Iconic Bride Summer/Fall 2019

I S S U E

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PLUSH GORGEOUS SKIN Honeymoon Pro Tips ANXIETY HOW TO COPE WITH WEDDING STRESS

Bridal Glam Takeover

CURVY GIRLS ARE

B O I L I N G H O T

1200 gowns sizes 0-30 in stock private appointments available book your appointment online & select your stylist! anyabridal.com 404.699.4655 ICONIC BRIDE Â 02

Editor-in-Chief Jamila Tarisai

Creative Director Fashion Director Bridal Boutique Photographer Cinematography Cover Photo Credit

Jamila Tarisai Abbria Hoover Anya's Bridal Michelle McDowell Rachel Hardy Ashley Strickland

EDITORIAL OFFICE

1620 Hollywood Road Northwest 336, Atlanta, GA 30318 +1-219-718-5161 | submissons@Iconicbridemagazine.com www.IconicBrideMagazine.com

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summer / fall 2019

CONTENTS BEAUTY AND FASHION 19

Samantha Clarke Photography

BEAUTY FOR A GORGEOUS GLOW

20 BRIDAL TRENDS 22 GARDEN OF CURVES 30 FAIRYTALE HAIR

44

STYLE & PLANNING 37 MODERN VINTAGE

Michele Davina Photography

41 ENCHANTED SUMMERS 46 BRIDAL GLAM TAKEOVER

34

53 REAL LOVE

IN EVERY ISSUE 05

EDITORS NOTE

06

A SPECIAL THANKS

09

PROFILES

10

WEDDING WHISPERS

21

FEATURES

Michele Davina Photography

TRAVEL

53

62 LOVE IN SANDY PLACES

65 HONEYMOON TIPS

REAL LOVE HEALTH & FITNESS

REAL WEDDINGS

69

Andre Brown Photography

CONTACT US

OUR FAVORIATE VENDORS

66 WEDDING ANXIETY: HOW TO COPE

WWW.ICONICBRIDEMAGAZINE.COM

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Michele Davina Photography

EDITOR'S NOTE Iconic Bride is a size-inclusive magazine for amazing humans living an Iconic life in the bridal industry. I wanted to shine a light on the fact that curvy women deserve more than just one issue a year. We deserve something year-round that speaks to our needs and wants for our weddings. The average woman is a size 14 in America. It seems evident that our society would give us something to aspire to. I'm here to change the narrative. To provide us with aspirations in beauty and health with designer gowns, beautiful weddings, and women who look like us and can relate to us. It also means that all other sizes are welcome to join our voice on body positivity. We are a community of differences. Lighting another's candle doesn't snuff out my own. It just gives more illumination in a dark world.

Iconic Bride also wants to give the vendor more to look at, to inspire them and to remind them that this is fun! Â Our goal is to provide couples with as much inspiration and information as possible online and in the magazine.

With our lovely readers, some insanely talented sponsors, a collection of wonderful contributors, and a start-up social media following Iconic Bride is heading into its first year to bring you even more beautiful wedding advice, to ensure your wedding is your Best. Day. Ever.

Jamil Tarisai Editor in Chief

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A Special

Thanks

Keosha Chandler is an Atlanta based, international event producer. Her purpose is to enhance the mood & atmosphere of boutique-style gatherings worldwide. It was not until after designing her wedding that she discovered her true passion for creating unique wedding experiences.

She graduated in 2007 with certification in Event Planning & Management through Georgia Perimeter College. Not too long after, Eventual Concepts was created. It was inspired by her commitment to telling unique love stories and travel. When Keosha's not traveling, she's researching exotic places, binge-watching crime shows, or baking Ghirardelli brownies. Over the years, her work has featured on ESSENCE.com, The FOOD Network, BlackBride as well as other various publications.

KEOSHA CHANDLER DESTINATION PLANNER CONTRIBUTOR

An Atlanta native, and owner/ founder of J. Ladson Weddings (a fullservice wedding experience company) Jade Ladson has been in the wedding/event planning game for 15 plus years. Her love of this fascinating trade began with planning spectacular themed events for close family and friends, and has continued to grow over the years.

She has racked up an impressive line of accomplishments including garnering the top spot for Wedding Planners in the Atlanta Tribune’s Best of Issue for 2010, 2011, 2012 2013, and 2014, Best of Atlanta, and Best of Gwinnett while also planning a host of weddings and events that have left clients with fond tales of their special day.

The success of J. Ladson Weddings has continued to grow throughout the years, and a large part of that success is due to Jade’s career choice now becoming second nature. As the event planning industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, Jade finds that all aspects of this challenging field still speak to her, even after years spent within it.

JADE LADSON WEDDING WHISPERER, PLANNER CONTRIBUTOR

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A Special

Thanks

Beau Beginnings is a wedding officiant service based out of Cumming, Georgia. Owned and operated by Hadassah Joseph, this business helps couples prepare for their wedding day - as well as joining them together in marriage. Crafting ceremonies one could only have dreamed up, Hadassah makes it possible for you to have the distinctive and loving ceremony you have always wanted. As a licensed officiant, Hadassah also offers premarital counselling, as well as encouraging couples to write and say their own vows. Non-religious ceremonies, civil unions, interfaith celebrations, and many more are covered, while Hadassah can also assist couples with the final steps by guiding them through a ceremony rehearsal.

HADASSAH JOSEPH WEDDING OFFICIANT CONTRIBUTOR

I caught the wedding love bug in 2006 when a friend asked me to photograph her wedding and that's when my world changed. I fell in love with wedding photography. I love life and capturing the moments that make it interesting, exciting, breath-taking, delicious, yummy, tearful, joyful...just plain ole feeling alive! And all of that happens at a Wedding.

Everyone has a love story to tell and its my heart's desire to tell your story through the lenses of my camera.

MICHELLE MCDOWELL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTOR

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PROFILE

ShavonHunter Small Events, Big Impact Hey Gorgeous, thanks for stopping by! My name is Shavon Hunter, Owner + Planner of event planning boutique, La Soirée Chic Events.

I specialize in well planned, coordinated, and designed elopements, micro weddings + soirées. Teamed up with my most trusted FRIENDors and some of Atlanta’s top industry professionals, we produce beautiful celebrations that although are intimate in size, are grand in style and execution. I hope you enjoy my content, Cheers + Happy Planning!

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Wedding Whispers Q.

"My fiancĂŠ and I have been dating for 4 years, engaged for 6 months and our wedding is a year away. We have an active sex life and both of our appetites are pretty heavy. How long before the wedding should we stop having sex? "

a.

"Ummm, why would ya wanna go and do that love {TI Voice}? Nah, I’m just kidding đ&#x;˜Š Sex is always a tricky subject in engagements and marriage in general. The best piece of advice is to do what works for you and your relationship. Sit down and talk to your partner about your thoughts openly, honestly and without expectation. Listen carefully, {yea that means ya gotta let him/her get their two cents in} to what they have to say and remember no one can set the rules for your relationship because no one is going to have to live with the consequences. Set your own timeline and move at your own pace‌ Until then, keep it spicyđ&#x;˜‰" ~Wedding Whisperer~

Planning a wedding and got a question that you’re not comfortable asking just anybody? Get free, anonymous, expert and honest answers to your questions about weddings, etiquette, romance, married life, and everything in between.

Transformative. Daring. Awe-Inspiring.

These are just a few of the many words to describe premier planner Jade Ladson, Wedding Whisperer. Jade’s ability to turn clients’ thoughts and ideas into one-of-a-kind, unimaginable experiences led the Founder & Owner to become one of the most sought after in the wedding planning industry. Her down to earth, witty, but sarcastic personality has also made her the Go-To Girl for friends, family. Clients are looking for personal advice on touchy subjects but need someone that’s quite frankly gonna tell it like it is!

All questions and comments submitted become the property of Jade Ladson, Wedding Whisperer. Confidentiality is protected. However, queries will not be changed or deleted once they have printed or posted. Wanna chat? You can send me your questions at Jade@jladsonweddings.com. I do not answer every letter I receive. Nor do I promise to answer them in a specific time frame but I’ll do my very best.

By sending me questions, you are granting me the right to use, quote, alter, and display those questions in any manner I choose for commercial and non-commercial distribution. I will assume you have already created a Spam account or Finsta as the youth call it and removed identifying details before you send.

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PROFILE

Anya Bridal is Atlanta’s one-stop bridal shop destination for all your wedding dress needs, including elegant bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and bridal accessories. We proudly carry today’s top bridal brands such as Allure, Justin Alexander and Mori Lee, as well as the largest selection of bridesmaids dresses.

Although the options for wedding dresses can seem overwhelming at times, our experienced bridal stylists will help you every step of the way to find your dream wedding dress.

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PROFILE

Beauty II Behold

The Artist

"We take on Atlanta's is a Special Events On-Site beauty service. We offer our clients traffic so expert services in Hair and Makeup. Not excluding on-site hair our clients extension methods. We pride ourselves as the team that gets the won't have beauty done on time. We work with some of the best wedding too..." planners and photographers in the industry that refer to us as the "go to the team." This team of pros is all licensed by the state of Georgia in cosmetology and certified makeup artistry. We take on Atlanta's traffic so our clients won't have too.

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PROFILE

Abbria Hoover LIFE OF A STYLIST

Life Styled by Abbria is a fashion styling company that specializes in making you look and feel flawless for the special occasions in your life. Whether it's your wedding day or the perfect look for a life-changing board meeting we are there to help execute your style. We offer a variety of services relating to each special moment. Are you confident in your bridal style but need assistance finding a complimenting look for your bridal party? Need steaming and bustling for a worry-free wedding day? Is your everyday style perfectly planned but you need guidance with a special event? Need a complete wardrobe rebuild? Whether it's the board room, a baby or your big day let us help you elevate your style!

“We offer a variety of services relating to each special moment."

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PROFILE

Irene Tyndale Events

LOGISTICS GURU A DETAILED, PERSONABLE AND CREATIVE APPROACH TO PLANNING The good news—we’re hopeless romantics and obsessive planners who are highly experienced in wedding and corporate event planning. At Irene Tyndale Events in Atlanta, GA, we’ve been in the wedding and event planning industry for over 20 years, so whether you’re planning your wedding day or a social or corporate event, we ensure that it’s the stunning experience you’ve been longing for. As an award winning boutique, when you choose us as your Atlanta wedding planners, you’ll experience calm instead of chaos throughout the planning process. You’ll walk down the aisle knowing that everything is flowing seamlessly, and you’ll dance the night away at your reception without having to answer questions or finalize vendor payments.

We ensure that it’s the stunning experience you’ve been longing for

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BEAUTY

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C U E

T H E

Skin narural

s s e l e g a

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DECEMBER 2016

TRENDS

IMPRINTMAGAZINE.COM

THE BEST BEAUTY for a Gorgeous Glow Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is GOD's handwriting~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

1

FENTY BEAUTY BODY LAVA

2

OMGLO

Back by popular demand: The ultimate gelbased body luminizer is back to veil skin in a gloriously dewy, high-shine finish—now in the iconic highlighter shade TROPHY WIFE, plus the two bestsellers you know and love, WHO NEEDS CLOTHES?! and BROWN SUGAR. $59 Fentybeauty.com

Hydrating Glow Mist-When using our glow mist please be sure to apply in an area with plenty of direct light (Natural light &/or a Beauty light is best) so you can see the light-reflecting particles. If want more glow (No such thing as too much Shimmer) let the mist dry down completely on the skin in between applications, before applying more layers. $30 Omglocosmetics.com

3

NARS NATURAL RADIANT LONGWEAR FOUNDATION

6

Introducing NARS’ first 16-hour foundation. Untraceable.

Unstoppable. High coverage is now super natural. Its breathable, fade-resistant formula is infused with Raspberry, Apple, and Watermelon extracts to help smooth and improve the look of your skin instantly, and over time. Wears longer.

Stays stronger. $49 Narscosmetics.com

4

BLACK OPAL TRUE COLOR PORE PERFECTING FOUNDATON

A 36-hour, full-blast, volumizing mascara that layers easily to build massive volume without weighing down lashes. This smudgeproof, water-resistant, volumizing mascara is also formulated with provitamin B5 to support natural lash thickness and strength.$25.00 Sephora.com

7

lightweight to Medium Coverage Oil-free formula that contains poreless technology which helps minimize pore appearance and mattify skin for a flawless-looking finish. $10.95 Blackopalbeauty.com

5

T3 WHIRL TRIO A set of three interchangeable barrels to effortlessly create countless looks—from defined spiral curls to beachy waves to fullbody glamour waves and everything in between. $300 Sephora.com

BABGAL BANG! VOLUMIZING MASCARA

NEUTROGENA HYDROGEL MASK Unlike ordinary sheet masks, this mask's unique hydrogel material seals in the formula for maximum absorption into your skin. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask quenches dry skin and transforms skin into smooth, supple and fully hydrated skin. $2.99 Ulta.com .

8

MOISTURE SURGE™ All you need for clean, refreshed, hydrated skin.

Moisture Surge™ 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator gives your skin the power to rehydrate itself. Delivers an instant moisture boost and provides 72 hours of nonstop hydration, even after washing your face. $39.

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BRIDAL TRENDS

Transparent print Pearls Daring Headpieces Luxe glam Layered Tulle Skirts Curves Rule

e r u t a e F

SUMMER/ FALL STYLE GUIDE ICONIC BRIDE Â 21

n e d r Ga OF CURVES

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Curvy Rose| private collection ICONIC BRIDE Â 23

morilee.com ICONIC BRIDE Â 24

morilee.com ICONIC BRIDE Â 25

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e l a t y r i a f r i a h ICONIC BRIDE Â 30

SPRING FLOWERS Beautiful flowers can add volumes of texture

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LAVISH CROWNS Majestics Crowns can add a touch of fantasy

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PEARLY PEARLS A simplistic look making a big impact

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I N THE COOL WAY TO BAR OUTDOORS

G O O D

S P I R I T S ICONIC BRIDE Â 34

Bar C H I c

In Good Spirits : Mobile Bar Shannon and Stephan love to live life. Whether they are racing sailboats in Charleston, mountain biking in Asheville, or hiking the AT in Virginia, they are always up for an adventure. For years, they used bartending to supplement their lifestyles. They enjoy the creativity and engagement that is at the heart of mixology.

Once, while volunteering at a music festival, they were fortunate enough to be stationed in a vintage camper bar (the first that they had ever seen). They walked away from that event knowing what they had to do. Less than two weeks later, they were on their way to pick up Clyde, their first mobile bar to be. Clyde is a 1968 Frolic that has been repurposed to be a mobile bar.

With Stephan's background in design and construction, and Shannon's experience as an event planner and venue manager, they realized quickly that this new endeavor was going to be their next big adventure!

Two campers and one mobile bar later, they are living out their vision, and providing a fun and unique bar experience.

January 2019, they broke ground on camper renovation #2. Welcome Bonnie, the photo booth camper. She is a 1961 Shasta Airflyte that has been waiting in storage for the past 8 months. Finally, it’s her time to shine. Stay tuned and follow her instagram page to keep up with her renovations. She is booking events September and beyond. Bonnie will match Clyde, making them a great pair to bring to your party.

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Modern Vintage &

styled shoot

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Florals: w/ Snazzy Events Tableware: The Prissy Plate Company Gown: Grace Bridal Atelier Tux: Miguel Wilson Collection Model: Thomas Lee Model: Christin Ruiz Bar: Mobile Bar In Good Spirits Hair and Makeup: Beauty II Behold Tables and chair rentals: Miss Millys Jewelry: Misayo House , Dessert: Lenox Cupcakes Location:Cator Wooldford Gardens

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Enchanted Summerrs Styled shoot

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Lead photographer & Workshop host @samanthaclarke Creative direction & Planning @leigheventsco Bar Cart @theprissyplatecompany Cake @sweetdetailsatl Caterer @soireecateringandevents Florals @stylishstemsatl Cinematographer @framedincreativemedia Hair @jamilatarisai Makeup @thebkbeautybar_elisha Wedding gown @wearecurvyrose Model @_takeylaross Stationary @thetayloreddesignco Venue @parkstudios.co

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Jamila Tarisai of Iconic Bride Candace Darby of Anya Bridal Abbria Hoover Life styled by Abbria Irene Tyndale of IT events

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ICONIC BRIDE created this panel to inform brides of the importance of personal glam and its effects on why your choices matters for optics. In this workshop, we discussed hair, makeup, gown buying and the importance of a planner for all these choices and more. For the full video visit www.iconicbridemagazine.com/ workshop

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"A "bridal stylist" is someone who helps you pull your entire look together for your wedding."

ABBRIA HOOVER

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Model Takeyla Ross Photographer Michelle Davina Hair and makeup Jamila Tarisai Gown & Veil Anya's bridal Planning Irene Tyndale events

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"Bridal is like Disney World..."

"Everyone is Happy"

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"You want someone 100% working for you and 100% looking out for your wedding" IRENE TYNDALE

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REAL LOVE

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Photo: Michele Davina Photography Planner: Elope in Atlanta by La Soirée Chic Events Gown: Tadashi Shoji Makeup: Jamila Tarisai Venue: The B Suite

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Darwin+Dominque BOTANTICAL GARDENS,ATLANTA,

NOV

/

GA

01

Dominique + Darwyn’s gorgeous, intimate nuptials took place at the enchanted botanical garden in Atlanta, GA. They were initially planning a more traditional and larger celebration to take place during Spring, but when those plans changed, they decided to #ElopeInAtlanta!

With plans already in place for a TWO-WEEK, ALL-INCLUSIVE vacation set for November, the couple opted to wed with close friends and family members as witnesses and turned their bae-cation into a honeymoon. Although they were now planning a fall wedding, they desired to keep their original vision intact. The garden, adorned with beautiful hues of purples, pinks truly looked like a beautiful spring day. It was perfect!

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Planner: Elope in Atlanta by La Soirée Chic Events Photography: Michelle Davina Photography Florals + Decor: Fabulous Fox Designs

Makeup: Beauty II Behold Hairstylist: Drae Baugh of Heartthrob Hair Salon Venue: Atlanta Botanical Gardens Officiant: Patricia Burgess of Your Wedding Your Way

Cake: Picasso Cakes Bride's Attire: JJ's House Groom's Attire: Men's Warehouse Custom Tux by Joseph Aboud

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Prince+Pamella HOTEL

ARISTA, NOV

NAPERVILLE, /

05

Pamella and Prince met at a mutual friend's house party on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Ironically, neither one of them were supposed to be there that day. Prince was supposed to go to a football game at Notre Dame while Pamella was planning to go home to pick up her son. However, as fate would have it, they both were in the right place, at the right time. "Pamella caught my eye while at the party, we carried on a conversation throughout the night. After that night, we continued to talk, eventually began dating, and the rest, well, is history," said Prince.

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IL

Love "Our love is unique because it is rooted in caring for one another and to putting God first. We both follow our passion for being the best man and woman for God. We allow that to manifest itself into how we treat each other and how we are there for each other.

Pamella and I concentrate on being both best friends, as well as lovers, spouses, etc".

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Planning & Event Production: Eventual Concepts Photography: Janelle C Photography Venue & Catering: Hotel Arista Floral Design: Stemline Creative Linens: I Do Linens Stationery: Jenkins Rose Cake: Penthouse Sweets Chicago Groom: Miguel Wilson Collection Groomsmen: The Wedding Store for Men Make-up: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Theme What was the theme for your wedding?

Our wedding was designed to exude a royal, regal feel that we planned with formal attire, etc.

What did you most look forward to on your wedding day?

"We both enjoyed the stateliness of the wedding. I am committed to loving her for the rest of my life. Besides, we both looked forward to sharing our happiness with our family and friends."

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Love Sandy in Places How do you know if "destination" is the way for your special day?"

By Keosha Chandler

D

estination weddings are totally in and making waves (see what I did there)! Many times the imagery of picturesque views and a built-in honeymoon, distract couples of digging deep and determining if it's the best option for their special day. Let's chat about some of the obstacles.

To host a destination wedding, you must first accept that all your guests will not be in attendance. I know what you're thinking. "That's the whole point, right?"

Yes and no. Can you handle the pressure of narrowing down your guest list of your closest family and friends? Hosting an exotic wedding in Bali sounds fantastic, but what about your VIPs? Age, medical conditions, expenses as well as other factors that may prevent your loved ones from attending your big day. Can you handle their absence?

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W

hether you're a wanderlust aficionado or newbie, travel makes you reflective of your natural routines. We often take them for granted; whether it be drinking filtered water straight from the tap or immediate access to Wi-Fi. How accepting are you to embrace different traditions and cultures?

Some parts of the world go home to partake in an early afternoon siesta.

That can impact response times.

It's quite common for local vendors to take their time when responding to email correspondence. Are you capable of being patient during those delays? Would you have the temperament to be flexible when/if your wedding day doesn't go as initially planned? These are essential aspects to consider.

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T

" here's this sentiment that destination weddings are cheaper than traditional weddings.

This statement is tricky. A smaller guest count allows you the ability to incorporate more "Instagram worthy" design elements, in comparison to a traditional wedding.

Long gone are the days of selecting resort packages that provide you with dull, basic style options. Those packages are pretty restrictive and often include excessive fees, should you stray away from their package offerings. Destination weddings take a certain level of expertise and negotiation skills. I strongly advise you to hire a professional planner, which will help you avoid costly mistakes along the way. Your wedding planner will be your #1 advocate when sourcing vendors and finding costeffective options to maximize your budget. For instance, the cost of a single rose is higher in Los Cabos, MX than it is in the U.S. since few flowers grow in the desert. All considering, most of your wedding day florals will be imported. Hence, you'll need to establish a floral budget that's reflective of that.

The destination wedding trend isn't slowing down anytime soon and is a secure alternative for couples that can handle the ebb and flow. It's great if you want to ditch the whole traditional wedding experience. If it's for you, grab your passport and get to planning!

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Honeymoon

LIKE A PRO

Fashion

by Abbria Hoover

01

STYLISH SUNGLASSES THAT ACTUALLY BLOCK RAYS

02

SANDALS WITH FUN DETAILS ( IE BOWS, SPARKLE, FUN COLOR)

03

SEXY LINGERIE ( IT IS THE HONEYMOON)

04

FLOWY SUN DRESS

05

A HAT WITH A BRIM LARGE ENOUGH TO BLOCK THE SUN ( BUT MAKE IT FASHION)

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Anxiety + Love ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT JOURNEY

BY HADASSAH JOSEPH

y

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T

he grandiose social media wedding culture is a two-edged sword that celebrates beauty, and love but masks the true story of what today's bride who lives with an anxiety condition. As today's iconic women revel in their season of liberation and political prowess, she falls prey to the "superwoman syndrome." The "superwoman "lyrically manages multiple streams of income as she dances between a variety of roles, responsibilities, obligations and goals. We hold fast to the dogmatic idea that if women such as Fannie Lou Hammer, Maya Angelo and Madame C J Walker could do it…so can we!

While it is indeed a sacred testament of our strength, today's woman should be smart about her overall health (mind +body and spirit). For it is when we are in the space of fullness + selfcompassion, we can impart grace and wisdom to others. It is in this space we can truly experience the beauty of our wedding day and appreciate all the intricate pieces that celebrate life in abundance.

Therefore, the engaged woman who experiences any condition of anxiety should not be ashamed.

Our Iconic bride is a modern woman who acknowledges her strengths and improves on areas as she builds and sustains the life she can be proud of.

With any significant life event, to be flooded with questions, pins, emojis, feelings, hashtags and tweets is expected. Today's fiancée should not expect anything less. It is this overbearing expectation that morphs from one of the happiest moments into an unbearable disaster. While some engaged women do enjoy the festivities, the planning process, the attention, and the daily Miss to Mrs. updates, others begin to dread the process.

Non-pathological anxiety is typical worries about issues that are not excessive and are manageable. It may be the worry that comes with choosing wedding napkins, cutting down on the wedding guest list, or selecting the right wedding vendor that matches your budget and style. Whereas, some engaged women may experience a mental health condition called "Anxiety Disorder." There are different types of anxiety conditions such as separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and Agoraphobia, to name a few.

Most of these anxiety conditions share features of excessive fear and anxiety-related behavior disturbances. As discussed in the DSM -5 anxiety conditions differentiate by duration, symptoms and traits. However, if any of these symptoms, over some time, appear to be bigger than the actual circumstances; It is encouraged to visit your family doctor and mental health professional.

Anxiety Disorders manifest differently. Here are some signs. · Trembling · Restlessness · Irritability · Difficulty concentrating · Sleep disturbances · Muscle tension · Increased heart rate · Irritable bowel symptoms · Sweaty palms · Fatigued · Avoiding social interaction/events

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COPING TOOLS FOR YOUR ANXIETY MENTAL WEALTH CARE Body Movement Practicing yoga of different disciplines Zumba or one of your favorite dance groups is a great way to connect with self, release tension and process the nuptial transition from a cultural and movement perspective.

If some of the symptoms mentioned above are evident in your life and is interfering with your daily routine, then it is advised to see a competent health professional (psychologist, mental health social worker, therapist) to get an unbiased observation and diagnosis.

Find a culturally relevant professional in your local area who is empathetic and sensitive to your social context and experience.

A professional who understands that sometimes, women of color misinterpreted "anger" or "loud outburst" or, "quick comebacks" may not necessarily mean she is a "bridezilla" as popularly portrayed in the media.

Instead, she may be an engaged woman who is having a difficult time expressing her" tiredness" and frustration as she navigates the pressure of her anxiety disorder.

Premarital Counselling

Premarital counseling offers the couple a stronger and successful start to their marriage relationship as it unearths sensitive topics that would be avoided or hidden until a conflict would present itself. Seeking help together before the marriage begins allows your partner the opportunity to learn strategies to support your during the bride's vulnerable moments (pre and postwedding). Getting your partner involved in your healing process encourages stronger communication, a more precise understanding of how it affects the relationship, and further equips the couple with helpful tools to handle the challenging moments. For example, understanding your partner's anxiety disorder (the triggers, preferred coping strategy, etc.) will benefit the relationship and wedding experience.

The wedding couple will recognize when it is necessary to retreat for a moment. Be it into their sweetheart room for some privacy and when to regroup with their friends and family.

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Vendor Contacts

MISS MILLYS Cindy Brock cindy@missmillys.com

Beauty

THE TAYLO RED DESIGN CO

Chicago /Makeup Artist

JENKINS ROSE

DANIELLE ROCHON

Stationaey

Stationary

ELISHA FOULKS Atlanta/ Makeup Artist The BK Beauty Bar

BEAUTY II BEHOLD Southeast Beauty Team/ Hair and Makeup Jamila Tarisai iwww.jamilatarisai.com

Cakes & Catering LENOX CUPCAKES

Donna, party@lenoxcupcakes.com

PENTHOUSE SWEETS Cake/ Chicago pesthousesweetschicago.com

SOIREE CATERING AND EVENTS

SNAZZY EVENTS Ashlee Gadson snazzyevents@gmail.com

Fashion Styling LIFESTYLED BY ABBRIA abbria@lifestyledbyabbris.com

MIGUEL WILSON COLLECTION miguel@miguelwilson.com, designer.miguel.wilson@gmail.com

THE WEDDING STORE FOR MEN Luxury Tux & Mens Attire info@weddingstoreformen

GRACE BRIDAL ATELIER Donna Lee Jones sales@gracebrideatl.com

Catering/ Atlanta soireecateringatlanta.com

ANYA BRIDAL WAREHOUSE

MOBILE BAR IN GOOD SPIRITS

MISAYO HOUSE

Décor & Florals

Planning

shannonsullins@gmail.com, info@ingoodspiritsbar.com

THE PRISSY PLATECOMPANY Valerie Smith theprissyplatecompany@gmail.com

STEMLINE CREATIVE Florals/ Chicago stemlinecreative.com

I DO LINENS Linens idolinens.com

STYLISH STEMS ATL Florals stylishstems.com

anyabridal.com

Jewelry Idunnu Tomori JMisayoHouse@gmail.com

IRENE TYNDALE EVENTS Irene Tyndaye irene@irenetyndale.com

EVENTUAL CONCEPTS Keosha Chandler hello@eventualconcepts.com

J LADSON WEDDINGS jade@jladsonweddings.com

LA SORIEE CHIC EVENTS Shavon Hunter hello@lasoireechic.co

ICONIC BRIDE 69

Vendor Contacts LEIGH EVENTS CO info@lieghevents.com

photography & Cinematography ASHLEY NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Ashley@anicolephotography.net

JANELLE C. PHOTOGRAPHY hellojanellec@gmail.com

Andre Brown Photograpgy

MICHELLE DAVINA PHOTOGRAPHY info@michelledavina.com

ANDRE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY www.andrebrown.com

SAMANTHA CLARKE PHOTOGRAPHY www.samantha-clarke.com

officiant BEAU BEGINNINGS

Michelle Davina Photography

info@beaubeginnings.com

venues

HOTEL ARISTA info@hotelarista.com

CATOR WOOLDFORD GARDENS Christina Hopkins c.hopkins@thefrazercenter.org

PARK STUDIOS STUDIO WED ATLANTA hello@parkstudios.co atlanta@studiowed.net

THE B SUITE

info@bsuiteus.com www.bsuiteus.com

Samantha Clarke Photography ICONIC BRIDE 70

hugs & Kisses

XOXO BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT

Your support has shown me three things...Love, Patience & Gratitude. Making this has been a dream come true. It hasn't been easy, but the best things in life never are. Words like freedom, equity, love, & kindness our often misused. Those things take work. It takes perseverance to overcome obstacles to get to greatness. Friends I know you can do it because I've done it. You can do Any Good Thing. Align your heart, mind, and soul, and you'll never lose a fight!

Peace!

ICONIC BRIDE Â 71