A Wedding Guide for Women of Color Volume 2 Issue 2
the
Broom www.jumpingthebroomsc.com
contents
From the Desk of the Founder
4
Ethiopian Wedding Traditions
6 14
Wedding Planning Checklist
18
The Worest Wedding Advice
20
A&B Photo Service - Photos by Anita
Monthly Beauty Regimen for Brides
What is Jumping the Broom? It is an African American tradition relating to wedding ceremonies. Jumping the Broom signifies a remembrance of cultural heritage and the beginning of making a home together.
Jumping the Broom ~ 3
From the Desk of the Founder
A Wedding Guide for Women of Color Volume 2 Issue 2
the
Broom
My appreciation again to you, the readers of this magazine! What a dream you have made possible. All of us, the business owners inside this edition and past editions are so grateful for your support of this endeavor. Thanks for coming into our shops and calling us to ask questions, get a price quote, and most importantly - buy from us. We love our local brides and grooms!
Founder / Publisher Anita Brewer
Layout Designer / Web Designer Pride Productions
Thanks to Will McLeod, my website and layout designer who has done a first-rate job with laying out the magazine! Exceptional ideas, great design!
Will McLeod 803-920-6230
wwwwwww
For Advertising Information Contact: jumpingthebroomsc@gmail.com 803.238.4749 Jumping the Broom publisher and advertisers are not responsible for liable, misprints, typographical errors, and misinformation herein contained. We reserve the right to reject, edit, or accept any articles, advertisements, or information to be printed in the publication. Jumping the Broom believes that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the information is not warranted and Jumping the Broom does not assume any liability or responsibility for any damages resulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. wwwwwww All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 5000 copies printed twice each year. © Jumping the Broom 2011
4 ~ June 2011
Shout-out to Cheryl Deas, a talented local photographer for her inspiration as we worked at a wedding together! Cheryl’s posing techniques are incomparable and I am not only lucky to work with you, but I am blessed to call you friend! When I’m out in the community, many of you have asked, “when is the 2nd Annual Jumping the Broom Bridal Show!” Well, here’s the official announcement! Join local wedding businesses at the 2nd Annual Jumping the Broom Bridal Show on October 16, 2011 from 2:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. at the eco-friendly Holiday Inn and Suites at I-26 and Hwy 378 A big shout-out to the professional team at the Holiday Inn! If you are planning a wedding? a reception? a family reunion?…where else would you stay other than the Holiday Inn at 378…it’s state-of-the-art-brand-new and beautiful…why go anywhere else! And to all my grooms…if you like sports you’ll love the Sporting Grill. You gotta check out the Sporting Grill at the Holiday Inn at 378…I know you’ll thank me later. Hey, it’s the perfect place for a bachelor party! In each edition, we showcase wedding customs from across the world. This issue features an article on Ethiopian wedding customs. We were very pleased to learn that there were three female Ethiopian students at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina and they all agreed to model for this issue. These beautiful young women entered the A&B Photo Service studio on the Benedict College campus with slight trepidation and left laughing and hugging. They gave me a clearer understanding of their wedding customs than what I had learned online. It was a wonderful experience to meet them and photograph them. Bethel, Kemeriya and Feven - you are all intelligent women poised for greatness, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I must give LOTS of love to my dear friend Schinita Goodwin, (who many know in the community as The African Queen). Schinita brought exquisite dresses, material, jewelry and make-up to dress the young ladies expertly for the shoot. I am indebted to you! You are the best! As always, we want YOU to consider the advertisers who support US. We strongly believe that our advertisers provide quality, personal service and live right here in OUR community, so shop right here in town! Thanks to HIM who made all of this come to fruition! Enjoy! Anita
This list below includes the name of the distribution point and the city they’re located in (all in South Carolina). When visiting these great locations, be sure to tell them you’re there to get your FREE Jumping the Broom: A
Wedding Guide for Women of Color magazine. All advertisers in this issue have copies too! So, stop in to visit! If you would like to become a distribution point for the BEST wedding magazine in South Carolina, call us!
Columbia Jordan’s Modern Bride and Groom 224 O’Neil Court
Jumping the Broom Office & A&B Photo Service studio 2601 Read Street
(Benedict College Business Dev. Ctr.)
Kia’s House of Unity 6108 Two Notch Road
Ann’s Fashions & Accessories
1520 Broad River Road
You-Nique Boutique 5116 Two Notch Road
State Farm Marion Hanna 1700 Decker Blvd
Orangeburg Carolina Bridal Boutique
1144 Orangeburg Mall Circle
Professional Hair Designs 811 Whittaker Pkwy
Camden The Cake Lady
101 Broad Street (Ten Eleven Galleria)
Sumter Zebra Custom Designs 515 Broad Street
Would you like to advertise in Jumping the Broom? The advertiser deadline for the December issue is October 1st. Call Anita at 803-238-4749 or visit our website at www.jumpingthebroomsc.com then click on the contact us page.
Jumping the Broom ~ 5
Ethiopian Wedding Traditions During the photo session, our Ethiopian friends explained that there are two wedding ceremonies one with traditional attire for the couple and the other ceremony performed in a church with a white wedding dress for the bride and tuxedo for the groom as we would see here in the states. In each edition of Jumping the Broom, we hope to expand your knowledge about wedding customs from various ethnic groups in the USA and in other countries.
Wedding ceremonies are practiced in different ways all over the world. The celebration and union of two people is a tradition-rich ceremony that usually involves family. There are many different kinds of traditions that are manifested in different ways by different cultures. The people of Ethiopia celebrate their unions in a manner that is rich in family and food, bringing two families together into a joined family.
Arranged Marriages Marriages that are arranged are very accepted in Ethiopia as a normal wedding custom. In urban areas, this practice is becoming much less accepted. Proposals happen when the groom’s elders travel to the bride’s elders and request the woman’s hand in marriage for the man.
Rituals Both parties’ elders decide where the ceremony will take place. Food is very important in Ethiopian wedding ceremonies, and both families are involved in preparing elaborate spreads of food, beer and wine. Meat dishes are especially popular. Ethiopian wedding foods are spicy and largely made up of meats and vegetables. Beef, chicken and lamb is eaten along with injera on special occasions. Traditionally, the beef was eaten raw, however modern Ethiopians prefer to have their meats cooked. Pork is not typically seen at an Ethiopian wedding. The coffee ceremony is a traditional ritual performed at special occasions. Green coffee beans are roasted over a fire and then ground with a mortar and pestle. The powder is then placed in a black pot called a jebena, and water
6 ~ June 2011
cont. pg 8
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is added. After brewing, the coffee is served with kolo, or whole-grain barley. Tej, or honey wine, may also be served during a wedding. Tej is flavored with gesho plant leaves and twigs and poured from a tube-shaped flask.
Oromo Ceremonies Oromo people make preparations for the wedding for a month before the occasion. On the couple’s wedding day, relatives and guests will assemble at the bride’s and groom’s houses. The groom dresses for the wedding and is blessed by his relatives. He then picks up the bride from her house. The bride and groom meet at the entrance of her house amongst beating drums.
Amhara Ceremonies Amongst the Amhara people, the bride and groom’s families are responsible for arranging marriages. A civil ceremony solidifies the contract and a priest may or may not be present. An oral contract or “temporary marriage” is made before witnesses. The woman will be paid housekeeper’s wages during the marriage. While the wife is not eligible for inheritance, the couple’s children are. While divorce is allowed in Amhara marriages, it must be negotiated first.
8 ~ June 2011
Western Influence The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a ritual that both parties must promise to never divorce. This practice has become more and more rare as western traditions have been introduced. In urban areas, western wedding dresses and tuxedos are worn.
Family Unit The nuclear unit in Ethiopia contains a lot of people. Usually, after the wedding, the couple moves in with family. The oldest male is the patriarch, and is seen as the head of the household. Not all men are equal, and the newly wed man is not the patriarch in most cases. Women are in charge of domestic duties and raising children.
The Dowry The man’s family customarily presents the woman’s family with a dowry, which can contain anything that is available to them including livestock, money or other valuable objects. The very talented South Carolina seamstress Schinita Goodwin, formerly known as ‘the African Queen’ so graciously wrapped our Ethiopian models. I met Schinita more than 20 years ago and although we don’t see each other often, it took one phone call and in 15 minutes cont. pg 10
Lasting Impressions
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Need a Wedding Photographer? Call Anita at 803.238.4749
Jumping the Broom ~ 9
cont. from pg 10
she was at my photography studio with yards of elegant fabric ready for the task at hand. You may reach her at 803-553-3234. Taken from eHow.com articles by Emily VanUmmersen and Lindsay Pietroluongo Article Photos by Anita Brewer, A & B Photo Service
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Jumping the Broom ~ 11
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12 ~ June 2011
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A & B Photo Service 803.238.4749 Photos by Anita
Monthly
Beauty
Regimen for Brides
Seeking that illustrious bridal glow? Of course you are. Few times in your life actually command all to rise from their seats to feast their eyes upon your beauty as you walk into view. For such an occasion, looking “good” just doesn’t cut it. You need to look once-in-a-lifetime fabulous. Feeling the pressure? Fortunately, the one thing you can control on your wedding day is your bridal look. For while that fabled glow won’t just miraculously arrive in time for the big day, careful planning and prep work can ensure your most radiant self walks down that aisle. To avoid last minute beauty blunders – here’s what you need to do now, and what can wait until your final hours of singlehood…
Get Started Now! (or about 6 months out) 1. Get Great Skin – Now’s the time to address any skin problems you’ve tolerated; rid your skin of acne, sun damage, scars or wrinkles. Book an appointment with your dermatologist and discuss treatment options, such as retinol creams, lasers, skin lighteners or chemical peels.
Professional make-up artist Natasha of Mahogany, Inc., shows her skills moving quickly and adeptly. See her advertisment on the next page
14 ~ June 2011
2. Get In Shape – If you haven’t already, start a fitness and nutrition routine that you can live with – and stick with until your wedding day (and beyond!). Need some motivation? Join the bridal boot camp craze. These fitness programs geared towards brides are popping up all over the country.
3. Plan Your Look – As soon as you’ve found “the dress,” decide how you want to wear your hair and makeup for the big day . Start growing your hair if you think you’ll want it longer. Now’s the time to test new looks. If you’re contemplating a drastic cut or color change – do it now – and leave time to get used to your new do, or change it back.
3-6 Months Out 1. Hire Your Pros – If you love your stylist and are getting married locally, make sure he or she is available on your date. Otherwise, start auditioning stylists for the big day. Many hair stylists also offer makeup services and are willing to travel, while others do not. 2. Get a Facial – To ensure positively glowing skin on your wedding day, start a regimen of monthly facials
1 Month Out 1. Make those Whites Pearly – Schedule a teeth cleaning, and if necessary, consider whitening your teeth. Crest white strips are a painless, inexpensive way to whiter teeth. Or if your budget allows, have them professionally whitened. 2. Go for a Trial Run – Schedule your consultation with your hair stylist and makeup artist for about one month prior. You should have your veil and any hair pieces at this time.
3. Fake a Tan – Experiment with tanners, bronzers, lotions, tanning beds etc. Give yourself enough time to ensure the look is natural and to your liking. 4. Banish Cellulite – Be bikini-ready for your honeymoon. Prep your thighs and any problem areas with cellulite cream. One to try – Revlon Sublime Slim. Apply twice daily, and reduce the appearance of cellulite in four weeks.
1-2 Weeks Out 1. Cut and Color – The best time to schedule your final cut and color is 1-2 weeks out – to ensure enough time to fix any last minute color mishaps. Avoid doing anything too drastic. 2. Shape your hair “down there” – Make an appointment to have your bikini line waxed (you don’t want to fumble with razors on your honeymoon), and have any other waxing done now (eyebrows, upper lip, legs). This will allow enough time for any redness to fade. 3. Get your last facial – Again, leave enough time for any acne/redness to fade.
The Day Before 1. Put on the Polish – Get your final manicure and pedicure the day before so nails can thoroughly dry. Get a bottle of your polish from the manicurist for last minute touch-ups.
Jumping the Broom ~ 15
Survey: Couples Rarely Talk About Life Insurance A recent State Farm survey shows many people understand the need for life insurance is important but acknowledge the conversation with their spouse might be uncomfortable. Seventy-four percent of couples say they rarely or never discuss the topic. This is particularly true in households with one wage earner. With women increasingly filling the role of primary breadwinner, financial and emotional stressors weigh heavily on their decision to discuss life insurance at home, and research finds that among couples unlikely to discuss the topic, women are even more likely to remain silent. The state of the economy influenced the responders. The survey found that more than half of Americans are now focused solely on protecting what they have versus working to achieve their financial goals. Having the income to cover basic household needs (mortgage, rent, utilities and food) must come first. An earlier study from the research firm LIMRA found that nearly one third of U.S. households currently have no life insurance, the highest level in more than 40 years.
16 ~ June 2011
For couples who struggle with discussing finances and life insurance, here are a few suggestions:
■
Make A Plan. It can be empowering for couples to agree on goals and steps toward achieving a more secure future. For couples experiencing severe economic setbacks, it can be reassuring to have a strategy in place to get back on their feet financially and to prepare for the unexpected.
■
Start Small. Often couples may feel the gap is too great between what they have to work with financially today versus what they would like to have in the future. But starting with small steps – such as getting educated about life insurance basics – can set the stage for followup steps later.
■
Consult An Expert. Bringing in a knowledgeable outside perspective can make the process of discussing life insurance easier and less stressful. These experts have experience guiding the conversation and answering questions. This can help avoid misunderstandings and unneeded stress.
2. Go Light on Sodium and Curb the Alcohol – Have fun, but don’t go crazy at your rehearsal dinner. Too much salt and alcohol leads to eye puffiness. 3. Pack an Emergency Kit – Include tissues, nail file, breath mints, bobby pins and nail polish. Get pressed powder and lipstick from your makeup artist. 4. Get that Beauty Sleep – Avoid caffeine and exercise before attempting to go to bed. If you just can’t get enough shut-eye, freeze moistened green or white tea bags to put over your eyes the next day. The tannins will help reduce any puffiness.
Day Of Wedding
Article Source: www.Blackweddings.com About The Author Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief of Elegala. com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superiorwedding reception sites and wedding services along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today’s wedding trends and styles.
1. Eat Breakfast – Avoid anything too fatty or salty. Instead eat fibrous carbs and lean protein for energy. 2. Drink plenty of Water – Try to drink at least 32 oz in the eight hours leading up to the ceremony. 3. Give Yourself Time – Bride’s typically begin their hair about three hours in advance, followed by makeup. 4. Relax and Smile – You know you look fabulous!
Ebony doing her thang! Check out Ebony Looney at www.MakeMeOverEb.com or call her at 803-479-3805
JumpingthetheBroom Broom~ 17 Jumping
Wedding Planning Checklist
For the complete checklist 12 months to wedding day check out http://www.JumpingTheBroomSC.com 2 Weeks to 1 Month Before ____ Create a seating chart for the reception and make table numbers and place cards (or have your calligrapher work on these, if you have hired one). ____ Contact your caterer with a final guest count. ____ Print out a timeline of events for your wedding party and vendors - include contact information and cell phone numbers. ____ Meet with your photographer to finalize your wedding photo list of any must-have photos. ____ Contact your florist to confirm your final flower order (bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc.) and go over any decor details or venue logistics for the big day. ____ Finalize your ceremony and reception music and song lists for your wedding band or DJ. ____ Confirm lodging reservations for out-of-town guests. ____ Place a wedding announcement in your local newspaper ____ Plan a bridal luncheon or dinner with your bridesmaids. ____ Pick up wedding bands and make sure the fit is good. ____ Schedule a final wedding dress fitting. ____ Write rehearsal dinner toasts
1 Week Before ____ Write out final checks to your wedding vendors (each organized in an envelope) and let your wedding
18 ~ June 2011
coordinator or one of your attendants to distribute at the wedding. ____ Pick up your wedding gown. ____ Confirm limo or other transportation reservations. ____ Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements. ____ Have your post office hold your mail, if necessary, while you are on your honeymoon. ____ Treat yourself to a spa day -- you deserve it!
The Day Before ____ Welcome out-of-town guests as they arrive. ____ Take a yoga class or go for a walk during the day. ____ Schedule a hair appointment for prior to the rehearsal dinner. ____ Attend the rehearsal and enjoy the rehearsal dinner!
The Wedding Day ____ Wake up early and do some easy exercise, or just go for a peaceful walk outdoors and try to soak up the beauty of the day ;) ____ Set aside some time before the festivities to share gifts with your bridesmaids or close family members. ____ Eat a healthy breakfast - you’ll need your energy for the big day ahead! ____ Enjoy it; it’s finally here and everything will be wonderful... Congratulations!!
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You must surrender the coupon to the retailer to receive discount. Purchase is necessary. All offers expire November 30, 2011 unless otherwise noted. Prior purchases not included. Not valid with any other offer. Jumping the Broom Magazine is not responsible for any changes or substations to the offer limits. Coupons have no monetary value. Void where prohibited.
Jumping the Broom ~ 19
The Worst Wedding When you are engaged, people are eager to give you advice! It seems like everyone you see, from your mother to your friends to your hairdresser to random strangers thinks that a bride-to-be needs their two cents on weddings. Some of the advice will be good, some will be useless, and some wedding advice is downright awful. This is some of the worst wedding advice that brides receive.
It’s “Your” Day Frankly, the last thing that most brides need is someone encouraging them to adopt a “me-first” attitude. Yet far too many a well-meaning mother or friend has been heard to say, “You should do whatever you like, because it’s your special day”. In reality, a wedding is about the bride, the groom, their families, and all of their other invited guests. If it were only a day for the bride, then there would be no reason to bother with doing thoughtful things for others like getting wedding favors and bridesmaid gifts. The most gracious brides put the comfort of others first, and show their appreciation, whether it is with thoughtful bridesmaid gifts, kind thank you notes, or another little kindness.
You Should Take Out A Loan To Pay For The Wedding Wow, is this bad advice! The only sane way to pay for a wedding is with the cash that you have. This means avoiding risky financing options like putting the wedding expenses on a credit card, taking out a home equity loan, or cashing in your retirement fund. If your family wants to chip in to help pay for your dream wedding, that is fantastic, but beyond that, be careful to plan the wedding that you can actually afford. It’s better to have a small wedding than a big debt.
20 ~ June 2011
Advice
Buy Your Gown A Size Small As Motivation This advice is likely to cause nothing but stress and potential heartbreak down the road. Unfortunately, there are still mothers out there who think that it is a good idea for the bride to buy a wedding gown that is a size too small as motivation to lose weight for her wedding. Never, ever do this! Purchase a wedding gown that fits you and makes you feel beautiful exactly the way you look now. If you lose weight, great, but if not, you will not have to deal with the disaster of a too-small bridal gown on your wedding day. And remember that your fiancé loves you enough to marry you just the way you are, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Have A Dollar Dance To Raise Money For The Honeymoon While the dollar dance may be a longstanding custom in cultures, most people just find it tacky. It wasn’t enough that they paid for plane tickets and a hotel room to attend your wedding, bought you an expensive wedding gift from the bridal registry, and maybe a bridal shower gift too? Now they have deal with a shake-down at the reception to help finance your honeymoon? You might not see a dollar dance in quite that light, but most of your guests will. This is one piece of wedding advice that should be immediately discarded.
Jumping the Broom Announcement Shaquantia Monique Harrison and Walter Jackson McDaniels, II were married Friday, April 15, 2011 at Long Creek Church of Christ in Columbia, South Carolina. The 5:30 PM ceremony was performed by Minister Ambres Bracey, III. A reception followed at the Ten Eleven Galleria in Camden, South Carolina. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Waters and Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Praileau all of Winnsboro, South Carolina. She is employed by Richland County Government as a Neighborhood Planner in the Neighborhood Improvement Program. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Montgomery of Greeleyville, South Carolina and the late Walter McDaniels, Sr. of Newark, New Jersey. He is employed by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department as a Sergeant in the Major Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division. He is as well an Adjunct Professor at Springfield College in Charleston, South Carolina. After a romantic honeymoon getaway the couple will reside in Camden, South Carolina.
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Jumping the Broom ~ 21
While there is lots of bad wedding advice in the world, there is also plenty of great advice. Perhaps the two most important things that a bride-to-be can hear are “A wedding is for a day, a marriage is for a lifetime” and “Remember to relax and enjoy every moment of your wedding, because the day passes so quickly”. Those are gems that any bride and groom will find invaluable when planning their wedding.
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Blackweddings.com About the Author Look to Bridget Mora for advice on planning your weddings. Check out how we can help with your bridesmaids gifts and bridal jewelry at Silverlandjewelry.com .
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George Ligon Wedding Photography
22 ~ June 2011
Jumping the Broom ~ 23