Tracy Damas

(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. EHowthinks 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 Knotrecommends 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.

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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

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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.

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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 asTravelocity 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

(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

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Back in the day, getting married while with child was a fate that a bride-to-be avoided at all costs. In recent years, however, society has become relaxed towards the idea of an expectant woman walking down the aisle towards her betrothed. Sharing the promise of commitment while presenting the new life that is growing inside of you adds a special element to your big day that goes beyond a typical wedding. With this in mind, you can succeed in flaunting that fabulous bridal style with the opulent options that are available for mommy-to-bes. Whether you’re looking for a gown that flatters your growing belly or a dress that conceals your fruitful frame, you’ll be sure to find something that will allow your loved ones to appreciate the wonder of your wedding day while adoring the beauty of pregnancy.

(Image Courtesy of Jessica Iverson Couture)

If you’re in no rush to get married before you start showing and aren’t bashful about your fuller figure, Pregnant Bride suggests that you look into shopping for a maternity gown. Hardly the monstrous muumuus of yesteryear, there are scores of sensational styles to choose from. What’s better, you can also shop online for beautiful bridal gowns from such wedding boutique websites such as Jessica Iverson Couture without having to sacrifice the luxury that a designer gown would bring. However, it is strongly suggested that you acquire a tailor that will be able to make last-minute alterations without spending a great deal of time or fuss, should you become bigger over time.

(Image Courtesy of Million Looks)

Then again, if you prefer to tie the knot before you start to show, we at Yazzie & Co. highly suggest that you collaborate with a masterful wedding dress maker or sharp bridal designer that will be able to skillfully conceal your growing belly. Do immediately inform them of your being with child so that they can accommodate you by adjusting your gown while being able to take it in prior to your big day so that it will fit your frame. According to Pregnant Bride, an early-pregnancy bride can’t go wrong with an A-line gown or a baby-doll style dress – both of which you’d be sure to find in Therez Fleetwood’s versatile wedding dress collection.

(Image of Kilasa Mtambalike exchanging wedding rings with his wife Maulid Ahmed Courtesy of East African Tribune)

Worried about choosing the right accessories that will complete your magnificent mommy-to-be bridal style? No need to be, for you can still wear that radiant veil and stunning ring on the big day while being mindful of what you pick. For instance, you should make sure that your veil isn’t so long that you run the risk of tripping over it. In addition, you want to make sure that your chosen wedding ring will fit you on your wedding day. Pregnant Bride recommends that you have your real ring fitted before you are further along while using a mock ring for the ceremony or snagging a trinket that will fit your already-swollen finger on that day and alter it post-pregnancy. As for your hot honeymoon night? You’ll surely be able to find your share of sultry lingerie to fit your frame that will knock your new hubby’s socks off. With lovely maternity unmentionables from chic websites such as Bellabumbum to pick from, you’ll finish off your wedding day with a fabulous flourish!

Sincerely,

The Yazzie Blogger

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Hey, ladies! We at Yazzie & Co. hope that you’ve enjoyed our feature on our brand new HBCU t-shirts thus far. However, if you have yet to check it out, well, allow us to introduce you to our stylish bridal baseball tees. Whether you’re shopping for a marvelous maid-of-honor, a beautiful bridesmaid, or a magnificent matron-of-honor, our tees will flatter every kind of fashionable girl. More than just trendy pieces, our collection is steeped in the impressive history and remarkable tradition of our people.

Searching for a way to gift the bride without breaking the bank? Perhaps, you’re looking for that special present that captures the very essence of the girl that’s about to jump the broom. If either is the case, you’re definitely in luck with our t-shirt of the week – our chic Bethune bridal tee. Not only does it bring its righteous origins to mind with its ravishing red, beautiful blue, and wonderful white colors, it represents the righteous sista to the fullest. If the new bride or bride-to-be is the kind of woman who is all about giving back while looking sharp, then our bridal t-shirt is the perfect way to sum this up at a bargain price. What’s more, its preshrunk 100% cotton material guarantees a great fit for every frame while feeling super-soft to the touch. One-part spunk with one-part style with a whole lot of school spirit, your girl will definitely be the toast of the town in this terrific tee.

In turn, we at Yazzie & Co. would love to hear your feedback on our lovely HBCU bridal tees. We want to know if they truly represent you as the sassy, sophisticated, and soulful women that you are. You can either e-mail us at yazzieblogger@yazzieco.com or drop us a line on our MySpace page.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

(Image Courtesy of Yazzie & Co.)

Hey, ladies! It’s a new month in a new season and Yazzie & Co.wants to kick it off with a new bridal t-shirt line and a new blog. With the astounding success of our Uptown Bridal collection, we wanted to expand with a line of tees that celebrated the pride of black college life. Thus, we have created our HBCU bridal t-shirt collection with our sassy, sophisticated, and soulful sistas in mind. After all, we think it fair to pay homage to one of the places that shaped you into the woman that you are today: your historically black college and university.

That being said, we’d like to introduce you to our terrific The Abby t-shirt. Designed in a pretty powder blue and white combination, this baseball tee evokes the taste that is befitting of the spectacular sista. Its ¾ length sleeves and soft preshrunk cotton make for a chic and comfy fit. What’s more, it’s accessible to every kind of sophisticated lady – from the breathtaking bride to her beautiful bridesmaids. The marvelous matron of honor and the magnificent maid of honor can also share in the school spirit with this sensational tee.

Over the next few weeks, we at Yazzie & Co. are are going to profile our growing collection of HBCU bridal t-shirts in our blog. Not merely any bridal t-shirt company, we’re determined to change the fashion game while staying true to our roots. Thus, we think that our uniting wonderful wedding flair and splendid school pride will change the way that you approach bridal chic. So, stay tuned to our lovely blog for more bridal tees for you to drool over. Your closet will definitely thank you later.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

(Image Courtesy of Bridal Clarity)

Hey, ladies we are back! In the spirit of Earth Day this week, we atYazzie & Co. thought thought it’d be appropriate to show you how to have that glamorous wedding while protecting our earth. You will not have to sacrifice your sensational style to be conscious about the environment. If you’re still not sure where to start, read on for a few fabulous tips on going green the bridal way!

(Image Courtesy of The Daily Green)

The first order on the list of planning your wedding is choosing eco-friendly invitations. As tempting as it is to have them printed out on the fanciest material, we suggest that you choose your paper with care. Instead of using cotton fiber, Catalogs.com suggests that you use hemp paper or recycled paper as an eco-friendly alternative. With specialized paper stores like Green Field Paper and Kate’s Paperieoffering either material, they’re easy to find and are guaranteed to give you the same elegant look as regular paper invitations. Should you decide to take it a step further by going paperless, you can always sent out your wedding invites via e-mail. You’ll be saving time and money while avoiding waste.

(Image Courtesy of Tree Hugging Family)

Next on your list is organizing your bridal flower arrangements, which you can handily accomplish without spending a bundle on mass-produced flowers. Have fun with the wedding planning process by growing the beautiful blossoms of your choice in your own yard. Not only will you be saving money by purchasing seeds from your local florist or the Garden Center at your nearest Home Depot, but you’ll also be replenishing the earth with your lovely flowers. If you decide to gift your bridal party and guests, you can gift them green with eco-conscious presents. According to Catalogs.com, you can present your bridesmaids with fragrant homemade soaps while you give your groomsmen stylish hemp-made wallets. Your guests will certainly appreciate your all-natural take on the wedding favor when you present them with dazzling crystals or sweet-scented potpourri.

(Image Courtesy of About.com)

If you’re concerned about making the eco-conscious choice in your wedding dress, consider borrowing one from your loved one. You’ll not only be saving money, you’ll be carrying on tradition while being eco-conscious. However, if you prefer to purchase a new gown,Catalogs.com suggests that you select one that is made of a non-toxic material like hemp or organic cotton. What’s more, your dress will be more likely to resist mildew and mold – making it easier to preserve it and pass it down to the next beautiful bride. Your groom can buy his attire at a local vintage store, where he’ll find dapper classics from the 1930s and 1940s. And while it may be a difficult to snag your wedding rings at a discount, take heart in the fact that you can find an ethical jeweler to purchase them from. An ethical jeweler will not only work to prevent dangerous mining conditions for their workers, but will ensure that the amount of soil that is being used isn’t excessive to the point where our eco system isn’t endangered. You’ll definitely enjoy your big day a great deal more with the assurance that your sparkling diamond is produced responsibly.

(Image Courtesy of Here Comes The Guide)

Instead of collecting endless appliances and moneyed envelopes, you can request that your guests gift donate to eco charities such asSustainable South Bronx, the Environmental Defense Fund, orGreenproofing under your name. Their money will definitely be spent on making the world a greener place. On your part, you can donate your post-bridal floral arrangements to a retirement home or a hospital. These flowers will enjoy a second life by bringing smiles to another audience. As for capturing those wedding day memories? We at Yazzie & Co. recommend that you skip spending money on developing your wonderful pictures and create a free online album instead. Not only will you skip out on using toxic chemicals, you and your loved ones can check your pics out at any time. After all, it’s easier to be greener on your wedding day!

Wishing You a Happy Earth Week,

The Yazzie Blogger

(Image Courtesy of Bridal Clarity)

Hey, ladies! Ever wanted to celebrate your big day without endangering the environment? With Earth Day being today, we atYazzie & Co. thought it’d be appropriate to show you how to have that glamorous wedding while protecting our earth. You will not have to sacrifice your sensational style to be conscious about the environment. If you’re still not sure where to start, read on for a few fabulous tips on going green the bridal way!

(Image Courtesy of Organic Green and Natural)

Your wedding cuisine is also a great opportunity to apply that environmentally conscious spirit to your dishes. With a variety of deliciously organic, vegetarian, and vegan courses to choose from, you shouldn’t have a problem with satisfying your guests’ tastes. If you are hiring a chef to cater your wedding reception, do make sure that he or she specializes in making savory meals that include pesticide-free beef and free range chicken. What’s more, you can serve your guests with fresh organic wine, thus treating them to a libation that doesn’t include any chemicals or pesticides. As for your wedding cake, forgo artificial sweeteners for fresh fruit filling and maple sugar ingredients for a fresher taste that falls in line with your green wedding theme. The best part? It’s healthy fare that will be enjoyed by all.

(Image Courtesy of Here Comes The Guide)

Instead of collecting endless appliances and moneyed envelopes, you can request that your guests gift donate to eco charities such as Sustainable South Bronx, the Environmental Defense Fund, or Greenproofing under your name. Their money will definitely be spent on making the world a greener place. On your part, you can donate your post-bridal floral arrangements to a retirement home or a hospital. These flowers will enjoy a second life by bringing smiles to another audience. As for capturing those wedding day memories? We at Yazzie & Co. recommend that you skip spending money on developing your wonderful pictures and create a free online album instead. Not only will you skip out on using toxic chemicals, you and your loved ones can check your pics out at any time. After all, it’s easier to be greener on your wedding day! Stay tuned, for tomorrow wrap up on tips on how to go green on your wedding day!

Until then - Wishing You a Happy Earth Day,

The Yazzie Blogger

(Image Courtesy of Ephraim Ben-Shimon of Corbis)

Hey, ladies. Your wedding day is one of the biggest milestones of your life. That’s why it’s integral that you look your best. While your natural glow of love while certainly shine through, an extra boost to your beauty certainly never hurts. That’s why we at Yazzie & Co.will dish on the best way to look your loveliest with magnificent makeup. After all, you want to make sure that every inch of you are dazzling on camera!

(Image Courtesy of the African American Wedding Hairstyles & Hairdos)

When plotting out your bridal look, the first thing that you need is an image in mind. Whether it’s a beauty icon that you’d like to replicate or your personal style that you’d like to enhance, a little research will go a long way with your wedding style. eHow recommends that you seek inspiration from wedding magazines and websites. If anything, it’ll work out for you whether you decide to do your makeup yourself or have it professionally done.

(Image Courtesy of the African American Wedding Hairstyles & Hairdos)

After you figure out what bridal look you’d like to go for, do ensure that it is sufficient for the time of day that you’re having your wedding. In addition to how you’ll look on camera, you’ll also have to bear in mind just how you’ll look in an indoor or outdoor venue. Once you have your wedding plans set in stone, you’ll be able to go forward in putting your best foot forward.

(Image Courtesy of the African American Wedding Hairstyles & Hairdos)

Finally, you want to make sure that you choose the best kind of makeup for your special day. Keeping the lighting of your venue in mind, you need to carefully shop for your makeup. According toeHow your best bet is to choose lightweight foundation for subtle coverage against the heat while using waterproof mascara to avoid raccoon eyes while crying your happy tears. When working on your face, make sure that the delicate shade of lipcolor that you choose matches the blush coloring in your cheeks. In addition, using bronzer will enhance your features while multi-shaded eyeshadow helps your eyes pop, guaranteeing that you’ll be a radiant bride.

(Image Courtesy of The Knot)

Whether you like to bring out the glam or sweep your groom away with a classic look, we at Yazzie & Co. want you to look your very best on your wedding day. After all, you deserve to be the belle of your bridal ball and what better than to do that than to shine brightly in flawlessly fabulous makeup.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Hey, guys! With Spring just a few days away, we at Yazzie & Co.have decided to dedicate this blog to the one of the best things about the season: fantastic flowers. With a great selection of blooming flowers to choose from, you’ll never be at a loss of what flowers to choose on your big day. No matter if your taste in flowers varies from terrific tulips to gorgeous gerber daisies, there’s surely a spectacular opportunity to have a striking wedding. So, why not run with the idea of having fun by designing your own floral arrangement. This can be a fun project to do while saving a significant amount of money. Not only will you be surrounded by the beauty of flowers, but you’ll be able to say that you had a hand in creating one of the best days of your life!

Though most of the stunning floral arrangements that you do see are done by trained floral designers, you needn’t let that discourage you from taking on this project. If you aren’t sure just where to begin with this, we suggest that you check out various floral, interior design, and bridal magazines for inspiration. According to About.com, a weekend visit to a wedding reception at a five-star hotel will also season your creative juices. Whether you decide to snap photos with your camera phone or clip our pictures from the magazines, you should create a file of floral looks that truly catch your eye. In addition, be sure that you purchase basic supplies such as scissors, ribbons, and floral tape to create your floral arrangements. Do also make sure that your floor is covered in plastic to prevent the bleeding stains of some flowers and ensure that you have an abundance of buckets of water. If you’re all about saving money with your wedding flower design, According to About.com also suggests that you invest in carnations and roses. Not only are they simply stunning, but their beauty belies their low price.

Most importantly, creating your own bridal floral arrangements takes careful planning and constant practice. After deciding what creative vision you have for your bouquets, centerpieces, or other wedding arrangements, you would need to practice at least a few times to work through any early errors that you may make. According toAbout.com, you should also test the amount of time that it takes to do each bouquet or arrangement. Friends and family who are willing to help would definitely benefit you as well. What’s more, Do It Yourself Weddings recommends that the flowers that you eventually decide upon can serve as great wedding decoration and bridal wardrobe scheme. If you aren’t sure where to shop for lovely flowers for your Spring wedding, we at Yazzie & Co. suggest that you check out Cheap Flowers for some pretty great deals. If you prefer to shop for them in person and live in the tri-state area, you can also check out the Flower Market District on West 28th Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan for some beautiful selections at a great deal. After all, you deserve the best wedding that the promise of Spring will bring.

Wishing You a Spectacular Spring Wedding Season,

The Yazzie Blogger