Archives for February 2012

Red Carpet Fashion: The 2012 Academy Awards

February 27, 2012

The Academy Awards is one of the biggest nights in red carpet fashion! I enjoy watching and rooting for my favorite actors and movies from over the past year. But even more so, I LOVE checking out the latest fashion trends and jaw-dropping designer gowns! This year there were lots of white bridal gowns, billowing sleeves, and bright and bold colors – all perfect for your next big celebration or the ladies in your bridal party!

Here’s a peek at some of my favorite bridal fashion from last night! Would you wear one of these gorgeous gowns down the aisle? I know I would!!

Check out a few of my favorite fashion trends from the red carpet! These ladies look amazing!!

And the Academy Award for Best Dressed Goes to….

Viola Davis! She looked absolutely STUNNING in this emerald green Vera Wang gown. I love her new natural hair. Viola had a beautiful glow last night. She looked flawless!

All photos courtesy of The Oscars 2012

What was your favorite fashion trend last night? Who wore your favorite gown on the red carpet? I’d love to know!!

XOXO

Munaluchi Bride Goes Digital

February 23, 2012

One of my favorite wedding magazines, Munaluchi Bride, is going digital. In addition to the print issues, Munaluchi will be launching quarterly digital issues. The first digital issue is live and available for your viewing pleasure. The debut issue will be available in the iTunes store in the next few weeks. Until then, you have an opportunity to enjoy the debut issue, Winter 2012, for free!

Click here for your free digital copy of Munaluchi Bride.

Enjoy!!

XOXO

Michelle Obama: First Lady Fashion!

February 20, 2012

Today is President’s Day. Amongst other things, I absolutely adore Barack & Michelle’s sense of fashion! From the white house to the red carpet, the Obama’s always exude style, grace, and elegance. Lady O has graced the covers of Essence, Vogue, People, Ebony, Glamour, and the list goes on… She’s a style icon and has had a major influence on the fashion industry as a whole. In honor of today, let’s take a look at a few of my favorite photos of our First Lady:

Photos Courtesy of: Essence & Mrs. O

I love it! Michelle Obama has definitely influenced some of the fashion finds in my closet. Do you have a favorite First Lady look? If so, what is it? I’d love to know!

XOXO

The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

February 19, 2012

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in a bride’s life. The selection of the bridal party is one of the key components of the planning process. Brides, as begin to select your maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids, keep in mind that this is a huge financial obligation for some. Mint.com came out with a study last year that stated the average bridesmaids spends about $1,695 on the dress, travel, and other important elements. Wow! Ladies, feel free to say no if this doesn’t fit into your budget. After all, you can still support the bride by being a hostess and providing emotional support. Check out the financial breakdown of the costs involved:

Head over to Mint.com to see the full article and to read the fine print.

Brides, here a few areas where you should be sensitive to your bridesmaids’ pocketbooks:

1. Give your bridesmaids an adequate amount of time to begin making purchases. This will allow your girls to create a budget that they’re comfortable with.

2. Be conscious of costs during the selection of dresses and accessories. If the PERFECT shoe for your girls’ dress is $200, try to find an alternative that is less expensive. If they are all wearing gold shoes, possibly allow the girls to make their own peep-toe pump selection.

3. Don’t get hurt feelings or pout when a close friend tells you that they won’t be able to be in your bridesmaid because of the cost involved . A true friend is always honest and will definitely find other ways to support you!

I hope this gives you a better understanding of the costs of being a bridesmaid!

XOXO

Fab Find: Martha Stewart Cocktails

February 17, 2012

Happy Friday! I recently found the Martha Stewart Cocktails app for the iPhone and iPad while browsing through Facebook. You should definitely check it out! Ladies, this is the perfect addition to your bridal shower and bachelorette party planning!

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

You can enjoy a sip of the The Big Apple without ever leaving home! Which cocktail is your favorite?

Enjoy!

XOXO

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day!! May your day be filled with LOTS of hugs and kisses!!

Here’s a photo of me with my Chocolate Valentine!

Photo Courtesy of Noel Salazar Photography

He fills me up

He gives me love

More love than I’ve ever seen

He’s all I’ve got

He’s all I’ve got in this world

But he’s all the man that I need

~Whitney Houston, All The Man I Need

Whitney Houston had a very unique and special way of singing love songs. Her voice was angelic and she will truly be missed. As you celebrate today, take a moment to think about your favorite Whitney love song. Which one is your favorite? I LOVE them all! It’s so hard to pick just one!

What are you and your honey doing today? I’d love to know. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

XOXOXOXO (extra hugs and kisses today)

My 29th Birthday in Review!

February 13, 2012

Thanks to my AMAZING husband, Jovan, I had an outstanding birthday celebration – not just on Friday, but ALL weekend! Check out a photo review of my very special day:

At 12am on Friday, my hubby surprised me with beautiful birthday cards and my new iPhone 4S! Goodbye Evo! Hello iPhone!

We got a late start Friday afternoon. First we went to Best Buy to activate my new phone and pick up a few accessories. Then we headed to Five Guys Burgers and Fries for lunch. I LOVE those cajun fries!

After lunch, we headed to see Denzel’s new movie, Safe House. He’s back! This movie is a must-see!

Next, we went to Painting with a Twist. The painting for the evening was entitled Moonlit Cherry Blossoms. Check out my birthday mustache from our instructor, Madison. (And yes, Jovan made the snack basket on his own! So sweet – and so yummy!)

Following Painting with a Twist, we indulged at P.F. Chang’s. Egg drop soup, chicken lettuce wraps, Chang’s spicy chicken, and tiramisu! Oh so yummy!

Jovan had one more surprise left for the evening! We took a cold, yet super romantic horse and carriage ride around downtown Fort Worth. Our horse for the evening was Dallas. He even gave us goodbye kisses!

In addition to the Friday festivities, Jovan and I went to Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam on Saturday night, had a late night dinner date at Champps, and enjoyed pedicures on Sunday afternoon. Words can’t express how much fun I had and how truly blessed I am to have Jovan in my corner!

Thanks so much to all of your who called, texted, emailed, or just thought about me on Friday. I’m sure that my 29th year will be one to remember, just like all the others.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see another year!

XOXO

We Placed 2nd on the Dallas A-List!!

February 11, 2012

The results are in! City Voter announced the Wedding Category winners at 12am on February 10th – my birthday! Out of 69 nominees, Ebony Peoples Events & Design placed 2nd as Best Wedding Planner on the Dallas A-List! Woohoo!! This is such an honor and truly a blessing. Thank you to all of you who voted and continue to support my journey! I appreciate you more than you know!

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend! I know I will – thanks to my Hubby! Today is day 2 of my birthday festivities! Come back next week for details and photos!

XOXO

We’re Featured on the Ruffled Blog!!

February 9, 2012

Hello all! Do you remember the Sneak Peak: Valentine’s Day Shoot with Friends that I posted last week? Well, guess what? The full shoot was featured of the Ruffled Blog yesterday! Woohoo! I had a great time creating this Valentine’s Day spread with a fabulous group of wedding professions! Check out a few more of the pics:

I love it!! And – pink is my favorite color! I would personally like to thank EVERYONE who participated in this super fun Valentine’s Day Styled Shoot!! Since our shoot, Taryn & Ben, our models for the afternoon, tied the knot! They’re such a GORGEOUS couple! Congrats Taryn & Ben!!

I hope you enjoyed the photos! Have a fabulous day!!

XOXO

(P.S. – Tomorrow is my birthday! I’m so excited – even though the hubby won’t tell me what he has planned!)

Sneak Peek: Valentine’s Day Shoot with Friends!

February 2, 2012

I recently had an opportunity to participate in a Valentine’s Day styled shoot with a fabulous group of wedding professionals! It was such a fun process and the team was a joy to work with. Our models, Taryn and Ben, are getting ready to jump the broom in a few days. This was a perfect opportunity to help get them camera ready for their BIG day. They’re such a GORGEOUS couple! (I’m sure they’re going to have beautiful babies!!) Here’s a sneak peek at a few photos from the shoot: