Kate Spade - Just Married

Kate Spade is killing the Bridal Market with these killer purses, tees, totes, phone cover and more. One of my brides found a really cute Kate Spade guest book and cake stand that worked will with her wedding decor. Go to Kate Spade's website and check out these items and more.

Bridal Week - Spotlight Naeem Khan 2016

Swoon, one of my favorite designers from Bridal week has to be Naeem Khan - hands down. These gowns are sexy, sparkly with a bit of sass. Naeem Khan is known for his embroidery couture and over the top styling with a Spanish influence. Yes, I want to get married again - just so I can wear one of these beauty down the aisle.

How to Create A Wedding Day Timeline

Anyone planning a wedding knows that a GREAT timeline is the key to the perfect day. Make sure your check out Junebug Weddings' blog on how to create a Wedding Day Timeline. I'm thrilled to have contributed to this article and how that it helps those planning their special day with logistics.

Photo: Bradley Hanson Photography

Sample Timeline:

*this is just a sample timeline and probably won’t fit your event perfectly

8:00am—Hair and Makeup (depends on how many people are being serviced)
2:00pm—Wedding party photos start at hotel
4:00pm—First look
4:00–6:00pm— Vendors arrive for setup – two hours before ceremony (depends on the amount of decor being installed)
5:30pm—Guests arrive for wedding/Pre-ceremony music starts
5:45pm – Wedding Party line-up
6:00pm—Ceremony start
6:30pm—Ceremony ends
6:30pm—Cocktail hour starts
7:15pm—Move guests into dinner
Introduction of Wedding Party
Introduction of Bride & Groom
7:30pm—First dance
Welcome
7:45pm—Dinner served
8:45 pm – Cake Cutting/Toasts
Special Parent Dances (Father-Daughter & Mother-Son/Fraternity or Sorority Songs)
9:00pm—General dancing music starts
10:00pm—Garter/Bouquet Toss
10:15pm – Dancing
11:00pm – Car arrives/Exit
11:00pm—Breakdown (typically 1 hour load out)

(source: Gail Johnson Weddings and Events)

Coast Diamond - BRIDES Influencers

It is great to be a part of BRIDES Influencers network and to also contribute my thoughts on Coast Diamond collections. Diamonds are truly a girl's best friend.

"Coast Diamond is a girl's best friend! They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but Coast Diamond takes it to the next level with timeless jewelry guaranteed to make your ring finer shine. Every Coast Diamond setting is completely customizable for any shape or size center stone, and is available in platinum, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. And they don't just stop at diamonds!"

Black Bride Magazine - Gail Johnson Expert Advice

I'm so honored to be part of Black Bride's inaugural magazine launch. The brain child of owner Mary Chatman, Black Bride celebrates brides of color.  Check out my expert advice and wait to be inspired. Order your copy of Black Bride Magazine today!

"Black Bride Magazine has something for every bride. Whether you’re traditional, modern or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered! This digital issue is your guide to planning one of the most important days of your life. We have collaborated with some of the best wedding vendors and experts to help you turn your wedding dreams into a memorable reality! From engagement to honeymoon, our digital issue is bursting with the latest bridal trends, including expert wedding planning advice, bridal beauty tips, couples fitness ideas, romantic honeymoon getaways and so much more. Be inspired by real couples, real weddings, real love stories and amazing wedding decor, as you peruse the pages of our premier issue. You’ll also find support for beyond the I do’s in the After the Aisle section. Our quarterly magazine is complemented by our annual bridal showcase in Atlanta, our boutique style bridal events nationwide, and our comprehensive wedding website Blackbride.com."

Cover Girls

Check out the cover girls on some of my favorite magazines. I don't think that would have been the dress that I would have picked out for Ciara, but she looks great needless to say on Brides' cover. Angelina Jolie's black/white Elle magazine cover shows simplicity and sophistication - there is some about a black/white picture that is timeless. Round out saving the best for last - First Lady Michelle rocks the cover of Essence magazine - pretty in a powder blue dress.