Wednesday, December 17, 2008

My Last Wedding of 2008

Can you believe this year is come to a close already? It seems like I was just celebrating 2008, the year of new beginnings.

I have lots to celebrate this year: the launch of my website, (www.chocolatebrooomsandbouquets.com) my online shop (chocolatebandb.etsy.com) and I recently had my first online purchase from a international client.

Here's some pictures of the items I created for her wedding on the 21st!. Congrats again to Ms. Alba!







Thursday, December 11, 2008

Must See Movie featuring Morris Chestnut!



Hey all - I have to tell you about one of the BEST movies I seen in a long time, Bishop TD Jakes' Latest Movie, Not Easily Broken.

Morris Chestnut ( who made a surprise appearance at the screening looking EXTRA FINE! lol) & Taraji Henson ( the girlfriend from Baby Boy) are the stars of the film. Im telling you I laughed hard & cried hard through the entire film and so did the entire audience. I especially recommend married folks to see the movie- It really was true to life film, and not to knock the movie Why Did I Get Married but its much more substantive.

I give it 2 thumbs up!

So thats it yall - Stay tuned Jan 9th , Not Easily Broken will be in theatres nationwide!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Oldie but Goodie

Hey all - Its been a minute since I blogged , but thats usually good because that means im busy creating!

Today I was cleaning out my inbox and I came across a very old forward from 2006- its what they call a oldie but a goodie, so I wanted to share it with you:
----------------------------------------

A Soulful Relationship*
By Reverend Ronald McFadden

If you're not married yet, share this with a friend.
If you are married, share it with your spouse or other married
couples.. and reflect on it.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married,
keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one
eye."

Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't
let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others
or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes
open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what
you see as faults aren't really important.

Once you decide to commit to someone, over time their flaws,
vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious.

If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve,
you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you.
You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs,
values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individuals
who have decided to share a life together.

Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other?
Do you bring out the best of each other? Do you compliment and
compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?

You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and
selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving
and lasting relationship. Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.

What keeps a relationship strong?

Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal,
shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice message on their voicemail or send a nice email. Sharing common goals and interests.

Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving
each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to
have outside interest. You can't always be together. Give each other
a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to
control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his
or her parents regardless. Don't put pressure on each other for
material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If these qualities
are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal,
abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion.

" Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will
never go any higher than you think." The grass
withers, the flowers fades, but the word of God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8 Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight.
Always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary.
The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where
you put the I. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Ultra Stylish Invites by Kee2Creativity!

Once again, I have another myspace friend that I have to tell you all about because, simply put her invites are gorgeous!! Hers more about Kee2, in her own words:

"Kee2Creativity Inc. is a blossoming creative boutique boasting a signature line of invitations for all occasions, savvy stationary, and a array of other services. Our full-scale graphic capabilities allow us to meet virtually all business and event services design needs. Whether the special occasion or business ignites the mood of a tailored suit, mini skirt or favorite pair of jeans, Kee 2 Creativity marries the perfect elements of style and designs our clientʼs want, with the wonderful element of surprise they appreciate. Recognizing that every special occasion has an intimate significance to each client and their guests, we aim to provide not only a lasting impression of the event, but also an irreplaceable memory of the experience."

So as you can see Ms. Kee2 knows how to add that special touch to your beautiful day. So, Brides 2 Be make sure to check out her work!

Arkeelaus D. Sherman
Kee 2 Creativity
www.kee2creativity.com
"Creative designs with an added flair; that's Kee!"




Saturday, October 11, 2008

My shop on Etsy!

You've been asking and now its here... my own online shop!!! Come check me out!!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Project Runway says I Do!

So for the devoted fans of Project Runway, I had to post the winning dress from last night's episode. I haven't watched much of this season, but after seeing this dress I HAVE to tune in to see how Ms. Leanne Marshall fares at Bryant Park.

Simply put it was a GORGEOUS DRESS!!!!!! This picture really doesn't capture how pretty is. It really was a work of art, mixing the modern with the more classic idea of a traditional wedding dress. And the bridesmaids dress complement the whole idea as well. After being a bit bored by Project Runway, I definetely got a jolt of fashion passion in my system now!! Good luck Leanne!

More of Leanne can be found here: www.leanimal.com

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Happy Anniversary to The Obamas

I'd be remiss not to mention the Obamas celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary here in Chicago . I'm sure they had no clue as to where they would be 16 years later but here they are ...still strong!! That's inspiration for all of us! Happy Anniversary Michelle & Barack!





Wednesday, September 24, 2008

One size fits all??

One of the things most bridal stores will probably give you a standard piece of advise. Order a size larger than you think you will need because wedding dresses run small. But somehow, I dont't think this bride listened ...or even cared for that matter. Another fashion don't.





Thursday, September 18, 2008

Beyonce's Bling

Apparently, I was the last to know that Beyonce is sporting her wedding ring around town.. All I can say is wooooowwwwww!!


New trend?...I hope not!

Ok so you know I am all for creativity & saving money on your wedding but see.... this really is over the top!! This wedding took ghettofabness to another level. Please note the airbrushed word "wifey" on the brides dress, the flowers girls dress that said "just like mama", and on the family picture, check out the guy whos standing on top of the car, his t-shirt reads "they met at my crib". yeahhhh its that bad. :-)










Wednesday, September 10, 2008

ok one more love song

So since I'm in the lovey dovey mood :-)- I had to hit you all with another beautiful love song that I'm sure was one of the most requested wedding songs of 2008.

Eric Benet & his daughter India sings You're the only one- Enjoy!


Monday, September 8, 2008

love music=soul music

Hey yall isn't it amazing, that once you find that forever man or woman, you listen to love songs with a different ear. This was always a favorite of mine but now its like, YEAHHHHHH.....lol! Here's Contentment by Kindred The Family Soul...ENJOY!




P.S. Props go to daHBIC aka Joe for creating such a beautiful video

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Should Marriage Be About Love or Business?

Hey folks - i came across this post at a ning site that i belong too. You know I had a lot to say after reading it. But what do you think?

"I was recently conversing with a business associate who POPPED THE QUESTION to me. That's not the shocking part of the story. I have known her for about 5 months. We are social friends. We talk politics and money. Nothing to heavy. I don't even know her birthday.
She tells me, word for word, "Let's talk a life long chance (lol) we are both successful, we both have a minds togther, we should get married." I laughed and she didn't, she continues to say, "we will make some smart and beautiful children. We can date if you like but i know i want children and a successful husband. I never wanted love and thats how i made it so far. This can be a business transaction, legal binded by contract on top of a marriage vows. If we promise not to let "love for each other get involved", I think it will last forever."
What the _____ was she thinking. She talks about it all the time and she even told me we can write our own vows that wouldn't include love and romance. Today I told her NO, but she told me she is going to the next Successful Black Man she can fine. Am I a chump for not believing that the reason marriages are failling more these days because they are about love. She said her mother told her that she married her father for political reason and they are still together. Help!!!

P.S. you can check my response here: http://eliteblackprofessional.ning.com

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Accessories for the bride






Im always adding new myspace friends so when I saw pics of a lovely bride in some fierce looking jewelry- I had to know who created it! The designer is Chicago's own Sounchick Accessories.

Founded in 2005, Soundchick Accessories is continually blazin Chicago's red carpet with their signature line "Chick Feather Earrings" made from Dyed and Natural Peacock, Coque Tail, Turkey and other exotic feathers.

This matching necklace & earring set however, is made from Mother of Pearl & Swarovski Crystals - stones that speak to the goddess in you!

Congratulations to Mrs. Reynolds & her new hubby & Be sure to check out Soundchick at www.soundchickaccessories.com for more information!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Wed Style: The first post!

Wedding Style! So now that the wedding season is calming down a bit and I have plenty of of time to create, create , create & write, write, write (at least this blog :-) ) - I thought i would start you of with a few wedding trends that I recently came across that my jaw drop.

The hot new color combo is Silver & Gold!!! Yes i said silver & gold ...but its not what you thinking: A super shiny lame gold mixed with aluminum foil...thats a HOT MESS!!!

Combining these colors have been a fashion faux pas for years but NOW the precious metals are in full effect from everything from invitations, table decor and even the flowers! I'll admit I was very skeptical at first, but I found some examples that have changed my mind. Maybe its all in how you put it together ...

What do you think?






Photo credits:
Dessy Group bridesmaids dress
Wedding cake: Cheryl Kleinman Cakes (718) 237-2271

Friday, August 15, 2008

Welcome ...

All about this blog...

Hi- My name is Quiana and I am the owner & designer of Chocolate Brooms and Bouquets (www.chocolatebroomsandbouquets.com), a collection of handmade & custom designed wedding items made especially for the unique bride.

I design & create wedding decor & accessories including placecards, bouquets, and cardboxes just to name a few of the many things I love to make. After studying art & design for 20+ years & getting married myself , I decided to launch a wedding business that allow me to create wedding items that will truly reflect the beauty of the couples commitment to each other.

Knowing that there are countless wedding blogs out there- I wanted this blog to be one in a million- offering BOTH wedding style & marriage substance. In a time where there are countless brides-gone-crazy shows, divorce rates being high as can be and wedding cost going through the roof- I thought to myself what happened to being/ acting/speaking/listening/breathing in LOVE. Isn’t that truly what your wedding should be anchored in?

So inside these pages you will find REAL TALK about real love, marriage & of course weddings ­ exactly in that order! On a bi-weekly basis, you can look forward to


*More About Chocolate B&B- products, giveaways etc. be the first to see what I'm working on!
*Wed Style: the hottest trends from dresses to receptions & how to save money on them
*Fun & Funky Wedding vendors in the Chicagoland area & around the country
*Saying I Do: Tips, thoughts, and lessons on love and marriage
*Love thoughts from the male point of view
*Poetry/ Readings/Quotes on this thang we call l.o.v.e.
*Wedding traditions around the world
*Meet real couples & see their wedding style
** and much more!


I personally want to encourage each one of you to join in the conversation. Subscribe below to leave comments for our guest bloggers, ask questions, send us your thoughts on love, marriage & of course discuss one of my favorite subjects: weddings! Thanks again for your time!

SMOOCHES! Quiana