(From Michael) We were introduced initially by my sister. My sister hosted dinner to introduce us in 1993. From that time, we became the best of friends. We prayed together, laughed together, and encouraged each other while we were in other relationships.  After those relationships ended, we began to date last year.  In November of 2010, I (Michael) travelled to Georgia and explained to Crystal how I had prayed for a mate and asked the Lord to led me to my best friend. It was Crystal and we were married November 11, 2011.

What was the highlight of your wedding day?

Prior to our ceremony, five couples renewed their vows. This was a special moment for us because not only did they experience our love that day but they reaffirmed/strengthened their love for each other.

 What advice would you give others couples in the planning process?

Make sure to only invite  (to your wedding) individuals you like and/or love.  If you have some additional seating after your RSVP deadline, be sure to invite others via e-mail. Also, take the time to write out the names of individuals you would like to take photos with. Share this with the photographer and wedding coordinator, so they can ensure that those pictures are taken the day of your wedding.

Our Wedding List:

Dress:            http://www.demetriosbride.com/

Accessories: http://www.bridebeautifulinc.com/

Tuxedo:         http://www.menswearhouse.com

Pictures:        http://cainscamera.com/

Here are the rules:

1. On facebook, you must “like” Black Bride and Groom in order to be selected. Order it free for your man!
2. Email us at info@blackbrideandgroom.com with your wedding date, Name and mailing address — Be sure to indicate in the subject - Please enter me in the Gift of Beauty.  That’s it.

While supplies last,  ten lucky grooms will receive a complimentary face scrub (includes shipping) as our gift to you. Please note: We can not ship to PO BOXES.

The Real Shaving Company has been providing professional shaving products to barbers throughout the UK since 1953. This 125ml Daily Face Scrub with deep cleansing action helps unblock pores and removes dead skin cells.

“I’ve been using the Real Shaving Daily Facial Scrub for the past two months and I am so pleased to finally have a product suitable for me. Ideal to use for any skin type, I have found the scrub to be easy to use with proven results. I started using the product as a morning facial scrub after I shaved. It has helped to eliminate razor bumps and dry skin. Now, I am using the scrub at night as well.   It’s a great way to cleanse the skin with a pleasing aroma.  Real Shaving Daily Facial Scrub is a manly man’s product that will not disappoint”.

–Dion Magee, President of Black Bride and Groom & Events & Wedding Lifestyle Expert

Disclaimer: For external use only. If irritation occurs discontinue use. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store above 40°C.

Daily Face Scrub: Aqua (Water) , Kaolin , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond) , Glycerin , Glyceryl Stearate SE , Juglans Regia Shell Powder (Walnut) , Propylene Glycol , Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Cocoa) , Phenoxyethanol , Caprylyl Glycol , Disodium EDTA , Tocopheryl Acetate , Fragrance , Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil , Piper Nigra Seed Extract (Black Pepper) , 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol , Traditional Shave Cream Menthol: Aqua (Water) , Stearic Acid , Glycerin , Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor) , Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive) , Triethanolamine , Cetearyl Alcohol , Phenoxyethanol , Caprylyl Glycol , Limnathes Alba Seed Oil (Meadowfoam) , Potassium Hydroxide , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond) , Menthol , Mentha Piperita Oil (Peppermint) , Saliz Alba Extract (Willow Bark) , Ultra Moisturizing Shave Gel Advanced: Aqua (Water) , Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate , Glycerin , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Fragrance , Triethanolamine , Acrylates , C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera) , Jojoba Esters , Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil (Calendula) , Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower) , Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (Liquorice) , Chondrus Crispus Extract (Carrageenan) , Tocopheryl Acetate , PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate , Cocoate , Sodium Chloride , Glycereth-26 , Hexylene Glycol , Mannitol , Cellulose , PEG-14M , Disodium EDTA , Magnesium Nitrate , Magnesium Chloride , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Phenoxyethanol , Potassium Sorbate , Sodium Benzoate , Citric Acid , Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose , Sodium Sulfite , BHT , Limonene , Cl 77510 , Cl 42090 , Cl 17200 , Daily Soothing Balm: Aqua (Water) , Glycerin , Caprylic , Capric Triglyceride , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Cetyl Alcohol , Glyceryl Stearate SE , Phenoxyethanol , Caprylyl Glycol , Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate , Ceteareth-20 , Stearic Acid , Disodium EDTA , Carbomer , Triethanolamine , Fragrance , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice , Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates , Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract , Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract , Butylene Glycol , Pentylene Glycol , Sodium Lactate , Lactic Acid , Serine , Urea , Sorbitol , Sodium Chloride , Allantoin , Limonene

We originally met in high school. I (Candise)  moved to a new town and we became best friends.  He would chill with me and the girls, help my grandmother and much more.  He was a really cool guy. After graduation we went to separate directions and essentially lost contact.  We reunited eventually and built a different type of love from a pre-existing friendship.

 What was the best highlight of your wedding day?

The best highlight was the 1st dance.  He is not a dancer at all and this 1st dance was the on-going joke because everyone know he cannot dance at all. “All My Life”, by K-CIi & JoJo played as we began to ½ step.  (Keep in mind I’m 5’3 and he is 6’6 so it was truly a funny sight to see). I previous asked the Disc Jockey to play “All My Life” mid-way and cut into the Young Joc song “It’s Going Down” which is known for the “motorcycle dance” –which is the only dance he knows. The entire hall was in tears from laughing.

 What Advice would you give other couples in the planning process?

 I would advise couples to do what they can within their budget.  Shop around, get 3 or 4 quotes on every aspect of the day.  Sign up for contests and attend the bridal shows when possible for ideas and other giveaways.  Most of all don’t let the stress of the  planning process ruin the purpose of it all.

Our List:

Wedding Coordinator: LaSonda of Beautiful Scenery Inc.

Photography: UpscalePhotography

Location: Union Second Baptist Church, River Rouge, MI

North Hollywood, CA         Since 1981, Dinair has become an internationally respected pioneer and leader in airbrush makeup technology and design. Unlike traditional makeup and brands that claim to have airbrush like results, Dinair Airbrush Makeup has been developed and refined as one of the few truly complete airbrush makeup systems. For decades, this special system has been the secret weapon of professional makeup artists in film, television, music, photography and for Hollywood red carpet events. With the help of Dinair’s technological advances, the Dinair Personal/Pro and Studio Beauty Systems are now very simple systems that can be used by consumers for daily and special occasion makeup.  

The Dinair Difference!  Dinair differs from other airbrush makeup systems on the market for many reasons. Emmy award winning makeup artist and founder of Dinair Inc., Dina Ousley explains, “The water resistant makeup sets on contact, is rub-free and lasts over 24 hours without smearing, running, fading or caking. This high definition makeup is applied as a spray, which keeps it a mess-free and touch-free antibacterial makeup application.” Additionally, the Dinair Airbrush provides a special, ultra low air flow that feels similar to an oxygen facial. The coverage is based on the Dinair’ exclusive micro-pointillism and pixel-like discovery, so the coverage looks very natural. It always feels light and airy.

The Dinair Daily Wear Airbrush Makeup system includes more than 100 shades with matte, sheen or shimmer finishes. Colors can be easily mixed together to create custom shades. Users can airbrush their foundation, blush, eye shadow, blush, highlighter and even eyeliner! Oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben free, and silicone-free, Dinair Daily Wear Airbrush makeup is long lasting and rub resistant, promoting all day coverage. There is also a special line of paramedical colors that allow for easy waterproof camouflaging of scars, bruises, port wine stains, rosacea and tattoos. Retail prices for individual colors range from $12-$36.

Dinair Workshops:  Consumers looking to educate themselves with Dinair Airbrush Makeup may register for one of their professional workshop airbrush makeup classes. This two-day training will immerse students into learning proper airbrushing techniques. Students will gain valuable skills which will add a new dimension to their beautification process. They might even open the door to a host of profitable new income opportunities. Graduates will receive an official Dinair Professional Airbrush Makeup Artist Certificate and also qualify to participate in the Dinair Reseller Program.

2012 Dinair Workshop Calendar:

·         January 8-9          North Hollywood, CA

·         January 22-23      Houston, TX

·         February 5-6         North Hollywood, CA

·         February 19-20    Dallas, TX

·         March 4-5              Orlando, FL

·         March 25-26         North Hollywood, CA

·         April 8-9                 North Hollywood, CA

·         May 6-7                 North Hollywood, CA

·         May 20-21             Washington, D.C. 

·         June 25-26           North Hollywood, CA

·         July 8-9                  North Hollywood, CA

·         July 22-23             North Hollywood, CA

Dinair Airbrush Makeup is the true originator of professional airbrush makeup. Dinair has set the standard, perfected the art, created the trends and developed the techniques that shaped the airbrush makeup industry. For over 30 years, they have shared their knowledge and expertise through education and training.

For more information about Dinair Airbrush Makeup or to register for a Dinair Workshop near you, call 800-785-4770 or 818-308-8500. You can also visit them on the web at www.Dinair.com or email them at Help@Dinair.com. Dinair Airbrush Makeup is headquartered at 5315 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91607 USA.

*Buy lingerie for each night of the honeymoon

*Choose themed lingerie

*Try to go for a style that isn’t too complicated

*Buy according to your honeymoon destination

*Buy lingerie in accordance with the time of year

*Buy practical lingerie

*Buy some high cut bikinis, thongs, stockings and bustiers

*Accentuate lingerie with accessories such as jewelry, shoes and candles

*To set the right mood for your Honeymoon, the color of your lingerie is essential!

Most importantly, make sure you have lots of things to choose from so as to keep the excitement level high and your groom guessing. Think about showing off some skin but cover up what you consider undesirable. Highlight your finest physique, conceal your imperfections and make your new husband Purrrrrrrr!! And, since the Honeymoon is the Perfect Excuse to try something adventurous, consider Role Playing and Toys.  Personalize your love life from the very beginning by making it fun and interesting with sexy lingerie.  You will certainly succeed in living happily ever after!

Photos By Manalo Empire Photography & Paul Brecht Photography

We met on an on-line social networking site.  We then moved to chatting via IM several times (although I don’t remember) and then he called and we spoke for six hours on that first conversation.  We met three days later for dinner and we’ve  been together each and every day since.

 What was the best highlight of your wedding day?

Being announced as Mr. and Mrs. DesVignes and dancing into the reception soul-train line style to “Flashlight”!

 What Advice would you give other couples in the planning process?

 Be flexible and USE THE INTERNET to find vendors, don’t go with the traditional vendors and you will find gems and save lots and lots of money.  Most of the elements of our  wedding came from unusual sources, but they all came together beautifully!

 Wedding List:

  Natural Impressions Photography

Scenic views and luxurious accommodations form a unique combination to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience. If you have dreamed of a ceremony overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Palace Resorts provide the perfect setting. Select a white sand beach for your romantic celebration or a beautiful gazebo. Choose from any of the premier packages that include a wide range of amenities and services and start planning for a memorable day. You will soon discover the advantages of our all-inclusive plan with world class facilities and amenities.

Palace Resorts properties are located in some of the most picturesque tropical locations in the world including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Riviera Nayarit and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  The all-inclusive experience offered is everything you’ve dreamed — an idyllic vacation to be…and so much more.

With the $1500 resort credit, Palace Resorts guests’ desires and all vacation fantasies are fulfilled.  On top of the already unmatched all-inclusive luxury amenities and services, these resort credits can be used on room upgrades, spa, beauty salon treatments, golf outings, romantic dinners, upgraded wine list and our Precious Wedding Collection.

Earn resort credit with your stay when you book:

• 12 nights or more, you will receive a $2500 resort credit per room, per stay.
• 9-11 nights, you will receive a $2000 resort credit per room, per stay.
• 5-8 nights, you will receive a $1500 resort credit per room, per stay.
• 4 nights, you will receive a $750 resort credit per room, per stay.
• 3 nights, you will receive a $500 resort credit per room, per stay.

BOOKING WINDOW: THROUGH APRIL 30, 2012 | TRAVEL: THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2012

With This Ring Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Travel Agency is proud to be a Palace Resorts Gold Bridal Pro Travel Agency. We have the knowledge and relationships necessary to make that perfect wedding day and honeymoon stay. Please connect with us on Facebook or www.withthisringevents.vpweb.com.  My name is Brenda Washington-O’Neale and I am a Master Wedding Planner and Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist.  We can be reached at 412-461-6832 or bwoneale1@hotmail.com.

 

 What Advice would you give other couples in the planning process? As a couple, plan carefully.  Prepare and stick to a budget- you do not want to be going into the marriage in debt.  Remember that the wedding is just one special day.  The marriage, however, should be a lifetime partnership in God’s eyes.

Our Wedding List:
Wedding location – Name, City, State – Hudson Hotel, New York, New York
Photographer – Nicolaus Czarnecki, http://www.i2ifoto.com/ 
Wedding planner – Swank Productions and Experience Love, www.swankproductions.com

  

My dress was a miracle, it was a gown by Carmen Marc Valvo found on sale (75% off!) at Bergdorf Goodman’s in NYC. The color was perfect for me, I didn’t want a white dress and I loved the cut and tiered layers. Chris’s clothing and shoes were from Barney’s in Boston, his suit was by Jill Sander.

We really wanted live music for our wedding and found a fantastic band from Boston willing to travel out to Fairport. They played bluegrass and covered a few songs we requested, including a song during the wedding ceremony. Our phenomenal photographer Levi Stolove did an amazing job — capturing our wedding.  His energy and eye for detail come through in his pictures.

 How did you guys meet?

Chris and I met when we were 17. His girlfriend knew my boyfriend and we hung out together one day to watch the movie, A Clockwork Orange. I was immediately stuck by him, he was so beautiful. I’m pretty sure he barely noticed me! We didn’t get together until years later, but I always remembered that first day, he left an impression.

What was the best highlight of your wedding day?

The best part of the wedding day was walking down the aisle, having all of our friends and family together — smiling and crying with us. It was such a thrill to see everyone we love together sharing that moment.

What Advice would you give other couples in the planning process?

I think it’s important to plan your wedding the way you truly want it, not according to what may be standard or traditional, (unless of course, that’s what you want!). Many guests at our wedding remarked that our wedding was so original and creative. We really tried to bring our own personal touches to everything.

Our Wedding List:

Photography – levistoloveweddings.com 

Tent – www.mccarthyevents.com/

Catering – www.fiddleheadconcepts.com/

Cupcakes, cookies – www.onegirlcookies.com/

Lanterns – www.asianideas.com/

Music – www.goldenbandweddingband.com/

Cake topper – http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php?featured_user_id=5062087

Letter press invitations, coasters – www.bigwheelpress.com/

Dress- www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Suit, shoes, etc – www.Barneys.com

Tea lights, platters, napkins – www.ikea.com

 Jewelry – www.lushmetals.com

Hair and makeup – www.scottmillerstyle.com/