Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

      Photo Source: Pinterest 

Bridesmaids play a very important in your overall wedding experience. From the moment you choose them, to the dress shopping, and discussing wedding details. Countless hours spent on discussing nail color, hair, shoes, and more. Your girls are by your side through all the pre-wedding celebrations, and leading up to the wedding date ( Bridal Showers, Luncheons, and Rehearsal Dinners).  Don't forget to choose them a very special gift, and something from the heart is always best!

Here a few items that you can give members of the bridal party on your special day!

 

 

 

  Photo Source: 

       www.weddingwindow.com

This necklace which includes a adorable little locket is so sweet! You write a message, or favorite quote on the paper. You fold it up completely and place it in the locket. The paper will pop out upon opening. Very heart warming gift for a member of your Bridal Party. 

               Photo Source:

 jamiebeargphotography.com

Beautiful packaging always makes receiving a gift extra special. Be creative, add bright colors that pop, and custom design each decoration especially for each member of your bridal party.

        Photo Source:

 oncewed.com

Personalized wedding hangers for your bridal party dresses are a nice touch. Taking the time to have each of their names embellished on the hanger; really is a wonderful idea!  Makes for a great photo as well, to perhaps hang all the dresses up together! 

The inspiration of the post came from a Bride.to.Be getting  married this Summer. 2014! 

Have a Sweet Day ❤

Clarissa 

Engagement Feature: Love Story of "Louis & Ayanna"

"Meant to Be"

This Atlanta, Georgia based couple Bride.to.Be Ayanna is from Stafford, Virginia. The Groom, Louis was born in Haiti but has lived in Boston, Massachusetts  since he was 8 or 9 years old. Their favorite hobbies include traveling, good food, and movies. They, also go to gym to exercise together.


The couple were brought together by attending the same party.Consequently, they both had mutual friends at this function; however later that night he displayed his generosity.  That indeed won over the lovely bride.to.be over ! You will enjoy reading how these two went from "dating" to a romantic proposal in Cozumel, Mexico!

"Best proposal ever!!!" -Ayanna

 

 

THE COUPLE

 

Ayanna Khalsa & Louis Joseph

HOW THEY MET....

These "two"  met at a Red light/Green light Party just  two days shy of  Valentine’s Day (and Louis’s birthday) back in 2010.  Ayanna  was there with a friend who had forgot her contacts and glasses and somehow got separated.


BOY MEETS GIRL...

 While searching for her friend in the crowd, she wandered upon Louis who was standing by the bar.  He offered to buy her a drink however she declined, informing him that she was looking for her “blind friend”! Perhaps, he thought Ayanna was simply giving him a weird excuse for dismissal, they both went on with their night. 

"She stole my heart the very first time I laid eyes on her." - Louis

MEANT TO BE...

However, at the end of the night it turns out they had mutual friends.  The couple were formally introduced to each other and danced to a few songs. Lastly, later that night Louis offered to walk Ayanna and her friend to the car.


 HIS GENEROSITY...

Later that evening... Unfortunately when they got to the car it would not start. Being the gentleman he is Louis went to fetch his car, and attempted to jump start  Ayanna's car; but without success. Therefore, Louis  took Ayanna's friend back to her apartment complex to retreive the vehicle.  

 Louis came back with Ayanna to wait until the tow truck arrived to drag the car away to the dealership.  Together, they  waited until 3:00am for the tow truck to arrive and he even taxied Ayanna  3-4 towns over to the dealership. After getting Ayanna's  car tucked away they decided to go to IHOP. They talked and laughed over pancakes until the sun came up. 

DATING ... 

Their relationship started during a time Ayanna was studying for a major exam for medical school.  She sometimes would  spend up to 18 hours a day studying. Louis was so thoughtful in that he would bring  meals and flowers to keep her energy and spirits up. Given that Ayanna was so busy with studying and not able to go out; instead of traditional dates they had “work” dates. This showed her early on that he was a keeper!

"We talked and laughed over pancakes until the sun came up. " - Ayanna

" Given that I was so busy with studying and not able to go out instead of traditional dates we had “work” dates. This showed me early on that he was a keeper!" - Ayanna




THE MARRIAGE PROPOSAL ...


Ayanna & Louis took a trip together to Cozumel, Mexico. On, May 28, 2013 the day of the marriage proposal they spent time site seeing and walking around the island; and had just got back from drinking gigantic magaritas at Margaritaville.  The couple came back to the resort and were standing on the deck overlooking the ocean as the sun set and the lights across the water began to sparkle.
  

 

"She inspires me so much" - Louis

" I absolutely love and admire this man. He is the yin to my yang and my rock."
-Ayanna


Out of nowhere Louis dropped to one knee and Ayanna's jaw dropped to the floor. She began giggling hysterically as he professed his love and asked for Ayanna's hand in marriage. She was in absolute shock and continued giggling; until he asked once again if she would marry him. Ayanna said yes, and began hopping up and down in absolute pure elation. Best proposal ever!!!


"She’s my partner in life, companion and best friend. I love her with all my heart and look forward to sharing and spending the rest of my life with her." - Louis

 

" I said yes and began hopping up and down in absolute pure elation"-Ayanna'

 

We both are looking forward to our families coming together and having an awesome time. Our engagement party was a blast so we know that this celebration will be an event to remember for all of our guests! - Ayanna & Louis

 

Love Note from Ayanna...
 
 "I absolutely love and admire this man. He is the yin to my yang and my rock. He is the organized one in our relationship that keeps us on track (and on budget). He works endlessly just to ensure our future is stable. I know I can depend on him through thick and thin, he knows all my flaws and despite them he still tells me he finds me beautiful and professes his love daily. "

Love Note from Louis...

"She stole my heart the very first time I laid eyes on her. She is smart, beautiful and a wonderful woman. She’s always very supportive no matter the times and endlessly expresses her love. She inspires me so much. She brings light to my day, shade when it’s too hot and warmth when it’s too cold. To say the bond we have and share to be special is an understatement. She’ s my partner in life, companion and best friend. I love her with all my heart and look forward to sharing and spending the rest of my life with her."



2015 Wedding Details....
 

Ayanna Khalsa
&
 Louis Joseph

The Founders Inn and Spa

Virginia Beach, Virgina 

Saturday
 July 4, 2015


I cannot wait to hear more about the wedding details!
Well wishes to Ayanna & Louis

Writer: Clarissa Edmondson-Bridges, Wedding Planner
The Sweetest Thing Events

Photo Credits: via Ayanna & Louis

 

 

Have a Sweet Day, 

Clarissa 

 

April Giveaway 2014

  I'm so excited about this month's giveaway it's all about the Bride and her Bridesmaids. 

As a Bride plans her wedding day, she needs the support of her special girls (her bridesmaids)! Bridesmaids play a very important role in a Bride's life.  A bridesmaid can be a sister, best friend, or  close loved one!  A Bridemaid is there to provide love, assistance, and help the bride. To be there for the bride when she needs a shoulder to lean on, or just to talk. Also, beyond the wedding date, the bride can always depend on the bridesmaid to give her sound advice. 

This giveaway, it's all about celebrating the bridal party! We have a few Brides that have entered the GIVEAWAY, in a chance to win, "The Sweetest Box"!  I'm proud to announce this month's sponsor "Sweet Nature Body Scrubs." 

The winner will enjoy a special box that includes gifts from, "Sweet Nature Body Scrubs". This sweet company specializes in all natural body scrubs, bath (tea) soak, and lip gloss, and they just launched a brand new lip gloss duo line (includes new Flavors as well)!

After all every bride wants to be pampered on her very special day!

Why not be pampered by au natural products that will have your skin silky smooth; and your lips soft & moist. 

Contest Rules:  

   Go to Instagram and LIKE/FOLLOW the following pages below. Post a picture of yourself and members of the Bridal party! Be as creative as you like! 

Like & Follow: 

"Sweet Nature Body Scrubs"

Instagram: @sweetnature_scrubs

"The Sweetest Thing Events" 

Instagram: @sweetestthingevents

Hashtag: #sweetestthingevents

HURRY!

DEADLINE ends Saturday, April 5, 2014, 

 Have a Sweet Day, 

Clarissa 

Vendor Feature: Sweet Nature Body Scrubs

This is a Lip Gloss & Lip Scrub Duo! 

I had the pleasure of interviewing the owner Shontae Hinnant, of Sweet Nature Body Scrubs.  She, custom makes some incredible  (From SCRATCH) all natural body and bath products, and  AMAZING lip gloss! Also, Shontae offers massage services, in addition to her products.

I wanted to get the inside scoop on her lip gloss in particular, I have actually tried some of her products and LOVE them all. Everything from her body scrubs, bath (tea) soak, to her lip smacking lip gloss!

Another element I love about her products is the packaging! I'm all about the EYE CANDY, hands-down the packing is just as AWESOME as the product!

          Sweet Nature Body Scrub

 Discover the Sweet Nature Scrubs difference.  Get total spa- luxuries in your own home. With Sweet Nature's skin renewal homemade body scrubs and therapeutic massages. 

          

Clarissa: How were you inspired to make such a wonderful lip gloss? 

Shontae: "I love my lips, and a woman who loves something; keeps it at it's best." 

Clarissa: How did you come up with your company name? 

Shontae: "The name Sweet Nature came from the organic ingredients, as well as me personally... it's my nature LOL!"

Clarissa: Is your lipgloss made from all natural ingredients? 

Shontae:  "Yes, the lip gloss has all natural ingredients." 

Clarissa: What new lipgloss have you launched recently? 

Shontae: Two new duo's; our "Sugar High Collection", Enchanted Apple and Sweet Grape.

Clarissa:  The new "Sweet Grape" lipgloss looks really great! Can you tell us what you love about this new lip gloss! 

Shontae: "The thing I love about "Sweet Grape" is the lasting smoothness, and fresh Grape scent."

Clarissa: How can others stay in contact with you; and learn more about your  wonderful products? 

Sweet Nature Body Scrubs

CEO/Founder: Shontae Hinnant 

Follow on Instagram:

http://instagram.com/sweetnature_scrubs

Follow on Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/sweetnaturebodyscrubs

Photo Source: Sweet Nature Body Scrubs ( Facebook page)

Check out Shontae's love story they were featured for the month of February!

Have a Sweet day,
Clarissa

Wedding Feature: Love Story of " Mr. Brandon & Shontae Hinnant"

               "Summer Time Fine"

Mr. Brandon & Mrs. Shontae Hinnant 

of Georgia; had a fun wedding theme, lots of love, and heartfelt emotions. The Bride bright and fresh aqua blue and coral colors were infused throughout her wedding! 

 Brandon & Shontae's destination wedding took place in "Wilson Rose Garden" located in North Carolina.  The beautiful blushing bride Shontae and her groom Brandon said, "I DO"  surrounded by close friends and family. 

The Engagement

Shontae & Brandon marriage proposal took place on a cool winter day last year; February 2, 2013.  A day celebrating their daughter's birthday; turned into a beautiful proposal! 

The Marriage Proposal

The couple were attending their youngest daughter's second birthday party. It was a fun and eventful day for the two of them! During the party Shontae & Brandon were kidding around doing "old school" poses; in the mist of all the excitement he asked for her hand in marriage!

Pre - Wedding Celebration 

During the engagement the bride held a pre-wedding celebration with 2 close family members.  Shontae had a very intimate bridal Luncheon with my cousin Nyesha Alston and mother Cathy Lucas. They talked, laughed and cried together, enjoyed some delicious food, and and delightful strawberry cake! 

Wedding Theme & Inspiration 

This beautiful couple had a fun and playful summer theme, called "Summer Time Fine"!  The couple chose cool and crisp wedding colors aqua blue, and coral.  

The inspiration for the couple's wedding day developed from their "Summer Time  Fine" theme. The bright and sunny long summer days. 

Something also magical happened about one hour before the wedding ceremony.  It rained briefly, around noon, and then the sun came shining brighter than ever!

Special Moments from the Bride

Bride (Shontae) says, 

"The morning of our wedding day the most special and magical moment for me  wasn't putting on my dress or looking at myself all dressed up; it was hours before that took place. My God father Dia Daniels, pulled up that morning to see me on my big day; only days after being out of the hospital from a complex high risk surgery of the lungs . I was so happy and sad all at the same time. Because it hurt to see him in pain, but the smile on his face made it worth it."

Special Wedding Highlights 

The highlight of Shontae's day was seeing Brandon, grandmother, and Wedding Officiant all standing waiting for her as she made her grand entrance! 

-

Coming soon is part II here more about this beautiful couple, and get great advice from the blushing bride Shontae! She will give tips, inspirations, and more to engaged brides!

Have a Sweet Day! 

Clarissa 

3 Tips on How to include the dog in your wedding.

More couples are including their furry friend on the wedding day.  Dogs are very popular among weddings, this is a growing trend in the wedding industry.  I have 3 tips on how to include your pooch as you say "I DO"!

Photo Source

                 

Confirm Dogs are allowed at the Venue

As soon as you decide to include your dog in your wedding day; contact the venue.  Confirm this at the beginning of your wedding planning. Ask specific questions (Any breeds that are not allowed, any documents  that are required to show on the "Day of") you never want to be un-prepared.  An idea if your furry friend is not allowed include them in your engagement photography. You can implement their photos in the reception! Always, check with the photographer as well to make sure dogs are allowed in the photo shoot.

Hire a Pet Sitter

Hire a professional Pet Sitter someone your doggy is comfortable with, and knows your dog well.

The dog's sitter can assist with getting your dog ready for the ceremony. Feeding, walking, and dressing the dog in that cute little outfit, fancy collar, mini tux/dress, or bow tie!   Also, you want to relax and enjoy your wedding day, and not worry about your favorite furry friend. Another great element about hiring a sitter is him/her can bring your canine to and from the ceremony; and watch the dog during the reception!

Tell your Guests

You want to let your guests know that your pooch will be present at the wedding.  You can include this in your wedding invitation by adding in a insert, or include this on your wedding website.  This prepares your guests, so they know your four-legged buddy will be there.

Do you have any ideas that you would like to include on how to include a pet on the wedding day? Please leave a comment below! Thanks!

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa