Black women are blessed to be able to enjoy a wide range of hairstyles, whether relaxed or natural. We're often contacted by natural brides-to-be who want to thank us for the styles we include on our hair blog, because they've had a hard time finding what they're looking for. The good news is that right now lots of natural stylists, loc-ticians, and braiders are putting out the word that they are creating formal styles for women who are tying the knot. One of them is Nedjetti (seen in the upper-left photo), a stylist in the New Jersey/New York area. Several of her hairstyles are below, and we'll be featuring many more on African American Wedding Hairstyles along with all of the other natural, relaxed, texturized and braided styles we continue to spotlight. 
Hair by Nedjetti Salon
Bloomfield, NJ & NYC
973.748.0181
Nedjetti: Natural Hairstyles for Brides
Gift for the Groom: The Obama Watch
Here at African-AmericanBrides.com, we were thrilled to get to try out the new Jorg Gray timepiece. It's the Commemorative Edition of the Jorg Gray 6500 watch President Obama often wears. The President has been photographed while wearing the watch to several events, including the inaugural swearing-in and the signing of his first presidential proclamation. We didn't know what to expect until we received one, but in all honesty we were genuinely impressed with the quality.
The first thing you'll notice is the thick, scratch-resistant crystal covering the watch's handsome face. The band is made of smooth Italian buffalo leather, while the casing is made of polished stainless steel. It's definitely one of those special gifts one might consider for a best man or groomsman. But considering the Obama's enduring marriage, it would be a purrrrfect gift for a groom! What man wouldn't love to receive this watch from his bride and show it off to his friends?
You can see the rest of the line at JorgGray.com.
Commemorative Edition Jorg Gray 6500
$325
Wording Your Invitations: How to Get It Right
- by Lisa
I believe in wording invitations properly, especially when the bride and groom rightfully want to honor the people supporting them. Since we've been talking about invitations this week, I wanted to share a simple guide with you. This guide addresses some of the more common situations that couples face when it comes to invitations by looking at the invitation line-by-line and suggesting options.
The "Host" Line
Bride’s parents hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Nelson
Brides and Grooms parents hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Nelson
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Tasby
Bride’s parents hosting, but want to also honor
Groom’s parents:
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Nelson request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
Ms. Lisa Renee
to
Mr. Bryant Christopher Nelson
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Nelson
Divorced parents:
Mrs. Lisa Nelson
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Nelson
Couple hosting:
Lisa Williams
and
Brian Nelson
Couple hosting with families:
Together with their families
Lisa Williams
and
Brian Nelson
The "Request" Line
Married in a church: request the honour of your presence
Married outside the church: request the pleasure of your company
Informal – parents hosting: Would be delighted by your presence
Formal – couple hosting: Invite you to join them in celebrating their wedding
Date and Time Lines
Traditional:
Sunday the twenty-second of June
two thousand and two
at half after two o’clock in the afternoon
Contemporary:
Sunday, June 22, 2002
at 2:30 PM
Location Line:
Ceremony held at a church or synagogue:
Helen Hills Hills Chapel
Northampton, Massachusetts
Ceremony held at another location:
The Tea Room
The Brandt House
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Reception Line
Reception and ceremony at same location:
and afterward at the reception
Ceremony and reception at different places:
Reception immediately following the ceremony
The Log Cabin
Registry information never goes on, or with, and invitation. I suggest to our clients that save the dates include a wedding website address, which could contain registry info. Otherwise, registry information should be passed by word of mouth.
Each couple is individual and has individual situations. If you need suggestions for alternative wording, or you have a complicated situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Lucky Paperie: Candy-Colored Vision
If you could create your dream wedding stationery, what would it look like? Melanie Carter gets to answer that question everyday as the owner of Lucky Paperie. For her boutique she chooses modern, hand-crafted letterpress designs for keepsakes like invitations, placecards, menus, and ceremony programs. Those creations can then be customized with a variety of materials such as satin ribbon, monograms, and sparkles.
Even though the Georgia-based boutique is making a splash in the wedding industry, Lucky Paperie actually offers paper goods for all occasions. See more online.
What's New In Bridesmaid Dresses
The bride is the star (or at least the co-star) of every wedding, which is why there is so much focus on bridal gowns. But other members of the wedding party are important, too. So, what's new in bridesmaid dresses? We think there are two answers: Wear-ability and affordability. Hopefully, brides-to-be were already considering their girlfriends wallets and closets. (You were, right?) But the current economy makes it more important than ever.
Let's say you have your heart set on customized dresses in colors that match your wedding theme. Coco Myles has a Web site that will allow you to play around with various styles, colors and fabrics. All of the dresses are under $200.
The fact is, NO ONE wants to give up style to save a few bucks. Fortunately, some of the hottest styles can be found on sale and for less than you might expect if you're willing to do a little shopping around. Dessy is known for gorgeous styles and now has an affordable option called the Twist Wrap Dress that can be worn in several ways... for under $200
You don't HAVE to hunt the bridal companies or salons for the best options. Many of you have told us that you've found the perfect frocks for your bridesmaids at regular department stores. JCrew is becoming more and more popular with bridesmaids as they offer sensible dress options. This lovely bridesmaid's dress is being sold right now for $159:
(Top left photo courtesy of Coco Myles)
Wedding Decor Inspiration
Need to be inspired? Take a look at these creations from S. Danielle Jones Wedding & Events in Lancaster, Texas.
See more at her Web site, S. Danielle Jones Wedding & Events
Mike Tyson Weds: Third Time The Charm?
Boxer Mike Tyson is a married man, for the third time. He exchanged vows with Lakiha Spicer over the weekend in a small ceremony at the La Bella Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. The chapel owner says the couple seemed very much in love. He told the Associated Press "They just wanted to say the vows and be married. It was very sincere."
We wish the former heavyweight champ the best. Tyson's new marriage follows the heartbreaking loss of his 4 year old daughter in a terrible treadmill accident two weeks ago.
Previously, Tyson was married to actress Robin Givens in 1988 and Monica Turner in 1997.
(Photo courtesy of ABACA)
Ultra Long Lashes: Dramatic? Tacky? Or Both?
Oh, yes. We know all about the trend involving false eyelashes. But most brides-to-be follow this idea with lashes that appear relatively natural. Now, though, ladies who want to really stand out from the crowd are going for the glamour of ultra-long lashes. What do you think? Can this look work or is it over-the-top?
Weekend Cocktail Series: Champagne Punch
Today's cocktail is a fun beverage that is elegant enough to be used for wedding receptions and bridesmaid luncheons. It's the Pink Champagne Punch. Try it this weekend and decide whether you want to make it your signature cocktail. We liked this recipe from RecipeZaar:
* 2 (6 ounce) cans cranberry juice concentrate
* 2 (6 ounce) cans frozen lemonade concentrate
* 1 (7/8 quart) bottle chilled Burgundy wine
* 1 quart club soda, chilled
* 2 (750 ml) bottles pink champagne, chilled
In a large punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, burgundy wine, club soda and champagne. Serve immediately in flutes or other fancy glasses.
Wedding Dress of the Day: Anne Barge
From Anne Barge, this lush wedding gown is accented with a lace overlay and richly-colored sash. 
Find of the Day: Cowrie Shell Ring Pillow
Why is this our find-of-the-day? We think it's one of those wedding accessories which becomes an instant heirloom, guaranteed to be cherished and handed down.
Satin Ring Pillow with Cowrie Shells
by Cassandra Bromfield
