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

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

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

Enjoy Your Enchanting Easter Wedding with Elegance

(Image Courtesy of Associated Content)

What’s up, ladies. Easter is around the corner and we at Yazzie & Co. thought it right to dedicate this blog to the idea of having a wedding on the day of resurrection. Not only does this holiday provide you with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Spring weather, but you’ll have a lovely time with creating a lasting memory for all. What’s more, your wedding will be a great chance to keep with the holiday tradition of new beginnings while incorporating the ideas of love, family, and a brand new day.

(Image Courtesy of Silk Flowers 365)

If you’ve decided to have an Easter wedding, well, you’ll be happy to know that it isn’t as impossible a concept as it seems to be on paper. With just a bit of imagination and a lot of heart, your wedding will surely be a special affair. You can kick off your Easter wedding planning by putting together a celebration with a spiritual Spring theme. Your invitations should include religious elements and Springtime flavor such as a combination of crosses and flowers. Pastel colors can also be incorporated in your wedding day look through your bridal headdress, while they’ll work well with the groom’s floral boutonniere selection. Associated Content suggest that the bridal décor that you and your fiancé choose should incorporate pastel colors such as magenta and sky blue, while the best choice of venue would be a church. After all, it provides plenty personality for Easter.

(Image Courtesy of Ariel Skelley of Corbis)

Your Easter bridal reception should include the same spiritual subtlety as your bridal reception. In order to achieve that, we think each table in your chosen venue should include a centerpiece of floating candles with flower petals on the bottom of each votive to accentuate the beauty of the occasion. According to Associated Content, our bridal menu should evoke the spirit of Easter as well with roast ham or glazed lamb as your main dish, while your wedding cake should be made out of delicious buttercream to suggest that Spring feel. Kissing bunnies and pastel-colored frosting will definitely seal the deal for a winning Easter wedding cake. While your adult guests will enjoy personalized Easter bridal favors that include Jordan almonds or chocolate eggs, staging an Easter egg hunt for your youthful guests will definitely guarantee for all to have a great time.

(Image Courtesy of Black Voices Blogs)

In turn, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you’ll be getting the best of both worlds. After all, Easter is a family affair while weddings are the best examples of love and happiness. By having your Easter wedding, you’ll be able to boast it as a bridal event that can be just as fun and full of color as a summer wedding. However, you must remember the most important aspect of this glorious occasion: making sure that it is the happiest day of both of your lives.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Savor Springtime Sweetness with a Wonderful Wedding Cake

(Image Courtesy of Cake Love)

Hello, soon-to-be-brides. In the spirit of the season, we at Yazzie & Co. . want to dish on the most delicious part of a Spring wedding the cake. While fitting into your dream gown is important, you also want to ensure that you relish your big day with by including a tasty confection. Thus, we’ve got some tips to help you choose the perfect cake to reflect this sensational season.

(Image Courtesy of Cake Love)

When shopping for your wedding cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure that you have a projected number of guests in mind. Not only will it help you in choosing the size of your wedding cake, according to The Knot.com, but it will also aid you in pricing it. While a cake is generally priced by size, the price is also determined by complicated designs such as tiers and bridal frosting decorations. You also want to make sure that your cake actually tastes good. Simple concept, yet, many newlyweds-to-be often overlook that integral part when picking a wedding cake. While you’ll be on countless scheduled cake tastings that can prove to be a bit exhausting, knowing that you’re making the right choice based on what your chosen baker can and has done will definitely put your mind at ease. Finally and most importantly, do include your hubby-to-be in the cake choosing process. Not only is this his wedding as well, this will be fun for the both of you. After all, what guy would refuse the chance to devour some decadent chocolate cake?

(Image Courtesy of Cake Love)

That being said, you also want your cake to reflect the new beginnings of Spring. Fresh ingredients such as berries and lemons will surely give your wedding cake a wonderfully refreshing taste. The Knot.com also suggests buttercream frosting as a delicious topping to your wedding cake, for it has the neutral color that complements many Springtime hues such as pastel pink and light blue. In addition, you can add delicate touches such as sugar daisies and candy butterflies to reflect the Spring aura that you’re trying to convey. As a result, your cake will serve as an integral part of your spectacular Spring bridal scene!

(Image Courtesy of Cake Love)

In turn, if you’re still at a loss about where to find that special Springtime cake, we at Yazzie & Co. have a scrumptious suggestion for you: Cake Love. While the bakery has been making delectable baked goods for almost ten years out of their Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia locations, they’ve also taken their business online for their out-of-town customers. As I, the Yazzie Blogger, can attest from having their mouth-watering birthday cupcakes, Cake Love definitely delivers excellent cakes without the fuss. This, at the end of the day, is what picking that perfect wedding cake is about.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Bring Tradition Back With a Borrowed Bridal Gown

(Image Courtesy of Missouri Historical Society via Flickr)

Hi, ladies! Does it seem that the only road to wedding day glamour involves your spending money that you don’t have? Perhaps, you’re having a tough time finding a gown that speaks directly to you. If that’s the case, we at Yazzie & Co. have a great suggestion on how to still maintain that glam look on your big day without spending a down payment’s worth on a dress: borrow your wedding dress from the most important woman in your life. Whether it’d be your marvelous mother, amazing aunt, graceful grandmother, or sensational sister, wearing their dress is a wonderful way to pay homage to your bond and heritage while looking gorgeous.

Whether your choice is your mother’s extravagant gown, an aunt’s elegant dress, or your grandmother’s classic wedding dress, you’ll definitely be making a statement on your wedding day. Not only will you be carrying on the tradition of the extraordinary women in your family, you’ll look gorgeous when walking down the aisle. What’s more, the woman who you’ve chosen to honor on your wedding day will be touched beyond measure. Your need for something borrowed will definitely be fulfilled while tradition will play a major part on your wedding day.

However, it’s important that you make sure that your borrowed bridal gown is within two dress sizes of yours, according to the folks on the Love To Know website. Which seems simple enough, but when considering how body sizes and dress measurements have changed over the years, this may be an issue. This is why we highly suggest that you hire a skilled seamstress that will be able to tailor your beloved borrowed gown to fit your frame. With the two-dress-size leeway, he or she will be able to tuck in or let out the hem or waistline on your dress. Should you decide that you’d like to add a personal touch to it, please have the courtesy to ask the original owner if she would mind? After all, the last thing that you want to do is turn a wedding fashion "Do" into a disrespectful "Don’t".

Though countless bridal magazines and wedding websites will promote the pricey Vera Wang gowns as the ultimate wedding get, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you should have pride in your choice to save big by representing the generations of women in your family. Not only have you successfully avoided the rat race of shopping for your wedding dress in a department store, you’re carrying on a tradition that will be available for your future daughter to assume someday.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger