Look For Less: La Sposa/Maggie Sottero/Casablanca

Recently, DollChic contacted about seeing a Look for Less for the Maggie Sottero Shaylyn. I was really sure if she meant that she wanted to see what would be the more expensive look for Maggie Sottero or what would be another dress that was less than Maggie Sottero.

Maggie Sottero was a more cost efficient line in previous years, but as of late, their dress have begun retailing for at least $1200 - $2500, which, in my eyes, isn't so cost efficient. However, it's certainly more cost efficient than a Lazaro, Vera Wang, or Priscilla of Boston gown.

So, for this particular gown, I found a more expensive version, as well as a version that is less than the Maggie Sottero. Enjoy!!!

La Sposa Sena = ~$2500

 

Maggie Sottero Shaylyn = ~$1,400

Casablanca 1999 = ~$850

If there's a Look for Less that you are interested in seeing, contact me.

Real Wedding Feature: John and Joy, Part II

We continue with our wedding feature from yesterday of John and Joy.

6. How does being a West African bride differ from being an American bride?
It differs significantly. First of all, respect is a HUGE thing in the West African culture. My parents always told me they'd pay for my traditional engagement ceremony so I had no expectations of them paying for the white wedding. They did however get a nice chunk of the wedding guest list as is customary. My parents for the most part were quite laid back about the planning process so that really helped. Being a West African bride means knowing that you'll have LOADS of Uncles and Aunties you don't know but who are genuinely there to celebrate and wish you well. Also, from watching a lot of the American shows, I have seen where brides and their mothers argue. While it is OK to disagree, as a West African bride, I could disagree but within reason. There were no shouting matches.

7. Did you do anything out of the ordinary or non-traditional?
Instead of doing a bouquet/garter toss, we decided to go without a garter and give my bouquet to a couple in attendance who had been married the longest and we had them give us some advise on the secrets to a lasting marriage.  

8. Did you have a budget? Do you care to share what it was? Did you go over your budget or stay under budget?
Yes we did have a budget. We more than doubled the budget when all was said and done but that is primarily because we did not account for other expenses relating to our Nigerian ceremony, clothes, travel expenses and our wedding bands in the original budget.

9. What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
I did the wedding programs, the flower girls baskets, the sashes, the table numbers, the menu cards, the favor boxes, the rhinestones on the buckles, the pew pomanders, the unity candles, and the signature photo frame. Saved a ton of money that way.  

10. What was your biggest splurge?
Our biggest splurge was our photographer. He did a FABULOUS job! 

11. What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding?
Plan ahead, don't sweat the small stuff and remember its your day! Be happy...happiness is infectious! If you're happy and dancing on the dance floor, other people will see that and want to join in. 

If you'd like to have your wedding featured here on Naijawed N More, click on Submit Your Wedding or contact me.

Love Shoot: Toni and Tobi

This weekend, I'm attending my 7TH wedding this year. To tell you the  truth, I'm all wedding'd out! And yet, I still have my own wedding to finish out this year.

The wedding I'm attending this weekend is actually for a girl, Tobi, who attends my church and is actually marrying another guy who also attends the same church. I thought why don't I showcase another couple with a girl's name who is also Tobi.

This couple look like they have so much fun with each other. Enjoy!!!

Photography by Hansel Dobbs

If you'd like to see more photos of this love shoot, click here

If you'd like to have your engagement photos showcased on Naijawed N More, contact me.

Real Wedding Feature: John and Joy, Part I

Today we have John and Joy. Can you see the love between these two? Pure joy and happiness. As part of our wedding feature, you'll get a little background about the couple and more information about their wedding. Enjoy!!

1. How did the two of you meet?

We met online. My sister placed an ad online for me. She screened the guys and sent me some she thought I should consider communicating with. John happened to be 1 of 3 she sent to me and 1 of 2 guys named John :-).

2. Tell us about your proposal?
John told me in September 2009 to keep the weekend of December 12th open because he wanted to take me out to a nice dinner. I know what you're thinking..."she shoulda known"...well, not really. John plans nice dates like that and oftentimes, because of our schedules, we have to plan well in advance.
 
Anyways, the evening started early. The limo arrived at my place at 5pm sharp. We got in and headed to DC. It seemed like the driver took the longest route because we were really excited for the evening. I was excited to be going to the ballet!
We had 5:30pm reservations but we got there a little after 6pm. thankfully, they were able to sit us rather quickly. Dinner was amazing. We had dinner at The Capital Grill. The appetizer was AMAZING...I got the spinach and bacon salad. LOVED it!!! And for entree, I got the salmon. John also had a salad and then tuna for entree. Dessert was a mouth watering coconut cream pie.

After dinner, we made it to the Warner Theater to see The Nutcracker. It was an amazing show. I enjoy the arts and even though we were a little late getting there, we were able to see most of the show. Great seats too!

Then the limo came back to pick us up. John then says he has another surprise for me (he mentioned it earlier on in the evening and I was thinking either chocolate or tickets to Egypt). I noticed him reaching into his pocket and I immediately blurted out "I knew it! You got me tickets to Egypt!!!" To which he said "No its not Egypt but I hope this is better...Joy, we have been together for 2 years and I'd like to take this to the next step in our relationship. He got on his knees (BOTH!) in the limo and asks..."will you marry me?". I covered my face with my hands and started crying and said yes.

3. Who planned your wedding?
I planned most of the wedding and did all the DIY things. I did get a day of coordinator who was more like a wedding planner cause she picked up where I left off and really brought my vision to life.

4. What was the design inspiration for your wedding?
We wanted simple but elegant. John has gotten me a few items from Tiffany's so Tiffany blue and white were our primary colors. We also used red (John's favorite color) and silver to add elegance.

5. Tell us about finding your wedding dress.

I went to the store with my mom, sister and sister in law. I tried on several dresses and unlike most girls, I really didn't have a vision of my dream dress. I just looked online but really didn't know what I wanted. Until I tried on one dress and my mom who isn't easily shaken said "Bose, this is the dress". I wasn't tied to any other dresses and when I put it on again, I felt like it was the dress I'd walk down the aisle in. And the more I tried it on during my fittings, the more I liked it.

Stay tuned for the second half of the real wedding feature!!

Sad Day in the World of Bridal....

PRISCILLA OF BOSTON IS CLOSING IT'S DOORS

According to Boston.com, Priscilla of Boston will be closing its doors and discontinuing all dresses, alterations, etc., as of December 31, 2011. They are no longer taking any new orders for dresses or alterations but will maintain what has already been ordeed.

The article states that David's Bridal owns Priscilla of Boston, but as far as I know, both companies are a part of the same holding company, not that David's Bridal actually owns them.

It's sad day in the world of bridal as I know many a girl who have and had gotten their dresses from there as the quality of their dresses are superb.

On a lighter note, there will probably be MASSIVE sales coming up in the next few months so you may be able to get dresses at 75% off.

I leave you with probably my favorite dress from their line, Priscilla of Boston 4109