Planning: Dress for the Occasion

It's very important that you dress wedding appropriate even if you are "just" the guest. Why? Because you are going to a wedding, not the corner store to buy some sugar and not the club to drop it like it's hot.  If it were your wedding wouldn't you want your guests to dress as if they are looking forward to the nuptials and they too put themselves together flawlessly. WELL then the same goes for you. 

Some things to think about:

• If your dress is shorter than your fingernails then it is too short for the wedding.
• If the bride and groom are party animals then chances are the wedding will be all about the music. So if you like to cut a mean rug, make sure your dress can move with your groove. Nothing worse than hearing great music and watching everyone hit the dance floor and you are stuck in your seat because your dress is stiff, tight but cute.
• If you are invited to a day time wedding, it's probably best that you skip the sequins long flowing gown with the matching tiara.
• If you are close to the bride and you know the wedding colors are purple and peach, then maybe you should save those colors for the bridesmaids. Don't assume that means you have to go out and buy a dress that is the color of the wedding. This may be an old school belief  (I still have some of those) but I still think it is one I intend to hold on to for another year or three. Unless the couple insists that you wear one of their wedding colors...just skip it.
• It is totally okay to put on a cute summer dress. Just not if the wedding invite says "Formal". Summer dresses are cute for informal daytime outdoor country side weddings.
• A red dress is no longer reserved for the harlot that is having an affair with the groom (well maybe in certain parts of the country) but if you do wear red wear it tastefully.
• By all means, say YES to the little black dress.
• If you have a dress in your closet that you have worn to a wedding once in the past, use it again and just mix it up. Add newer jewelry, a scarf, a bold belt and/or a shoe the complete opposite color of the dress to make it new again. 
• Pants are okay. If it is a dressy chic pant suit that fits the occasion. 
• Black tie formal means...Black Tie Formal. DRESS UP!
• How about we avoid the wardrobe malfunction and cover those "girls" up. I'm not saying you wear a turtleneck. What I am saying is keep it tasteful and the cleavage to a minimum.

Courtesy of Macy's & Lord and Taylor

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you are putting your best YOU forward. The bride and groom have carefully selected you to attend this very important time in their lives.  Make sure you dress the part.

Thanks to @TOG, a Fan on JunePlumm Events Page for asking this quetion. We hope we have helped you make your dress shopping decisions easier.

If you have a question for JunePlumm Events, post it on our Facebook Fan Page HERE.

Down De Isle: A View From Up Top

I had the pleasure of visiting home (Jamaica, WI) for a last minute trip a week ago. Mostly for some family fun and visits but I did sneak a little business in there. A quick venue tour was on the agenda. I took tons of pictures that I am still trying to sort through but for now I will leave you with these two:

Views of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica,  all around. 

It was a rainy day but you can still see the capital.

That's me standing in one of the pools. YES I said standing IN...the pool.

Thanks very much to  Jhennel @ Strawberry Hill for giving me a stellar tour and being so hospitable.

Parties: Love On The Mainline

Have you voted for Munaluchi's HOTTEST COUPLE of 2012?

My clients "Team Tadjerie" aka Valerie & Tadj have been selected as one of 20 finalists in Munaluchi's Hottest couple contest. As they should,  they are super duper hot... I mean fire hot, and I'm not just saying that because I have been working with them for almost a year now planning their wedding. I mean they live, sleep, eat and breathe the love they have for each other and it inspires me everyday to know that THIS kind of REAL Love is still exists. It's wonderfult o be in their presence and I can't wait to witness them exchange vows this July.

But don't just take my word for it, read their submission and see for yourself (WARNING: be prepared for some serious sappiness...a tissue handy would be wise):


"With today's modern technology, Facebook not even love is left to chance. Tadj and I had a mutual friend who felt that we were best suited for each other. Both of us were on facebook and it was our mutual friends’ way of introducing us. As neither of us lived in the same state, what a way to begin and to know each other. I monitored his every comment posted under my update status and he drooled over my uploaded photos. Since this brown sister is a beauty, Tadj wasted no time and dropped a message with phone number and the "call me anytime".......I called him and this call would change my life forever. After much phone calls and facebook conversation, Tadj who lived in Florida decided to move to New York where I live, to be closer to me. On our first official date he came to my home to meet me. He notice where I lived and ask me how did I feel about living in an apartment under a train-line, I told him the constant running of the subway symbolizes the vibrancy of New York, it is always moving and never stopping except to pick up passengers - a bit like life- and riding the train a person has many destinations to choose from. He smile and held me close, and whispered I hope we can take that train together one day. It was on one of these train rides heading home that he once again whispered, can you ride this train with me forever. My heart sank. I knew what he meant! Now more so than ever I AM READY TO RIDE with my partner for life."

"Loving You is Easy Because...: Tadj is the most resilient person that I know. Seven (7) years ago Tadj got shot and now holds a bullet lodge in his head unable to be surgically removed; he was told he has no more than two (2) years to live. He then and now continues to fight for life five years (5) later. He reminds me how strong he is, how determine he is, how forgiving he is, how inspiring he is and how he holds so much love for life and tons for the people around us, a gentle reminder of why we should cherish in the moment. I admire, adore and respect him for that and for this “loving him is EASY” in the now and forever. Val’s energy is positive, uplifting, and vibrant and her faith is steadfast and never fading. I deeply admire and respect her for her will to infinitely and genuinely extend a loving hand and heart to others - family, friend and even strangers. This coupled with the constant smile on her face, she is always a pleasure to be around 

and even more reason for me to live – she is indeed easy to love."

(courtesy of Munaluchi Bridal Magazine - FB)

See... I told you HOT right! 

So if you agree with me that they are indeed to HOTTEST couple, go ahead and vote:

• Go to Munaluchi's Facebook Page  HERE ( shame on you if you aren't already a fan...they are a fantastic bridal magazine for the bride that craves culture and style) 
• click on the "Hot Couple Contest" button
• make sure you accept the app
• and look for Valerie & Tadj "Love on the Mainline. 
• and click VOTE
• complete these steps ( minus the accepting the hottest couple app) EVERYDAY until May 20th
• and give yourselves a hug from me for helping to bring Team "Love on the Mainline" one step (or one vote) closer to winning the honeymoon of their dreams

Thanks in advance for your vote!

Down De Aisle: Sugar & Spice

I am a Caribbean girl so I may be a bit biased, but who doesn't love a good Caribbean kick to their menu.  And even if you don't want an all Caribbean dish you can make slight touches to your favorite foods to give it a good'ole island kick.   If this is what you are looking for just think Sugar and Spice. What do I mean:

Sugar

Mangoes are a very common staple amongst many of the Caribbean islands. There are so many kinds or mangoes and the fun is trying to taste them all ( good luck with that). They are great as a free standing fruit or as an added touch to your favorite dish. Ways to incorporate Mangoes into your event:

• Salads/Salad dressing
• Mini burgers: yes call it an island burger and add a mango salsa topping
• Ice-Cream/sorbets: Offer an ice-cream/Sorbet bar at the end of the night 
• Beverages: Not just for your soft bar. Have you ever had a mango martini - yummmm. Don't forget to add a small sliver of mango to the glass
• Cake Flavor or Filling

Spice
The islands are all about the rich and potent spices. Take Jamaica for instance, we jerk everything... and you can too. Your spice can vary depending on how tame or potent you want it to be. I for one love spicy food so I can take it like a man but your wedding guests may NOT be so spice friendly. Speak to your caterer or venue director and keep it medium or offer an array or spices so your guest can add what they please. Ways to add spices:

• Any plated meat for your main course: chicken, beef, pork
• Seafood: This is where having individual dipping choices may come in handy. Try grilled shrimp on skewers and have 3 choices of jerk dipping sauce (little spice, medium spice and so help me God)
• Mini Sliders: Jerk burgers are may favorite and it can be a really great addition to your hors d'oeuvres ( or as an extra treat at the end of the night)
• Mini Patties can also be a great addition to your hors d'oeuvres. you can offer chicken, beef or even veggie ( with little spice or  very spicy)

See how easy that is. Add a bit of Sugar and Spice and eeeeeverything will be nice.

 

Photo Credit

Parties: The Brownstone

Let's just cut to the chase...this wedding is beauuuuuutiful...

talk about using your space efficiently. LOVE!

What I love most about this wedding, besides the beauty in everything as seen through the lens of Sobitart Photography,  is that the ceremony and reception was at a Brooklyn Brownstone. How fab is that. I mean really...a beautiful couple in a beautiful space having loads of fun. One of those weddings that makes me say "I wish I was there". Take a look at more of this amazing celebration over at Sobitart Photography's Blog. FANTASTIC photos Chad!

Photos courtesy of Sobitart Photography

Featured Parties: Team MarJay - Simply Chic

Event Date: September 30, 2011

I began working with Marcia and JJ, a Jamaican couple living in Canada in early 2011.  Marcia said to me, "I want a purple and yellow wedding that is simple, chic, fun and has bling and i'm not sure how to make that happen." I told her that is what I am there for and together we will make it happen...and together we did.

It was a pleasure working side by side with Marcia on bringing her vision to life. To be so in sync with your client kinda makes my job too easy (not really but you get the point).  Together we planned the fun, purple and yellow, simply chic affair with an outdoor ceremony and indoor cocktail hour and reception. An evening of reggae music, belly-aching laughter, a flash mob, Jamaican Rum Cake -yumm,  and even a few surprises... like the rain that happen to start minutes before the outdoor ceremony, and a sweet and sour candy bar, topped off this fabulous event that I still smile about today.

Here, see for yourself:

Thanks to the following for making the magic happen for Team MarJay:

Design and Coordination: JunePlumm Events
Asst. Coordinators: Rosanna Lee and Marsha Williams
Photography: Divinemethod Photography (Siva - RAWKS)
Venue: La Primavera Hospitality & Convention Centre
Florals, Linen and Decor: Creations Special Events & Custom Decor
DJ: Adrian of Music Man Entertainment
Cakes: Friend of the Family
MC: Jay Martin
Candy Bar: The Look Catering
Stationary: StudioG Designs/Etsy
Decal: Ten23 Designs
Card Box and Logo: For The Modern Bride
Feathered Hair Piece: Bridal Styles Boutique

Marcia and JJ, I send you lots and LOTS of virtual hugs and smooches. It was such an honor to be a part of this important time in your lives and I look forward to your many many Happy Anniversaries.

For More information from this wedding, you can check 

Essence Magazine Online's Bridal Bliss, Divinemethod Photography's Fan Page

and our JunePlumm Events Fan Page