Meet Boston's Own: Kimba & Kevin

Couple: Kimba & Kevin
Engagement Location: On vacation in Las Vegas
Wedding Date: January 18, 2014
Wedding Location: To be determined…
E-Session Location: Boston, Massachusetts (The backyard of Kimba’s parents’ home.)

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[All images by Lars Waldmann Photography.]

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday and (Not Quite) Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.

***Did you or someone you know recently tie the knot? Complete this brief form and the wedding just might be featured in an upcoming Black Bridal Bliss feature!***

Triple B founder Bridgette Bartlett shares wedding planning tips!

Earlier this month, Triple B joined forces with the lovely bridal boutique Soliloquy right outside of Washington, D.C. for a fun afternoon of trying on stunning wedding dresses by the likes of Kevan Hall, awesome gift bags and champagne. I shared some wedding planning tips with attendees and since the feedback was so positive, I felt it was only right to extend the information to those in the Triple B audience who can benefit from it as well. Check it out!

1 – CENTERPIECES – Think beyond flowers (which of course are lovely but say very little about who you are as a couple) and consider incorporating photographs, movies, books or even your favorite travel destinations to your reception tables. These make for great conversation starters for your guests. One caveat: Avoid adding all the items mentioned on one table less your wedding begin to look and feel like a random variety show.

2 – TOASTS – Experts like David Tutera agree that this is one of the most neglected elements to make a wedding more personable – and it is free! Be sure you and your new spouse take time during the reception (a few minutes each is plenty) to speak from the heart. And don’t be afraid to insert a bit of humor into your speech.

I'm hoping to create my own spiked purplish punch to serve at my fall wedding! My fiance and I are thinking of fun names.

3 – SIGNATURE DRINKS – Remix a tried and true cocktail or throw on your mixologists hats and create your own specialty drink(s) and then give them fun names that speak to you and your sweetie.

4 – OFFICIANT – If you’re not having a religious ceremony, ask a loved one to be your officiant. Someone who personally knows you both will bring a sense of familiarity to the nuptials. Fun fact: It is free to get ordained online through the Universal Life Church.

5 – DO YOUR GUESTS A “FAVOR” – Who says you have to give your guests wedding favors? Buck tradition and nix them if you and your partner feel the need. However if you’re still anxious to gift your guests with favors, think beyond candles and books of matches. Fans that also serve as programs or even a culinary treat using a trusted family recipe are options that can be considered. A brief handwritten note attached to the pastry, hot sauce — whatever you and your sweetie decide on — explaining where the recipe originated will let your guests know that genuine time and thought went into selecting your favors.

And don’t forget to use Tie the Knot Tuesday couples as inspiration for unique and budget-friendly wedding ideas!

Solange was a hit once again on the red carpet!

I was looking forward to recapping the MET Gala on Triple B this year like I did here, here and here. I enjoy dissecting the red carpet trends that easily translate to the world of bridal. But this year I was completely underwhelmed. Womp, womp. The MET Gala normally gets even the most jaded fashion folks excited however 2013 left most confused. The tricky theme, Punk: Chaos to Couture was only acknowledged by a select few. So, Triple B is mixing things up and only highlighting the top three style trends from this year’s MET Gala. Here goes:

Solange Knowles

The youngest Knowles gal, clad in a Kenzo gown, rocked the MET red carpet again this year with a bangin’ fro! And this look can be pulled off by brides, too. She wore a nude lip, strong brow and a smoky eye. Somehow it all works. BRIDAL TAKEAWAY: There are exceptions but generally speaking, makeup artists agree that if you do a bold lip color, you should balance it with a subtle eye and vice versa.

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Chanel Iman

Top model Chanel Iman joined Solange in effortlessly displaying that chignons and updos aren’t the only acceptable hair options for formal occasions. She wowed in a striped J.Mendel number and wore cornrows alongside her ombre hair. Ca-yute! Oh and Chanel had her digits pampered for the big night by Triple B friend, Lisa Logan.

Chanel's Cornrow Cuteness

BRIDAL TAKEAWAY: An old-school hair style can be incorporated into a current one for a style that is surprisingly modern.

Jennifer Lopez

Jenny from the Block stunned as usual, this time in an animal print Michael Kors gown. The form-fitting silhouette has long sleeves and a crew neckline but the open back is anything but quiet. Ladies, stay on the lookout for gowns with similiar design details this fall based on what I observed during Bridal Fashion Week. BRIDAL TAKEAWAY: Strapless and v-neck aren’t necessarily prerequisites for a sexy wedding dress. The back is one of the sexiest (yet forgotten) parts of a woman’s body.

Nae shares her final words with Triple B before her trip down the aisle.

My Road to Mrs. will come to an end in a mere two weeks and wow…..What a journey this has been! Planning for our special day has been exciting, overwhelming, fun and exhausting. Every couple’s experience with wedding planning is different but here are a few things that really made our process work well for us:

1.     Hiring a wedding planner is so worth it!

I cannot fathom what this process would have been like without a planner. From thinking through the tiniest of details to working with vendors, our wedding planner has been a much needed guide through this entire process. This here wedding planning thang is a thriving business and without the guidance of someone who can navigate that world, it is so easy to get swept up in a litany of unnecessary details.

2.     Tradition is great but personalization is king.

One of the things that I am most proud of is the way in which Mr. DrummerBoy and I have managed to add our own personal touches to various aspects of our wedding day. From the invitations to the bridal party to our guest seating, our day will be a complete reflection of us and our relationship — this makes me smile.

3.     Stay focused on the “end game”.

All of the planning in the world should not take away from why you are planning in the first place. During the stress of wedding planning it is easy to get caught up in petty arguments, bridal party drama or family expectations. It’s important for you and your fiancé to remember that the day is ultimately about you. Anticipating our post-wedding life as husband and wife is beyond exciting and never felt more real than when we applied for our marriage license.

No Turning Back: Nae & Mr. DrummerBoy Make it Official!

It’s official! I am looking forward to the next chapter in our life and growing together as we face all of the lessons and blessings that await us!

Thank you Bridgette and Triple B readers for all of your encouragement and allowing me to share this journey with you!

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Don't Let This Happen to You!

Don’t you hate attending an outdoor affair like a wedding — dressed to the nines in your Sunday Best — and your heels sink into the grass, dirt, etc. It absolutely sucks! Plus, it can ruin your shoes. Until recently, the only real way around this was wearing wedges. But, check this out!

I found two resources that make this phenomenon a thing of the past. Solemates and Starlettos. Both companies produce little doo-hickeys that easily attach to your heels and prevent that awful sinking feeling. Solemates are available in four colors and sell for $9.95. Starlettos are available in four different hues as well and sell for $14.99 for a set of three. Not only are these both practical for brides, they can also be used by bridesmaids or wedding guests. Planning beach or backyard nuptials? Consider placing these in a chic basket and gifting them to your female guests as they enter your ceremony.

Have you ever used either of these or a similar product? What was your experience like? Would you or your bridal party planning to purchase these for your big day?

Click here for insider tips on booking a videographer for your own wedding day.

***Did you or someone you know recently tie the knot? Complete this brief form and the wedding might be featured in an upcoming Black Bridal Bliss feature!***

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.

The Gang is All Here!

The beloved sequel to The Best Man is scheduled to hit theaters this Thanksgiving and Triple B is pretty darn pumped! After viewing this trailer you will be, too!

Believable storylines. Morris Chestnut. Gorgeous, intelligent, thought-provoking characters with layers. Did I mention Morris Chestnut? Let the countdown begin…

Are you planning to see The Best Man Holiday?

Soliloquy Bridal Boutique owner, Miriam Liggett and Triple B founder Bridgette Bartlett

As many of you know, Triple B recently traveled to the Washington, D.C. area to collaborate with Soliloquy Bridal Couture for an awesome Kevan Hall Trunk Show and a special wedding planning presentation by moi. The presentation covered Five Ways to Personalize Your Wedding (Without Breaking the Bank). The event was jam-packed with fun stuff — including tasty refreshments and champagne (!) and gift bag raffles. The gift bag content sponsors were celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan who contributed her new MINX designs, CC Blaq Candles and Karen’s Body Beautiful. Check out the pics!

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A heartfelt thanks to all those who attended and those who were there in spirit! Stay tuned for news on future Triple B events!

[All images by G.A.R.]

Ta-Da: Follow Mabel's Lash to Lens Journey!

I was glad Black Bridal Bliss sent me to do a beauty story on bridal makeup done by Charlene Armstrong of Lash To Lens Photography and Makeup Bar. I keep my makeup simple. I like to look natural but I still feel put together. I know I’m not the only one, right? Did I mention I also had my lashes done for the first time! Read below for details on my experience.

2:00 p.m. – I arrive [nervous] to the Lash To Lens studio with my best friend. It’s a cute, small and chic space with bridal photos across the walls and photo albums on display. I was greeted by Kesha Lambert, who is the LTL lead photographer and part owner of the studio. After looking at a variety of photo albums I knew I was at the right place.

2:50 p.m. – After talking with Charlene, I felt relaxed and comfortable. I told her that she could do whatever she wants but I still wanted to look like myself. She immediately understood. Before the make-up process began, Kesha took a photo of me. It wasn’t my favorite part because I had no make-up on.

MABEL BEFORE LASHES

3:00 p.m. – Time to get started! Charlene began with my brows using an eyebrow pencil. “Eyebrows frame your face,” she explained. When she finished my eyebrows I immediately saw a difference and they looked amazing.

3:30 p.m. – Charlene took her time applying my makeup and throughout the session I asked her questions. Charlene shared that she always does consultations with brides before the wedding to discuss their gown and other personal preferences.

3:45 p.m. – Make-up is almost done, I have foundation on, lip gloss, eye shadow, eyebrows filled-in and now it’s time for the lashes! I always wear mascara but having the lashes on was totally new for me. [I've been scared by those women I see on the subway with exaggerated false lashes that look like Snuffleupagus!] Charlene swiped glue on the top of the lashes and then placed it on my lashes and pressed down on it for a few seconds. Charlene used strip lashes on me and explained that they are most common for brides because of their fast application time. However, individual lashes are a great option for those who have the budget and time.

3:50 p.m. – Once the lashes were on, my eyes looked huge. Having lashes changes your entire look. They were full and fit my eye shape. The best part is that the lashes don’t look fake or cheap. It looks ten times better than just applying mascara and was quick and easy to do. The lashes were natural, I looked like myself and felt beautiful.

4:00 p.m. – Photo shoot time! I go next door to the photography studio for Kesha to take my pictures. I definitely feel like a bride once I put on the strapless wedding dress. Check me out!

MABEL AFTER LASHES

See more work from Lash to Lens on their Facebook page. Get expert makeup tips for your big day here! Searching for ways to extend the life of your makeup through the reception? Read this!

Are you planning to get false lashes for your wedding day?

[All images by Kesha Lambert.]

Despite all of the many options for registering, Mr. DrummerBoy and I made the decision to not have a wedding registry. This decision is based on a few things:

• We already have most of the household items that we need and can afford to store at this time.

• Although the idea of creating a wishlist of endless gifts sounded exciting at first, when we sat down to do it we felt more obnoxious.

• We like the idea of our family and friends gifting us with whatever they choose.

We hope this decision does not offend our guests but we feel it is the best decision for us, after all it is their presence on our special day that is the gift that matters most.

Bridgette’s Note: Please revisit this post from newlyweds dishing on the wedding gifts they use and appreciate most. Their responses might surprise you!

What are your thoughts about wedding registries? Would our decision annoy you as a guest?