Style and Substance: Weddings, Love and Marriage

Real Life Chocolate B & B Bride-- The Porter - Law Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:18:00 +0000

I'ts that time of year again, when everyone is filled with the real spirit of the Holiday Season. I hope that you are enjoying time with friends & family and celebrating the love that only this time of year really brings out. I'm looking forward to a bigger & better 2012 for YOU & me!

My last post for 2011, includes another Real life Chocolate B & B bride- Mrs. Rashaun Law! This wedding, was in short- Haute Hollywood! Rashaun & her husband Dwight pulled out all the stops for their Hollywood themed, movie-inspired, red carpet affair. They thought of everything, including a photo backdrop that was
inspired by the movie Brown Sugar for the guests to take pictures in front of. Now how cool was that!

I created the broom for her nuptials, and I'm glad we had a chance to work together to add the bling she needed for the jumping the broom ceremony. Hope you love it as much as we do!

Bride & Groom Names: Rashaun & Dwight Law
Ceremony: Unity Church of Christianity
Reception: Las Velas, Houston, TX
Date: May 29, 2011
Describe Your Wedding Style: Hollywood
My favorite moment:
There were so many moments that I loved on our wedding day, however if I had to choose, it would be our time alone right after we were pronounced husband and wife. My coordinator rushed us into a room ...it was very surreal for the both of us...no crowd, no cameras, no hand shakes, just taking it all in for the first moment alone as husband and wife, TIME STOPPED. I will forever remember that moment.
Wedding advice to Brides to Be:
My advice would be to not stress the small stuff. We all want a perfect day, however there will be some mishaps along the way. Perfection is when you are united with the man of your dreams..
Best part of being married:
The best part of being married is knowing that you are now one with your lover, your best friend and confidant.

Real Life Bride with Flavor- The Cook Family

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Today's featured couple, The Cook Family was so fun to work with with! I worked with them almost two years in advance - and when their fantabulous wedding day came - it was ALL about the love!

Bride & Groom Names: Marsha McGahee & Renauldt Cooks

Location & Date of wedding: Michelle's Ballroom / Chicago, IL.

Describe Your Wedding Style: Expressions of a Fall Love Affair ( yes ! I told you they had it together)

My favorite moment: Hearing Renauldts cousin and my church member pray their hearts out before our wedding began. It reminded me that God is and always will be the center of our marriage

Wedding advice to Brides to Be: Don't be afraid of internet shopping. I saved thousands by choosing some great accersories on the worldwide web and didn"t loose any quality of style by doing so!!

Best part of being Married: Living one day at a time with a person who I know loves me unconditionally and me likewise. I look forward to what our future holds!!

Check out an entire album devoted to the Cooks on my facebook page here http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.397186856823.176247.113884361823&type=1

Work your sexy this weekend !

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:24:00 +0000

5 great ways to work your sexy this weekend for Sweetest Day

1) Make a Sweet Breakfast or Lunch - Instead of being extra cautious about your loves health, weight & diet, create a breakfast from the heart ala comfort foods- pancakes, eggs, biscuits & bacon or chicken wings, fries & beer---have their favorite eats prepared. Hopefully you can make them yourself , but if not- be sure to go to their favorite eateries and pick up his favorite dishes. Don't worry the calories will be burned up by the end of the night :-)

2)Pamper - Why not book a massage appt for your mate? or maybe even a couples massage. It's a great way to relax together and enjoy each other in a calm environment. If this is too expensive, you can always administer one at home- a nice massage or foot rub will be appreciated.

3)Shake it fast- the art of the strip tease, lap dance and all around erotic dancing is nothing new- people have being seducing others with their dance skills for thousands of years. If you have trouble getting in the mood, make a CD with all your ahem "stripper hits" on them - you know the ones I'm talking about- the ones you dnace to in the mirror, when you think you got it going on. This time, turns the lights down low and let your partner watch. This will get the nite started.

4)Show your curves- Everyone has that outfit that makes your man or woman say -- daymmmmm!! Make sure you wear it this weekend. Later on in the day do a quick change and surprise them with a new dress, suit or whatever garment you know they will love.

5)Human Candy Bar--
Give them a surprise with a sexy gift of yourself. Select their favorite type of chocolate whether dark, milk or white. Melt and cool until it's spreadable but will not burn your skin. Pour the chocolate over specific parts of your lovers body or cover yourself. Don't forget to lay towels down or everything will be all sticky !

The key is to keep it sexy ALL day no matter what!
Happy sweetest day lovers!

Real Life Bride with Flavor: Meet the Brown-Synder Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:02:00 +0000

Todays featured couple Meegan & Johnny, are again another example of the great tool that ETSY.com can be for wedding vendors & couples who want something unique for their nuptials. Meegan contacted me about flowers that would reflect her wedding style- nothing fussy, relaxed but sophisticated. So with that I created the bridal flowers for the bride & groom ( including the brides hair flower), along with the wedding party & parents. I think she pulled it off well --Here's how you can too!

Bride & Groom Names: Meegan Brown & Johnny Snyder

Location & date of wedding: Newtown PA. May 1st 2010

Describe your WedStyle : Casual, relaxed and very low key!

My favorite moment: Oh which one... Getting out of the car and seeing my hubby to be waiting for me…the kiss.. our first dance.. too many!!!

Wedding advice to brides: Take in all the advice given but only you can choose which you want to take and which you do not care for! Its your day!! (and his) Don't be afraid to say no!!

Best part of being Married: Again so many!!! Being a Mrs., knowing I have the rest of my life with my husband, always having my best friend to talk to, Just hearing him call me wife :)

The Secret is You Gotta Coordinate – or maybe not!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:25:00 +0000

In the HILARIOUS movie Boomerang, Pops made a point to teach his sons friend , who was also a notorious ladies man, how to stay up on his fashion game. The key was to “coordinate” aka keep everything matching . He was serious about his fashion sense, the mushroom printed shirt, matched the mushroom belt – that also matched the mushroom printed lining in the suit jacket! Now that’s stylin’ lol. Keep in mind, Pops is old school – And in those days , the more you matched the more “put together” you looked. But in these modern times, where the rules for fashion & weddings are being broken on a worldwide scale – things have changed rapidly. Brides have said goodbye to the extra matching, cloned bridal party dresses and welcomed things that truly coordinate- meaning they fit the same style, color or overall feel of the wedding! Here's how you can get in on the ever-evolving trend!

Bridesmaids Dresses Ideas

Same Dress, Different Shades

Same Color, Different Styles

Different Dresses, Various Shades of Wedding Colors

Same Style, Dresses Done Differently

Suspenders, Socks, Hats, Shoelaces & Neckties also unify the Groom and Groomsmens look.

Add in Non Matching Accessories too --

Black Lace Hose

Vintage Hats

And the easiest way to do is in the shoes!

Wedding Vendors Grant a Wedding Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:28:00 +0000

This post comes courtesy of the fabulous Cassandra Bromfield-- Thanks hun!

Wish Upon A Wedding is a nationwide 501(c) (3) organization, they celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of couples in love during their most challenging times. Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding will have 30 chapters spanning across the United States by the end of 2012.

Most weddings are challenging but when you add difficult health diagnosis, you look at life, love, and a perfect wedding differently. Wish Upon a Wedding makes dreams come true and you can help too:

Wish Granter
Board Member
Host a Fund Raising Party
Bid a Wish.

Bid a Wish, is where you can bid on items for your wedding and make donation at the same time. It will be the best gift you will give and receive at the same time.

Read more about the Wishes Granted or Apply for a Wish.

Wish Upon a Wedding.org

Natural Hair Brides—Rock your crowns !!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:57:00 +0000

This post is all about the natural hair ladies, who want to highlight your crowns on the wedding day- but you don't have a clue of where to start! Merely 5 yrs ago, when I was rocking my locs, it seemed the only visual references I had for hairstyles was the hair care pioneers Khamit Kinks in New York. (Thank God!) I chose a crisscross updo that was fierce & complemented my shoulder length locs --see the second pic in the bunch. Since then, the natural hair care industry has exploded in its availability & creativity-- blogs, websites & magazines are poping up everywhere-- and more & more natural hair fashionistas are rocking their hair loud & proud as they say I Do! Here's a few examples I found to be hot to def!

Photo credits & websites for more info: www.afrobella.com,www.khamitkinks.com,http://thankgodimnatural.wordpress.com,http://niaonline.org/bride,http://www.naturalchica.com/,http://naturalhairbrides.tumblr.com/

Customer Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:25:00 +0000

It's been a while since I shared a few pictures of my beautiful clients, so here's a couple pics from the real life brides to be album!

Love music...

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0000

You cant deny Johnny G. still got it! CENTRIC HITS// Johnny Gill "In The Mood" from Centric TV on Vimeo.

CENTRIC HITS// Johnny Gill "In The Mood" from Centric TV on Vimeo.

Yes it's possible to love this man more!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Today I am on vacation, in a caribbean paradise celebrating 4 years of marriage with the man I call my husband & best friend, Mr B.!! 4 years down, forever to go! :-) Whomever says you can't experience Gods grace & goodness through others-- has never truly loved someone.

I can honestly say my life has blossomed into something more than beautiful, since the day we met and it keeps on getting better baby. I thank God for the "greatest of these things--- LOVE" because I get to share it with you, every day of my life!

Forever Love- Mrs B.

Daily Thoughts on Dating & Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:46:00 +0000

I have a quasi- theory that men tend to excercise their dating options more often & throughly than women overall? Do you agree?

Also, here's a random poll for my married guys ---How did you know she was the one?

Real Life Bride with Flavor : Meet The Beran- Steach Family

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:49:00 +0000

What I love most about my business, is that sometimes I meet brides who can & do think outside of the white dress! lol. Ms. Angela was the type of client I love working with --she basically gave me creative license to create something beautiful for her wedding. She found me on Etsy.com, and orginally wanted the ivory & white bouquet I have listed. But after I saw her custom-made dress by the popular indie wedding dress designer Wai Ching, I knew I had to step up her bouquet a notch. I mean seriously! So we chatted a little, and we came up with the idea of using handpainted calla lilies in her bouquet! I ended up painting each calla lily to match the bottom hem of her dress, so her bouquet & Joes boutineere would have a pop of color. The bridemaids had simple, but elegant callas with two rosebuds. Note the convertible dress that her bridesmaids can wear in multiple ways -for use after the wedding! LOVE IT! All in all, I created the flowers for the bride & groom, the entire wedding party & the parents- it was loads of fun! Here's a few pics from Angela & Joes wedding -hope you enjoy!

Bride & Groom Names:
Joseph Beran & Angela Steach

Location & date of wedding:
Omni Austin Hotel-Downtown
Austin, Texas
Saturday, October 16, 2010

Describe your WedStyle :
Simple, but classy. A blend of vintage and modern vibes.

My favorite moment:
Saying hi and talking with everyone during the cocktail hour and during the reception. But I really liked our first dance, cause it felt like the only private moment with Joe to say silly jokes until that night after all the activities were over.

Wedding advice to Brides 2 Be:
Breathe, breathe, breathe. Try your hardest to get some rest and sleep. If you don't want to see each other before the bride walks down the aisle, plan out pictures accordingly. Something will go wrong and not according to plan. Try your best to roll with the punches and think on your feet.

Best part of being married:
My best friend and I are officially a family! It doesn't feel much different then before, but it does feel special. Be happy!

4 eyed brides----I see you!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:26:00 +0000

The one thing I worried about the most about besides gaining or losing tons of weight for my dress ---was my spectacles/eyeglasses. It wasn't even an option whether I would rock my glasses --that was like a ABSOLUTE HELL TO THE NAW for me. Not that I hate glasses @ all but after 20+ years of HAVING NO CHOICE of wearing glasses, I exercised my Godgiven right not to go bare-eyed on my wedding day! lol

So I went to my optician and ordered my second pair of contacts( my first was freshman year in highschool - go figure) and went bare-eyed the entire day!
Whew :-) You couldn't tell me I wasn't cute either- I could actually see my own eye makeup! Unfortunately, contacts on a regular basis isn't an option for me because my eyes don't make enough tears to begin with and contacts tend to make it worse. But on that special day, I could see just fine and I was glasses free--- which tickled my fancy!

But to the rest of my four eye friends who are still debating the topic, you CAN still be sexy wearing your glasses on your wedding day, trust me-- Here's proof, no need for Lasik!

For more info on brides with glasses check out the flicker group here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1104327@N20/pool/

Love is in the details...

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:23:00 +0000

There are wedding pictures and then there are wedding MOMENTS captured on film! I mean, when a picture is so wonderful it feels like you are standing right there in enjoying that moment with the couple. That's how this these pictures came out.

For a few years now, I have quietly followed the blog of Atlanta's My True Vision Photography and today I HAD to repost this wedding!! I heart EVERYTHING, I mean every freaking thing this couple had @ their wedding-- no seriously I do ! :-) Kari & Carlton of True Visio -- kudos to you both on a job well done - (Georgia area brides, what are you waiting for?!) Take a look at the wedding I'm drooling over right here!

http://hopeculturelove.blogspot.com/2011/06/lovely-outdoor-atlanta-wedding-at.html

Real Life Brides With Flavor- The Early Family

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:03:00 +0000

Each year, I try to show pics of real life brides & weddings to inspire you on your marriage journey so today marks the start of the 2011 edition of the Real Life Brides With Flavor!

I believe that sometimes a picture can say volumes about a couples love & wedding style and todays highlighted couple truly falls into this category. Say hello to the Early Family!

Their wedding was held in Chicago last year, so they just celebrated their first year of a marriage. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at their ceremony & the thing I loved the most was just the overall feel of the event- a mix of harlem renaissance vintage/elegance with like a urban hang suite/ modern luxe relaxation too it! Trust me sometimes- its hard to pull off a event that is very elegant and yet not uptight - but they nailed it! Hope you all enjoy the pictures & get inspired!

Bride & Groom Names: Aquinas & Corey Early

Location: Date of wedding: Chicago, May 29, 2010

Wedding Style: A modern theme with vintage hues

My favorite moment: Walking slowly down the aisle, looking straight into my husband's eyes and savoring that moment.

Wedding advice to Brides to Be: Do what I did... Walk slowly down the aisle and look into your hubby-2-be's eyes and truly savor that moment, because the rest of the night goes by in the blink of an eye!!!!

Best part of being married: Learning, loving, adapting, celebrating the highs with my best friend, working through the lows with my best friend, coming home to kisses and hugs and having someone there to cuddle next to at night. There's never a dull moment!

FREE Wedding Broom Giveaway in honor of Jumping the Broom Movie!

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:44:00 +0000

I have been MIA from blogging for a while (life is great, but busy) but I humbly return bearing FREE gifts! Lol.

In celebration of the Jumping the Broom movie release tomorrow - I am offering a FREE customized wedding broom to a lucky couple! No catches, here folks! Get your broom designed by me, in your wedding colors and choice of design accents, such as feathers, cowrie shells, flowers etc.

Details below:

HOW TO ENTER in TWO STEPS:

1) Visit our website, take a look around and join our mailing list AND 2) Facebook about the giveaway - be sure to use @ChocolateBroomsandBouquets - so that we know!

3 - For an additional entry, BLOG about the giveaway - be sure to include a direct link to THIS post! Please only entry per person. Winner will be announced a week from today- Good luck !!!

Nicole Richie's wedding dress! Thumbs up or down?

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:20:00 +0000

A bit much or just right? I'm on the fence but leaning more to the side of a bit much- its too reminiscent of a 80s wedding cake topper -lol. The one detail of the dress that I LOVED- was the fact the couples name were actually stitched in the lace on one of her arms. Now that idea, was very clever and beautifully done! I'm happy for her. What do you think?

For more check out more of her wedding pics:
http://www.fabsugar.com.au/See-Pictures-Nicole-Richies-Amazing-Marchesa-Wedding-Dress-12641111

and Beauty is her name...

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:31:00 +0000

I just came across the wedding from one of my favorite blogs : StyleMePretty.com and my mouth literally dropped when I saw this wedding. Not only was the wedding style simply elegant- but the bride was knock dead gorgeous... I mean like Black Barbie
beautiful! lol. Take a look for yourself here:-)

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/12/08/los-angeles-wedding-by-courtney-lindberg/

Forgotten Song on the The Best Man Soundtrack

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:47:00 +0000

A oldie & goodie from Beyonce and Marc Nelson - Can I say first dance?

Cool Accessories for the Menfolk

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:35:00 +0000

Oftentimes, when people talk wedding fashion, the groom attire goes unnoticed. But I just came across something that I think a ultra stylish man would wear on his wedding day. The company Robot & Brucling , offers *get this* leather bow-ties! Yes, these things are as feirce as they sound. Imagine , bow-ties with spikes, brass skulls as decoration, and for the pretty boys: Swarovski crystals!

I Wanna Thank You Heavenly Father...

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:17:00 +0000

Rewind back to 1982, and this song was playing in the clubs non-stop, and ladies were on the floor getting down! Now, I am hoping a bride-to-be will see this post, and keep the tradition of "cutting a rug" going!

Why not use this song during the reception, or maybe even for the first dance with your husband (hint,hint) :-) Enjoy!

And the # 1 Wedding Dress from the Big Screen Goes to...

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:09:00 +0000

the fabulous wedding dresses in Coming to America-The Movie!! Ok, I know its not just one dress featured in the movie - but I couldn't choose! The sexy gold wedding dress with the infinity train (lol) vs. the pretty in pink barbie doll dress were like a fairytale come true, at least for a lil black girl in Chicago. To see two BEAUTIFUL black women having gorgeous royal weddings - in a African inspired way- was indescribable! See what I mean?

So these two dresses are my ALL time favorites of the big screen! Hope you enjoyed my favorites list!

And who could forget Madonna's version of the wedding dress

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:49:00 +0000

Hands- down one of the most iconic wedding dress ever! It started so many trends, and sparked the imagination of many little fashionistas. I can remember begging my mom to let me be Madonna for Halloween. lol.

One sentence best describes it: Why wait for the honeymoon to wear lingerie when you can just wear it at the wedding!

Jamie marries Fancy....

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:28:00 +0000

Favorite Wedding Dress # 3

Unlike Jessie and Angie, Jamie & Fancy weren't instantly attracted to each other, at least fancuy wasn't feeling Jamie. Eventually, after 5 years, they fell in love and got married. Fancy, played by the elegant Garcelle Beauvais wore a dress that I think really fit within the whole 90s era, but its so bad I think anybody with the grace and body can pull this look off. The dress was ultra SEXY, with a very dramatic low cut back and scooped out sides. But I can tell you what made me swoon was the amazing open yarnwork? that is attached to the dress. HOTNESS!

Jessie and Angie say I Do...

noreply@blogger.com (Quiana aka Haute Chocolate aka Mrs. B) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Favorite Wedding Dress # 4) Angies Wedding from All My Children!

When I heard this wedding was actually happening on the big screen, I actually dvr'd the episode and I'm not even a big soap opera fan! I was only 3, when Angie & Jessie first hooked up, but I do remember watching it in my later years. Fans across the globe were dying to see this couple tie the knot after, like 20 years apart! So it was a major event to sit with my family and watch Angie & Jessie get married. And it was an event not soon to be forgotten - Did you check that dress? Yes ma'am it was hot one, being worn by a hot lady (Debbi Morgan is 52 yrs young baby!!) Luke and Laura eat your heart out!