Support ChocolateBrides! And groove at the same time!

ChocolateBrides is home to so many talented and inspirational people. One such couple are Skip and Renee, affectionately known on the boards as Poppa Skip and Mom Renee! In honor of the website that has blessed us all so much, Poppa Skip and his group, Skip Mahoney and the Casuals have produced a cd featuring the ChocolateBrides Theme Song. Please support this awesome group while also supporting ChocolateBrides as well!

excerpt taken from the Notes on the ChocolateBrides Theme Song CD baby page:

Skip Mahoney and The Casuals have on the R&B music scene for approximately 40 years singing love ballads with Skip's melodic falsetto. S.O.L.E. is a neo-soul group based in the Washington Metro area that Skip tapped to help him produce this project. Turns out their sound was reminiscent of Old School R&B, but with today's flair. Skip also believes this album is a first for an artist to release his original song with a new group remake and a re-mix from each group and the instrumental on the same release.



Chocolate Brides is a tribute to Love, but especially black love. It is a song that disputes the negative belief that African-Americans do not marry or commit to Love. Skip's wife is a member of ChocolateBrides.com, which she joined when they were planning their wedding. He loved the commitment and camaraderie he saw amongst the members that he decided to write a song for the members. He especially admired the owner/creator of the site, Kesha Monk and her husband Eugene Myrick. Kesha is a well known DJ in the NY, Chicago and Los Angeles area. It was Kesha's vision to create a place for brides of color to plan their unique wedding day and to share a special sisterhood and also allowing future spouses and significant others to participate in the fun. The site generates an air of family whenever it is visited.



The cd has the song in 3 genres, Old Skool R&B, contemporary R&B and instrumental (suitable for that trip down the aisle.



Sit back and enjoy this tribute to love.

Click Here to listen and purchase this awesome CD!

Which Wedding Favor Is Your Flava?

Hey You!  I wanted to try something a little different by sharing some Wedding Favor advice via podcast.  Since I am a unemployed radio personality, I figured I'd use my voice doing something before it gets rusty. If you don't use it, you'll lose it.  Turn your speakers up and enjoy!

Wedding Favors Podcast - Kesha Monk

Pardon our dust, but remodel we must!

Please excuse our dust as we prepare to provide you with the latest and greatest in the Chocolate Bridal world!!
Coming soon:

The Best Summer and Spring Plans!
Guest Articles and interviews featuring REAL ChocolateBrides!
New and Interesting ideas for the DIY CB!

The writers and supporters of ChocolateBrides.com, ChocolateBridesMagazine, and ChocolateBridalBlog thank you for your continued patience and support and can't wait to bring you a new season of elegant, creative and fun topics!


Sincerely,
MochaWifey

To Bar or Not to Bar -

Trust me - I know that LAST thing that you want is somebody telling you the rights and wrongs of planning YOUR wedding. Especially when YOU'RE the one footing the bill. Chile please.

I came across this very interesting article on MSN about "wedding traditions" as it relates to having open bar. Disclaimer: Don't be offended this is just somebody's opinion - aint nothin' that they're saying law.

Going to a wedding reception that does not have an open bar is like going to California and only seeing Fresno. No offense to Fresno, which I am told is lovely, but no one goes to the West Coast just to check out the haps in the San Joaquin Valley. At the risk of mixing analogies, you go to California to drink margaritas in San Diego, have a few Red Bull and vodkas in Los Angeles and enjoy fine wine in San Francisco.

An open bar is part of the unspoken contract between bridal party and guests. In exchange for a generous gift and any expenses incurred through the purchase of new hair styling, clothes or travel, you must provide your guests with an opportunity to make total asses of themselves in a rented space. You win out in the long run because you will own your reception video — and what is left of their reputations — forever.

Besides, you don't want to be known as a closed-bar wedding. You could host an elaborate ceremony on a scenic Hawaiian bluff with the Rev. Jesse Jackson presiding as the bride and groom parachute from a B-52 Stratofortress while Yo-Yo Ma and Kid Rock perform a breathtaking duet and, if you don't provide free booze, the only thing any guy in attendance will say about that day is, “Dude, closed bar.”

Throwback Thursday

Creede and Louis Fitzhugh

Circa 1958

Bridesmaids Gifts That Don't Suck

It was quite the struggle trying to come up with gifts for my bridesmaids. Your bridesmaids are supposed to be some of the most important women in your life...so one of your priorities should be showing them appreciation by giving them well chosen bridesmaids gifts.

I often come across various discussions on the Chocolate Brides Messageboard in terms of bridesmaids gift suggestions. Some women feel that bridesmaid gifts should correlate with your wedding budget. Others feel that the more your bridesmaids help you with wedding planning, the more money you should set aside for their gift.  Well, if that was the case, I shouldn't have given my bridesmaids a damn thing. Nevertheless, I don't think that there's any right or wrong way to give a gift.  But I do subscribe to the belief that your bridemaid's gifts should be truly meaningful.  Here are a couple of my fave bridesmaid gift suggestions:

Gift Gards - They're practical, useful, and easy to buy.

Personalized Bathrobes - With a little bit of research, this can be a decently priced option

Personalized Tote Bags - Another inexpensive option if you know how to bargain shop

Fragrance Gift Baskets - I have literally lost my mind up in the Bath & Body Works store during their annual clearance.  You can get 43 million bottles of stuff for $17.00 if you can catch em.

Squared Locket Keychain - How cayute is this? 

Spa Treatments - No elaboration needed here.

Coach Wristlet - This would be for the bridesmaid who waits on you hand and foot.

Michelle Williams Heartbreak

In the latest issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Michelle Williams openly talks about the heartache of her broken engagement in 2004. I LOVE it when celebrities are able to talk about the things that are usually taboo. Yes...celebrities hurt too. (believe it or not) Her testimony will definitely help somebody who may be going through the same thing.

That's right girl....keep your head up!

"I had looked at wedding books. I was looking at venues and doing all those things that a person would do who knows they're gonna marry somebody. I bought the house and all that good stuff. Then it was like, no, that's not gonna happen. I think that was the worst hurt I've ever felt in my life. Nothing can help; food didn't help, trying to get with somebody else didn't help, family didn't even help. It was literally me praying for my heart to get healed, because, when I love, I love pretty hard and I put a lot into a relationship." The singer insists she's glad the break-up happened, because now she's much stronger for it: "I grew so much. I'm a totally different person because of it, but in a good way. A lot of people go through a bad break-up and they just become promiscuous...and they are bitter all the time, but, for me, that didn't happen. Relationships get very expensive... You try to fly on the red-eye (overnight plane) home, you try to spend time (with him). When I was overseas, I racked up a $10,000 cell phone bill....I'm not weary of it [getting married] at all. I do believe there is a particular gentleman out there for me who will come when I least expect it."

Go 'Head And Top That Cake!

I'm a whore for wedding details...and I aint ashamed to admit it. Usually when I attend a wedding and most are oooooing and ahhhhhhing over how beautiful the bride is, most likely, I'm eyeing the small, intricate yet intimate details on the wedding cake or bridal bouquet.

If you're planning your wedding, there will be elements in your wedding that may not be as important to the next bride...and that's absolutely fine! There are a million ways that you can personalize your details.

Here's my 1st installment of "1 Million Ways To Personalize Your Wedding Day".

Instead of the traditional bride & groom cake topper, why not get with the times and top your wedding cake off with a blinged out monogram cake topper? They will make your wedding cake look amazing! Furthermore, discover the Martha Stewart within yourself and DIY it! (instructions can be found on the Chocolate Brides Messageboard)

And The Most Searched For Bridal Topic Of The Month Is....

TIMBERLAND WEDDING PICTURES!

I have a widget for this blog which tells me how many people are reading this blog, their geographical location, and how they found us.  It seems as though a TON of people are Googling "Timberland Wedding Pictures".  And because I subscribe to the theme of 'givin' the people what they want', I've been on a SERIOUS manhunt to see I could find a few pictures that would give us a peek inside Timothy's special day.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find much...but I figured I'd share what I had.  (I couldn't find NOT ONE picture of the lovely bride & groom. Please accept my apology in advance..but at least the decor was nice)

Hubby Luke

Luke Campbell, former frontman of 2 Live Crew, heard wedding bells instead of beatboxing on Saturday as he and Kristin Thompson tied the knot in Dallas, Texas.

"I waited 47 years to find a special woman and have found that in Kristin," Campbell tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I never knew that I could feel love on another level like this until I met her, and I am now honored to call her my wife."

The stars of the upcoming VH1 reality series Luke's Parental Advisory tied the knot in front of 300 guests at Saint Luke Community Methodist Church, followed by a reception at the Opus Grand Ballroom at Hotel Palomar. Thompson, 27, who serves as general counsel for Campell's company Luke Entertainment, wore a wedding gown by Monique Lhuillier.

Doug E. Fresh deejayed and performed, keeping guests, including Arizona Cardinal Edgerrin James, on the dance floor until the early morning. Soul singer Betty Wright serenaded the happy couple. Their first dance was to Brian McKnight's "Back At One."

Campbell and Thompson met at Jerry's Deli in Miami Beach two years ago. He proposed to her on Halloween last year. This is the first marriage for both. Campbell has two children from a previous relationship.

Luke's Parental Advisory premieres Aug. 4 at 10:30 p.m. EST. The wedding will be featured on the season finale in September.

Source: People Magazine

Rock The Reception

From TLC's Press Release:

"Rock the Reception" follows two engaged couples as they painstakingly and often clumsily - rehearse a professionally choreographed production number as their surprise first dance for their wedding reception. The happy couple is taught their mighty moves by veteran husband and wife choreography team Napoleon and Tabitha D'Umo (So You Think You Can Dance), who have trained such superstars as Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Celine Dion. But the fun of watching the couple's surprise dance number come to fruition is nothing compared to the shock, screams and whistles from their stunned wedding guests.

Yes!!!! Another wedding reality show! (just what we needed. *enter sarcastic look here*) I didn't get an opportunity to check out the debut the other night - but I think the rerun airs sometime today - and I'll DVR it because curiousity has definitely got the best of me.

Now, to be totally honest - I doubt it very seriously if I'll become a die hard Rock The Reception fan - but I MUST watch so that I can see why my idea for an African American wedding show has been rejected over and over again.

When I decided to create this blog - I promised myself that I would try not to make this a breeding ground for negativity - but I think it's important to 'keep it real'. I've been on a quest for almost 5 years to try to introduce positive images of black women in the mainstream media via television by way of the Chocolate Brides brand - and I've been shown the door...over and over and over again. I was confident that networks like TV ONE & BET J would understand my plight, but BOY was I wrong. Well...I think they UNDERSTOOD - they just weren't interested. (I'll save that story for another day) Perhaps if my tv treatment included some shuckin' & jivin' - or subscribed to the stereotypical image of a finger snappin', neck & eye rollin', attitude havin' black woman, I'd probably have a primetime tv show by now.

The bridal blogosphere is definitely talking about ROCK THE RECEPTION. The following are quotes taken from Manolo For The Brides.

I’m watching one of those nanny shows, which is bad enough. But even worse, they just showed an advert for “Rock the Reception“. It’s a reality show…about people who are doing an unconventional first dance.

Let me say that again. A REALITY SHOW. About people who are doing an unconventional first dance. It’s an hour-long show…about a three-minute event.

Americans are complete whores for this crap.

I would have loved to have attended the concept meeting for this show. I’m picturing a member of TLC’s creative team, the wedding division. He’s late and he’s unprepared, and he’s hiding behind his laptop trying to look serious but secretly watching YouTube clips his deadbeat housemate e-mailed to him at 3 a.m. When the big boss looks in his direction, our ideas man draws on the first thing his eyes light upon, which is the video of a bride and groom dancing to U Can’t Touch This. He’s saved! Saved by the Interwebs! - Never teh Bride

Seriously? How is that a show? I’m all for unconventional first dances but I don’t see how it interests anyone but the people at the wedding. -Stephanie

It seems like if you have a show that’s even vaguely wedding related it’ll get greenlit. -Blahlover5

I am laughing out REALLY loud at that last comment cause that aint true AT ALL! But hey - I aint hatin'. If you think that you'd make a good candidate for the show, you can apply >>HERE<<.

And after all is said and done, I'll still watch. I'll be pouting - but I'll be watching.

I LOVE, LOVE Black Love!

Check out this video that I came across online today as I was surfing. D Nice made this video for his bride to be. (OMG...I LOVE THIS!) Just in case you didn't know, the very beautiful actress Malinda Williams is getting married to D Nice next month in Atlanta. This vid is so heartfelt. What a BEAUTIFUL way to express his love for his bride to be. GO 'HEAD DERRICK!


Hawaii from D-Nice on Vimeo.

A Picture Says A Million Words...

These photos were taken from one of my favorite photographers, Terrell Clark of Atlanta, GA.

Did You Say Pink & Orange?

Just in case you missed it, you really should go back and read DivaBride's latest blog entry, "Color Me Beautiful". It's good stuff.

Being a darker skinned woman, I've always been afraid of color. I'm not sure where I developed a fear of brighter hues...but I've recently decided to come out of that dark colored closet so that I can live a little.

I'm a firm believer that ANY color scheme will look great for your wedding if done properly.  Especially colors that don't normally match in the color book of law.  

Here's a little pink & orange inspiration board that I put together as concrete proof of my self proclaimed 'bright is right' wedding planning law.

                                              

           click for a larger view

Be back later. All of a sudden, I'm in the mood for some Hawaiian Rum Punch.... 

Bridal Gowns On A Budget...

I don't know one single person who doesn't appreciate a good bargain.  Especially when it comes to finding that perfect wedding dress which generally can cost as much as a down payment on a luxury car.

Channel 7 (in NY) had a really good news segment on yesterday regarding some decent bridal gown prices.

CLICK HERE to check out the video!

The Bride Of A Million Trades...

If Puffy can be a rapper, a producer, actor, tv executive, own his own record label, clothing line, fragrance, restaurant, liquor, marketing company AND be a father - -well, I can own ChocolateBrides.Com, Chocolate Brides Magazine, CB TV AND start my own wedding podcast network too.

I've been a radio personality for nearly 13 years. I currently co-host a countdown show with Randy Jackson from American Idol which is syndicated in over 80 markets across the country as well as Japan & Kenya. This past February, my daily show at 98.7 KISS in New York, was canned due to downsizing. I didn't want to admit it but, losing my daily radio show job really put a damper on my life. So recently, I came to the conclusion that I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and combine a few of the things that I love doing instead of moping around looking crazy. At the end of the day, if I could help at least one bride through a little sound advice through my wedding podcasts, I'll be totally satisfied.

So - be on the lookout for the CB Wedding Podcast. Coming soon....

Secondly, I am SO thrilled with my broadcasting bride illustration. I found DNT Dynamite Design over on BBWO....and I couldn't be happier with her work. She's the perfect professional.

Cute Vs Comfort

9 times outta 10, if you live in New York and you ride the subway, you will see at least one stylish, sassy yet sophisticated professional woman dressed in her Italian business suit.  Look at her feet, and you'll see a pair of 10 year old Reeboks. When I was younger, I didn't get it. NOW, I do. Big time. Those Reeboks are probably by far the most comfortable shoes in her entire closet. 

I absolutely HATE having my feet hurt. HATE IT.  My dawgs don't always do so well in a pair of heels - which is why I absolutely didn't hesitate to wear a pair of flip flops on my wedding day. A lot of brides frown at the idea of paying a ton of money for a wedding dress and being tacky by wearing flip flops or wedding sneakers on your feet.  I say, who cares? The only one who really knew that I had them on was my husband -  and he didn't know until he went searching for the garter.

If you prefer cute over comfort, this blog entry aint for you. But if your bunions throb at the THOUGHT of 3 inch heels, you need to consider wedding sneakers or flip flops!  PERIOD!

CB Notable Quotable

Being the owner of a social networking community doesn't always allow you to be just a 'member'. I wish that I could sit back and read and interact in the journals of the thousands of Chocolate Brides who log on daily - but my administrative duties won't allow me to. :(

However, every once in a while, I will catch something that will get my attention. This week, that something comes from the user 'Webmistress' from New York.

"...I just want to say that if no one has told you... there is NO OTHER COMMUNITY like CB. On the real. I'm not just waxing reminiscent. I've joined other boards for other reasons in my life lately and you can't find the sisterhood, spirit of helpfulness, genuine concern and general lack of cattiness ANYWHERE ELSE. I appreciate CB. It has given me a very high standard to hold everyone else to -- and really? No one is reaching it like CB."

Chocolate Brides Magazine Launch Party May, 2007

Daniel & Shauna's Wedding Pictures - - FINALLY!

I'm still on a natural high from attending Daniel & Shauna's wedding a few weeks ago. It was truly one of the most amazing weddings that I've ever witnessed.

Daniel was the first football player to ever get married at the Raven's stadium. Shauna was absolutely stunning in a Pnina Tornai orginal couture gown. The ceremony was officiated by by Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant, senior pastor of the Empowerment Temple and there wasn't a dry eye in the place as Jonathan Nelson & Juanita Contee from the gospel group Purpose serenaded the bride and groom. The wedding was being filmed by NFL films and the Style Network's Whose Wedding is it Anyway. There's so much more to talk about - but you'll have to get the complete story in the next issue of Chocolate Brides Magazine. :)

*Sidebar* I took over 800 pictures and it took me forever to select just a few for your viewing pleasure.

Be Like Nike & Just Do It!

The Chocolate Brides messageboard is a plethora of wedding ideas, support, and inspiration for brides all over the world.  After about a year after it's inception, I thought that ChocolateBrides.Com would put wedding planners out of business because the amount of help that brides were receiving via our board was invaluable. It even became common practice for brides to invite other brides from the board to their weddings in appreciation for the support! 

I'm not exactly sure how to explain it - but ChocolateBrides.Com has become a movement and has developed into something much bigger than a website. It's an encouragement machine.  The brides make you want to explore unchartered territory. I've witnessed women who have claimed not to have had a creative bone in their bodies make aislerunners, wedding brooms and cake toppers.  I've seen natural hair wearers try weaves & wigs and weave and wigs wearers go natural. I've seen women who have sat in cubicles most of their adult lives step out on faith to give entrepreneurship a try.  All of this has happened due to the loving nature of this website. The CBs sort of dare you to be daring!  I guess when 2 or people have a commonality, good things happen. It's amazing.

Ok...so I didn't intend to go into a ChocolateBrides infomerical - but I did want to acknowledge the latest challenge on the ChocolateBrides.Com messageboard.  Makeup Madness.  These women did an excellent job of applying their own makeup..and it's making me want to run out out to buy some eyeshadow and a brush.  First they fired their wedding planners...and now all makeup artists are in trouble of losing their jobs too!

Disclaimer - All of the following looks were achieved by the brides themselves without the assistance of a professional makeup artist - only each other!

    

There are literally thousands of posts on the ChocolateBrides.Com messageboard with beautiful brides of all sorts of hues.  They've even created tutorials and various question & answer threads that can help you achieve similar looks. Come on over and join our family!  And if you don't see what you're looking for - ask!  CBs don't bite!