Nicole Richie's wedding dress! Thumbs up or down?

A bit much or just right? I'm on the fence but leaning more to the side of a bit much- its too reminiscent of a 80s wedding cake topper -lol. The one detail of the dress that I LOVED- was the fact the couples name were actually stitched in the lace on one of her arms. Now that idea, was very clever and beautifully done! I'm happy for her. What do you think?








For more check out more of her wedding pics:
http://www.fabsugar.com.au/See-Pictures-Nicole-Richies-Amazing-Marchesa-Wedding-Dress-12641111

and Beauty is her name...

I just came across the wedding from one of my favorite blogs : StyleMePretty.com and my mouth literally dropped when I saw this wedding. Not only was the wedding style simply elegant- but the bride was knock dead gorgeous... I mean like Black Barbie
beautiful! lol. Take a look for yourself here:-)


http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/12/08/los-angeles-wedding-by-courtney-lindberg/

Forgotten Song on the The Best Man Soundtrack

A oldie & goodie from Beyonce and Marc Nelson - Can I say first dance?

Cool Accessories for the Menfolk

Oftentimes, when people talk wedding fashion, the groom attire goes unnoticed. But I just came across something that I think a ultra stylish man would wear on his wedding day. The company Robot & Brucling , offers *get this* leather bow-ties! Yes, these things are as feirce as they sound. Imagine , bow-ties with spikes, brass skulls as decoration, and for the pretty boys: Swarovski crystals!

I Wanna Thank You Heavenly Father...

Rewind back to 1982, and this song was playing in the clubs non-stop, and ladies were on the floor getting down! Now, I am hoping a bride-to-be will see this post, and keep the tradition of "cutting a rug" going!

Why not use this song during the reception, or maybe even for the first dance with your husband (hint,hint) :-) Enjoy!

And the # 1 Wedding Dress from the Big Screen Goes to...

the fabulous wedding dresses in Coming to America-The Movie!! Ok, I know its not just one dress featured in the movie - but I couldn't choose! The sexy gold wedding dress with the infinity train (lol) vs. the pretty in pink barbie doll dress were like a fairytale come true, at least for a lil black girl in Chicago. To see two BEAUTIFUL black women having gorgeous royal weddings - in a African inspired way- was indescribable! See what I mean?







So these two dresses are my ALL time favorites of the big screen! Hope you enjoyed my favorites list!

And who could forget Madonna's version of the wedding dress

Hands- down one of the most iconic wedding dress ever! It started so many trends, and sparked the imagination of many little fashionistas. I can remember begging my mom to let me be Madonna for Halloween. lol.

One sentence best describes it: Why wait for the honeymoon to wear lingerie when you can just wear it at the wedding!

Jamie marries Fancy....

Favorite Wedding Dress # 3

Unlike Jessie and Angie, Jamie & Fancy weren't instantly attracted to each other, at least fancuy wasn't feeling Jamie. Eventually, after 5 years, they fell in love and got married. Fancy, played by the elegant Garcelle Beauvais wore a dress that I think really fit within the whole 90s era, but its so bad I think anybody with the grace and body can pull this look off. The dress was ultra SEXY, with a very dramatic low cut back and scooped out sides. But I can tell you what made me swoon was the amazing open yarnwork? that is attached to the dress. HOTNESS!

Jessie and Angie say I Do...

Favorite Wedding Dress # 4) Angies Wedding from All My Children!

When I heard this wedding was actually happening on the big screen, I actually dvr'd the episode and I'm not even a big soap opera fan! I was only 3, when Angie & Jessie first hooked up, but I do remember watching it in my later years. Fans across the globe were dying to see this couple tie the knot after, like 20 years apart! So it was a major event to sit with my family and watch Angie & Jessie get married. And it was an event not soon to be forgotten - Did you check that dress? Yes ma'am it was hot one, being worn by a hot lady (Debbi Morgan is 52 yrs young baby!!) Luke and Laura eat your heart out!

27 Dresses

and then there were 5!

This weekend, I finally saw the movie 27 dresses and I had a ball laughing at those absolutely hideous dresses. But it inspired me to blog about my favorite wedding dresses. So without further adieu, today begins the countdown for my top five favorite wedding dresses as seen in motion pictures or t.v.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!...

#5) Disney's Parent Trap

I know this is one of the most un-likely of movies when you think about wedding dresses but I remember when i saw it for the first time in 1998, my second year of art school and my first year as a fashion student. I instantly fell in love with the dress because it was clean, simple and just beautiful as most Vera Wang dresses are. And the very, best part to me was the awesome, top hat and veil! Kudos :-)

Scene Starts at 1:30

My sweet baby!

Although this song is far from a "traditional" wedding song- I still think it would be a great one to use as a first dance song for a artsy farsty couple :-) The video makes me think of my hubby and I, because we met as young kids and although he is a professional musician, he always jokes that I am the true rockstar of the family! lol.

Hope you all enjoy!

A Seattle/Texas bride with Vision...

You know I love Etsy.com , because I get to meet some very creative brides with vision who are so trusting to have a complete stranger to create something for their wedding day! Etsy.com has been a God-send for a lot of artisans all over the globe- so thanks to them as well :-)

To close off my wedding season for 2010, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to create the flowers for a lovely bride named Angela. I can honestly say I so anxious to see her wedding pics. She is going to have a FABULOUSLY creative wedding - from her unique Wai-Ching wedding dress, to the handpainted bridal bouquet I created for her. In all, I created 11 bouquets, 5 corsages and 14 bouts for the men.

Here are some pics I sent her of her products before they were shipped to the Lone Star State. I really enjoyed making these for her, and I hope to do more bouquets similiar to these in the near future.

Over a simple pizza dinner ...

my husband I, had great conversation with a friend about marriage last night. He said something that was really simple, and yet really profound- marriage should be like your relationship with God, its a DAILY walk. Something you actively chose/do/think/become everyday for the rest of your life. I love it! :-)

If you like it, then you should put a ring on HIM?!

I just read an article about the newest trend, in weddings : the mens engagement ring! Ladies, Would you ever consider putting a ring on him- why or why not?

Wedding season coming to an end...

I finished my last bridal order for the year, this past weekend. YAY!!!! This year, as with the first two, I was fortunate to work with some great clients who were both easy going and creative people, who really allowed me to do my thing - So I couldn't have asked for anything more!

So now, that the year is coming to a close - I can blog more now ( aka share my two cents lol ) and introduce you to some of my industry pals from Chicago, as well as my extended creative family. I'll also share more professional pis of the weddings I worked on this year, along with anything else that is hip, cool and wedding & love related! Stay tuned dearies :-)

For All The Single Ladies...

He's out there ladies! Don't get discouraged, focus on you and believe God will bless you with that One to love you :-)

This Day... This Very Moment!

I love this song because if anybody knows me I am a HUGE Jodeci fan and so is my hubby :-) I never even knew this song was a "wedding" song until my then boyfriend and soon to be fiance showed me the video. He went on to joke, "if" we get married - we gotta use this song :-) Needless, to say we used this song during our processional!

Enjoy!

Something Borrowed, Something Blue ...

Various shades of blue- A broom and an bouquet designed for Mrs. Terri & Mrs. Katrina! Congratulations to you both!

love advice from Maegan...

If you like reading about fashion from a real-life perspective, You'll love the love Maegan blog! She really has a great sense of style, rocking everything from vintage to creating her own diy fashions ( which are phenomenal). But anyway, this week she is celebrating her 4th year of marriage and she shared some real life tips on staying in finding and staying in love!

Her tips sound so real , and you know thats the only way I come- which is why I had to share a couple with them with you:

* Don't marry someone who you'll love "if" ...accept them for who they are now, not who you think they will become {chances are they won't change and neither will you}.

* You're together because he treats you wonderfully and vice versa, not because of the way he looks or what his job title is, those are secondary. Most importantly, does he treat you the way you want to be treated. Period. No question mark.

* Accept your similarities AND your differences. Having different interests is important. And so is coming together uniting and enjoying the same activity.

To read more tips on love and fabu fashion tips click here:
http://www.lovemaegan.com/2010/09/four-years-married-still-happy-heres.html

Married Folks Can Dance!

If you all haven't already seen this video, you're going to love it! - Trinity United Church of Christ here in Chicago, has a marriage ministry that is doing something special with their couples- Isn't it refreshing to see Black married couples dancing together in church! It really is a sweet idea :-) Go head Trinity!

Client Pics**

The summer has certainly been a busy one for me, and Im sure all of you as well. I've been well though - celebrated my 3rd year of marriage, went to Jamaica and turned a year older, @ 31! All in all, I'm thankful for growth in every area in my life and thankful I had the opportunity to work with some great brides this summer!
Here's a few pics of my clients & work- take a look, and tell me what you think !

How I could I forget to to tell you?!

...I just celebrated year #3 with Mr. B!! I love that man :-)

Encouragement for the Ear & Mind!

Renewal of the mind & spirit is essential to a long lasting marriage! I pray that if there is any of you who are or have faced some difficult obstacles in your marriage -that you will be renewed by this oldie (but goodie) song from MJ! Be blessed everybody!

Is it ok for you to be married and have a “crush”…cuz I got 5 of em’?!

I remember my grandmother telling me how my granddad would get an attitude when Lou Rawls music would come on the radio, because he thought my grandmother had a ‘crush’ on him. And , fast forward some years later I can relate to my granny, because I
I have 5 people I “crush” on and so does my husband! Yep- I said it!

For me its Neyo, Dhani Jones, T.I., President Obama and Micheal Jackson (RIP). And I can tell you exactly why I like them too-

1) Neyo (singer) -Excellent musician and his overall demeanor just reminds me of my husband- so that a yes to the gentleman!

2) Dhani Jones (host of travel show) – obviously he loves to travel and he
Is big on finding out about other cultures- oh and did I mention he’s nice eyecandy, yep!

3)T.I. (rapper) – if ladies would be real, we like a lil roughness around the edges – not a thug, but someone who has the perfect mix of swagger, hood knowledge and book sense and can switch them on and off, in different situations- that’s how I view T.I.

4)President Obama- (our commander in chief) well I think it goes with out saying, the man has a brilliant mind. He’s able to be cool under pressure and yet still command respect. That’s whats up!

5)Micheal Jackson – yes, even though my “first boyfriend” lol has passed on – he’ll always be in my heart. When I think about MJ of the old- my 10 year old eyes saw a sensitive, shy, sweet guy who would walk you home and carry your books. What that resulted in was sense of innocence, and just an overall good feeling – I like this guy and he made me blush!

My husbands 5 are: Alicia Keyes, Kerry Washington, Nia Long, Heidi Klum and N’Dambi and I know exactly why he likes them too :-)

The other day I was joking with a friend about my husbands “girlfriend” the singer, Alicia Keyes and she reacted quite negatively. She was really shocked that I even made the comment that I was ok with him finding someone else was attractive, especially since w’ere practically newlyweds. And this is a Sista in Christ so of course, I had to be careful in how I responded.

So, it got to me thinking about how our lives change, or don’t change once we get married.

Well – I personally, think its perfectly natural to find someone else attractive ( physically or otherwise) when your married. You don’t all of a sudden get blinders where all you can see is your partner. In fact, if your not prayed up and focused on Christ – temptation can become even stronger , because you are out the game and you have vowed to be with this one person, FOREVER! Yes for-evea, evea , fore-vea, eva ( as in Outkast , Ms Jackson!).

So you have made that commitment to forsake all others. And since, the adversary is not pleased , he will through things your way ( especially people from your past , or even your present) and try to tempt you in straying outside your marriage. Another reason, is because you live, eat, sleep and share your life with this person – their flaws will become more visible. Those little annoying things, socks left in the middle of the floor or their snoring problem becomes more apparent and if your not careful resentment can grow, and you’ll begin to obsess about something that really is small in the grand scheme of things.

I think crushes can be and are dangerous, if your not careful. Daydreaming about a co-worker, or “liking” the guy who works at the gym can be playing with fire. What may seem as harmless “crush” - can turn into you comparing your partner to someone else, going to “see how they are” or calling on the phone when you are upset with your spouse “just to talk” WILL lead to a connection that you should never have with someone outside your relationship.

So Quiana, how in the world are you justfying your 5 crushes, you ask, right? I also think ironically, that crushes can be used for good – if done in the right way. Well, the first argument is the weaker of the two but Ill start with that one first. Notice the people, I mentioned are celebrities, un-attianable folk who I will most likely never meet or have any realtionship with –eva! . Now of course, that argument is one that’s kinda lame and somebody can of course poke holes in it. But I thought I’d use it- because it is a valid one ! Lol. But really, I tell you this seriously, I realized that the things that I find attractive in those celebrities, are things I also find HUGELY attractive in my hubby. I can appreciate Neyo’s musical gift, because my husband is a musician. I can respect Dhani’s curiousity of the world – because my husband and I are both lovers of travel and of culture outside of the US. My husband often makes me feel feel like I did when I saw Micheal Jackson on tv as child- all blushy and I often say to myself” I really like this guy” (lol) and so on!

In other words, I thankfully know enough to understand the differnce between surface & substance : a crush which is a fleeting emotion, and love which includes emotion but is ALWAYS an action! I find single traits of these people attractive, but I find the ENTIRE spirit/being/package including those attributes and more – are embodied in my husband! He is the ONLY one who I TRULY love, desire and respect.

So if maybe we could look at crushes from a slightly different perspective: maybe these "crushes" could ingnite some change for the create better, making happier and more successful marriages . Could you imagine how many marriages would improve if, people would actually want to know what your spouse finds attractive (physical and otherwise) and begin to want to meet those needs and desires of each other! I believe that state of mind, pleases God when it comes to marriage. So maybe “crushes” aren’t inherently evil ? What do you think?

Americana Wedding Style...

Happy July 4th Everybody! Since the holiday is on Sunday, it got me to thinking how convienent this three day weekend could be for a creative fun, holiday wedding! And no I'm not talking the cheesy over the top American flag wedding dress type of event either. LOL. I envision an outdoor wedding, white tent, streamers, confetti, the wonderful smell from a bbq grill and my favorite- FIREWORKS!! LOL

You get the picture right? This weekend marks the celebration of America's independence, but it also represents a time when family and friends gather to celebrate each other- so what better way to start you lives together than to have a Americana theme wedding?

I created two mood boards featuring the good old stars and stripes inspired dresses and paired them with some of my floral bouquets, just for fun. I hope you like them!

Have a great weekend & be sure to eat lots of BBQ for me! - Mrs B.




Dress Designer Credits:

Star Spangled Dress by Tracy Reese
2008


Red & White Stripe Dress from dressingvintage.com
Jacques Heim
1950's Dress

Exceptional red and ivory silk cocktail party dress. Jeunes Filles designed by Jacques Heim. Sold at Bonwit Teller in the 1950's. There are a couple of very tiny, only noticeable upon very close inspection, faint micro dots. They wouldn't even show up in photographs, near the hemline, but I like to mention everything. Otherwise, this dress is in excellent condition and is ready to wear! Fully lined with linen and tulle with back metal zipper. Would even make an amazing out of the box wedding gown!

Apple Red, Lavender and Happy all over !

When my latest bride initially told me lavender & red were her colors, I'll admit I felt a tinge of "how in the world was I going to pull these two colors off" ?! But now, I'm thinking, YES this works! What do you think?

Mays Brides- Mrs. Marsha & Mrs. Meegan!

I promised to show you some pictures from my latest clients wedding, so here there are! I refer to both Marsha & Meegan as my "dream" clients because they both really allowed me to be as creative as possible with her wedding items! I can certainly appreciate this because often times brides aren't receptive to new ideas when it comes to designing their wedding, they've been dreaming about for years! But Mrs. Marsha & Mrs Meegan were both flexible and a pleasure to work with - and I 'm very happy with the end results!

Tell me what you think: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chocolate-Brooms-and-Bouquets/113884361823

90s Wedding Classics !

After hearing plenty of wedding belles this past weekend, here's two 90s R&B wedding songs that never gets old! Enjoy!

Be careful what you pray for because you just might get it!...

I was reminded of my grandmother advice when I sat down last night after working feverishly to complete all of my 2010 prom orders- and I went to bed with a huge smile. As tired as I still am - I am thankful business is picking up and I really enjoy what I'm doing :-) My talent is a blessing that I don't take for granted and I am thankful to have the opportunity to share it with my clients. Thank you to every student & bride that has supported me by sharing your beautiful vision - YOU ARE my inspiration to keep pressing on. God is good yall!

Anyhoo, I've been busy, and this weekend I have 3 weddings and a prom...I will take pictures of everything and post them soon :-) Toodles

Work.Work.Work.Work.Work!

So May has had me absolutely busy- Can you say 3 weddings this month and a prom! Here is a sneek peak of what I've been working on. Corsages for both weddings and prom, Centerpeices- I promise to post more as May winds down :-)

Marriage Monday Quote of the week!

Marriage halves our griefs, doubles our joys, and quadruples our expenses. ~English Proverb

Death to the Birdcage Veil! Seriously...

As of today, I am REALLY getting tired of birdcage veils. Now, don't give me wrong- I am very aware they look absolutely fabu, modern & vintage all in the same rip (hell i even wore one lol) but now i'm just sick of seeing them.

For almost the past 8 years!- the birdcage veil has been all the rage- ever since the release of the movie "sweet home alabama" reintroduced them to the masses. So it got me to thinking, about bridal headpeices again - what would look fab and totally set you apart from the flock of bird(cage) veils! (lol). Here's my top choices- in no particular order!


Utilize a feather headband (Wendy Louise Designs)...


recreate a vintage look


or a modernly vintage bride (Doir ad campaign)


Wear a lovely bow ...


or a chapeaux (Maggie Mae Designs)


Add a little understated sparkle...


or a lot of sparkle! (Stephanie Browne Couture Jewelry collection)


Be a queen(Wilsdom African Designs)...


Or a Lovebird! (Topsy Turvy Designs)

A Love Story, A Bridal Photoshoot!

This past weekend, a few creative geniuses (lol) came together to create something beautiful...a love story!

Many kudos to Tony Smith @ Lovelace Studios, fashion models- Kim Matthews and Max, Couture bridal gown by Kim Coy, Hair by Amber Hart and Makeup by Jill Alise. Oh and me of course, Chocolate B & B!

Check out my facebook profile to see more pictures from the shoot!

Last weekends Bridal Show was great!

I had a ball at the Apostolic wedding fair last weekend- I meet a lot of good people, brides & vendors alike. Here I am at the expo doing what I do best. :-) Pic courtesy of Donald Barge Photography.

Marriage saved me...

Now here is some MARITAL SUBSTANCE for the soul! On March 29th,
Essence bloggers (and the creators of BlackandMarriedWithKids.com) Lamar & Ronnie Tyler will be releasing their documentary "You Saved Me" in over 25 cities. The documentary will tell the story of REAL HAPPILY MARRIED African-American couples- can we say whooo hoooo!!

Now here is the best part: The wonderful folks over @ African-American Brides.com are giving away two copies of their new movie to TWO of the readers of their blog. Click http://blog.african-americanbrides.com/ for more info. Just leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. Also for my Chicago peeps you can view the movie this Friday @ 8:30PM!

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

Artsy Love & Bridal Show Info

Hey everyone- Sorry, I've been MIA for a little while getting ready for a bridal show on the 27th & completing my first full wedding design ( the entire event is pratically designed by me) YAY!! But I had to take a moment, and show some kitschy accessories that I LOVEEEE - I think they are PERFECT for the artsy bride. Tell me what you think.

Oh before I forget, I hope to see you at the WEDDING FAIR on Saturday, March 27th @ the Apostolic Church of God - 6320 Dorchester Ave.- Chicago, Illinois 60637 from 10-2PM!





Vendor: Pearl Accented Updo, Wedding Veil by Toni Federici, Vivienne Westwood/Melissa Shoes, Lace Manicured Nails/McQueen handbag