Surprise Wedding Performance

beyonce bridal video performance A new trend for brides is to do a mini performance at the wedding reception and I LOVE it! I never get tired of seeing videos of the bride and groom or bridal party putting on a mini concert for the guests.

In the video below, the bride surprised her man with a performance of Love on Top and other popular Beyonce songs. The Groom looked so proud! I can't wait to do this at my wedding lol.

Thank you so much Tynesha for sharing this video!

Did you do a performance at your wedding? Send us your video so we can share it!

You're Invited: Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show

capital bridal affair
As every engaged couple knows, there is much to be done between “I will!” and “I do!” Kick your wedding planning into high gear at Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show, happening Sunday, March 24 at The Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington. With today's deal, you'll receive two (2) admissions to this amazing event for just $19 (a $38 value)!
The Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show offers you the opportunity to meet the Washington area's best wedding vendors so you can ask questions, taste/see/touch their products, get inspired and even book their services at the show! With help from Prepare to see the newest trends of the wedding industry, from bridal gowns to invitations and much more! Hear the music (with live performances!). Taste the cake. Smell the flowers. Touch the invitations. See the photos… Everything you need to plan your perfect day – It's all under one roof!
Purchase your tickets at the link below:
http://www.thecapitoldeal.com/engine/SplashDetails.aspxLID=4&contestid=21722&productid=8750230&p=12&p=2
 

RECAP: DIY - St. Patrick's Day Edition

St. Patrick's Day Florals Since St. Patrick’s Day is conveniently here, I thought it would be awesome to do a DO-IT-YOURSELF mini floral arrangement with vases made from soda bottles and a CD. I know what you’re thinking…keep reading.

Whether you’re planning a gathering, a dinner with someone special or just at home drinking some Irish whiskey watching the Chicago River be transformed into the brightest, greenest river you’ve ever seen, make St. Patrick’s Day a little more special this year and add these easy to do, cost efficient and eco-friendly arrangements to your holiday décor! CHEERS!!

Step 1: Cut soda bottles to desired length

Cut Soda Bottles

Step 2: Glue CD to the cap end of one of your cut out soda bottles

Step 3: Spray paint one bottle white and the other green. Let sit for 2 hours

Step 4: Repeat step 3 for a second coat

Step 5: When bottle vases are completely dry, arrange flowers as desired

Floral Arrangement

Pictures courtesy of Afrient Media Studios (www.afrientmediastudios.com)

 

You're Invited: Spring Bridal Showcase at Kentlands Mansion

kentl_bridal_spring_2013

Plan your dream wedding all in one place. The Kentlands Mansion Spring Bridal Show takes place on Sunday, March 24, 2013, from noon to 4 p.m. Gaithersburg's elegant 19th century estate provides the perfect setting to start your wedding planning process or finish up the final touches to your special day. The Mansion is located at 320 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg.

Experience the elegance and charm of historic Kentlands Mansion while meeting one-on-one with a variety of wedding vendors, including caterers, photographers, event planners, musicians, makeup artists, hotel representatives and more. Brides-to-be can spend the day sampling delicious cuisine from the area's finest caterers, and discovering the latest bridal fashions and wedding trends. Whether you are just starting your planning, finishing up the details or anywhere in between, you will find exactly what you are looking for at the Spring Bridal Show. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

Admission is $5 per person. For information and directions please see the links below or call 301-258-6425.

Enjoy delicious cuisine from the area's finest caterers. Discover the latest in wedding trends. Experience the elegance and charm of historic Kentlands Mansion while planning your special day.

Caterers Photographers DJ's Jewelry Designers Event Planners Makeup Artists Hotel Representatives

Tickets: $5 at the door. Call 301-258-6425. Arrive early for a chance to win door prizes from our vendors!

The Whack Wedding!

The Whack Wedding

Weddings are all about creating new memories and I love when a bride and groom get fun and creative with thier guests!

This video is so cute and everyone looks like they had so much fun. Who says you need to break the bank to create a nice memorable wedding video? Check out how the Whacks celebrated thier big day at the link below.

http://vimeo.com/61981844

Thanks Jamisha for sharing this cute video!

 

Real {Ethiopian} Wedding: Yonas & Fasika Sunset Bridal Photoshoot

Ethiopian Wedding - Yonas and Fasika - Addis Ababa 2 What a better way to start this snowy week than with a sunny gorgeous wedding photoshoot I came across this weekend! This lovely Ethiopian couple decided to have a photoshoot 2 days before their wedding in Ethiopia. Can I just say the desert backdrop is simply amazing on both the bride & the groom's skin! They are glowing!

I know that might sound strange, but more and more couples are actually going this route inorder to capture amazing photos since the day of the wedding is usually packed with family activities. And if your nervous about having your groom seeing your wedding dress before the wedding you can always schedule the photoshoot after your nuptials to still keep it a surprise for your big day!

Ethiopian Wedding - Yonas and Fasika - Addis Ababa 3

When I saw this sunset photo above the city of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia there was something that screamed "Lion King" in every royal sense! I love how this couple chose to embrace their culture and showcase the beauty of the African desert and forest so naturally. Kudos to the photographer and Yonas & Fasika for being such a beautiful couple!

Interested in having your wedding or engagement featured? Just complete the submission here.

Ethiopian Wedding - Yonas and Fasika - Addis Ababa 1

Photo credit: Nashville Photography Group (Loved these photos!)

Yodit Signature

 

 

5 Easter DIY Party Ideas

Easter Brunch Chair Ties

 Easter Chair Decor

Step 1 Cut short pieces of flowers from bushes.

Step 2 Gather several flowers to create small bouquet

Step 3 Tie flowers together with piece of ribbon.

Step 4 Layer colored ribbon and burlap ribbon together and tie around chair backs.

Step 5 Slip flower bundle into tie.

Bell Jar with Nest Centerpiece

Bell Jar with Nest Centerpiece

Step 1 Cut moss the size of the charger plate.

Step 2 Glue in place.

Step 3 Glue some reindeer moss into nest, add eggs.

Step 4 Glue nest in center of plate, add twigs and sprig of floral.

Step 5 Add bell jar

Easter Brunch Place Cards

Easter Brunch Place Cards

Step 1 Whitewash pots with white paint (fill brush with paint and wipe almost dry on paper towel) and dry.

Step 2 Fill each pot with dry foam, then cover with reindeer moss.

Step 3 Put branch into pot.

Step 4 Use flower heads from small floral bush and hot glue to branch as shown.

Step 5 Add name written or printed on paper and wrap around branch for name placement.

Step 6 Glue few small flower heads into reindeer moss in pot.

Easter Table Centerpiece

Easter Table Centerpiece

Step 1 Use white acrylic paint to paint dots, swirls, rickrack lines on pots. Let dry.

Step 2 Cut stem from bunny pick and insert into each pot, as shown.

Easter Godiva Chocolate Egg Favors

Godiva Eggs

 

Step 1 Only GODIVA could make Easter eggs as delectable as this. Shop Online or Create an Assortment at a Boutique.

Step 2 My favorite are the Truffle Crème Egg Assortment which includes: chocolate ganache and marshmallow mousse in a milk chocolate shell, milk chocolate ganache and dark chocolate mousse in a dark chocolate shell, raspberry ganache and dark chocolate mousse in a dark chocolate shell, and caramel ganache and hazelnut mousse in a milk chocolate shell.

Step 3 For best results, place on tray or plate, as shown and enjoy quickly.

Hope you enjoy these easy #DIY tips to plan a festive Easter Brunch to celebrate the holiday with family gatherings, spring parties & delicious gifts to share!

Yodit Signature

Spring 2013’s Trend: Long Live The Party Dress! @RenttheRunway

Dream Spring 2013 Closet  

Being a self proclaimed "Party Girl turned Party Planner" means I wear  lots of dresses. Since I don't have a closet the size of Oprah's yet, I try to save money & space by finding new ways to look the part. Now that wedding season & summer parties are quickly approaching I thought it would be good to share  one of my favorite go-to spots to find inspirations & trends for my style, Rent the Runway!

Rent the Runway is a company with a mission – to democratize fashion and empower women to feel beautiful every day. And every time I have worn a dress from this online closet on the go I have received tons of compliments.

The online retailer just released a some great Spring 2013 Trends for dresses and accessories for any guest of a wedding or special event leading to the big day such as the Engagement Party, Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner & Honeymoon Looks To Love!

Read RTR's Here Comes the Guest

“Go Green” Vivian Wynter’s Eco Friendly Makeup Picks

“Go Green” Vivian Wynter’s Eco Friendly Makeup Picks

Hola Beauties!   Does the thought of “going green” seem to be this huge debacle that feels bigger than you.  Do you feel like you want to make a difference, but don’t know where to start?  These days, it feels like everyone (and everything) is getting an eco makeover. Celebs are even swapping their Porches for Priuses, and of you haven’t noticed, plastic bags have become virtually obsolete in grocery stores.  Going green has become a huge trend in Fashion and Beauty as well, because it is the easiest step one can take towards making a difference. 

As this trend emerges, tons of cosmetic companies have fled the market with promises of products that are eco-friendly.  As a Makeup Artist, I am concerned with the quality of the products that I recommend to clients, be them drugstore or department store.  Here is my Top 5 list of approved Eco-friendly cosmetic brands that are both easy on the environment and beautiful on the face!

          Physician's Formula

1.)  The Physician’s Formula “Organic Wear” makeup line is 100% organic, from the internal product to the packaging. Each package is made of recycled paper instead of plastic, and products such as the Natural Organic Tinted Moisturizer and the Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara contain 100% certified organic ingredients.  

                                                                                 Drugstore Diva Find

 

 

 

         Origins

2.)  Origins is a makeup brand dedicated to being Eco-friendly. The makeup packaging is made up of 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified paperboard and 50% post-consumer recycled fiber. Origins sell everything from skincare products to bath and body products. The “All and Nothing” sheer pressed powder is one the company’s bestseller.

 Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

    Almay

3.)  “Almay Wake-Up Hydrating Makeup SPF 13”, a powdered mineral-based makeup.  Just be careful of the application.  Beware-Mineral makeup does contain titanium dioxide, which is technically a carcinogen, so it can be harmful if inhaled.  BUT NO WORRIES.. .It's quite ok to use topically on your skin since it doesn’t absorb through the skin. I recommend mixing the mineral makeup with your day cream, and applying it on your face with your fingers. You will get incredible coverage, that won’t appear chalky.

Drugstore Diva Find

 

 

             CargoPlantLove

4.)  The environmentally conscious “PlantLove” line from edgy makeup master and popular brand Cargo is leading the way in easily accessible, eco-friendly beauty. From the 100% natural ingredients to the biodegradable packaging, PlantLove is environmentally smart and stylish. With so many fabulous products, where’s a girl to start? The Baked Illuminator -which combines blush, bronzer and highlighter in one easy compact, is a fan favorite, as is the Eye Liner. 

 Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

 

 

  

        JosieMaran

5.)  Iconic model and recent Dancing with the Stars contestant, Josie Maran, launched her own cosmetics line in 2006 and teamed up with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in order to bypass harmful ingredients.   Josie is as committed to quality and luxury as she is to the environment which is a win-win for the environmentally savvy girl on the go. The whole line is gorgeous, but the two products that have generated the most buzz are her all-purpose palette of four “Color Finger Paints” and her mascara. 

Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

 

Breakfast at Tiffany's Themed Bridal Shower

vanna

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog about the Breakfast at Tiffany's decor I (I = myself and 3 other girls lol) made for a Bridal Shower I co-hosted. We finally had the shower last week and it turned out AMAZING! The Bride loved the decor and had a lot of fun. Below are a few pictures from the event.

 

table decor

The Shower was a brunch, so we served bagels, muffins, danishes, cheese and crackers, cake pops, cookies, cupcakes, etc...

cake pops

The Cake pops were made by Save Room Desserts. They looked and tasted amazing!

flowers

 

IMG_0940

Along with the Tiffany's boxes we printed out Audrey Hepburn quotes, framed them and placed them all on the tables.

keepsake box

The Keepsake box was handcrafted for the bride.

i do

All the decor was handmade. Although it took awhile we had a great time making everything and everything looked great!

You're Invited: Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY 2013

style to the aisle flyer Don't miss THE premiere bridal fashion event of 2013 produced by Memorable Moments Event Planning Co.!

WHO: You! Plus Press, Event Planners, Trendsetters & the Sophisticated Fashionista Bride.

WHAT: Romance comes back to rip the runway for a 3rd season with an all NEW look to give brides that much needed "fashion for thought" as she prepares for her big debut down the white carpet. Come enjoy an uber-chic bridal experience, get inspired and celebrate your engagement in style.

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2013 | 3pm-7pm

WHERE: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC

If you've been to countless bridal expos but have left overwhelmed & uninspired, you're in for a real treat! Unlike any other, this event is unique & lavish; its a place where an elite & diverse collection of some of the hottest trends from the region's best designers & bridal boutiques in bridal fashion and accessories come to the catwalk. Come enjoy a great afternoon of mingling with your entourage, sip complimentary champagne/cocktails provided by Chambord, enjoy tasty hors d' oeuvres & win some fabulous prizes. Meet some of the best beauty experts, receive onsite beauty treatments in our exclusive "Style Lounge" and some amazing swag for the first 100 guests.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/303133

Spa in a Jar for Inclement Weather

homemade sugar scrub Our skin hates the colder weather in the #DMV. So if you’re stuck inside try to make the best of your time with a homemade body scrub.

Here’s How:

1. All you need is sugar, oil, and fragrance. (We suggest using regular sugar for fine exfoliation).

2. Find your container (old baby food jar and jam jars work great).

3. Use a 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to oil. So, if you are using a half a cup of sugar in your container add 1/4 cup of oil. Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil (warmed in microwave to make liquid) work best in my opinion.

4. Stir the two together.

5. Then add your favorite scent, whether it is peppermint oil for the holidays (great for headache relief), lavender for relaxation, or citrus for invigoration your skin will enjoy this spa day at home.

Source: Tip Junkie

Get Your Keys Organized During #Snowquester

Color code keys 1.) Color Your Keys

Hate taking forever to find your house, car, office keys when its snowing? Take 5 Minutes while indoors to color code your keys with nail polish to save time and get organized.

Here’s how:

1. Remove your keys from their chain.

2. Select your nail polish colors and decide which key should be paired with each color. You can even try some clever color associations. Is your front door red? Paint your house key cherry. Have a garden shed? Paint it green for your garden. Pool key? Blue for water!

3. Paint a layer of nail polish over the top portion of your keys. If you go over an outline by accident, use a toothpick to remove any excess polish.

4. Let your nail polish completely dry and then apply a second coat until you can’t see the metal of the key underneath.

5. Once the keys are dry, put them back to your keychain, and that’s it!

Source: BrightNest 

Yep There's an App for That! Apps for the Bride to be!

wedding apps

Apps for smart phones and tablets have become a staple in everyone's lives. Whether you use them to pay bills, social media, shop, or play games there is definately an app to make every aspect of your life easier and weddings are no exception. If you type weddings into the Apple App store, over 1,900 different applications come up. Everything from balancing your budget, a brides checklist, seating charts, finding the perfect dress, and sharing wedding photos is in the app store. I was shocked at all of the different options. Below are a few that I thought were pretty amazing and would be helpful to any bride to be.

1. Wedding Party: Collect wedding photos from all of your guests in one place.

2. WeddingHappy: Asks your anticipated wedding date. Then it builds you a customized to-do checklist with suggested due dates

3.Wedding Dress Look Book by The Knot: On-the-go shopping source for the hottest wedding dresses. You'll get listings of wedding dress salons that carry that wedding dress you've been dying to try on.

4. The Married App for Wedding guests: Live photo sharing, photo booth, event info and directions, song requests, schedule, and much more!

5. Wedding Countdown: A highly customizable countdown app to your big day

Have you used any of the apps listed above or any wedding apps period? Tell us which ones are your favorite!

You're Invited: Desire to Aspire: A Women's History Month Brunch Celebration

Desire to Aspire

The month of March is recognized throughout the United States as Women’s History Month, due to the anniversary of the Woman Suffrage Parade that took place here in Washington in March of 1913. The Pesante Media Group, KNPR + Marketing, and Favored by Yodit will bring together young professional women from an array of industries across the D.C. area to honor three female leaders in their respective fields and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement.

Those women are:

Melanie Roussell

National Press Secretary, Democratic National Committee

Helena Andrews

Journalist, Contributing Editor of The Root, and Author of Bitch Is The New Black

Karen Richardson

Director, The White House Office on Public Engagement

Join us as we celebrate these fearless leaders who are ascending in their fields!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

St. Gregory Hotel M Street Bar and Grill

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 Event Host Committee

Women's Information Network

The Fab Empire

The YFF Experience

 Music by DJ Eskada

 #desiretoaspire

Buy tickets here:

http://desiretoaspirewhm.eventbrite.com/

 

4 Ways To Get Ready For Wedding Season

bridal-holding-bouquet

Wedding Season is rapidly approaching and if you are like me, you have at least two weddings to get ready for. This time is obviously stressful for the bride, but it can be just as stressful for the serial wedding goers. I compiled a list that should help ease and anxiety that may be creeping up.

1. Plan ahead: As soon as you get a wedding invite, start to figure out your travel arrangements. If the wedding is out of town and you have to fly, set an alert on your favorite travel sites. The more time you give yourself, the more opportunities you will have to purchase a reasonable plane ticket. Also check prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, plane tickets tend to go down on those days.

2. Sales aren’t just for shoes and clothes: Department Stores always have sales on holidays and typically household items are included. Before you hit the shoe department for a little retail therapy, print out the couple’s registry and head to the home goods section. That waffle maker or pot and pan set the bride has to have may be on sale and you can get their perfect gift at a discount.

3. It takes more than a week to lose weight: Everyone wants to look great at a wedding. You know the groom has an attractive single groomsman that you are hoping to get paired up with down the soul train line lol. Ladies, unfortunately cutting out the cookies, and going hard in the gym a week before the wedding isn’t going to cut it. Hit the gym NOW! It is the perfect time to start a new healthy lifestyle so you can look super sexy in your summer time attire.

4. Relax: This wedding experience will only happen once…ENJOY IT! Take a lot of pictures, dance until your feet hurt, and bask in the ambiance of love. The bride and groom invited you because they value your relationship with them. Their wedding day will be a day that they will never forget, so don’t stress have fun with them!

Favored Intern’s Corner: The Intern Experience

Favored by Yodit green logo Hey! So this is my very first blogging week as a FAVORED intern! Whoop! I’m excited to say that I have successfully completed my first month! *insert brief Harlem Shake here* Upon applying, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I have learned so much in a short period of time.

Yodit has been amazing, showing me everything from how to style a photo shoot to establishing the foundation of a business. I’m learning not only what it takes to be successful in this business but how to be successful PERIOD. Can you believe that my interview was a photo shoot…talk about pressure! Thankfully I didn’t embarrass myself and I was able to show that I am not completely useless lol. We were able to complete seven looks in seven hours which had the potential to be a stressful day, but everyone was so helpful and efficient that it didn’t even feel like work. I met some incredibly talented female entrepreneurs (which are all on our FAVORED list here) that I am excited to work with in the future.  Our first official event will be the launch party and I can’t wait to share with you everything else I learn here, so stay tuned!

Life as a Bridesmaid: Bridal Shower Addition

  iDO and tiffany boxes

When I was a little girl planning my dream wedding and helping my friends plan theirs. Making sure everything was perfect and that all we needed to do was to *insert groom here*, I had no idea I would be doing arts and crafts lol. However, here I am painting boxes for my sister’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired Bridal Shower.

I found the idea for some really cute centerpieces on Pinterest aka God’s gift to planners and thought this would be so easy to do myself! Of course when I say myself I mean me and my artsy friends. So I rounded up the troops and we went to work! The plan was to make Tiffany’s boxes to place on the dessert table and to collect the bride’s gift cards. We purchased everything from Michael’s and it took us about five hours to finish. Below you will find a list of everything we purchased as well as a few pictures. After the shower I will be sure to post follow up pictures so you can see how the décor turned out.

We at Favored love DIY projects. What did you make for a bridal shower? What was the theme or inspiration? Send us your pictures we would love to see them!

Materials:

  • Paper Mache Boxes set of 5
  • Celebrate it Ribbon 2 ½ in X 10 yards
  • Celebrate ir Ribbon 1 ½ in X 4 yards
  • Americana Acrylic Paint: Bahama Blue
  • Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
  • Brushes
  • Plastic or Trash Bags
  • Paper plates (to put the paint on)

 

supplies

You're Invited: 5th Annual Gemini Pediatric Charity Dinner Gala

Gemini Health Care Group's 5th Annual Fundraiser You're Invited to attend the 5th Annual Gemini Pediatric Dinner Gala for their hospital in Addis Ababa.

The fundraiser will be held to raise money for what will be the first children's hospital in Ethiopia.

Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013

Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00pm

Location: Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Virginia

For further information visit Gemini Health Care Group at www.ghcg.org

Favored by Yodit Event Planning is a proud event partner!