The Ultimate Resource for Before and After the Aisle
MAGAZINE Vol. 17
Featuring
Birmingham, AL
FIRST LADY
Kendra Woodfin & THE HONORABLE MAYOR Randall L. Woodfin SPRING 2024
BRIDAL FASHION TREND REPORT
Plus
REAL WEDDING INSPIRATION
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Volume 17 Mary Chatman Editor-in-Chief Scott Chatman Chief Financial Officer Candice Davie Associate Editor Dara Adams Fashion Editor Kennedi LéShea Fashion Writer Carly Totten Deputy Copy Editor Amber Spence Sales Associate B. Gandy Columnist Toneka Royal Columnist CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jomuelle Anicet Shannon SG Jarrett Design & Production Mary Chatman Publisher
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25 Years of Love
Latasha and Damion Gillespie Vowel Renewal
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Published by BLACK BRIDETM 320 Town Center Avenue Suite C-11 Suwanee, GA 30024 Copyright © 2023 Black Bride. All rights reserved.
First Comes Love:
In Every Issue
Health & Beauty
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Editor’s Letter
10
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Our Favorite Picks
Unveiling Unpopular Opinions: Challenging Bridal Hair and Makeup Traditions
Real Engagements 24 Brittney and Miles Houston, TX
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Real Engagements
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Bridal Fashion Trend Report
Shaping Your Wellness Goals for 2024
Taylar and Terrell Dallas, TX
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Real Weddings
Sade and Cedrick Miami, FL
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Travel
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Andrea and Julian Fort Washington, MD
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Love Across Continents: Tiffany and MJ
Planning 42
Top Four Black Fine Jewelers
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Styled Shoot
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Inspiration Boards
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A Discipled Standard: A Timeline of Famous Black Brides and Their Influence
Then Comes Marriage:
After the Aisle
Real Weddings 90 Anita and Tinashe Cape Town, South Africa
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Travel
152
Vow Renewal
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Bridal Shower Giveaway
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Sage Advice
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Jett and Frantzky Queenstown, New Zealand Chelsie and Neville Chantilly, VA
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Tamika and Darryl San Juan, PR
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Cindy and William Smithtown, NY
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Adriana and Spencer Garfield, NJ
120
Tiona and Charles Pompton Plains, NJ
125
Janay and Sean Negril, Jamaica
Bridal Suite Resource Guide 168
Collective of Fine Vendors
FOR MORE, SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TODAY Everything you need to plan your dream wedding: Inspiration • Real Weddings • Fine Vendors
GET SOCIAL WITH US! /blackbride1998
@blackbride1998
/blackbride
/blackbride
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Our Favorite Picks
Here are a few of our favorite things of the season.
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A luxurious set that comes with cheeky shorts and a soft robe with a draped fit.
Shinery Radiance Luxury Jewelry Cleaner and Brush Duo, $56, amazon.com A must-have for jewelry lovers. Everything you need for sparkling jewelry, whether it’s a daily shine or a deep clean.
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SKIMS Bridal Silk Robe, $100, skims.com
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Miss Diamond Ring Emerald Cut Diamond Stud Earrings, $4,900, missdiamondring.com The perfect accessory for the stylish and timeless bride.
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Bottega Veneta Mini Hop shoulder bag, $3,100, bottegaveneta.com Make a great first impression with this stunning cross body bag.
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Schutz Maryana Tall Boot in Crocodile Effect Leather, $258 These boots are the perfect addition to your bridal white winter wardrobe selections.
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Topicals Under Eye Mask for Dark Circles, $22 These nutrient-dense, cooling hydrogel under eye masks are sure to soothe and relax the bride looking to make time for self-care.
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Real
Engagements How real couples knew they were the "one" for each other
IN THIS SECTION: Brittney and Miles Taylar and Terrell Sade and Cedrick Andrea and Julian Love Across Continents: Tiffany and MJ
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Wedding
Planning IN THIS SECTION: Top Four Black Fine Jewelers Avant Garde A Bridal Portraits Styled Shoot Inspiration Boards A Disciplined Standard Trend Report BLACK BR IDE .C OM
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FA S H
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HION BRIDAL TREND REPORT
T
BY DARA ADAMS
he anticipated Fall ‘24 bridal collections have finally debuted, launching the official start of wedding dress shopping season—an exciting time for brides to peruse the plethora of fashions to consider for their wedding days. It’s safe to say the Fall/Winter ‘24 collections will not disappoint, as designers continue to offer a range of diversity, providing brides with options that are fitting for a variety of style types. Designers are also inspired by designs of fashions past, as we’ve noticed a re-birth of aspects that were previously deemed traditional and even dated. Although the trends may be “something old,” we’re happy to report the dresses of the upcoming season feel fresh and new.
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Real
Weddings
See how real brides made their “Big Day” truly the day of their dreams.
IN THIS SECTION: Anita and Tinashe Jett and Frantzky Chelsie and Neville Tamika and Darryl Cindy and William Adriana and Spencer Tiona and Charles Janay and Sean
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THE MILLS HOUSE, CHARLESTON, SC Charleston’s renowned pink hotel, The Mills House, recently underwent a significant multimillion-dollar renovation, completing it in December 2022. The hotel is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend or to celebrate the bride in the unique style of Charleston, also known as the Holy City. With lots to choose from such as the poolside Jasmine Suite, and a delightful dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Iron Rose, the Mills House is sure to make for a memorable stay. Photos courtesy of The Mills House
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After THE AISLE You've Said "I Do" Now What?
IN THIS SECTION: Vow Renewal Sage Advice
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The
BRIDAL SUITE
COLLECTIVE OF FINE VENDORS Find a Vendor in Your Area
If you would like to apply to be a member of The Bridal Suite (as a vendor), please visit BlackBride.com.
EVENT LOFT
Category: Floral Design Email: info@eventloftpa.com Phone: (267) 536-2935 Web: eventloftpa.com
PD PHOTOGRAPHY “I’m a female portrait photographer who specializes in wedding, maternity, and beauty portraits. We believe that love should be captured in the most luxurious way possible."
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@phyliciaduncombe.com Phone: 631-327-3307 Web: phyliciaduncombe.com
PRESTIGE EVENT DESIGN
Category: Wedding Planning Email: weddings@prestigeeventdesign.com Phone: (267) 678 8652 Web: prestigeeventdesign.com
EVENTS BY NISHAKA
Category: Wedding Planning Email: nishaka@eventsbynishaka.com Phone: 336-451-1603 Web: eventsbynishaka.com
JCI CREATIVES “We pledge to provide exceptional wedding imagery through our unique creative lens”.
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@jcicreatives.com Phone: 919- 402-5766 Web: flourishingweddings.com
DSW EVENTS A husband and wife team who specializes in engagement and wedding photography services worldwide.
Category: Wedding Photography Email: dsaduo@gmail.com Phone: 504-323-5308 Web: dswduo.com
is a premier, full service floral and event styling studio serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and beyond.
provides event decor to perfectly complement your taste and delight your guests. Our services center on creating beautiful, sophisticated, luxurious events. We provide an extraordinary service you should expect.
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Curator of all things sophisticated, timeless, whimsical, and opulent.
Category: Wedding Photography Email: ynotimagesllc@gmail.com Phone: 205-253-2779 Web: ynotimages.com
FLEMMINGS PHOTOGRAPHY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@flemings-photography.com Phone: 469 660-4016 Web: flemings-photography.com
KB VISUALZ STUDIOS “I want my clients to know that their photographer cares. They had someone who valued their moment like they were family”.
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@kbvisualzstudios.com Phone: 201-743-8104 Web: kbvisualzstudios.com
STILL SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEIGH G. CRAWLEY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@stillshotsphotography.com Phone: 336-987-9394 Web: stillshotsphotography.com
VICTOR COLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: victorcolephoto@gmail.com Phone: 205-844-0003 Web: vcolephoto.com
KT TRAVEL & MORE, LLC is a romance travel agency that specializes in destination bachelorette/bachelor parties, destination weddings, honeymoons, anniversary travel and destination vow renewals.
Category: Travel Email: kttravelandmore@gmail.com Phone: 469-364-9224 Web: kttravelandmore.com
SHERONDA SEAWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: sheronda@seawrightphoto.com Phone: (610)-476-5630 Web: sherondaseawrightphotography.com
LOVE STORIES BY SMITTY We don’t just push buttons. We document authentic, passionate, and soulful couples one love story at a time, ensuring beautiful memories to look back on for generations to come.
Category: Wedding Accessories Email: info@smittyvibevisions.com Phone: 954-799-6871 Web: lovestoriesbysmitty.com
YNOT IMAGES
YNOT iMages covers fashion, maternity, architectural, and wedding photography. Above all, his passion for photography shows in his work ethic and artistic eye.
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in a notso-ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
Sheronda Seawright Photography is a husband and wife team focusing on elegantly capturing engagement portraiture and wedding day memories via beautiful details, elegant portraits, and precious candid moments.
“My primary focus is quality photography. Creating something you, your family & friends will love for a lifetime. We want our clients to have fun, and enjoy the experience”!
My wedding photography style has been described as editorial and high fashion. I am in LOVE with LOVE, and this endearment translates into portraiture that you will cherish for a lifetime!
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BRIDGES CINEMA
Category: Wedding Videography Email: sandra@bridgescinema.com Phone: 954-529-5999 Web: bridgescinema.com
ELAROSESWEET WEDDINGS
Category: Wedding Fashion Email: info@elarosesweetweddings.com Web: elarosesweetweddings.com
Category: Wedding Planning Email: abby@prettyposhevents.com Phone: 201-452-3751 Web: prettyposhevents.com
FINEST PLANNING AND DÉCOR DESIGNING
Category: Wedding Planning Email: info@finestplanninganddecor.com Phone: 954-709-8308 Web: finestplanninganddecor.com
SECOND SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@secondshotsphotography.com Phone: 832-651-7985 Web: secondshotsphotography.com
BALACIA
Category: Jewelry Email: info@balacia.com Phone: 443-878-6633 Web: balacia.com
JULIE MILLER CAKE DESIGN
Category: Wedding Cake Email: info@juliemillercakedesign.com Phone: 770-820-8388 Web: juliemillercakedesign.com
HERKREATIONS
Category: Wedding Planning Email: herkreationsnj@gmail.com Phone: 347-720-7723 Web: herkreations.com
We create cinematic films that capture timeless and emotional moments.
PRETTY POSH EVENTS
Pretty Posh Events is a full service event planning, floral and event design company, serving the tri-state and various destinations. We create lasting memorable experiences.
Edward Heard is the owner and operator of Second Shots Photography. The awardwinning wedding photographer specializes in high-end wedding editorial, fine art portraits, and photojournalism.
Redesigning your cake experience. We specialize in designing and creating Luxury Custom Wedding and Celebration Cakes. Attention to detail and top notch customer service is our forte.
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We customize wedding gowns, and dresses because there is a style for every woman’s body.
We provide curated, boutique style full/partial event planning, coordinating and décor design services
Balacía is a Black-owned bridal jewelry brand specializing in custom engagement rings and wedding bands. Every Balacía ring is handcrafted and custom made for each client.
Herkreations is a wedding planning and event design company, focused on exploring the extraordinary. Sophisticated events that embody the personalities and styles of the client is our specialty. Drawing from their fantasies, Herkreations creates unforgettable realities.
KATRENA WIZE ARTOGRAPHY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@katrenawizeartography.com Web: katrenawizeartography.com
FELICIA GRAHAM
Category: Makeup Email: Felicia@feliciagrahambeauty.com Phone: 201 344-6678 Web: feliciagrahambeauty.com
WOOTEN PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Category: Wedding Photography Email: wootenphotog@gmail.com Phone: 470-269-0448 Web: wootenphotog.mypixieset.com
NESHASZDA Z PHOTOGRAPHY
Category: Wedding Photography Email: neshaszda@gmail.com Phone: 770-896-8718 Web: neshaszda.wixsite.com/mysite-5
BREAU MOMENTS
Category: Wedding Photography Email: book@breauxmomentsstudiollc.com Phone: 281-850-4074 Web: breauxmomentsstudiosllc.com
A’S EXQUISITE CAKES
Category: Wedding Cake Email: orders@asexquisitecakes.com Phone: 281-850-4074 Web: asexquisitecakes.com
TWIN PERFECTIONS EVENT PLANNING AND DESIGNS
Category: Wedding Planning Email: info@twinperfections.com Phone: 770-820-8388 Web: twinperfections.com
We are storytellers that celebrate and capture your life’s most precious moments with visual ART. We create a safe space that invites your most genuine selves to thrive in and relive your entire day with our photojournalistic, cinematic, and editorial style.
“Your Natural Beauty Solution!” Felicia has worked with brides on their wedding day to celebrities for special events. Her approach to makeup is simple, making her clients feel like the best version of themselves.
My focus is capturing your ‘best you’ during the span of the day, from candid shots during ‘the good stuff’, to guiding you through portraits when you have no idea what to do with your hands.
We specialize in making memories that taste good. You’ve said yes to the dress. You’ve chosen your venue. The colors, theme, and flowers have all been selected. And now you’re excited to plan the star of your decor- a cake that makes a stunning first impression with a taste that leaves a lasting impression.
FOTOS BY FOLA
Fotos by Fola captures the essence in every shot. I believe in getting the most out of every moment, so the moments can be cherished for a lifetime! Using a photojournalistic style, I can tell a story that will allow you to relive the moments as if they just happened. My goal is to not only satisfy you but to exceed your expectations!
We are Wooten Photography, offering wedding and portrait photography. Let’s chat and bring your creative vision to your photos one event at a time!
“When you book with Breaux Moments Studios, we offer you a 5-star full-service experience, with professional lens, lights, props and assistance”.
Twin Perfections is an awardwinning event planning and design firm located in Los Angeles.
Category: Wedding Photography Email: info@fotosbyfola.com Phone: 404-886-1330 Web: fotosbyfola.com
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