a wedding planner was needed.” Luckily for Erika and Leroy, their planning dilemma was quickly resolved when EllyB Events, a Wedding and Event Planning and design firm in Atlanta came to be a good fit when it came to planning the wedding of their dreams. “We did not want our wedding to feel stuffy. We wanted everyone to feel they had been to the best party of their lives,” said Erika.

Determined to make things as entertaining as possible, everything the couple envisioned, from the invitations, all the way down to the choice of entrée was relaxed, unique and family fun.

G u e s t s were literally blown away as the whole wedding party arrived at the church via a trolley; but what really took the fun atmosphere to a new level

Bridal Gown: La Sposa

Bridesmaids:

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Jim Hjelm

Cake:

Couture Cakes

Caterer:

Affairs to Remember

Florist:

Jackson Durham Flowers + Events

Formalwear: Savvi Formalwear

Entertainment: DJ Six 5 (Harpist) Monica Hargrave

EventPlanner: Ellyb Events

Registry:

Honeymoon Registry

Stationery: The Paper Parfait

Honeymoon: Dubai

Venue: Ventanas

Wedding Planner: Ellyb Events

Photography: Ben Vigil Photography

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was Erika’s clever idea to have the ring bearers hold up a banner that said, “Run Leroy Run”. “When I heard the audience erupt with laughter I knew the ceremony would be great,” said Erika. Once Leroy and Erika were pronounced husband and wife, guests followed the newlyweds to their spectacular reception venue, Ventanas, Atlanta’s premier rooftop retreat. The skyline view of downtown Atlanta at Ventanas provided the perfect backdrop to bring their special event to life and served as an inspiration for the couple’s wedding invitations. ”Because our venue had floor to ceiling windows that provide a spectacular view of the city, I wanted my wedding invitations to mimic that,” said Erika. “Sirmantha, with Paper Parfait, Inc., took my vision and made it a reality. She designed a plexi-glass invitation with the writing etched into the glass and it was exactly what I had wanted.”

In love with the natural elegance of the autumn season, charcoal gray, orange with pink accents became the color palette for the bride and groom’s October wedding; beautifully implemented in the wedding décor, bridal party colors and floral design. To keep the upbeat vibe flowing, guests were served a variety of comfort foods and zesty African cuisine and were in for yet another sight when the pair stepped onto the scene in authentic African attire shipped all the way from Africa in respect to the groom’s Sierra Leonean heritage. “We just wanted it to be classy and a true reflection of the people we are,” said Erika. The overall fun and excitement seen on their guests’ faces proved to Leroy and Erika that they exceeded the wedding of their dreams. “Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet very stressful time between you and your fiancé,” says Erika. “But in the end, you will both look back on everything to find it was all worth it.”

Kaylyn Eshesimua

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BRIDE’S CORNER

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Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet very stressful time between you and your fiance. But in the end you will both look back on everything to find it was all worth it. Soak up every minute of that day because it goes by quickly. Make sure your day is everything you want it to be because you will relive those moments each day in your heart and in your mind.

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ad or article

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This spread: Photography-Simon Deiner/SDS Photo

David Tlale

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Native Runway showcases the latest in African-inspired design.

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Kultloano Molokomme

This spread: Photography-Simon Deiner/SDS Photo

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otohP SDS/SJJ-yhpargotohp :egap sihT

Laura Kass

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Sello Medupe

This spread: photography by Simon Deiner/SDR photo

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>mens runway

This spread: photography-Simon Deiner/SDS Photo

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fabiani

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Distinctive Wear

This spread: photography-Simon Deiner/SDS Photo

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David Tlale

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Lebogang Moatshe

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Specializing in providing a small touch of heritage that leaves long lasting memories. Offering unique products customized according to theme and colors.

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African Favors

A special touch for a special day 240.654.6860 | AFFavors.com

10

Creative Ways to Save

BIG for Your Wedding Day

THE ECONOMY HASN’T FULLY RECOVERED, SO YOU’RE PROBABLY HESITANT ABOUT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING. NO WORRIES, RESTRICTED FUNDS IS NOT A BARRIER TO THROWING A FABULOUS SOIRÉE. WHO SAYS YOU HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE, TO LOOK LIKE A FORTUNE? HERE ARE 10 CREATIVE WAYS TO SAVE BIG ON YOUR WEDDING...

Let’s be honest, your guests are more interested in the way the cake taste, than how it looks. Keep costs down with simple floral decorations, candles, and colors that blend with the reception room. By doing so, you can make your otherwise simple wedding cake look fantastic.

5. THE FAVORS

Let’s be candid, most of your guests will never use your favors. Instead of buying them, why not donate some of the money you would have spent on favors to you and your sweetie’s favorite charity? If requested, many charities will even give you simple notes for you to have at your guest’s place setting, to let them know of your donation. Your guest will be impressed with your generosity and you will have helped a worthy cause and saved some money. It’s a win-win-win!

6. THE VENUE

Well known wedding locations are always more expensive because they specialize in events. Why not think outside of the box, and try something new? What about getting married in a library, a museum, a zoo or a ski resort? These are all great potential wedding locations, which will not only wow your guests, but are usually a lot less expensive than the typical hall. If you’re still determined to use a traditional wedding venue, make sure that it is already well decorated. Fewer decorations will save you both time and money.

2. THE FLOWERS

Usually, wedding flowers are bought from a florist who both sells the flowers, and creates the bouquets. The markup on the flowers, added to the cost of creating the bouquets, is quite high.

There is an alternative. Inexpensive wedding flowers can be purchased directly from a floral wholesaler. These wholesalers will you sell the same flowers that are sold to florists. The good thing is, since you’re cutting out the middle man (the florist), you can purchase your flowers at a great discount. These frugal, but fabulous wedding flowers will be shipped to you 2-4 days before the wedding date. The catch is, the bouquets must be assembled by you. Although it may take some time, think of the wonderful memories you’ll make by creating one-of-akind wedding bouquets with your bridal party.

7. THE LOCATION

Although having a city wedding is tres chic, it is also tres expensive. You should think about heading outside of the city to help bring down the costs. In some cases you could save yourself thousands of dollars just by getting out of the city and getting married in a much smaller town. The benefits for getting married outside of a city aren’t just financial.

Small towns offer greater charm, easier navigation, and less expensive and competitive hotel options for your guests.

3. THE GUEST BOOK 4. THE DATE You can spend next to nothing on this aspect of your wedding. Most of what you need can be found at a local discount store. What you’ll need: A picture frame, a simple and chic blank book, ribbon, a felt-tip marker, and nice handwriting. Place one of your favorite pictures of you and your honey in the frame. Use the ribbon to adorn the blank book, and marker to inscribe it with your names. As an added touch, write a brief thank you note to your guests, on a simple blank card and lay it next to the guest book

Photo: Liz Maryanne Photography

8. THE INVITATIONS

Who would have thought that discount wholesalers like Costco (USA), would have a wedding invitation department? They do indeed!

Wholesalers like Costco give members great discounts off regular prices. The quality is excellent, the invitations ship quickly and you’ll save a substantial amount of money.

9. THE MENU

Sometimes less is more.

Many future newlyweds over do it on the cocktail hour. I myself have been to many weddings where there was so much food served before the actually dinner, that I couldn’t even eat my dinner.

Scale back on the finger foods and you’ll save yourself some money, and your guests will actually be able to enjoy their supper too.

Photo: Stephanie Matthews Photography

1. THE CAKE

May through October are the most popular and expensive months of the year to get married. Consider being a January through March bride. It will save you a lot of money. Also, by choosing an off month, you’ll be able to negotiate better pricing from vendors, and you’ll have much less competition when booking a venue.

10. THE DRESS

Hire a dressmaker! It might actually be cheaper to have your own custom dress made by a dressmaker. For my sister’s wedding we hired a seamstress to make the bridesmaids dresses. Not only were the dresses beautiful and unique, but they cost significantly less than what it would have cost if bought from a specialty boutique.

Imagine having your own one-of-a-kind wedding dress created specifically for you!

Start the hunt for the right seamstress now. Although you will have to show her some pictures to see if she is capable of making something similar to what you want, it’s worth it. The dressmaker can probably make almost anything you want cheaper then what you would pay at a bridal salon.

See, it’s possible to have luxury for less, even at your wedding. Don’t let difficult financial times be the reason why your day is not as magical as you’ve imagined.

Live richer…

Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche www.thebudgetnista.biz

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“Many of our brides love the classic timeless vibe of "vintage" style, but want to freshen it up with modern touches. For this styled shoot, I was able to take the concept of “Modern Vintage” and incorporate elements such as tufted furniture, vintage trunks, and custom stationery, to produce a design that was very clean, but still luxurious.” - Michelle Gainey, Lemiga Events

PHOTOGRAPHY: Michelle White DESIGNER/PLANNER: Lemiga Events FLORIST: Perfect Creations and Design LINEN: I Do Linens STATIONERY: Papered Wonders DRAPE & LIGHTING: Unique Event Management RENTALS: Event Rentals Unlimited LOUNGE RENTALS: Lounge Art CAKE POP FAVORS: Candy Cake Company CAKE: Sweet Sensations

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Onada Photography DESIGNER: TiannaVivienne Events & Design FLORIST: Dalsimer Pappas Florist & Event Decorators RENTALS: Broadway Party Rentals LOCATION:

130 “Famous fashion icons, both past and present, inspire a lot of our event designs. For version one of the Coco Chanel themed tablescape, we used our in-house custom black table linen with handembroidered pearls. We decided to keep the centerpieces simple by using a square mirrored vase densely stacked with hand opened roses to compliment the black, cream and pink color scheme.�

-TiannaVivienne Events & Design

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inspired by chanel

“Since there are an endless number of ways to interpret Chanel, we decided to do a second rendition. For version two of the Chanel inspired table, we again used our own custom linen and napkins. This time we opted for a cream boucle tablecloth piped with tweed and diamond quilted cotton napkins. The flower napkin rings paid homage to the Chanel “Camellia” flower. Here we used unconventional cargo suitcases to house a centerpiece of cascading white Anemones.” - TianneVivienne Events & Designs

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Inspirations

PHOTOGRAPHY: Onada Photography DESIGNER: TiannaVivienne Events & Design FLORIST: Dalsimer Pappas Florist & Event Decorators RENTALS: Broadway Party Rentals LOCATION: Maracas, NY

“Drawing inspiration from the English countryside (a la Ralph Lauren), here, we decided to mix ruggedness with elegance and old things with new. We love combining earthy elements like the distressed leather tablecloth alongside more refined items like the gold-rimmed glasses and the hemstitched linen napkins.”

- TiannaVivienne Events + Design

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“We love seeing how ethnic brides today incorporate aspects of their individual culture and ancestry into their wedding ceremonies and receptions. The beading and metal found in elaborate African jewelry really inspired the centerpiece. We also wanted to use flowers that didn’t require a whole lot of water, like the succulents, as well as natural branches to represent a hardier African landscape.” -TiannaVivienne Events + Design

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Onada Photography DESIGNER: TiannaVivienne Events & Design FLORIST: Dalsimer Pappas Florist & Event Decorators RENTALS: Broadway Party Rentals LOCATION: Maracas, NY

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Inspirations

“The simplicity and heaviness of the wooden table juxtaposed with the modern and airy crystal candle holders and glasses make for a more interesting composition. One of our favorite touches was the addition of the sheepskin hides on the benches to soften them up.

A tip for those brides that want to do an all white table scheme is to mix shades of white, along with textures (think frosted glass and clear glass), to avoid a very flat look.”

- TiannaVivienne Events + Design

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Onada Photography DESIGNER: TiannaVivienne Events & Design FLORIST: Dalsimer Pappas Florist & Event Decorators RENTALS: Broadway Party Rentals LOCATION: Maracas, NY

Visit www.munaluchibridal.com for more wedding inspiration.

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skthe Expert

Chef Lucmann Pierre is the Owner and Executive Chef of Le Pierre Caterers, a Premier Off-Premise Catering Company, serving the Tri-State Area. Lucmann comes to us with over 18 years of experience in the Catering and Events industry. During his tenure, he’s been privileged and honored to have served many High-End Clients and Executives, including the former President Bill Clinton and his White House staff. His culinary expertise and creativity has brought him and his company national exposure on The TODAY SHOW and The 10! SHOW on NBC, Munaluchi Bridal and other media outlets. He’s been recognized and named “Top 5 Best Caterers” for 3 consecutive years in both Philadelphia & the Jersey Shore areas. Lucmann currently sits on the Board of Directors as President-Elect for the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and he is also an active member of the NACE Philadelphia Chapter as well. Lucmann is actively involved in his community supporting various Non-Profit organizations.

Q: Why should I go with an Off-Premise Caterer vs. the Traditional Hotel for my wedding?

A: To be quite honest, it all depends on your taste and what you’re looking to accomplish on your big day. As an off-premise caterer myself who specializes in everything custom, I can tell you that the couples who come to us to cater their weddings, are those who are looking for something unique and those who envisioned having every aspect of their wedding to be something special. By using a qualified Off-Premise caterer, you’ll have the option and the flexibility to be more creative with your event, where you can select your own unique venue, create your own custom menu, pick out the chairs, linen, glassware, flatware etc. that you love and take advantage of all of those extra little details that may not necessarily be available or accommodated by a Hotel.

Q: I’m an outdoor person and would love to hold my wedding outdoors at a private home or an open park.

I’ve heard that this is very a very complicated event to plan. What’s your advice on pulling off something like this successfully?

A: Ok, let me begin by saying that outdoor weddings are some of the most beautiful and romantic weddings I’ve ever seen or catered. As complicated as it may sound, with proper planning and the right vendors in place, an outdoor wedding can be done without a hitch. First of all, before you embark onto this journey,

be sure to hire a professional wedding planner and/or a full service off premise catering company with proven experience in this arena. There are many things that need to be considered and coordinated to successfully pull this off (e.g., location, weather, vendors, equipment, food choices etc.) Secondly, make sure you have a reality set on your budget before going ahead.

In order to pull off an event of this nature, you’ll need a much higher budget than you would renting out a traditional wedding venue, as you will need everything brought in, from tents, kitchen equipment, tables & chairs, portable bathrooms, lighting, generators and much much more. Lastly, if the budget is there, I’d say go for it! If this is your dream and the above mentioned are taken care of, you’ll have the best time of your life.

I agree, outdoor events are more complex but amazing when done right. I think you’ll have so much pride & joy after completing the event knowing that you’ve made something out of NOTHING!!!

Q: I don’t have a large budget for my wedding, therefore, I cannot afford to offer 2 to 3 main entrée selections for my guests. How can I please everyone without breaking the bank?

A: One of the ways to accommodate this is to speak with your caterer about the possibility of having a duet plate, meaning that you’ll have a combination of 2 smaller-portioned entrees on 1 plate, perhaps, a chicken and a fish. Then, you may ask your caterer to have a vegetarian option available as well, since you may have a handful of vegetarians in attendance. It would also help if you can provide the exact head count of vegetarian guests. A duet plate is a more cost effective option over a multi-entrée option.

ABOUT THE COMPANY Le Pierre Caterers offers a mélange of elegance, sophistication, classiness, indulgence and simplicity. They are a full-service offpremise catering company which provides not only a custom menu, but also event planning from rentals, to floral, to entertainment.

Visit www.lepierrecaterers.com to schedule a consultation or email info@lepierrecaterers. com.

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>First Impression

A first look at up and coming designers and wedding professionals.

Munaluchi Bridal celebrates new talent on the rise.

SWEET BERRY LANE

COMPANY VISION: Founded in 2007 by Yolanda Jones, Sweet Berry Lane is the place to find stationery that celebrates the African American community. Their mission is to become the leader in the African American and multicultural custom stationery market by providing high quality stationery with fabulous designs that are easily accessible.

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CONTACT: Yolanda Jones yolanda@sweetberrylane.com 919.336.2875 www.sweetberrylane.com

How did you come up with the name, Sweet Berry Lane?

I wanted to have a name that had cultural meaning and that would stand out. The ‘Sweet Berry’ portion of the name pays homage to the African American folk saying “The Darker the Berry, the Sweeter the Juice”. I didn’t just want to call it ‘Sweet Berry Stationery’ or ‘Sweet Berry Invitations’ since I wanted to confine the company to one product group. I often get inspirations for problems or projects that I’m working on through dreams. While dreaming late one night, I could clearly see the name ‘Sweet Berry Lane’. I woke up and wrote it down, just in case I didn’t remember it. I knew it was perfect name for my company and love the way it flows.

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE Save 30% off the newsstand price.

1 year. 2 issues. $14.

www.munaluchibridal.com

As an African-American entrepreneur in the Stationery Industry, what has been your biggest challenge?

On the business side of things, one of the biggest challenges was getting suppliers to take me seriously. When I first started out, I had finished all the initial designs and was in search of a traditional offset printer to print the stationery products. I was so shocked to find that my inquiries in person, through email and phone calls were simply ignored by so many companies. After about 2-3 months of searching, I found a wonderful company to assist me with my printing needs. On the cultural side, it’s difficult because there are so many stereotypes about black business owners that you have to fight.

Since the launch of Sweet Berry Lane, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment? What are you most proud of?

My dream was to have our products easily accessible all across the country, online and in stationery stores. I was overjoyed when we started to receive orders from stores that wanted to sell our products. We worked for over a year creating a stationery album so our products can be sold in stores nationwide. We shipped out our first set of stationery albums this June. It was indeed our biggest accomplishment and a dream come true. I’m most proud of the encouraging emails and letters that I receive from customers. Some saying the invitations they received have brought them to tears with pride and joy. Some letters I receive are from people that have never ordered, but will write to thank me for offering such products. This can be a tough business, but it's the encouraging words and kind thoughts that let me know that it is all worth it.

As all new entrepreneurs, learning from mistakes is second nature. I'm sure you have had your fair share of mistakes since the launch of your business. Would you like to share the things you've learned along the way?

I think this is more so with women entrepreneurs, but learning to know your worth and valuing the product or service that you offer is key. Also, having a “Build it and they will come” mentality is a mistake that new entrepreneurs make. You have to aggressively market your product and spread the word about your offerings.

Photos: In His Image Photography

To be considered for a “First Impression” feature, submit your company information to submissions@munaluchibridal.com FALL.WINTER 2011

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What advice would you give to up-andcoming Stationers?

Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. There may be times when you feel like it’s never going to happen, but keep pushing through the rough times and success is just around the corner. Research all you can and talk to others in stationery market to find out where there’s a void and try to fill it.

www.munaluchibridal.com

Munaluchi Bridal Magazine is published bi-annually by Munaluchi LLC., 212 W. Route 38, Suite 200, Moorestown, NJ 08057. For address changes, mail requests to Munaluchi Bridal Magazine, Subscriptions, 212 W. Route 38, Suite 200, Moorestown, NJ 08057 or email info@munaluchibridal.com.

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GOLD RUSH AMP up this season’s looks with culturally chic fabrics &

BOLD,

gold

accents.

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Styled by TORI FAMUYIWA

HAIR: Nappstar MAKEUP: Griselle Rosario PHOTOGRAPHY: MaxStudios

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DRESS: Jewel by Lisa EARRINGS: Vintage SHOES: Nina Ricci

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BEADED JACKET: Jewel by Lisa DRESS: Toriola Custom Designs NECKLACE: H&M SHOES: L.A.M.B.

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DRESS: Jewel by Lisa EARRINGS/BRACELET: H&M

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GOWN: Toriola Custom Designs RING: Vintage SHOES: DVF FALL.WINTER 2011

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KIMONO TOP/BALL SKIRT: Toriola Custom Designs NECKLACE: H&M EARRINGS: Vintage

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HALTER DRESS: Toriola Custom Designs CUFFS/EARRINGS: H&M FASCINTOR: Toriola Custom Designs FALL.WINTER 2011

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DRESS: Jewel by Lisa NECKLACE/CUFF: H&M SHOES: DVF FALL.WINTER 2011

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Real Weddings

Patricia+ Peter

Opoku-Mensah

KoďŹ Cudjoe TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND September 4, 2010

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n the midst of all the red, green, yellow and black stars waving in the air, the vibrant music and notable pride, Peter Cudjoe vividly remembers the day he first laid eyes on Patricia Mensah. An all-day celebration event kicking off Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary was where Peter and Patricia hit the dance floor together and later split ways.

But they didn’t come face-to face again until nine months later, in November 2006, when a mutual friend officially introduced the two at a Thanksgiving party in Washington D.C. “We started communicating through Facebook, AOL, text messaging and any other avenues of communication we could get our hands on,” said Patricia.

In February 2007, while living in different states, (Peter resided in Washington D.C. and Patricia in Richmond, Virginia), the two met up again—this time around the groom, a general dentist and military brat, traveled to Patricia’s side of town for a proper first date; celebrating her birthday at an authentic Mexican restaurant. “I was too nervous to eat anything so he ate for both of us,” said Patricia. “We’ve been inseparable from that point on.” After two years of being happily in love, Peter’s devotion to serving his nation on the battlefield was soon to bring them apart as he was scheduled to be deployed to Iraq in the following months. “I thought that it wouldn’t be fair to leave my lady thousands of miles away without any tangible commitment of my love for her,” said Peter. “Like all military men, I started strategically planning how I wanted to propose to her.”

Without any idea on how to propose to Patricia, Peter remembered receiving a slide show from a friend about an Atlanta-based freelance photographer named Ross Oscar Knight who showcased one man’s journey to proposing to his fiancé. “I searched my email to view it again,” said Peter. “It was so a romantic and spiritual, I wanted the same for Patricia.” Fast forward to the morning of his birthday, Peter and Patricia would attend church and later would plan to

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have a romantic evening dinner for two at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at Harbor, Maryland. “I had the ring, the reservations, all of our closest friends and family we knew attending the surprise engagement party and the blueprint of how the day would go,” said Peter. “As she and I prepared for my birthday dinner, Ross and I were also preparing in the suite next door for the “Main Event”.”

Hand in hand with Patricia, surrounded by an array of lit candles, memorable family pictures and important keepsakes he had shared with her, Peter would succumb to one bended knee and present the love of his life with an extravagant diamond ring. All the while, Ross Oscar Knight—who was disguised as a Gaylord hotel employee named “Spencer”, captured every breathtaking moment of the twosome starting the beginning of their lives together.

On September 4, 2010, four years from the day Peter had first laid eyes on Patricia, the pair stood facing each other on the altar of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Takoma

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BridalGown:

JLM Couture by Alvina Valenta

Bridesmaids: Sophia Tolli

Cake:

Martin’s Caterer

Caterer:

Martin’s Caterer

Florist:

DaVinci’s Florist

Favors:

Golden Tree Chocolate from Ghana

Honeymoon: Aruba

Photography:

Ross Oscar Knight Photography

Park, Maryland where the priest pronounced them husband and wife.

“During the ceremony, we had the readings read in both English and our local dialect, Twi,” said Patricia. “We also had both mothers wear traditional African attire.”

At the ceremony’s conclusion, guests relocated to the lavish reception ballroom at Martin’s Crosswinds located in Greenbelt, Maryland where family and friends enjoyed fresh African-inspired cuisine including jollof rice, fried plantains, beef and salmon followed by cake and ice cream for dessert. Their special day was created with the help of friends and family, and all but a few elements were locally or internationally sourced. Peter’s fellow soldiers created the save-the-date cards. Da Vinci’s Florist, a floral and event-design company located in Washington D.C. provided all the décor details embellished in purples, greens and silver. And as for their wedding favors, guests helped themselves to authentic cocoa chocolate flown in from Ghana. “The biggest obstacle was communicating with Peter since he was deployed to Iraq during a majority of the planning,” said Patricia. But, there wasn’t much to disagree on, Peter let me plan almost everything the way I dreamt it.”

The evening celebration continued as the couple’s reception transformed into a chic upbeat nightclub. Dj Ben Sawo opened up the dance floor and rocked the house, providing hours of non-stop African, hiphop, reggae and R&B hits that kept the party going and no one wanted to leave the dance floor. “I must give my baby all the props though because she really planned this wedding and did a heck of a good job,” said Peter. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her!” From start to finish, the couple stayed true to their vision and created a wedding that was their own.

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Kaylyn Eshesimua

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Real Weddings

Liza + Olugbemiga

Lee

Ajasin

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Taryn + LA PALMETTO, GEORGIA September 18, 2010

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aryn and LA found each other on a dating website and after eight months of long-distance courtship, they realized that this was it. According to Taryn, “The first time we laid eyes on each other was in an airport…after months of online correspondence. We already knew the other was “the one” at this point, so it was all very relaxed and low-key.” At the time they became acquainted with each other online, Taryn, the island girl from Trinidad and Tobago, was in medical school in Washington, DC; and LA, the IT specialist from New York with fifteen siblings, lived in upstate New York. With Taryn about to begin her residency in Miami, Florida, the couple moved to Miami. Now much closer to each other, they courted for three more years and shared many travels.

Soon, LA knew it was time to pop the question.

Turning to one of Taryn’s friends for help with selecting the perfect ring for his sweetheart, LA set about the anxiety-inducing task of preparing for the proposal. “I sweated, I suffered anxiety attacks, I second-guessed...but finally it was time to present it. For that, I returned to the place that helped me realize how much she loved me – Negril, Jamaica. She’d taken me there for my birthday a year earlier, and no one had ever done anything so involved for any occasion in my life.

The place had a special meaning for me, and for us,” said LA. LA took Taryn to Jamaica and while enjoying a lazy Saturday on the beach, he asked Taryn to get ready for dinner. As she made her way slowly back to the beach, Taryn noticed someone tear frantically past her about fifteen minutes before the sunset. It was a terribly anxious LA! Unsure what

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was going on, Taryn sat on a lounger to take in the beautiful view. She had no idea that the love of her life was about to ask her to be the love of his life, forever. She explained the moment: “It wasn’t two minutes more when he sat behind me. Cuddles and flattering words were exchanged, and before I knew it, he was down on his right knee. That was the rush...he’d gone to get the ring! Count on me to have nearly sabotaged my own romantic moment!! Once I got my right hand off my open mouth, I extended my left, started nodding and finally–finally–eeked out a ‘Yes!’” Now happily engaged, the couple set a date for their wedding, choosing the Saturday closest to the date they first became acquainted online, September 18, and began planning. Because Taryn admits she had “never been the little girl who dreamt of [her] wedding day”, she browsed several bridal magazines and blogs to get inspiration for her big day. Doing that helped her put ideas together and decide what their wedding vision would be. Next, she took on the task of finding the perfect location for the wedding. Not satisfied with traditional venues like churches and ballrooms, she looked elsewhere and found the Inn at Serenbe in Georgia. “I quickly realized that the more I investigated, the more depressed I became…once I viewed Serenbe’s beautiful outdoor locations for both ceremony & reception, I couldn’t envision anything more lovely. The added bonus of cottages on site where important guests could stay sealed the deal.”

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{

{

BRIDE’S CORNER

If you can swing it, invest in the very best videography and photography you can so you can relive those precious moments again and again. I did, and barring Wedding Soiree, it’s the best wedding-related money I spent. Hire the best professionals you can afford, and let them work. They are truly experts in their fields, and their creativity and experience far outweigh that of 90% of brides.

Let them surprise and delight you, and resist micro-management.” -Taryn

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Putting the rest of the details together would be undeniably arduous, so Taryn knew she needed to get expert help. Lucky again online, Taryn found her wedding planners, Wedding Soiree. They helped her make her ideas a reality and did all the groundwork in Atlanta where the wedding would be. Their help was particularly valuable because she was still based in Miami at the time and had to communicate via email and conference calls. Now that they had their planners, the couple still had to resolve the issue of entertainment. Taryn turned to LA to make the decision on whether to pick a DJ or a band. He enthusiastically made the decision to choose DJ Limelight whose work he was familiar with from his travels in Indiana. Taryn also revealed that another great hurdle was deciding how to budget. In the end, she made the decision to splurge on her photographer and videographer knowing that they would create images that would spark amazing memories of their special day for a lifetime.

Determined to share a day that was “beautiful, elegant and sacred but ultimately accessible” with their families, Taryn and LA decided to create a casual but beautifully charming environment for their guests at Serenbe, especially with guests coming from destinations as varied as Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and all parts of the United States. They wanted to ensure that the celebration was luxurious without being stuffy, lovely without sacrificing the feeling of family and unity. On September 18, 2010, their wedding day, they achieved that goal. From the familystyle dinner served on wooden risers to the charming outdoors, Taryn and LA brought their vision to life. They even added the element of family by selecting Taryn’s godmother, an Anglican priest from Canada, as the officiant of the ceremony in which she led them through vows they had written together.

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As for the wedding details and décor, Taryn and LA went for cultural fusion. Taryn’s elegant wedding look took on a bohemian quality when she combined her gorgeous dress with a piece of gold jewelry that went around her forehead. The cultural fusion was in every detail of the décor as Moroccan, Eastern and Caribbean elements such as wind chimes; bright paper umbrellas in the wedding colors, spiced wine, coral and deep pink; paper fans to combat the Georgia heat; and a semi-outdoor reception pavilion with Persian rugs at the perimeter of the dance floor would all be juxtaposed in the most creative ways. Moroccan lan-

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Real Weddings 160 terns were scattered down the tables and strung from the rafters that had drapes of crimson fabric.

The florals were completely diverse as a nod to the couple’s multiracial heritage: Taryn is of Chinese, Afro-Caribbean & East Indian heritage and LA is of German, Irish and African-American heritage.

Their menu was consistent with their theme. The appetizers consisted of vegetable samosas topped with minted chutney, hummus on lavosh, grilled lamb kabob and curried pumpkin soup. The family-style dinner consisted of strawberry and goat cheese summer salad, chicken thighs tagine with apricots and spiced pine nuts, grilled salmon over lentils with fennel and roasted corn, Moroccanstyle potato fritters, grilled eggplant and portobello mushrooms with tomato fondue and goat cheese, stuffed zucchini, and artisanal bread. For dessert, red velvet cake with cream cheese icing, baklava, Moroccan cookies and yogurt parfaits were served. All of that was washed down with the couple’s signature sweet tea drink flavored with vodka and infused with peach Schnapps,

Guinness, Heineken, Trinidad & Tobago’s Carib Lager, red & white wine and soft drink beverages. There was also a water station with fruit-infused water for the guests’ additional comfort.

With their magnificent wedding over, Taryn stated that there is just one thing she would have done differently, “I would have focused even less on little details. One of the secret highlights of the day was that I had completely entrusted the cake’s design to our caterer, Gloriosa. The look of the cake was a surprise even to us when we entered the reception, and that was so fun.”

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Bridal Gown: Bridesmaids: Cake: Caterer: Entertainment: Event Design: Florist: Formalwear: Hair/Makeup: Registries: Rentals: Shoes: Pronovias

J Crew

Gloriosa

Gloriosa

DJ Limelight

Gloriosa & Wedding Soiree

Gloriosa

Ben Sherman

Scoobie West

Macy’s, Crate & Barrel

Exquisite Events (chivari chairs)

(bride + groom) Jean Michel Cazabat

Venue: Videographer: Wedding Planner: Wish Lantern: Photography: Inn at Serenbe

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Joe Simon Wedding Films

Wedding Soiree

Wishlanterns.com

Tec Petaja

{

{

BRIDE’S CORNER

“It’s alright to take breaks from planning, and to take details away rather than add them. With so many options and beautiful ideas in wedding media, it can help to step back and get some perspective so your overall wedding is unified.

Sometimes less really is more. Also…enjoy every moment of the day you worked so hard to plan. Things will go wrong - ignore them or entrust their management to your planner/family members.” - Taryn

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Relationships

Single in theCity

Introducing a weekly feature on www.munaluchibridal.com, exploring the random musings and weekly escapades of a single black girl in the city.

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all me Flow Eeezy, an eternal hopeful, a perpetual believer that maybe, just maybe, I could meet that guy: Smart, funny, articulate and principled. I wonder if I am a member of a dying breed, in this age of the booty call. As we meander through these post-recessionary times, one thing is clear; dating in New York is hard. And harder when you have values, never mind morals.

But I am holding out! I’m not perfect, far from it.

Case in point, my late night cruise to K’s apartment. K is a liquid chocolate dude I met last summer while vacationing in Mexico. After much cajoling on a frostingly cold Wednesday night, I arrived at his digs on the Upper West Side, close to midnight. Granted, I was rather curious to know where he lived and what he was up to. I believe one visit to a man’s home is worth more than a thousand phone calls of sweet nothings. Even before I got settled on the couch, he began to make suggestive advances that made it pretty clear he had other “activities” in mind. While he certainly made no headway on that note, he did treat me to what I would describe as the most amazing bench-press I have ever experienced or ridden? Let me explain.

Fit as a butcher’s dog, K lay flat on the floor and instructed me to lie on his back, face down. Next, he raised both our bodies from the ground up, gingerly oscillating and modulating to the tune of a still quiet night. By far my most exhilarating bench-press, we continued this synchronized solo for what seemed like a glorious eternity. He then went on all fours, and I gently slipped off, like a jockey getting off a saddle, after a well run race. On my way home, I smiled with great satisfaction, knowing that I had dodged another bullet of the almighty booty call.

So I dodged the bullet - hoopty doo, I should be happy right, wrong? I’m frustrated.

Once the dust settled, as it always does, I realized

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that dating is one big game of switcheroo. What else could it be? We switch in and out of roles, we bark, we bite, we make song, we make dance and somehow, the cat with the most seductive growl or the dog that lets out the loudest bark wins. Therein lies the conflict and my personal frustration for us “in-betweeners.” We purr, we do not growl, we are genteel ladies holding out in the shark infested, Christian Louboutin wearing, fully weaved up scene called New York City.

Let’s be clear, a fabulous pair of Loubou’s is a very good thing. But I wonder, is there still space for us in-betweeners in the elbow crowded streets of the greatest city in the world?

Welcome to my blog. Over the coming weeks, months, years or however long serendipity sees fit, I hope to share with you my stories of living a vibrant single life in New York City. These stories will not just be mine, but will be those of many amazing, dynamic and incredibly interesting women in the City.

Read about our weekly escapades on Munaluchibridal.com. Some will be funny, others will be sad, and some will leave you “scratching your head” and wondering why? I invite you to read out loud, to share with your girlfriends, and “manfriends” if you dare, and to stir up debate. I invite you to flow with me, as we take subway rides, late night taxi runs, and grumpy MTA buses uptown, downtown, and cross-town New York. And of course, I won’t forget to let you in on the juice when he rolls up in premium wheels or the old faithful hoopty. While I do not know where these adventures will take us, one thing I promise you is this: “I promise to dish it as it was served to me.”

Until the next time, flow with love...xoxo,

Flow Eeazy

www.artcarvedbridal.com

facebook.com/artcarvedbridal

Š2011 ArtCarved Bridal

Real Weddings

Khaleshia+ Thorpe BryanPrice

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hen Cupid sets out to shoot his arrow, absolutely nothing gets in the way. Khaleshia Thorpe would discover that when she met Bryan Price. There was more than one reason why they weren’t supposed to connect when they did; yet, they did. On March 23, 2007, Khaleshia was coaxed by a co-worker to go with her to a lounge in Washington D.C. Tired from a long day of work and in no mood to party, she reluctantly agreed. While there, she was approached by a gentleman who asked to dance. The young man asked for her number after dancing with her for the duration of two songs. Even though she thought he was cute, Khaleshia did not intend to give him her number since she hated meeting guys in clubs. Though she intended to give him a fake number, she somehow found herself blurting out her real number. The connection had been made! Bryan wasted no time in calling her and asking for a date a few days after their meeting. Their first date, in July, was almost foiled when Bryan accidentally went to the wrong location, but he was able to find the right location eventually. After a night of food and drinks, Bryan had the welcome task of carrying Khaleshia six blocks to her car; her feet had given out on her. With a hug and a kiss on the forehead, Bryan parted ways with Khaleshia that night. They would never part ways again. The couple dated for two and a half years.

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On November 4, 2009, Bryan proposed to the woman he loved in the most intimate way possible. Khaleshia had a toy bear, Hearty, that was given to her by her Aunt Jennie when she was eight years old. When her aunt unfortunately passed away, Khaleshia kept Hearty; she even slept with the bear at night. Hearty had a removable battery operated heart, but Khaleshia had lost it years ago and always wanted to get a replacement. On the day of the proposal, Khaleshia returned home from work to ďŹ nd Bryan waiting for her with a surprise: he had a new heart for Hearty. Excited to see the new heart, Khaleshia inspected the bear and saw a heart-shaped ring box in Hearty’s chest. Bryan had purchased a

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ring and hidden it at his friend’s house while he waited for the right moment to propose. In that moment, he professed his undying love for Khaleshia and asked for her hand in marriage. She promptly accepted his proposal.

Now happily engaged, Khaleshia decided to take on the responsibility of planning the wedding by herself. She had nine months to put all the details together. She started by locking down the venue, the gorgeous Oxon Hill Manor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, within two weeks of the engagement. Khaleshia had originally intended to have a small destination beach wedding in the Caribbean, but Bryan thought it would be a better idea to have a wedding that was local so that all their family members and friends who were interested in sharing their special day with them could do so. After looking at several local venues, Khaleshia fell in love with the Manor. “I fell in love with the beautiful historic characteristics of Oxon Hill Manor,” she said. She decided it would be the perfect place for their wedding, but on one condition, the guest list had to be shorter. Bryan agreed to shorten the guest list to a much more manageable

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BRIDE’S CORNER

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“You should definitely stick to your vision. You will not be satisfied unless things are how you see them. However, you should be willing to compromise with your mate if with no one else. Finally, know that you can look like a million dollars without breaking your budget. My wedding turned out better than I could have imagined. I wouldn’t change any aspect of it.” - Khaleshia

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number. By December, Khaleshia had found her dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses. She chose a lovely, breezy halter wedding dress with ruching at the waist and black sultry dresses for the bridesmaids. Realizing that she would need a little bit of help on the wedding day, Khaleshia hired a wedding coordinator for their wedding day to help with rehearsals and general set up.

On September 10, 2010, Khaleshia and Bryan exchanged their vows and became husband and wife. Khaleshia finished her look off with a bird cage veil and a bouquet of white carnations; while her bridesmaids carried bouquets of red carnations. In a reception inspired by everything old and classic, and the most classic of colors, black and white with generous splashes of red, the reception was understated elegance personified.

Taken together with the Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horne-inspired dresses, Khaleshia nailed the Old Hollywood look. She had a second dress for the reception: wearing a dark and sexy number accented with vintage style jewelry.

The couple’s reception menu was a sumptuous combination of American Southern comfort fare and mouth-watering Caribbean delicacies. They served cheese and fresh fruit with assorted crackers as hors d’oeuvres.

The dinner menu consisted of garden tossed salad prepared with mesclun mix lettuce and caesar, pear and ranch dressings; Trinidad Chicken prepared in the traditional way with brown sugar and coconut milk and; traditional Caribbean rice and peas simmered in coconut milk; Southern style green peas with smoked turkey; and a harvest bread basket including crusty French rolls, petite sourdough rolls, sweet potato biscuits and corn bread with whipped butter rosettes. Now happily married and nursing a newborn baby, Khaleshia and Bryan show that you can celebrate your wedding in style without breaking the bank.

Chioma Onyewuchi

Bridal Gown: Jasmine Couture Bridal

Reception Gown: Cache

Bridesmaids: Pin Up Girl Clothing

Caterer:

Matters of Taste

Cake:

Georgetown Cupcake

Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse

Entertainment: DJ Max Powers

Hair/Makeup: Venue:

Lauren Jackson/Lauren Johnson Oxon Hill Manor

WeddingCoordinator: Orchid Hill Events

Photography:

Liz Maryann Photography

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Jennifer+ Armand

Harrison Hutton

NASHVILLE, TN November 7, 2010

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f music is really what feelings sound like as the saying goes, then Jennifer Harrison and Armand Hutton’s feelings are deep and absolutely beautiful. Their Nashville, Tennessee wedding on November 7, 2010 was filled with beautiful music – perfect proof that sometimes mere words are not enough.

Their love story began in 2008 when they met through a mutual friend in Los Angeles. Armand was in the city to tape the Ellen DeGeneres Show and the Tavis Smiley Show as one part of the phenomenally unique music group, Naturally 7, which he joined during his senior year in college. More than just a band, Naturally 7 uses vocals to create sounds much like instruments. Armand is the bass member of the world-touring group that has worked with the likes of Quincy Jones and Michael Bublé. While in LA, Armand called up a friend to meet and hang out. That friend turned out to be a friend of Jennifer’s as well who already had plans to hang out with her. Luckily, Armand was invited to come along, and thus began an amazing friendship filled with endless phone calls, text messages, and the beginning of a loving courtship. It was in this way that Armand, the musician from Maryland met Jennifer, the brilliant pediatric and orthopedic therapist from Nashville. Their first official date took place in New York when Armand invited Jennifer to an event where the band was performing. According to Jennifer, “After that trip, we knew that more than a friendship was developing.”

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About a year later, Armand decided to propose where it all began for them: in New York. Enlisting the help of Jennifer’s family after he asked permission to marry her, he put his master plan together to propose, stating, “I had to lie to Jennifer which wasn’t easy. I told her we wouldn’t be able to spend New Year’s Eve together because I had a show in San Francisco but I would fly to Nashville on New Year’s Day.” His plan worked perfectly with help from Jennifer’s mother and brother. As for Jennifer, she began the day of the proposal completely frustrated: she noticed she was missing key personal items and was awakened at 5:30 AM by her video camerawielding brother. Irritated, she complained to Armand; but her frustration turned to surprise and shock when Armand began to tell her how much she meant to him, sent her a picture of a ring, and asked her to marry him via Blackberry messenger.

Now totally excited, Jennifer prepared to meet Armand at the airport. Instead, she discovered a boarding pass for a quick flight to New York. There, Armand was waiting for her on bended knee in the hotel where they had their first date with a pathway of candles and rose petals. Of course, Jennifer said “Yes.” The couple celebrated their engagement with a surprise party in Nashville.

The week after they got engaged, they picked their wedding date; which was difficult with Naturally 7’s hectic tour schedule. They quickly began the arduous task of planning the wedding, enlisting the help of design expert Amber Housely of Sweet Life Designs as their wedding coordinator and stationery designer. The rest of their vendors, including their talented florist and wonderful photographer, worked out of the amazing wedding one-stop, Studio Wed, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Throughout most of the planning process, Armand was on tour

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Armand knew Jennifer loved Tiffany’s and for his gift he bought her a necklace with her birthstone, which counted as her “something blue”.

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but stayed updated on details through pictures, Skype calls and cyber meetings. The couple and their families were most concerned that all those who attended their ceremony would have fun and feel blessed. Jennifer stated, “We are a family totally and utterly in love with God and we knew that He put us together.

We wanted everyone to share in that experience.”

On the day of the wedding, both bride and groom prepared special gifts for each other. Knowing Armand’s love for Air Jordans, Jennifer gave him the thirteen pairs of Air Jordan sneakers and surprised him with a groom’s cake shaped like an Air Jordan box. Armand gave Jennifer a birthstone necklace from her favorite store, Tiffany’s & Co., which counted as her “something blue.” The couple exchanged vows in the Riverside Seventh-Day Adventist Chapel. They chose to keep things traditional by waiting to see each other at church when the bride walked down

He truly loves the Air Jordan tennis shoes, so for his gift Jennifer gave him 13 pairs of retro Jordans. She also surprised him with a groom’s cake in the shape of an air Jordan box, next to his final pair.

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Bridal Gown: Priscilla of Boston

Bridesmaids: Lula Kate

Cake:

Maples Wedding Cakes

Caterer:

Two Twenty Two Grill & Catering

Entertainment: Robert Luke Entertainment

Favors:

Sweet Life Designs

Formalwear: J. Michaels Clothier

Florist:

Rhonda Patton Designs

Hair/Makeup:

D.Smith Salon/Shea Moore, MAC

Honeymoon: Oahu, Hawaii

Registries:

Crate and Barrel, Macy’s, Target

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Shoes: Venue:

Christian Louboutin Country Music Hall of Fame

Videographer: Focal Point Cinematics

Wedding Planner: Amber Housley of Sweet Life Designs

Photography: Kristyn Hogan

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the aisle. The borders of the aisle were lined with purple and orange flower petals in a gorgeous mix of colors as Jennifer moved toward Armand in a stunning gown with flower details and sparkly Louboutins, while Armand waited for her in a suit and Air Jordans. The music for the ceremony was beautifully conducted by musical director, Dr. Wayne Bucknor. The bouquets, boutonnières, and flower arrangements consisted of blue dendrobium orchids, hydrangeas, orange roses, calla lilies, and other flowers. There were hints of blue, orange, and pink in all the arrangements. The bridesmaids were resplendent in the color capri; while the groomsmen looked dapper in their threepiece suits and Air Jordans. After the wedding ceremony, Armand and Jennifer performed the sand ceremony, a symbol of their inseparability. Then, Jennifer surprised Armand by singing the Amel Larrieux song,“Make Me Whole”, knowing that hearing her sing would make him cry – and it did!

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The couple’s reception took place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was an ode to music and fun with musical performances by the couple’s musically gifted friends who were ecstatic to be a part of their celebration. They played instruments like the cello, violin, piano, bass, and drums and lent their vocals to the celebration.

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BRIDE’S CORNER

“Our advice to engaged couples would be simple. No matter what happens in the planning or on the day of, you’re marrying your best friend and that is what is most important. Many couples/ brides focus on the wedding day, but after the day is the marriage and that is what is supposed to last forever. We spent a lot of time in premarital counseling and doing things to prepare for after the wedding. Don’t forget to plan for the marriage not just the day!”

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Featured Article

Jennifer’s love for bright colors was tastefully and creatively brought to life in the décor: from the orange, pink and white rose petals that bordered the runners to the cylinders of water with suspended hydrangeas and candles on top. There were tables with large cylinders full of pomanders of orange roses and blue hydrangeas submerged in water. There was also a tented lounge area that had couches accented with pillows, as well as small tables and suspended orbs with hung orchids.

The couple added a fun element with their inclusion of a candy bar. It was stocked full

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of orange, blue and white candies, Jones sodas with the couple’s pictures, and cupcakes from the Cupcake Collection. The menu was a reflection of Jennifer and Armand’s love for breakfast food and were served brunch-style. Menu options ranged from cheese grits and Belgian waffles to salmon and roasted root vegetables. With so much music and fun, the couple truly enjoyed their day. “We look at our wedding day,” Jennifer said, “and wish we could do it all over again – the exact same way.”

Kaylyn Eshesimua

Chioma Onyewuchi

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>The Pearls of Africa:

Sir Richard Branson Resorts: Morocco & South Africa

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Photography courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition

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ithin the vast evergreens and rocky terrain of the grand Atlas Mountains, lies an oasis of sheer comfort and luxury laced with Moroccan hospitality and Berber culture. Sir Richard Branson presents the Kasbah Tamadot, a serene Moroccan retreat fit for Kings. An acquisition during one of Branson’s ballooning excursions in 1998, the Kasbah Tamadot is now an award winning resort that boasts of luxury paradise suites that emulate true Moroccan living and culture. It replaces an informal hotel stay with a more familiar homey experience through its indigenous Berber staff and traditions.

A marriage between nature’s elements and man-made ingenuity and design transforms this vast spread of land into a Moroccan haven consisting of 24 rooms and suites - 15 magnificently decorated rooms and suites in the main building and one master suite with three rooms, including a deluxe pool suite and six new Berber-inspired tented suites overlooking the grandeur of the Atlas Mountains. Each room and suite has been intricately designed to reflect rich Moroccan culture blended with contemporary elements and antique pieces from all over the world. The arched walkways, textured ceilings and fixtures contribute to a stunning architecture; which when coupled with dynamic color schemes and rich décor provides a relaxed and yet remarkable place of domicile.

The extensive grounds are dotted with delightful courtyards and amazing gardens; man’s contribution to the botanical feel and presence. The overall landscape maintains offer a serene ambiance that is ideal for a lover’s walk or personal meditation. The rooftops provide a breathtaking view of where the mountain peaks kiss the blue skies and as night falls, patrons can enjoy an enchanting fading horizon.

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kasbah Resort Morocco

Pictured here: library This spread: photography courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition

ACTIVITIES / FACILITIES Every suite is equipped with an exclusive pool complex where couples and patrons can enjoy a relaxing sunbathing session or a refreshing dip in the pool. The option of indoor or outdoor pools allows patrons the flexibility, irrespective of weather conditions.

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Interested in a refreshing tennis match? Kasbah Tamadot is equipped with two flood-lit tennis courts. If relaxation is part of your retreat agenda, then let the Asounfou Spa cater to your needs. As its name implies (Asounfou is the Berber word for relaxation), the Asounfou Spa is equipped to provide the ultimate in relaxation amidst a tranquil ambiance. The Spa incorporates an indoor pool, five treatment rooms, a sauna and a traditional Moroccan Hamman. Patrons are exposed to a wonderful range of treatments using exclusive products, including Yon Ka and Aromatherapy Associates. An exclusive couple package includes a simultaneous couple massage, setup in an outdoor treatment room overlooking the scenic view of the mountains.

DINING Get a taste of Moroccan and Berber cuisine as well as international inspired culinary masterpieces at the Kanoun Restaurant. With its alluring fireside bar and breathtaking terrace views, the Kanoun restaurant not only offer local and international flavors made from home grown herbs and vegetables hand-picked from the Kasbah Tamadot gardens, but a total dining experience that entertains all the senses. A candle lit dinner underneath the stars on the rooftop terrace adds a romantic flair for couples.

red here: Asounfa Spa

Other facilities include a well-equipped gym with state of the art equipment, a salon consisting of a library, one large flat TV screen, games, DVD player and DVDs , and for a more intimate appeal, a log fire for those snuggling moments. Marrakech is accessible via direct flights from the UK and other European hubs. Kasbah Tamadot is located 45 minutes south from the Marrakech Airports and approximately one hour south from central Marrakech.

Nevertheless, an African paradise definitely worth the drive! For more information and pricing for Kasbah Tamadot, visit www.kasbahtamadot.virgin. com/en/kasbah_tamadot

Looking for more honeymoon resources?

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ULUSUBA Private Game Resort South Africa

Victoria & Albert Waterfront

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South African safari-themed getaway is in your near future if Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is part of your wedding or honey-mooning itinerary. Yet another Sir Richard Branson owned resort, the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve bordering Kruger National Park.

You could either be at one with the wild along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed as you reside in a suite at Ulusaba’s Safari Lodge; or be on top of the world amongst the draping forage, indigenous trees and rocky ridges at Rock Lodge; or even better, have the best of both worlds by choosing to split your stay between the two lodges. Nevertheless, you will be sure to experience the African bush at its most natural form, while never having to give up comfort, luxury, and style. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve gives you the sights, sounds and smell of the wild without compromising the lifestyle and pampering you would expect from a five star hotel.

ROCK LODGE With a stunning backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain range, the Rock Lodge sits at the apex of a koppie (rocky hill). Its 10 room setup sits eight hundred feet above the wilderness, contributing to a spectacular view of the vast stretch of land. Inspiring its name, the granite rocks of the koppie remains the highlighting feature design of the Rock lodge. To match its brilliant exterior, the interior of each room has the colors of a distinct African tribe.

Each room is decorated with authentic African inspired artifacts and regalia to give guests a sense of comfort and culture. To encourage sightseeing, each room has its adjoining balcony that overlooks the safari wonderland below.

SAFARI LODGE Au contraire to the Rock Lodge, the Safari Lodge is conveniently placed within the African bush. A popular attraction here is the Treehouse suite. It appeals to the sense of adventure in that access to some guest rooms is through swing bridges.

The built tree house rooms also provide a direct view of wildlife activities along the riverbed. Each lodge provides a serene and relaxing atmosphere and a wonderful view of wildlife in its rawest form.

ACTIVITIES / FACILITIES Staying true to its safari appeal, Ulusaba is staffed with an experienced and knowledgeable team of trackers and rangers who host ‘game’ rides twice a day. Not up for the adrenaline rush of gaming, then you’ll enjoy the Aroma Boma Spa which has all the relaxation remedies to work out the kinks of a stressful day. Aroma Boma offers a wide range of relaxing treatments, from facial rituals to massages to essential grooming. Each lodge has its own spa; at Rock Lodge the spa is located 800 feet above the African Savannah contributing to a breathtaking view of the Bush, while at the Safari Lodge it is setup amongst the trees along the riverbed away from the lodge. Each spa provides privacy and pure exhilaration! Products used include a suite of Africology products. Africology products takes advantage of local active ingredients include Rooibos, Aloe, Amarula and African Potato to help capture the rejuvenating and healing essence of Africa.

For travel, direct flights are available to South Africa from the East Coast. Once in Johannesburg, Ulusaba is approximately a 1 hour 20 minute flight by twin-engine aircraft to the Ulusaba airstrip from Johannesburg International Airport (also known as O.R. Tambo Airport) and 30 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit. For more information on this spectacular African getaway visit www.ulusaba.virgin.com.

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Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is known to provide a breathtaking event location for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other celebratory events. Weddings here are known to be memorable: couples have the option of exchanging vows on a viewing deck that provides an enchanting back drop and a picture perfect setting, or may prefer to commemorate their future life together under a romantic canopy of an Amarula tree, amidst the warm glow of bamboo torches, while being serenaded by the beat of an African drum. In order to cater to the couples’ taste, Ulusaba provides a suite of four event style options: • • • •

Pure Romance - For the couple looking for a private romantic ceremony without the fuss Simply Exclusive - For the couple who wants to share their big day with close family and friends, however opt for simplicity.

The Pure Indulgence - For the couple who is all about the pampering but with a private and romantic ceremony.

Premium Exclusive - Caters to the couple who wants close family and friends involved and opts for all the bells and whistles.

Ulusaba also remains an ideal honeymoon destination. Its serene, private and blissful atmosphere allows for one-onone time for couples and a lasting memory of cherished moments.

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photo courtesy of South Africa Tourism

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How do you make two into one like nothing else on earth?

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HALF MOON MAKES IT HAPPEN.

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>Honeymoons:

5 Sexy Caribbean Destinations

Serene villas, exotic resorts, posh suites, romantic beaches - these are all things that come to mind when imagining your honeymoon. For newly engaged couples the honeymoon is said to be the most anticipated event, after the wedding of course. If your eyes are set on the Caribbean, these 5 sexy caribbean destinations will help you narrow things down.

EAT For gourmet cuisine, have a romantic dinner at the Biras Creek Resort restaurant, with one of the most extensive international wine lists in the British Virgin Islands.

EXPLORE With 28 National Parks, there’s lot to experience on the British Virgin Islands. If you’re traveling there late July or early August, you’ll be just in time for the annual Emancipation Festival Celebrations which hosts a wide range of activities including the Freedom March and Grand Parade.

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BRITISH VI www.bvitourism.com 800-835-8530

UNWIND There are many accommodation choices including villas, resorts, and private islands. Try Biras Creek Resorts (www.biras.com). Only reachable by boat or helicopter, it’s recognized as one of the top luxury destinations in the Caribbean and comprises of 31 suites across 140 acres of land and a luxury spa. Looking for a more personal touch? Visit Guana Island (www.guana.com) for low-key luxury. The privately-owned islands feature seven white sand beaches and the option to have the entire island to yourself and up to 30 guests.

Pictured here: Guana Island photos courtesy of BVI Tourism

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5 Sexy Carribbean Destinations }

EAT For a romantic setting by the seaside, eat at Oliver's (www.spiceislandbeachresort.com). Savor local specialties featuring Creole and international cuisine all while delighting in the best of Grenada's calypso, reggae, and steel bands. If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine, then eat at Laluna Restaurant (http://www.laluna.com/dininglaluna-restaurant.php), with its imported Italian ingredients and romantic thatched roof dining. No worries, the menu still includes some local dishes.

EXPLORE Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmeg in the world. Tour the Greenville Nutmeg Processing Station or the Grenada Sugar Factory which has been in operation since 1937. For the adventurous, indulge in a scuba dive, sport fishing, or hiking.

UNWIND Stay at the sexy and luxury Italian owned LaLuna Resort, (www.laluna.com), a secluded, romantic hideaway situated on three acres. Highlights include an organic garden in which the Italian Chef uses for daily specials at his beachside restaurant. Also, The Asian Spa offers beachfront yoga and pilates daily.

GRENADA www.grenadagrenadines.com 1-800-927-9554

187 photo courtesy of Grenada Tourism

EAT Fine dining available at Boucan Restaurant, a cocoa-themed restaurant nestled within the Hotel Chocolat. The menus are inspired by the fresh cacao grown around the Rabot Estate, as well as the “amazing” seafood, fruits and veggies. (www.thehotelchocolat.com/boucan.html) EXPLORE Experience guided tours of the forest, take a snorkeling cruise down to Soufriere.

Night snorkeling at Jalousie Plantation is all the rave and give you a look at the nocturnal underwater wonders of Anse des Pitons. Take an adrenaline-rushed UNWIND Stay at Hotel Chocolat (www.thehotelchocolat.com), one of the newest locations to open up in St. Lucia. The boutique hotel features 14 luxury Cocoa Cottages, an Infinity Pool Clubhouse. Looking to unwind? The Samsarati Spa (www.samsaratispa.com), located within Smugglers Cove Resort & Spa is run by the world renowned O Spa of London, is sure to keep you relaxed and rejuvenated.

photo courtesy of St. Lucia Tourism

ST. LUCIA www.stlucia.org Create your own itinerary and print before your trip. www.saintlucianow.com.

1-800-456-3984

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ST. KITTS http://www.stkittstourism.kn 869.465.4040

EAT Enjoy St. Kitts' tasty cuisine at Ottley's Plantation Royal Palm Restaurant. The restaurant, tucked away into the remaining stone walls of the plantation's sugar factory, offers meals from across the globe, but with an island-style flavor. (www.ottleys.com/royal-palm-restaurant.htm)

photo courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism

EXPLORE Get a scenic view of the coastline on a luxurious catamaran cruise. Have tee time at the St. Kitts Royal Golf Club (www.royalstkittsgolfclub.com). If you're interested in learning some Kittitian history, then head to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is a monument to the strength and perseverance of the African slaves who constructed it.

UNWIND The award winning St. Kitts Marriott Resort (www.marriott.com/FrigateBay) has everything you need for a utter relaxation. Aside from massages, it's full service luxury spa call Emerald Mist, offers body wraps, steam rooms, and a spa restaurant.

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NEVIS http://www.nevisisland.com 869.469.7550

EAT Indulge in award winning fine dining at the restored Great House Restaurant (www.nisbetplantation.com/dining/ great-house.html), originally built in 1778. For a late night beachfront dinner, the place to be is Coconuts, a beachside restaurant with live local music and dancing.

EXPLORE Nature lovers can take a hike at Nevis Peak with legendary guide Lynnell Liburd or explore botanical orchids at the Nevis Botanical Gardens. For the water enthusiasts, Scuba Safaris (www.scubanevis.com) takes you for a dive or a snorkel stop for those who love to explore from the surface. For a little history, visit Cottle Church, the first church where black and whites worshipped together on Nevis.

photo courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism

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UNWIND Relax at the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club (www.NisbetPlantation.com), the Carribean's only plantation inn located directly on the beach and recently named the #1 resort in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure. With 36 cottagestyle accommodations across 30 acres, you can count on exclusivity and privacy.

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COUPLE PHOTO

Engagement sessions these days are quite the norm, but the amount of creativity and uniqueness that recent e-sessions possess has increased three fold recently.

Munaluchi Bridal is introducing its first online Hot Couple Photo Contest. No purchases are required for entry...just gorgeous engagement pictures and the courage to enter.

So what’s in it for you? This year, the winning couple will receive a super luxury vacation to St. Kitts. And there’s more...the photographer of the winning couple’s photograph will win a one month advertisement on munaluchibridal.com. So what are you waiting for? Visit www.munaluchibridal.com for entry details.

Photography: Photogen, Inc

Lost: Girl Next Door Found:

Goddess

Release your inner beauty.

You Unscripted

800.372.USVI ©2011 United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

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> dazzle them

-stylish jewelry, shoes, + accessories

Deco Miel 24-karat gold-plated Swarovski crystal earrings by BIJOUX HEART ; Floral-appliquĂŠ satin clutch by VALENTINO; Satin platform pumps pumps by MIU MIU www.net-a-porter.com

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Tribtoo metallic leather pumps by YVES SAINT LAURENT; 18-karat gold diamond earrings by ARTISAN ; Sequined suede clutch by MATTHEW WILLIAMSON www.net-a-porter.com

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Sexy Strass 100 Swarovski crystal peep-toe pumps by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ; 18-karat rose gold and diamond stud earrings by ILEANA MAKRI ; Lytton cracked-leather box clutch by DIANE VON FURSTENBERG www.net-a-porter.com

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Rue-front suede ankle boots by GUISEPPE ZANOTTI ; Laque 24-karat gold-plated Swarovski crystal earrings by BIJOUX HEART ; Chandra chain-detailed leather clutch by JIMMY CHOO www.net-a-porter.com

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Knot intrecciato satin clutch by BOTTEGA VENETA ; Arty gold-plated glass ring by YVES SAINT LAURENT ; Lisse 100 suede ankle boots by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN www.net-a-porter.com

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CHRIS AIRE Fine Jewelry & Timepieces chrisaire.com

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>Lifestyle: Ishka Designs F

rom the artistic interpretation of Anishka Clark and the stunning lenses of Niya Bascom, comes the creative manifestation of new age interior designing – Ishka Designs. With minimalism at its core , Ishka Design provide clients efficient design options that are free from clutter, stylish, and most importantly embodies an organic element that promotes freedom and flexibility. The duo combines their passion and genius into a melting pot of warmth and minimalist ideologies to support conceptual ideas or fully installed projects. Ishka designs serves both commercial and residential clients. The professional chemistry of this couple provides interior designing inspiration for newly wedded couples (as part of their clientele) looking to share a personal space together. Let’s meet the brains behind The Iskha Experience… by Akua Abeasi

(left) Anishka Clarke - Founder and Lead Designer for Ishka Designs

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A Brooklyn resident, but Jamaican at heart, Anishka decided to quit her successful and award-winning finance job, after working a decade in finance, both in Jamaica, and Wall Street, to pursue her real passion. She is an honors graduate (Summa Cum Laude) of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, holds an MBA from Stern Business School at New York University, and an honors BSc. degree from U.W.I. in Kingston Jamaica. (right) Niya Bascom - Executive Director and Creative Photographer for Ishka Designs

Niya is no novice at his trade. With over fifteen years of experience in photography his work has been featured in galleries, embassies, and museums. As the Executive Director and Creative Photographer, Niya brings a wealth of experience and a critical creative eye to Ishka Designs.

The premise of Ishka designs is based on minimalism and incorporating that with the personal style of your clients. How has this worked in the past for clients who do not necessary understand the concept of less is more?

Our minimalist tendency comes from a desire to rely on functionality above all else. So clients who are coming with significant acquisitions, e.g. older couples getting married or moving in together, tend to have a harder time with the concept. The good thing is once clients decide to hire interior designers they are already open to change. Our approach to these clients is to emphasize functionality and flow, leading to the quicker acceptance of an efficient design solution. Our renderings of the final solution demonstrate the open and clean feel of an efficiently beautiful uncluttered space. These always help us to convey the concept more clearly.

What goes on in your minds when designing a space? What is the general thought process and possible influences that goes into your designing experiences?

There are so many intricate details that go into designing a space beyond

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This page: photography: Niya Bascom

the physical. There are the emotional, psychological, health and safety concerns that have to be addressed. This is all balanced against the wants of the client and the abilities of the contractors and the space to provide for that. Ishka Designs has become very process driven as a result. We incorporate ever-evolving questionnaires that enable us to get into the minds of the client to better understand them. Only after thorough research and a lot of client interaction can we begin to solve the problem.

Looking at your portfolio of work, what is that one common ingredient that is specific to Ishka designs?

Nature, natural elements, organics all play some kind of role in an Ishka Designs’ solution. Using these as inspiration or as accents tends to help create a familiar warmth that may or may not be instantly recognizable.

We also create customized elements for most clients usually to solve a space dilemma.

In designing a space, what would you consider to be your most important tool of trade – color, design pieces, furniture, light etc and why?

Two things: space planning and finishes. Looking at unfinished floor

creating space for alone time is important, then make sure it is somehow incorporated into the environment.

Make that scenario important to the space and compromise then becomes a lot easier with the rest of the solution.

This page: photography: Niya Bascom

For couples starting their lives together, what are the most necessary pieces/items they need to have in their new home or what would you think are must have on their registry, if they have one?

A great bed is the best place to start. The next important item in our opinion is the sofa. A sofa and bed are great anchors and starting points for two major areas of the house. If they are both comfortable and well proportioned to the space, the pieces will support greater interaction and together time, key ingredients to a sustained marriage. Our advice for the registry is to get quality items that you will actually use. plans is like working with a blank canvas for us. A well-constructed space plan is the foundation for a beautiful solution and so we put a lot of thought and effort into that. Then there are the materials…I get so inspired by all the amazing materials out there.

There is always something fascinating on my desk or in our library.

There are many new couples out there looking to start their lives together in one space – this of course means the ‘dreaded experience’ of trying to incorporate each person’s style and taste to sustain their comfort level in their new common space. In your experience what would be some helpful tips on how to manage differing design styles to make sure each individual is represented?

Just like the marriage, there has to be compromise in design. For couples who don’t have the luxury of an interior designer to help balance the scale, using this simple life lesson is key: understand what is most important to each other and facilitate that. Hopefully if you are married, you understand this already!

If having a man cave or family photos on display or

As a design expert, what would you consider to be some common design mistakes, nonos or faux pas, if you will, that most home makers fall victims to?

Where do we begin??? LOL. In our opinion some of the more common mistakes include being a slave to trends, poor lighting, and scale. Nothing is wrong with following trends but practicing restraint will definitely help to keep things in check. Poor lighting is an epidemic, particularly since most homes/apartments come with limited lighting solutions and most persons don’t realize that they can do something about it. We definitely encourage several lighting options per room (task, ambient and accent) to ensure comfort, ambience and usability. Finally, scale: nothing throws off an otherwise interesting design solution than inappropriate scale, e.g. too small artwork over a large sofa. This one is harder to get right but a design professional can definitely get you there (hint, hint).

In your line of work what is the most fulfilling aspect for you?

Anishka: I am most happy when I am doing something creative. With Ishka Designs, I get to create and see those creations come to life. Being able to do that everyday while doing this on my own terms is what makes this fulfilling.

Niya: As a photographer and part owner of Ishka Designs, I am able to combine two creative fields that I have a strong passion for. Working on the design side and photographing the process as it unfolds brings a great deal of satisfaction to me.

What does the near future hold for Ishka Designs?

Our primary goal is to increase the commercial side of our business. We love our residential clients but we also love commercial design. Ultimately, we believe design should be accessible to all and commercial design is one of the ways to have a wider majority of people experience our designs. Secondary goal is to launch our own line of products.

What influence, if any, does your Jamaican heritage or cultural exposure have on your style or designs?

Anishka: Growing up surrounded by amazing landscape, ridiculously blue skies and seas will always have an impact on my design aesthetic. But more than that, without even knowing it, I’ve been influenced by colonial architecture, creative use of materials given limited resources, and the interesting response that Caribbean architects have to our natural elements, i.e. effectively utilizing sea and mountain breeze for cooling homes. I believe third world design has always leaned towards “green” because of necessity and that is something that I try to always consider.

Niya: Being raised by Caribbean parents I can relate to a lot of Anishka’s comments particularly the resourceful nature of the people and how it has ultimately influenced my design aesthetic. We always want to work with what is available to us on a project or we often look to re-purpose or re-use where we can.

In your opinion, if you were supposed to describe your designs using one word, what word will that be?

Aaaahhhh….two words please??!!!

“Efficiently Beautiful”

To view the entire portfolio or schedule a consultation, visit Iskha Designs at www.ishkadesigns.com.

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The Diamond Directory

Enjoy the following listing of preferred wedding professionals from all across the globe.

Browse by location online at www.munaluchibridal.com.

BEAUTY

BRIDAL SALONS

Angel Minaro Exquisite Beauty NATIONWIDE www.AngelMinaro.com A luxury kissed spa and skincare line that will pamper and keep you glowing, beautiful and ready both physically and mentally for your special day. angelminaro@gmail.com 773.289.6696

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OHIO www.melissaroshan.com My philosophy has always to keep your make-up looking fresh, clean, and natural. I will simply enhance your natural beauty, so that you still look like you. makeup@melissaroshan.com 614.282.8197

NappStar

MARYLAND/NEW YORK 1590 Annapolis Road Odenton, MD 21113 www.whatsnappstar.com Nappstar is a brand which specializes in the care of natural hair and also ventures into the realms of image consulting and professional photo shoots. Specializing in loc, maintenance, loc extensions, loc repair, color, twists, braids, and all natural hair designs, salon owners Melissa and Annette Roche are known to transform their clients’ love of locs into works of modern art. nappstarhair@gmail.com 410.799.3404

Philly Finest Hair Salon 4360 CENTRAL AVENUE ST. PETE, FL 33711 www.phillyfinest.com Where your make-up and nails come alive.

727.328.7971

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Bridal Reflections

www.bridalreflections.com NEW YORK Three beautifully appointed salons and the finest selection of couture gowns – Bridal Reflections is truly “Elegance Redefined.” Our newly expanded salon on Fifth Avenue in New York City is the newest addition to the Bridal Reflections’ family of salons that began in Massapequa, Long Island in 1973 and quickly expanded into Carle Place/Westbury Long Island. Always family owned and operated, dedicated attention is paid to every detail. Bridal Reflections had garnered a reputation for the finest in customer service.

212.764.3040

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

NEW YORK www.bridalatelier.com Upscale bridal salon offering personal service for the discerning bride. by appointment only 212.319.6778

CAKES Sweetsweets Cakeart

CANADA www.sweetsweets.ca Specializing in Wedding cakes that are not just cakes, but works of art, designed to exclusively reflect each client’s personal taste and style. sweetsweets@rogers.com 519.576.2294

The Diamond Directory

CATERING Lalibela

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ www.lernj.com Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine.

We also provide catering services for all occasions. meklit@lernj.com 973-327-4840

Le Pierre Caterers

P.O. BOX 1565 BURLINGTON, NJ 08016 www.lepierrecaterers.com Le Pierre offers a mélange of elegance, sophistication, classiness, indulgence and simplicity. We are a full-service off-premise catering company which provides not only a custom menu, but also event planning from rentals, to floral, to entertainment. info@lepierrecaterers.com 609.495.5668

EVENT PLANNING Style Perfect Weddings and Events P.O. BOX 1903 HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28079

www.styleperfectevents.com Style Perfect Weddings and Events is a full service event planning company that styles and plans modern, fresh and chic events. Dedicated to innovative ideas, expert planning and coordination, premier vendors and upscale design, Style Perfect Weddings and Events, is the go to event planning team for the modern and fun bride in Charlotte. Owner and Principal Event Planner, Carla Eustache brings a strong business sense and style-savvy approach to planning and coordinating events, which have been featured on popular wedding sites and magazines like Style Me Pretty, Wedding Row Charlotte, Munaluchi Bridal Magazine, The Perfect Palette, and Wedding Magazine UK. Carla’s wedding advice has also been featured in Glamour, MSN Lifestyle and on WCNC Channel 36 Charlotte Today. info@styleperfectevents.com 704.975.9941

Your Big Day Event Planning

NEW JERSEY www.yourbigdayllc.com At Your Big Day we are committed to making you feel like a guest at your wedding. While we ensure that your day is filled with your heart’s desire. weddings@yourbigdayllc.com 908.206.4107

Photography by Elizabeth Messina. To see more gorgeous images from our “Sweet Romance” editorial, visit www.munaluchibridal.com.

EVENT DESIGN & DECOR MoaCreations Event Design and Decor

EAST COAST, US www.moacreations.com MoaCreations specializes in Interior space, weddings, private parties, showers, entire event and theme coordination, custom invitation, centerpieces, lighting, stationery, favors and accessory design etc. we will go above and beyond to bring your visions and imaginations to life with the highest level of creativity and personalized services ensuring each design experience is unique, memorable, and stress free. moacreations@gmail.com 302.256.3113

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Bouquet by Janie of Janie Medley Flora Design. Photo: Jodi Miller Photography

TiannaVivienne

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NEW YORK www.tiannavivienne.com TiannaVivienne Events and Design is a full service event planning and design establishment with complete concierge service available for clients who seek help with every single aspect of their event.

Co-founded by Janice Hunter and Donna Nolisa, TiannaVivienne strives to be trendsetters within the wedding industry by putting new spins on the traditional. Our philosophy is that our client’s number one objective is to enjoy every moment of their special day and leave everything else to us. We truly are madly passionate about what we do and strive to really capture our client’s vision of their day and because we accept nothing less than perfection, we always aim to blow our clients expectations out of the water! When guests leave an affair, we want them talking about it long after. jhunter@tiannavivienne.com dnolisa@tiannavivienne.com 917.224.5514

ENTERTAINMENT DJ Mecca

FABRICS/TEXTILES Stanhope Fabrics and Design NEW JERSEY Distributor of African fabrics and fine lace, and designs that fuse Western with African culture.

973.901.2208

FAVORS African Favors

MARYLAND www.affavors.com African Favors is a woman-owned company whose specialty is to provide you with a small touch of your heritage that will leave long lasting memories with your guests. Wanting to show your African culture through your event is only natural and we offer you an opportunity to do it while keeping a very contemporary and modern ceremony and reception. info@affavors.com 240.654.6860

NEW JERSEY World class disc jockey and MC Services.

Phone: 732.423.5371

FLORISTS

Soulful Sounds RNY

Janie Medley Flora Design

NEW YORK www.soulfulsoundsny.com Specializing in music, lighting, and sound for all occasions. Our DJ’s play a variety of music tailored for your wedding event. We also have special lighting packages and party favor giveaways! jeff@soulfulsoundsny.com 718.712.8339

VIRGINIA www.jmflora.com Stunning floral arrangements and centerpieces to make your wedding day oh-so special. janie@jmflora.com 804.672.2083

The Diamond Directory

HONEYMOON RESOURCES

Tanzania Odyssey

NATIONWIDE www.tanzaniaodyssey.com

Over the last decade we have arranged many different and individually tailored honeymoons to Tanzania. Our knowledge is always up-to-date, and we are adamant that our experience will help you to create a memorable and spectacular honeymoon. info@tanzaniaodyssey.com 866.356.4691

The Gambia Experience

UNITED KINGDOM www.gambia.co.uk At The Gambia Experience we have been providing holidays to The Gambia for more than 20 years and have all the expertise you’ll need to help plan your perfect holiday in the sun – be that a summer holiday or a chance to escape for some much needed winter sun.

0845-330-2060

Lion World Tours

US/CANADA www.lionworldtravel.com Lion World Tours specializes in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, as well as Egypt. We will customize itineraries to destinations such as South Africa including Cape Town and Private Game Reserves, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and much more. Take advantage of our Honeymoon Registries! info@lionworldtravel.com 800.387.2706

STATIONERY SkratcHaus Studios

GEORGIA www.skratchaus.com As a multi faceted design studio, SkratcHaus Studios, Inc. offers graphic design services, as well as our invitations and stationery services branded under Recherché by SkratcHaus Studios. We develop unique creative solutions tailored specifically for our clients needs. Each project has a unique voice based on research and comprehensive communication. From the initial one on one consultation through a personalized process we communicate with you to visualize a dynamic solution. timi@skratchaus.com 404-593-1672 Photo courtesy of South African Toursim

Photography by Elizabeth Messina. To see more gorgeous images from our “Sweet Romance” editorial, visit www.munaluchibridal.com.

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Natural Impression Design

www.natural-impressions.com www.tiffanycoutureinvitations.com From Hollywood Glam to Casual Chic, kick off your wedding with an invitation that makes a statement. Designs may be customized to fit the theme, mood and style of your wedding, save the date, bridal shower or even destination wedding. Swap papers, appliqués and custom design elements to create an invitation that establishes your events unique style.

877-408-8863 naturalimpressions@gmail.com

à deux: bespoke bridal paper

BOSTON, MA www.adeuxbridal.com The invitation to one of the biggest events in your life should be as distinct as you and your wedding style. Unlike invitations one may order from a catalog, à deux is all about fine wedding stationery handcrafted exclusively for you and no one else. hello@adeuxbridal.com 617-398-0542

Designs To Impress, Inc.

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA www.designstoimpress.com Designs to Impress, is a custom design stationery boutique. We take special pride in designing invitations and stationery that portray elegance, beauty and distinctive characteristics of our clients and their special events. We specialize in themed stationery, and all elements of an invitations suite can be customized, we say, “Why just invite guests - when you can IMPRESS them?” info@designstoimpress.com (888) 629-7670

The Diamond Directory

PHOTOGRAPHY Amber Knowles Photography

TEXAS www.amberknowles.com I am a wedding photographer based in Dallas-Ft.Worth, Texas, bringing my passion for visual story-telling to capture your wedding day as it naturally unfolds. Whether its in Texas, New York City or anywhere else in the world, I would be honored to document your day.

917-856-2620

Ashleigh Taylor Photography

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA www.ashleightaylorphotography.com Based in Southern California, Ashleigh Taylor Photography offers vibrant wedding photography for fun couples who want something bold! We are a boutique studio and accept a limited number of weddings per year to ensure that all couples have a high quality experience from start to finish. We genuinely care about our couples and develop friendships with them over the planning process. We believe that being friends with our clients helps them to have FUN and be comfortable in front of our camera which in turn yields FABULOUS images! info@ashleightaylorphotography.com 323.207.6754

Ivy Weddings DALLAS, TX

www.ivy-weddings.com

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We’re a husband and wife team who fell in love behind the lens. We went to the same college, and we were both photographers working independently, but it wasn’t until we photographed a music artist together that we realized how well we worked as a team... and we’ve been shooting together ever since! Somewhere along the way, we got married and decided to combine our different styles into something fun and creative. Ivy Weddings was the result of our desire to offer modern, personalized, and fun photojournalistic coverage to couples who love being in love. Our work has been featured on Essence.com, Munaluchi, Style Me Pretty, The Bride’s Cafe, Brooklyn Bride, and more. We’re based in Dallas but we love to travel, so drop us a line - we can’t wait to hear about your wedding! mattandivy@gmail.com 214.514.6122

Joshua Dwain Photography NEW YORK

www.joshuadwain.com

“We believe that everyone has a story. Our story is very sincere. We love to take photographs. You may call us, eager, passionate, spirited, or even fervent. The simple fact is we truly love wedding photography.

From the inception of Joshua Dwain Photography our mission has always been to exceed our clients expectations. To provide service that goes beyond cliche. Leaving everyone we interact with appreciating and remembering the experience.” info@joshuadwain.com 718.926.6502

Keith Cephus Photography

VIRGINIA BEACH www.keithcephus.com Virginia Beach wedding photographer Keith Cephus provides wedding photography services across the country. His body of work includes destination weddings in: St. Lucia, Miami, Bahamas, Mexico, and Hawaii. His experience as a photojournalist allows him to document events in an unobtrusive style. As one of the most sought after wedding photojournalists abroad, let Keith Cephus capture the essence of your special day!! kcephus@cox.net 757.430.2169

LizMaryann Photography

DC/NORTHERN VA www.lizmaryann.com Specializing in modern, chic, and magazine-quality photography. liz@lizmaryann.com 703.825.6548

Rhphotoarts

NATIONWIDE HOUSTON, TX 77036 www.rhphotoarts.com Allow us to capture your day by giving you memorable images combined with contemporary fashion elegance. You will receive a beautiful visual record of every emotional filled moment in vivid color and the best quality.

We create a personal relationship through trust, confidence and satisfaction. we specialize in Wedding, Engagement and Bridal Photography. Also Available for National and International travel. www.rhphotoarts.com raheem@rhphotoarts.com

Studio525

1629 PINE CIRCLE AUSTELL, GA 30168 www.studio-525.net Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event that must be properly preserved.

At Studio525 not only do we focus on reliving the moments, we specialize in capturing the emotions of the day. We provide a photojournalistic, non-intrusive perspective of photography that gives you the attention you deserve. studio525@bellsouth.net 678-358-3174

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Photography by Elizabeth Messina. To see more gorgeous images from our “Sweet Romance” editorial, visit www.munaluchibridal.com.

Artcarved www.artcarvedbridal.com p162 Chris Aire www.chrisaire.com p191 Tejani www.tejanibridaljewelry.com p15 LINGERIE Victoria’s Secret www.victoriassecret.com p83

Oheka Castle. Photo by Elizabeth Messina

RECEPTION SITES The Wilshire Grand

350 PLEASANT VALLEY WAY WEST ORANGE, NJ 07052 www.thewilshiregrandhotel.com The Wilshire Grand Hotel is a first-class New Jersey hotel boasting 88 guest rooms, a large meeting & banquet facility, a highly rated Italian restaurant “Primavera”, plus all the conveniences and amenities of home in a luxury setting.

973.731.7007

PHOTOGRAPHY

Oheka Castle

135 WEST GATE DRIVE HUNTINGTON , NEW YORK 11743 www.ohekacastle.com OHEKA Castle, a New York Wedding location, is the premier destination wedding venue in the world; the perfect setting to host your special event. Exclusive & unforgettable, from the historic estate and formal gardens to the elegant rooms, meticulous intuitive service & award winning cuisine. reservation@ohekacastle.com 631.659.1400

ADVERTISER INDEX ACCESSORIES

BRIDAL SALONS

Sara Gabriel www.saragabriel.com p19

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier www.bridalatelier.com pp36-37

BEAUTY

CAKES/DESSERT

Dex Beauty www.dexnewyork.com P50

Apple Butter Bakery www.applebutterbakery.com p201

Sphatika www.sphatika.com P9

B. Stephenson Events p201

One Sound Entertainment www.onesoundandent.com p203

Heart & Soul Weddings FAVORS

BRIDAL FASHION Alfred Angelo for Disney www.alfredangelo.com/ disney p51 Claire Pettibone www.clairepettibone.com pp 2-3 Ines di Santo www.inesdisanto.com pp 4-7

Taste-T Cafe www.SoTasteT.com p201 CATERERS Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant www.lernj.com p165

African Favors www.affavors.com p124

Floral Couture www.floralcoutureatlanta.com p202 Royal Base www.sunprideflora.com p1 FORMALWEAR Kleinfeld Men www.kleinfeldmen.com p23

HONEYMOONS/ DESTINATIONS: Halfmoon, Jamaica www.halfmoon.com p184 Lion World Tours www.lionworldtravel.com cover 3 Salamander Hotels & Resorts www.salamanderhotels.com cover 4 US Virgin Islands www.visitusvi.com p187

EVENT PLANNING JEWELRY

ENTERTAINMENT

Dream Design Weddings www.dreamdesignweddings.com

Erica Angeline www.ericaangeline.com p202

www.heartandsoulweddings.com

p135

FLOWERS

Candy Cake Company www.candycakecompany.com p201

EllyB Events www.ellybevents.com 113

DJ Mecca p203

p61

Alex Woo www.alexwoo.com p176

EDITORIAL INDEX COVER LOOK Photography: Andrea Blanch www.andreablanch.com Stylist: Debra Ginyard Assistant Stylist: Kesha Franklin Hair/Makeup: Mann Nance for Halcyon Days Salon and Spa at Saks 5th Ave. NYC using Enjoy Professional Hair Care and Eve Pearl Cosmetics www.mannatwork.net Flowers: Royal Base www.sunprideflora.com Design: Preston Bailey Designs www.prestonbailey.com Jewelry: Maiflores www.maiflores.com ACCESSORIES Bottega Veneta www.bottegaveneta.com Peter Langner www.peterlangner.com

Tracey Brown Photography www.traceybrownblog.com p203

Swarovski www.swarovski.com

Shutter Booth www.ShutterBooth.com p203

Twigs & Honey www.twigsandhoney.com

Swarovski Elements www.swarovski-elements.com

BEAUTY/HAIR

RECEPTION SITES Oheka Castle www.oheka.com p17

AJ Crimson www.ajcrimson.com Atticus Sharp D. Smith Salon www.thedsmithsalon.com

Salamander Hotels & Resorts

Dex Phillip for Dex NY Cosmetics www.dexnewyork.com

www.salamanderhotels.com

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Griselle Rosario www.grisellemua.com

REGISTRIES

Mann Nance www.mannatwork.net

Target Club Wedd Registry www.target.com p13 Williams-Sonoma www.williams-sonoma.com pp 92-93 TRAVEL Arik Air www.arikair.com p147 South African Airways www.flysaa.com p177 WINE/CHAMPAGNE Monogamy Wines www.monogamywines.com p202

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Muse Atelier Beauty Salon www.museonmelrose.com NappStar www.whatsnappstar.com Scoobie West www.scoobiewest.com Sphatika www.sphatika.com Stephanie Pohl www.stephanieallynpohl.com BRIDAL FASHION Anne Barge www.annebarge.com Badgley Mischka www.badgleymischkabride.com BHLDN www.bhldn.com Biji Couture of South Africa www.bijicouture.com Cache’ www.cache.com Claire Pettibone www.clairepettibone.com Ines di Santo www.inesdisanto.com Jasmine Couture Bridal www.jasminebridal.com JLM Couture by Alvina Valenta

www.jlmcouture.com Kenneth Pool www.Kennethpool.com

Yann Chocolates CATERING

Kosibah Creations www.kosibah.co.uk

Affairs to Remember www.affairs.com

La Sposa www.lasposa.com

Calamigos Equestrian www.calamigosequestrian.com

Marchesa www.marchesa.com Monique Lhuillier www.moniquelhuillier.com Oscar de la Renta www.oscardelarenta.com Priscilla of Boston www.priscillaofboston.com Pronovias www.pronovias.us Rivini www.rivini.com Romona Keveza www.romonakeveza.com Shareen Vintage www.shareenvintage.com

Gloriosa www.gloriosadesign.com

Sweet Life Designs www.sweetlifedesigns.com

Le Pierre Caterers www.lepierrecaterers.com

FLORISTS

Martin’s Caterers www.martinscaterers.com

Dalsimer Pappas Florist + Event Decorators www.dalsimerpappas.com

Matters of Taste www.motcatering.com

DaVinci’s Florist www.davinciflorist.us

The Viceroy Anguilla www.viceroyhotelsandresort.com

Gloriosa www.gloriosadesign.com

Two Twenty Two Grill and Catering www.countrymusichalloffame.org/ dining

Jackson Durham www.jacksondurham.com

DJ Limelight www.djlimelight.com

Aidan Mattox www.aidanmattox.com

DJ Maxx Powers www.djmaxxpowers.com

Bella Bridesmaid Priscilla of Boston www.priscillaofboston.com J. Crew www.jcrew.com JLM Couture by Jim Hjelm www.jlmcouture.com Kate 202 Lula www.lulakate.com

Sophia Tolli www.sophiatolli.com BRIDAL SALONS Bridal Reflections www.bridalreflections.com Kleinfeld Bridal www.kleinfeldbridal.com Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier www.bridalatelier.com CAKES Candy Cake Company www.candycakecompany.com Couture Cakes, Inc www.couturecakesinc.com Georgetown Cupcake www.georgetowncupcake.com Gloriosa www.gloriosadesign.com Maples Wedding Cakes www.maplesweddingcakes.com Martin’s Caterers www.martinscaterers.com Masterpiece Cakeshop www.masterpiececakes.com Palermo’s Bakery www.palermosbakery.com Porto’s Bakery & Cafe www.portosbakery.com Sweet Sensations www.sweet-sensations.com FALL.WINTER 2011

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DJ Robert Luke, Robert Luke Entertainment www.smoothsideup.org

Janet Flowers www.weddingandevent.com Katflower www.katflower.blogspot.com My Wedding Blooms by Kerim www.myweddingblooms.com Perfect Creations and Design www.theperfectcreation.com

St. Lucia Tourism www.stlucia.org

Event Rentals Unlimited www.erultd.com

Ryan Rodinis Films www.rodinisfilms.com

Ulusaba Resort www.ulusaba.virgin.com

Lounge Art www.loungeartrentals.com

Utopia Video Productions www.utopiavp.com

JEWELRY

SHOES

WEDDING PLANNERS

Artisan www.artisanjewelry.com

Badgley Mischka www.badgleymischka.com/bridal/

Amber Housley www.sweetlifedesigns.com/invitations

Bijoux Heart www.bijoux-heart.com

Calvin Klein www.calvinklein.com

B3 Event Design www.B3EventDesign.com

Bridal Rings Company by Patrick www.bridalrings.com

Christian Louboutin www.christianlouboutin.com

Diann Valentine www.diannvalentine.com

David Tutera jewelry www.davidtutera.com/sears

Dianne Von Furstenburg www.dvf.com

Dream Design Weddings + Events www.dreamdesignweddings.com

H&M www.hm.com

Giuseppe Zanotti www.giuseppezanottidesign.com

Ellyb Events www.ellybevents.com

Ileana Makri www.makri.gr

Jean-Michel Cazabat www.jeanmichelcazabat.com

Lemiga Events www.lemiga.com

Rafaello & Co. www.rafaelloandcompany.com

Jimmy Choo www.jimmychoo.comm

Wedding Soiree www.weddingsoiree.com

Ranjana Khan www.ranjanakhan.com

L.A.M.B www.l-a-m-b.com

WEDDING VENUES

Sharovsky www.sharovsky.com

Matthew Williamson www.matthewwilliamson.com

Swarovski Elements www.swarovski-elements.com

Miu Miu www.miumiu.com/en

Casa Carolina, Casa de Campo Dominican Republic www.casadecamporesort.com

Tejani www.tejani.com

Net-A-Porter www.net-a-porter.com

Country Music Hall of Fame www.countrymusichalloffame.org

LIGHTING

Nina Ricci www.ninaricci.com

Inn at Serenbe www.serenbeinn.com

Socrati www.socrati.co.za

Oheka Castle www.oheka.com

Stuart Weitzman www.stuartweitzman.com

Oxon Hill Manor www.pgparks.com/places/ eleganthistoric/oxonhill_intro.html

Pocket Full of Posies Unique Event Management www.coloradopocketfullofposies. www.uniqueeventmgmt.com com DJ Six-Five LINENS www.facebook.com/djsixfive Rhonda Patton www.rhondapattonweddings.com I Do Linens DJ Spade www.idolinens.com www.djspade.com Royal Base www.sunprideflora.com Nuage Get in the Groove www.nuagedesigns.com www.getinthegroovedjs.com FORMALWEAR PHOTOGRAPHERS Monica Hargrave Bespoke Suit by Seyi Kwan www.harp411.com www.SeyiKwan.com Andrea Blanch www.andreablanch.com EVENT DESIGN Euro Suit -- South Africa www.eurosuit.co.za Ben Vigil A Delightful Day Event Planning www.benvigil.com www.adelightfulday.com Hugo Boss www.hugoboss.com Elizabeth Messina Amber Housley www.elizabethmessina.com www.sweetlifedesigns.com/invitations J. Michaels Clothier www.jmichaelsclothiers.com Helene Cornell Photography B3 Event Design www.helenecornell.com www.B3EventDesign.com Mens Wearhouse www.menswearhouse.com Joy Marie Photo Chez Charlene -- South Africa www.joymariephoto.com www.chezcharlene.co.za Savvi Formalwear www.savviformalwear.com K&K photography by Jeff Kathrein Gloriosa www.kandkphotography.com/ www.gloriosadesign.com HONEYMOONS/ DESTINATIONS Kiekie Photography Preston Bailey designs www.kiekiephotography.com www.prestonbailey.com British Virgin Islands www.bvitourism.com Kristyn Hogan Rhonda Patton Designs www.kristynhogan.com www.rhondapattonweddings.com Grenada www.grenadagrenadines.com Michelle White TiannaVivienne Events + Design www.mwsphotos.com www.tiannavivienne.com Kasbah Tamadot www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com Onada Photography Unique Event Management www.onadaphotography.net www.uniqueeventmgmt.com Lion World Tour swww.lionworldtravel.com Photography by Helene Wedding Soiree www.photographybyhelene.com www.weddingsoiree.com Nevis www.nevisisland.com Ross Oscar Knight FASHION www.rossoscarknight.com Salamander Hotels & Resorts David Tlale www.salamanderhotels.com Tec Petaja www.davidtlale.com www.tecpetajaphoto.com South African Tourism Fabiani www.southafrica.net UDS Photo www.fabiani-co.com www.udsphoto.com St. Kitts Tourism Jewel by Lisa www.stkittstourism.kn RENTALS www.jewelbylisa.com/ng Broadway Party Rentals www.broadwaypartyrental.com

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Pin Up Girl Clothing www.pinupgirlclothing.com

Candy Cake Company www.candycakecompany.com

Chez Charlene -- South Africa www.chezcharlene.co.za

DJ Konflikt

BRIDESMAID FASHION

FAVORS

Cedar Tree Farms Soaps www.etsy.com/shop/ CedarTreeFarmSoapetc

ENTERTAINMENT Vera Wang www.verawang.com

Toriola Custom Designs www.wix.com/toriola/ customdesign

www.munaluchibridal.com

Valentino www.valentino.com Yves Saint Laurent www.ysl.com Zappos Couture.zappos.com STATIONERY Flamboyant Designs Couture www.flamboyantdesignscouture.com Papered Wonders www.paperedwonders.com SkratcHaus Studios www.skratchaus.com Sweet Berry Lane www.sweetberrylane.com The Paper Parfait www.paperparfait.com Tiffany Couture by Natural Impressions www.natural-impressions.com STYLISTS Debra Ginyard Joy Adaeze www.joylovesfashion.com Tori Famuyiwa www.wix.com/torifam/creative VIDEOGRAPHERS Focal Point Cinematics www.focalpointcinematic.com Joe Simon Wedding Films www.joesimonweddingfilms.com Luxe Films by Tim & Jenna Arvin www.luxefilms.com

Calimigos Equestrian Ballroom www.calamigosequestrian.com

Salamander Hotels and Resorts www.salamanderresort.com Ventanas www.ventanasatlanta.com OTHER Ishka Design www.ishkadesigns.com Wish Lantern www.wishlantern.com

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Selfishly Indulgent

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floralcoutureatlanta.com

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678.499.7004

FLORAL COUTURE

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Erica Angeline

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Luxury Bridal Gowns

Lalibela

Ethiopian Restaurant

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1-800-397-5477

www.ericaangeline.com

Event Caterers

261 Irvington Avenue. South Orange. NJ 973.327.4840 wwwlernj.com

Photographer: Ross Oscar Knight

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www.munaluchibridal.com

www.munaluchibridal.com

Spring/Summer.2010

Experience ShutterBooth

Photo Booth • Video Booth • iPhone App • ShutterYou

Imagine creating excitement and capturing unique memories at your wedding with experiences only ShutterBooth can provide. Experienced hosts and the highest quality, elegantly designed booth make the ShutterBooth experience second to none Service, quality, elegance and fun are our passion and our business.

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Alexis Entertainment

205 NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA

DJ MECCA 732.423.5371 eizegbu@yahoo.com

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Real Weddings

Kopano+ Motlasi

Matlwa Mobaso

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA February 5, 2011

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“

He feels like home!” That’s exactly what Kopano Matlwa said about Motlatsi Mabaso, the man she fell in love with during their college years in the University of Cape Town.

Today, that lovestruck young woman is a medical doctor and author working in Pretoria and her sweetheart is a chemical engineer working in Johannesburg. When Kopano met Motlatsi, she was excited about her college experience, the opportunity to create new adventures apart from her family, and the chance that she would “date all the bad boys like [she] hoped.” “Instead,” she said, “[I] would fall in love with a kind, gentle boy from Soweto who I would quickly and helplessly fall madly in love with and eventually marry.” Motlatsi would show Kopano that kind, gentle men stand head and shoulders above bad boys every day.

He gave Kopano what she needed - a

familiar feeling and a sense of the home that she surprisingly missed. “He really did feel like home, and that’s what was most attractive. There were no witty lines, no pretenses. I could be my strange self and what was most amazing about it, he found odd, peculiar me fascinating.”

The couple would date for four years, throughout their time in the university. Then, they would have to be apart for a little while: Kopano still had two years left in medical school and Motlatsi had to move back to Johannesburg for work. In 2010, they would be reunited for what they hoped would be the final time. Unfortunately, they were dealt another blow when they found out that Motlatsi’s company was sending him to the United Kingdom. Kopano was completely dev-

Bridal Gown:

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Biji Couture

Cake: JP’s Cakes

Caterer: Chez Charlene

Event Design: Chez Charlene

Entertainment: Session One

Florist:

Lemon Lily Florists

Formalwear: Euro Suit

Makeup:

Mpho from MAC

Honeymoon: Zanzibar

Jewelry: Sharovsky

Shoes: Venue: Socrati

Chez Charlene

Photography: Kiekie Photography

www.munaluchibridal.com

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astated at this shocking turn of events. “The night before he left we were on the phone and I was in tears again over why the universe was keeping two people who were so madly in love apart.

He told me he couldn’t bear to see me so miserable and said he was coming over. It was 1 AM, my parents were asleep and it was crazy that he was coming out that late. It was a 45-minute drive. I ran out into the driveway as soon as I heard his car pull up and there he was on one knee.

It was beautiful and knowing that it was really going to happen, got us through that next patch of distance.”

Kopano and Motlatsi scheduled their wedding ceremony for the next year, and began to plan their big day. Kopano decided not to utilize the services of a wedding planner because “[she] wanted to enjoy and cherish every part” of the process even though she had never had any prior experience. Luckily, three of her colleagues and friends at the hospital were going through the same process. So, they became each other’s allies. “All we talked about in the theatre, on ward

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rounds, on calls, at lunch was weddings. We carried wedding magazines around wherever we went, swapped pictures, and shared ideas until we couldn’t bear to see a piece of glitter or a ribbon again.” Those meetings clearly worked because Kopano was able to execute the wedding beautifully with lots of help and support from her family.

Wanting her guests to feel “special, precious and unique like they were going to the Oscars [or having] the best day of their lives,” Kopano chose the absolutely captivating Chez Charlene in Pretoria as the wedding venue. She incorporated white and gold into major components of the decor, wanting to give all guests a certain air of opulence and luxury. The chair and table covers were an elegant white, while the white plates were trimmed in gold. The tables were decorated with an assortment of white flowers with spectacular bouquets of white flowers arranged in tall, thin vases as centerpieces. This was understated elegance redefined!

Kopano looked like a mythical Greek goddess in her Grecian wedding dress and hair gorgeously pulled up in an up-do. Motlatsi complemented her perfectly in his two-piece suit. The bride’s shoes and the bridesmaids gowns were a dazzling hue of golden champagne. All material accessories aside, the couple wore the most beautiful accessories of all - the satisfied wide smiles of people who could not wait to start the rest of their lives together forever. Every moment between them, from the moment they first saw each other to their first dance, was full of absolute joy, happiness and radiant love. No wedding, no matter how luxurious, is complete without those elements that this couple had in abundance!

www.munaluchibridal.com

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FALL.WINTER 2011

Real Weddings

Even though their wedding was definitely important, Kopano shared that the honeymoon was the real priority for them. “We planned, booked and paid for that first before we did anything else because we knew that was the one thing that was exclusively ours. Most brides will tell you that a wedding is not your own; especially where we come from, a wedding is about the marriage of two families, which is a beautiful thing, until you try planning it and catering to everyone’s likes and dislikes. It was wonderful and we were touched by how much everyone wanted to share in this new chapter of our lives, but we also quickly grew extremely exhausted and that’s why we wanted to make sure that before the energy, money, and excitement ran out, our tickets to Zanzibar were booked.” With so much love and comfort in each other’s arms during the wedding festivities, there is no doubt that Kopano and Motlatsi have succeeded in creating a love that is exclusively theirs.

Chioma Onyewuchi

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“Make a point of enjoying every minute of it. Not everything will go according to plan, but don’t fret, have fun. You’ve spent too much time planning this day to stress over a missing table number, so dance, sing, laugh, go mad. Very few people get to be celebrated like this again until their funerals, so enjoy being surrounded by all the people you love and forget about the details. Oh, and don’t hug any short people too tightly, you’ll get make-up on your bosom.” -Kopano

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Honeymoon in Luxury under tHe stars Let Lion World Tours help you plan an incredible honeymoon filled with all the energy, romance, history and splendor that South Africa has to offer!

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USA 1-800-387-2706 Canada 1-800-668-9968 www.lionworldtours.com

www.munaluchibridal.com

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IN NIS BR OO K® –

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A collection of distinct and distinguished hotels & resorts.

creating unique experiences Innisbrook® Innisbrook, FL FALL.WINTER 2011

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Woodlands Inn® Summerville, SC

Fishing Lodge Cap Cana Dominican Republic

Sidal.com A L A M A N D E R H OT E LS . C O M www.munaluchibr

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Salamander® Resort & Spa Middleburg, VA

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