Jump The Broom With Joyful Style!

(Jumping the Broom by Annie Lee - Image Courtesy of Howerton Wooten Events)

Hey, everybody! We at Yazzie & Co. know that your wedding day is one of the biggest milestones in your life and definitely understand the importance of tradition. This is why it’s the perfect opportunity to incorporate the time-honored act of jumping the broom. More than just a mere catchphrase, it has been regarded as a rite of passage in symbolizing devotion for generations. While jumping the broom had once been considered as a painful reminder of black love and commitment being unrecognized during slavery, the success of Alex Haley’s celebration of African American heritage, Roots, brought it back to prominence. If you’re not quite sure if this is the route that you’d like to take, consider the parts that complete the special broom. The broomstick represents family and its handle symbolizes an Almighty spirit, while the ribbons represent the ties that bind you and your beloved together for eternity. Once you’ve got that in mind, it’ll be easy for you to bring that great tradition to life with your own special touch.

(Image Courtesy of Stuart’s Creations)

If you’ve decided on staging a Jumping the Broom ceremony, you should definitely choose your broom a few weeks in advance. After all, you want to make sure that you have the time to pick that special broom with care. According to Black Bridal Guide, it can feature anything from refined ribbons that hint at your wedding theme to beautiful cowrie shells that are a nod to your culture. Silk and fresh flowers are also welcome decorations that will spruce up your broom. You can purchase one from a local ethnic store or an online black bridal store such as Black Bridal Guide. If you’d prefer to cut costs, a simple household broom will do just fine. Larry James of Weddings by Lance suggests that you decorate it with your bridesmaids on a night before your wedding. Not only will you be personalizing your broom, but you’ll have the chance to bond with your sistas without the craziness that wedding planning brings.

(Image Courtesy of Katrina at the Get Real Photography)

Black Bridal Guide suggests that you make sure that the spiritual leader that you’ve chosen to officiate over your wedding ceremony is willing to include your Jump the Broom moment. Although the tradition is widely accepted in African American culture, there are some that prefer not to act out the rite of passage because of social and/or religious beliefs. If he or she has no qualms about it, then you can go forward and include everyone in attendance to participate in your Jumping the Broom ceremony on your big day by having them tie ribbons with their written initials around the broom branches before the ceremony. That way, your guests will represent the proverbial Village that is watching you take your leap to the next stage in your life. Larry James of Weddings by Lance suggests that you choose a convenient time before the bridal ceremony for them to do so. After you and your beloved hubby share your first kiss as man and wife, your maid of honor or his best man can place the broom in front of the two of you so that you can jump. Once presented as the new Mr. and Mrs., you’ll take that giant step towards your new life together and let the sweeping music carry you away towards great possibilities.

(Image Courtesy of the Pike’s Peak Wedding)

Once the festivities are over, don’t forget to save your wedding broom as a memento of your special day. According to Black Bridal Guide, you can preserve it in a special keepsake box so that it will stand the test of time. It can be passed down to your future children and grandchildren when they decide to tie the knot, thus keeping African American tradition alive. If you’re also looking for a chic way to give props to this special rite of passage, you can purchase our one-of-kind Jumping The Broom/Soul Inspiration bridal tee from our official website. It’ll serve as the perfect example of paying homage to love’s legacy and lifetime devotion – much like your Jumping the Broom ceremony!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Get On Your Good Foot for Your Wedding Day

(Image Courtesy of For Black Weddings)

Hello, everyone! While your first wedding dance symbolizes enchanting love, it can also be terrifying to a bride or groom with two left feet. And as much as you’d rather just skip that part, chances are that your brand new spouse and your guests may feel cheated out of that special moment. Before you start to think that you’re between a rock and a hard place, we at Yazzie & Co. have the perfect solution that’ll get you over that hump – teaching yourself how to dance. Not only will you be able to effortlessly glide over to your new bride or groom, you may just be as good as a Dancing with the Starscontestant.

(Image Courtesy of Here Comes The Guide)

You’re probably thinking that your hectic life leaves little time for you to take lessons in a professional studio. Well, the good part about that is that you can teach yourself from the comfort of your own home. In addition, you’ll spare yourself the self-consciousness that you’ll feel from revealing your lack of skills in a public forum. Now that you’ve made the time and the space, you can implement the four principles of dance – posture, balance, rhythm, and movement. Wedding expert, Mary Pinizzotto, lays it out in this simple equation – breath steadily to control your posture and balance while stepping and moving with grace and poise. This sounds complicated, but it really isn’t once you allow yourself to feel the music. From there, your feet and body will move naturally while you’ll find yourself having fun! As far as what dances you should learn for your big day? Pinizzotto recommends that you stick to the rumba, waltz, or foxtrot as two-step dances that you’ll be able to pick up easily when you apply the four principles to yourself. You can easily take your cues from YouTube tutorials, for there are plenty of professional dancers who provide lessons through these clips. Not only will you get to learn along, but you’ll have an interactive and fun experience in appreciating dance!

(Image Courtesy of Caitlin Rose Foster)

Once you’ve gotten the hang of dance, you can either stick to the familiar steps that you’ve learned or personalize your wedding dance by adding a little something at the end. Not only will an extra twirl or dip be memorable to your bride or groom, it’ll be quite a show for your guests. Just remember to keep your steps in sync as you would with your hearts and your wedding day is guaranteed to be special!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Break Tradition This Valentine’s Day with a Perfect Proposal!

(Image Courtesy of Offbeat Bride)

Hi, ladies. February 14th is less than two weeks and we know that you want to express your heart and soul to the man in your life. If you’re positive in your desire to spend the rest of your life with him, why not take a leap and ask him to be your husband? This special day is the perfect opportunity to flip the script when it comes to making your Valentine’s Day a memorable one. Since the thought of taking the lead can be quite overwhelming for a lot of you, we at Yazzie & Co. have come up with some surefire tips on how to pull this off without a hitch!

(Image Courtesy of Super Stock)

First things first, you need to shop for an engagement ring – for him. After all, it’s only fair for you to do so since you’re doing the asking here. With that said, this will require a lot more subtlety on your end, since men aren’t really into the over-the-top sentiments. The best way to go about this is to find a ring that is tailor-made to fit his personality. If you prefer to go the easier route, Mahalo suggests that you purchase matching rings for him and you to commemorate your bond.

(Image Courtesy of Getty Images)

The next thing that you need to do is make sure that both his and your families are on board with this. Granted, you’re taking an unorthodox step towards matrimony and you need to be aware that they may object to this. More importantly, though, you want to make sure that they support the both of you getting married. After all, you should have all the support that you can get when taking this big step.

(Image Courtesy of National African American Relationships Institute)

Afterwards, you should set the scene for this special moment. As we said earlier, men aren’t usually about receiving grand and sweeping gestures, so you’ll have to tread a little more carefully with this as well. As Mahalo mentions, he’s not likely to be bowled over by a carriage in the park proposal as much as you would be. So, where exactly is the best place to make this happen? We suggest that you keep it simple with an intimate dinner at home. Prepare his favorite foods and a sinful dessert, while setting the lights down low to the tune of soulful music and he won’t be able to resist.

(Image Courtesy of Getty Images)

And there’s the moment – when you take the leap by proposing to him. Since this all about him, curb your desire to write gushy poems about love everlasting and speak your truth. Let him know everything that is in your heart and why you’d love to spend the rest of your life with him. You can even get down on bended knee to pop the question, as Mahalo suggests, for it’s still charming no matter who’s doing the proposing.

(Image Courtesy of Big Stock Photo)

And if he turns you down? Well, he’s turned you down. After all, that’s what love is about – taking risks by putting it and yourself out there. What’s wonderful is the fact that you were fearless enough to flip the script by asking for his hand in marriage. Then again, if he accepts – well, you’ll have one of the happiest and most memorable Valentine’s Day memories of your life. Even better, he’ll love the fact that you were woman enough to go after what you wanted – him. That, ladies, is what we should celebrate on February 14th – the courage to love.

Sincerely,

The Yazzie Blogger

Evoke the Spirit of Charity on This Holiday!

(Image Courtesy of UK Times Online)

Hello, everyone. While we at Yazzie & Co. usually dish on the best ways to be bridal beautiful, we’re going to shift gears this time around. Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti has shed light on the heartbreaking results of such devastation, reminding us just how connected we really are. Regardless of gender, race, or religion, we are one as a people that are capable of feeling both joy and pain. However, we are also able to rally together to help one another in need – something that we’d like to encourage you to do this Martin Luther King Day.

Not quite sure if and what you can do? Well, you should take heart in the overwhelming generosity that has been displayed over the past week. Though everyone had their own problems to contend with, they set them aside to donate whatever they could to assist the distraught people in Haiti. From five dollar donations through cellular phone texts to Yele Haiti to money contributions to Doctors Without Borders, many opened their hearts to those that needed it the most. We believe that Dr. King would want us to carry out his message of love and compassion through charity and hope that you find it in your heart to do so this Monday.

Of course, if you happen to be organizing your wedding registry at this time, this would be the perfect moment to encourage your loved ones to give back. Instead of requesting that toaster oven that you were eyeing, you can ask your guests to donate some money to reputable organizations such as the Red Cross. If money is truly tight, you can provide your perishables to a local food bank or volunteer your time at an outreach center. In any case, the spirit of giving will be what will ultimately bind us together.

Sincerely,

The Yazzie Blogger

Start Your Bridal New Year With Our Resolutions!

(Image Courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess)

Hey, ladies! Are you poised to plan your wedding this year? With the New Year rolling in, this would be the ideal time to fuse your bridal plans with the spirit of resolutions. After all, you’ll have a straight head on your shoulders when it comes to putting everything together for the main event. And if you’re not sure just where to begin, well, we at Yazzie & Co. have some surefire suggestions that’ll help you out with everything!

(Image Courtesy of Magazine Express)

#1 – Don’t expect your wedding to be perfect. Now, don’t misunderstand us, for we definitely want your big day to be magical. But, the minute that you start incorporating ideas from Modern Bride Magazine , it’s a sign that you’re getting ahead of yourself. Since the last thing you need is stress when planning your wedding, you should bear in mind that everything isn’t micro manageable. Resist the urge to be a boorish Bridezilla and you’ll definitely come across as the beautiful bride that you were meant to be.

(Image Courtesy of Essence Magazine's Bridal Bliss Blog)

#2 – Don’t bite off more than you can chew. We know that planning a wedding requires that you put in a lot of time and attention, but that doesn’t mean that you should be forced to shoulder all the responsibilities. You’ve got family, friends, and a darling fiancé, so why not delegate some of the duties to them. After all, both friends and relatives will be psyched to play roles in this life-changing event, while your soon-to-be spouse will be kept in the loop. Even better, you’ll be able to make confident decisions while refraining from overspending on unneeded frivolities.

(Image Courtesy of Coconut Cove)

#3 – Be nice to your fiancé. And by that, we mean to remember that you’ll be marrying and spending the rest of your life with him. Sure, the wedding is a great opportunity for you to be totally fabulous, but there’s a marriage ahead that will be absolutely divine. Set aside some non-bridal planning time for the two of you and you’ll be guaranteed a life together that’s worth far more than a wedding day!

We at Yazzie & Co. want 2010 to be start of something wonderful for every bride and bride-to-be everywhere. Thus, we are continuing our mission to provide sassy advice for the soulful and sophisticated sista. After all, we want you to be your best you this year!

Sincerely,

The Yazzie Blogger

Give Back To the Sistas in Your Life This Season!

(Image Courtesy of Corbis)

Hi, ladies! Normally, we at Yazzie & Co. would dish on latest ways to be a fly and fabulous bride. This time around, we’re going to get in the true spirit of the season by having you give back. That’s right; instead of salivating over the spectacular gifts that you’re going to get this year, why not channel that same energy into treating the sistas in your life? Not only will they appreciate this gesture from your heart, you’ll also feel great about making them smile. If you’re not sure how to go about that, keep reading for some great ideas from yours truly.

(Image Courtesy of Getty Images)

Chances are that you’ve been driving your maid of honor up the wall while planning your wedding. And as great a best friend or sister as she’s been to you, we’re pretty she’d love you even more for showing her how much you appreciate her being there. So, what better way to do that than to give her a lovely jewelry keepsake? We personally think that she’d really appreciate a pretty pair of pearl earrings from Macy's.

(Image Courtesy of the Getty Images)

Perhaps, your Thank You list has extended to every bridesmaid in your party. After all, they’ve weathered the craziness that is planning your wedding, so it’s only fair that they receive lovely tokens of appreciation. You’ll definitely score a home run by gifting them with Yazzie & Co.'s bridal t-shirts. Not to toot our own horn, but they’ll appreciate the sass and the soulfulness that they’ve got to offer!

(Image Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

Then again, you may want to take some time out of your bridal organizing schedule to pay homage to the woman that has raised you from girl to woman this season. While Mom may be proud to see her baby walk down the aisle, we’re certain that she’d adore you even more if you presented her with a gift of love. So, why not go the extra mile by treating her to a mother-daughter spa day at The Back Room? You’ll be able to bond over the exquisite treatments while sharing in your sisterhood.

(Image Courtesy of Beautiful Hairstyles)

With a few great gift ideas on your list, you ought to be ready to hit the scene for some last-minute holiday shopping. Even better, you’ll be able to treat all the ladies in your life who’ve made it this far with you as you prepare to start your new life. You’re blessed with the gift of sisterhood and we encourage you to celebrate that this season.

Wishing you a Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a Wonderful New Year,

The Yazzie Blogger

Shop Smart for the Sensational Bride This Season!

Hello, everyone! If you’re one of the lucky people who have to shop for an upcoming bride this season, fear not. Yazzie & Co. has got the perfect present for the soon-to-be newlywed in your life – our chic bridal t-shirts. Designed with sass and soul, our tees represent the tradition of our culture with the modern sensibilities of today’s sista. If you’re not sure where to begin, scroll on down and let us introduce you to a few of our snazzy numbers that’ll work for every kind of bride.

Let’s say that you’re on the lookout for a t-shirt that’s just as brash as the busy bride in your world. Well, you absolutely can’t go wrong with our Rapture baby tee. It’s cute enough for her to wear as she’s running the town, yet comfy enough for her to chill in when she’s winding down. Even better, she’ll love the Bridezilla icon for being as bold as she is.

Rapture Bridal Tee for $28.50

Perhaps, the soon-to-be bride is a mellow smooth kind of girl who is all about keeping things peaceful. It’s as easy as a Sunday morning to find the perfect tee – our Close Your Eyes tank top. Created in four lovely colors – gentle pink, soothing gray, tranquil lavender, and serene blue – she’ll fall head over heels with the simple t-shirt.

Close Your Eyes Bridal Tank Top for $14.40 (20% off)

Then again, you may be shopping for a bride whose heart is firmly steeped in tradition but aren’t sure how to pay homage to both. Well, this is where our Carrie bridal t-shirt comes in. Long-sleeved and styled in a baseball design, it honors both the longstanding legacy of HBCU pride and the beginning of a new life. Not only will she appreciate the tribute that you’re paying to her, she’ll fall in love with its jazzy style.

The Carrie Baseball Tee for $30.00

You’ve got a few weeks to check out our vast selection of bridal tees, so don’t fret. After all, Yazzie & Co. is here to help make the best choices for your holiday gifts. You can catch us on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, or even drop us an e-mail if you’re seeking more holiday shopping advice from yours truly. So, until next time…

Happy Holidays,

The Yazzie Blogger

Be At Ease in Planning Your Marvelous Military Wedding!

(Image Courtesy of Charmed Events Planning)

Though we at Yazzie & Co. would usually kick off the holiday season by writing about holiday weddings, we wanted to switch gears this time around by honoring our troops. With so many of you all fighting for our country, we thought it right to discuss wedding planning – military style. After all, you brave men and women are in love with love as much as we civilians are, so why not share in that by learning how to pull off a magnificent military wedding? It’s not as daunting as you’d think, so stick around and let us show you how to pull it off with panache!

(Image Courtesy of MB Weddings)

Should you decide to go all out by getting married in a military chapel or military academy, you’d do well to book well in advance. EHow thinks that a year’s time will suffice in ensuring that you don’t get lost in the military marriage shuffle. Do make sure that you thoroughly investigate who you choose as your chaplain, for you don’t want to be stuck with someone who is unlicensed or unqualified to preside over a military wedding. According to EHow, decoration standards are very particular, so you also want to check with the staff to make sure that what you’ve chosen is in line with what they allow. If you’re not sure how to go about decorating your military venue, we suggest featuring the American flag. Not only does it pay homage to your military background, it also serves as a symbol of unity. Even better, you can take things a step further by featuring flowers that reflect the flag – like red and white roses and blue cornflowers. While military chapels don’t charge to rent for weddings, Tracy Guth from The Knot recommends that you donate to its fund out of courtesy. Think of it as giving back to the milieu that made you the person that will stand tall in front of your new spouse.

(Image Courtesy of the Old Glory Ranch)

Your next priority, soldiers, is to address your guests properly. Not quite as easy as seating your soon-to-be in-laws in the front row, one needs to follow proper military protocol when inviting your wedding guests. For instance, while using regular invitations are fine, you should include yours and/or your soon-to-be spouse’s rank and title on them. Also offer your military loved ones and colleagues the option of attending in full dress, EHow suggests. That way, they will be able to pay tribute to your military bond in uniform. You should also be aware of who you invite and where they will be seated, since this also directly reflects on military tradition. According to Gigi Rena Rogers of Favor Ideas, your commander and high-ranking officers should be seated beside your immediate family while your colleagues should be seated directly behind them. Once you work your seating arrangements out, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step – dressing the part.

(Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

If you’re a soon-to-be bride that’s currently serving, you aren’t bound to wear your uniform. However, you can if you choose to do so. Should you be a soon-to-be groom in the military, it is recommended that you dress in traditional military garb for your big day. Since Winter’s around the corner, EHow recommends that you wear a blue uniform with your medal(s) and pristine white gloves. You’ll be dapper enough in your gleaming shoes to do the Arch of Sabers walk with your new bride. The most defining moment of a military wedding ceremony, this consists of you and your new bride walking through an arch of sabers towards your new life together. Whether you’re using swords as a Naval or Coast Guard officer or sabers as an Army officer or a Marine, EHow strongly suggests that check to see that your chosen base location has them available. Also make sure that there are commissioned officers available to hold up those swords or sabers during that moment on your wedding day, for Tracy Guth mentions that they’re the only ones that are authorized to participate in this part of the ceremony. Once the walk has been walked, your former civilian spouse will now officially be a military spouse – another thing that you’ll be proud to hold your head up high about as a member of the military.

Thanking You from the Bottom of Our Hearts for Your Dedicated Service,

The Yazzie Blogger

Express Your Enduring Love with Sincerity!

(Image Courtesy of Melissa Blemur Photographer’s Blog)

Penning your wedding vows can be as difficult as picking out an engagement ring or choosing your wedding dress. This is why Yazzie & Co. felt it right to dedicate this blog to all the soon-to-be marrieds who are stumped on how to speak their heart on paper. After all, the last thing we want is for you to become so overwhelmed that you forget the main focus – to express your love in front of those that are near and dear to you. So, how to pull this off, you ask? Well, keep reading for great tips on creating those timeless vows.

(Image Courtesy of the InMagine)

Say that you and your love have decided to collaborate on your vows. You both should bring your voices into the mix while being able to compromise on what you’d like to include and omit. This is where patience and open-mindedness come in, for the main thing that should be kept in mind is that these vows will reflect your new life together. In addition, About.com suggests that you be mindful of what you’re writing if you both decide to get married in a house of worship. After all, you don’t want the official to decline presiding over your nuptials out of offense.

(Image Courtesy of the Wedding Channel)

Then again, if you’d prefer to surprise your love with words of tenderness on your wedding day, no need to worry about getting it all wrong. All you need to do is remember the little things about him or her that made you fall in love with them, as well as the big things that solidified your love for them. Whether this takes you back to the first time that you ever laid eyes on them or the day that you decided to commit yourself, express these heartfelt feelings by putting pen to paper. If it takes you checking out some great love poems or sincere love letters for extra inspiration, About.com believes that it wouldn’t hurt - just as long as you allow yourself to shine in the finished product.

(Image Courtesy of the Forever - Tim and Becky’s Finger Lake Wedding)

Above all are the heartfelt words that you put to paper when you write your vows, since they represent your innermost thoughts about your spouse-to-be. Streamline them so that they resonate just as well when you recite them aloud on your wedding day. Ask a loved one to listen in and provide you with their feedback so that you can be prepared to share your feelings about your love to the world.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Choose the Loveliest Of Locales for Your Honeymoon!

(Image Courtesy of Leaders We Deserve)

Hello, everyone! Last we met, we dished on planning the honeymoon of your dreams. Now that you’ve figured out how much you’d like to spend on your first vacation together as man and wife, here comes the fun part – deciding on your honeymoon destination. Whether the debate lies in how far you’d like to travel or what climate you’d like to vacation in, there’s always a location for anyone and everyone. So, sit back and let us at Yazzie & Co. give you the lowdown on the best places to honeymoon at.

(Image Courtesy of the Frias Properties of Aspen)

If you want to stick around in the good old USA, you can easily find a variety of locations to spend your honeymoon. We at Yazzie & Co. highly suggest that you look into booking your vacation in Hawaii, which is the number one American location to relax at – according to About.com. The ultimate paradise within the fifty states, it boasts tons of perfect beaches, floral fresh air, and wonderfully warm weather. What’s more, you both will be able to enjoy the local cuisine favorites such as fresh mahi-mahi and homemade kettle chips. Whether you’re staying in Maui or Oahu, you both can rent a car and explore the natural beauty of the island. However, if you’d rather honeymoon in a cooler climate, then we suggest that you vacation in Aspen, Colorado. Long known as America’s skiing capital, there are plenty of things that you both can do to occupy your time. About.com suggests that you take up fun activities such as horseback riding or biking while there. Not only will you get to enjoy the breathtaking mountain view, but you’ll be at one with the clean and crisp air. Whether you decide to stay at a resort of rent a cabin, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

(Image Courtesy of the Giltedge Travel)

Then again, if you’d prefer to leave the States, you’d have more opportunity to visit locales that you wouldn’t generally find in the fifty states. The sky would be the limit for you both, which is why Yazzie & Co. thinks that this would be the perfect time to have that once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas. If both of you are up for a honeymoon of sightseeing perfection, you should definitely visit Italy. Whether you’re in the mood to take in the ancient architecture of Northern Italy in Turin or immerse yourself in the modern glamour of Rome, there’s something for everyone in this lovely country. If you’d like to take a chance by traveling to the other side of the world, why not consider South Africa as a honeymoon destination. You’d be able to go on safari in the game preserves at Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge at the internationally renowned Kroger’s National Park outside of Johannesburg while viewing some of the most beautiful plants and wildlife in the world. However, if you’re more into spending your honeymoon in the fast pace of nightlife and shopping, you both can head over the Cape Town for activities that range from relaxing on the beach to tasting the country’s wines. About.com also recommends checking out the Cape of Good Hope to see both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans clash in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

(Image Courtesy of the Hamilton's Official Website)

Wherever you decide to travel for your honeymoon, you can easily book a package through your local travel agent. If you’re seeking a great deal, your best bet is to book your trip on a website such as Orbitz or Expedia. However you decide to plan this, plan it effectively so that you can guarantee yourselves the most unforgettable and wonderful experiences in your new life together.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Plan a Heavenly Honeymoon that’ll make A Wonderful Memory!

(Image Courtesy of Bahia de Banderas News)

Hi, everyone! We’ve already dished about planning your big day, so it’s only fair that we discuss the next best thing – planning your honeymoon. You deserve a vacation that is just as perfect as your wedding, which is why we at Yazzie & Co. are going to give you a few pointers on how to get it right. Whether you’ve got time to spare or are seriously pressed for time, we’ve got foolproof ways for you to rock at doing both.

(Image Courtesy of the Holidays Please)

Let’s just say that your wedding’s months off and you want your honeymoon to happen without any glitches. Susan Breslow Sardone of About.com suggests that you create a six month timeline to plan things accordingly. A lot less stressful and time-consuming, you’ll also be able to make clear decisions about what you can and can’t afford. You’ll also have time to deliberate your destination choices with a certified travel agent that you trust. Whatever you do during this time, do not forget important documents like your passport and luggage, as well as exchangeable currency and a planned wardrobe.

(Image Courtesy of the Romantic Honeymoon)

If time isn’t on your side, fear not. You can surely swing a last minute wedding by planning your wedding on a great travel website such as Travelocity or Expedia. According to Breslow Sardone, there are great last-minute deals to be found constantly. While you may have to compromise your travel dates, hotel accommodations, or airplane seating, it’s worth a try in snagging a sensational seven-day trip to St. Croix for a fraction of the price!

(Image Courtesy of the Bridal Occasion)

No matter which road you take in planning your honeymoon, the most important thing is making sure that you and your hubby-to-be are on the same page. After all, the last thing you want is to be miserable in a mountainside chalet or for him to be bored at a beachside resort. eHow also recommends that you come to a satisfying agreement in budgeting your trip. Once all is settled, you’ll both be on your way to having the most memorable experiences of your new life together!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Prep Your Skin for That Perfect Wedding Day

(Image Courtesy of EHow)

Hello, ladies. We at Yazzie & Co. know that planning for your upcoming wedding can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we’re dropping a friendly reminder about prepping your skin. If you’re thinking that a good makeup job is all it takes to be a beautiful bride, then we definitely need to drop some skin care knowledge on you. While you’re all about giving good face on the big day, it’s just as important to work on total body skin care. According to Bathtime Suds Report, it’s never too early to start up a skin care regimen to make your skin healthy and complexion luminous for your wedding. After all, with culprits like acne breakouts and dry skin ruining a bride’s look, you ought to get into the groove by becoming your skin’s best friend.

(Image Courtesy of the Discovery Health)

Nina Callaway of About.com suggests that you visit a dermatologist, for this will serve as the perfect opportunity to learn more about your skin. They, in turn, will use their knowledge of your skin to set up a comprehensive skin care program that will cater to your needs. Whether this means combating any skin irritations or schooling you on protecting your skin from the sun, they will provide a step-by-step guide on how to take care of it before and after your wedding day. Keep in mind that you must be honest about your dietary habits and your current skin care regimen so that they can effectively steer you towards having healthy and lovely skin.

(Image Courtesy of the Black Women Beauty Central)

If you can’t afford to see a dermatologist, fret not, for it’s just as easy to create a skin-care regimen on your own. Provided that you’re as dedicated to sticking to it as you are to finding that wonderful wedding dress, you should have no problem getting your skin in tip-top shape. Though harsh cleansers and loofahs are a no-no for any type of skin, you should thoroughly clean your skin every day with a gentle cleanser. According to Tamar Nordenberg of Discovery.com, drugstore brands that cater to your skin type work best – whether it’s moisturizer for dry skin or sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 to protect you from the blistering sun’s rays. Should you need to revive your dull skin, Dr. Susan Taylor of Brownskin.net suggests that you exfoliate to remove the dead skin.

(Image Courtesy of the the Fotolia Community)

As we mentioned before, despite the extra melanin in your skin, exposure to the sun’s rays still presents a threat to our skin. This is why you should make it your business to apply sunscreen twenty minutes before you go outside and do so often while you’re in direct sunlight. After all, you can strike that ideal balance between protecting your skin and getting that natural glow. Norderberg also recommends that you choose your makeup wisely by matching it up to your complexion for a natural look. Pick according to your skin type, whether this means embracing water-based makeup if you’ve got oily skin or getting oil-based makeup for your dry skin. Again, don’t let prices and brand names dictate what you decide to buy, for some of the best makeup can be found at your local CVS drugstore.

(Image Courtesy of UK Wedding Website Designs)

Of course, there are general rules to stick by when cultivating that great complexion for your wedding day. Since your skin is very susceptible to the changes in climate, The Knot suggests that you adjust your regimen to the changing seasons. As long as you lay off the caffeine and processed food while consuming eight to ten glasses of water a day, you should be on track. It also doesn’t hurt to exercise and take daily vitamins to maintain the work that you’ve done thus far, according to Beauty Tips Hub. Most importantly, we at Yazzie & Co. highly recommend that you get a decent eight hours of sleep every night, for you should be refreshed and ready to take on the next chapter of your life – as a blissful bride!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Plan That Breathtaking Bridal Shower on a Perfect Budget

(Image Courtesy of Sweet Berry Lane)

With tough economic times casting a shadow on everything extravagant, it’s quite a challenge to plan a beautiful bridal shower without breaking the budget. However, this doesn’t have to be a dead-end, for you’ve got a great opportunity to use your creativity to create a bridal shower that will knock the bride’s socks off. Not sure where to begin? Read on for some great tips to make your bridal shower an unforgettably marvelous one!

(Image Courtesy of The Box Girls)

EBridalShowers suggests that you recruit friends and family that are familiar with the bride to assist you in planning the shower so that you won’t be overwhelmed with planning duties. Once you’ve got your crew together, you now need to tailor your party to fit the bride’s tastes. According to Carisa Silvesan of Associated Content, everything from the guest list to her favorite colors must be considered when planning the bridal shower. Do also make sure that the date that you’ve chosen for the event doesn’t conflict with the guests or the bride.

(Image Courtesy of Luccino's Delights)

With that said, three months is an ample amount of time for you to have everything ready without a hitch. It’ll give you time to create your own bridal shower invitations using high-end paper from a deluxe paper store such as Kate's Paperie, while snagging your party gift bags from your local dollar store. What’s more, you can stuff these goodie bags with our Yazzie & Co. stylish bridal tees – party favors that both the bride and her guests will surely enjoy! In addition, you can purchase a delicious sheet cake from your local supermarket and have it personalized for the party. That way, you don’t have to slave over a hot oven, nor spend beaucoup bucks for a fancy cake. Tasty hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks are just the thing to spice up this bridal shower without going overboard with the cuisine and the spending.

(Image Courtesy of Pash Weddings)

If you’re worried about spending big on a bridal shower locale, take EBridalShowers up on their suggestion by considering having it at a relative or friend’s beautiful garden or home. If you prefer to not travel back and forth between places, you can always have the bridal shower at your home. Also incorporate the bride’s taste in music and her favorite colors into the event by using your music collection and using decorations that can be found at your local dollar store. According to EBridalShowers, you can pick and choose inexpensive flowers to spruce up your locale so that it’ll be able to glow with that special touch.

(Image Courtesy of Wedding Source)

Above all, you want to make sure that the bride will be able to enjoy herself while allowing yourself to have fun as well. Your intuition and willingness to turn this experience into an adventure is a great way to guarantee that you’ll have a wonderful memory as well. In turn, we at Yazzie & Co. wish you happy planning and the best of fun in putting that beautiful bridal shower together!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger