I am using this new app called BlackPing. It is the Blackberry app for Ping.fm and it is great, especially for a free app!

The broom has both symbolic and spiritual importance in the African culture. The ritual itself was created by our ancestors during slavery. Because slaves could not legally marry, they created their own rituals to honor their unions. Some say broom jumping comes from an African tribal marriage ritual of placing sticks on the ground representing the couple’s new home.

The straws of the broom represent family; the handle represents the Almighty; the ribbon represents the tie that binds the couple together.

This broom ceremony represents the joining of two families, it’s showing respect and pays homage to those who came before us and paved the way. Therefore it should be practiced with honor for your ancestors and the beauty of our rich heritage. During the slave “transitions” we were not allowed to practice many of the traditional rituals of our past therefore, much of our heritage was lost during this time. However, a few were considered harmless and allowed.

Today “Broom Jumping” is a ritual, handed down from generation to generation to remind us of a time when our vows were not legally sanctioned. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. For our ancestors, this small ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the home land and giving legitimacy,dignity and strength to their unions. In their eyes this union was now sanctioned by “the almighty” .

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Styling the Perfect Small Event

For smaller events can have the same feel as an elaborate, large up scale events. The events need the right venue withe the right lay out and dressed with the right accessories to build a unique upscale atmosphere. Even some small space needs as much attention to detail as a larger space.

Know your design space, know the requirements of the space. Not enough accessories and the space can feel sparse. Too much and the space can feel cluttered. Place your head table, dance floor and bar for easy movement. Do not put your cake table next to the bar. Set your event space in this manner it will help prevent a cluttered feel.

Choose a basic layout, instead of bringing in a stage floor for the band use a sub floor with carpet, it will help keep cost to a minimum.

The popular trend is to include chair covers, tulle draping, Chiavari chairs, and organza overlays. To meet limited budgets, consider alternative options. Soft lighting (small white Christmas lights), Halogen lights with dimmer switches to set the atmosphere. Generous use of fabric can soften the room and give the room a more upscale feel. Think about renting or buying large green plants to keep your flower cost down.

Remember consistency is the key. Keep all accessories along the same theme will help to keep your look pulled together. A small event is the perfect outlet for a unique and intimate gathering.

Yesterday I went to the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta. I had not been there in 2 years, what a transformation! They have made thire gardens in to a wonderful place to have a romantic out door ceremony. If you haven’t been there in a while it is worth the trip!

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Venue and People of the Week for the DYI Bride

I had a bust week last week. I visited several event facilities. My first appointment was to Le Fais do-do which is an 8,000 feet facility. The owner is Marie Jefferson -Audujar contact number (404) 387-3027who will take you on a Grand tour. You will the great ballroom with massive chandeliers and can seat 300 people with ease. You ave a bridal suite, and additional areas if you use the whole facility you can fit 500 people. There is ample parking and she is running amazing specials until the end of the year. The website is www.lefaisdodo.com

For you Brides that want a Green Wedding, the Wonderland Gardens is the location, you can have a completely green wedding in the gardens, your even allowed to use a tent. The Gardens is attached to the Performing Art and Community Center which is also a wonderful place to have a wedding and reception. contact person is Shana Davis (404) 86-6163 www.wonderlandgardens.org

A new facility in downtown Lawrenceville is 550 Trackside all I can say seeing is believing and when they say state of the art they truly mean state of the art. The facility can hold 300 people and if you like historical settings this is the place. www.550trackside.com (770) 236-8003.

I meet with Larry Hoffman for coffee, he is an Event Designer/ Interior Designer he does wonderful whimsical work (678) 886-1103 or email him larhoff@aol.com.

And I rounded out the week in Jonesboro at The Banquet Hall I am glad to see a new 7000 square feet facility on that end of town. The hall has 15 foot ceilings, lighted columns, french chandeliers and they can seat 250 guest.

I all that running around I’ve manage to book a Sweet 16 Birthday party and I have less than 3 months to make it happen! I won’t be visiting facilities this week I will be meeting with clients. So when I have some additional information or new facilities to talk about I will Blog it!

I Did it! I’ve been telling you about the @Andy Ebon seminar I took, well on of the sites he gave me was Ping.fm this site allows me to update all my social networks at 1 time . I just love it!

1852 Bridal House and Tea Room

This will be my first post on my blog. Today I’d like to give you Brides a hot Wedding Dress Tip. 1852 Bridal House and Tea Room is Changing the name to Autumn Rose and is adding a designer line of Antique Dresses. Her dresses are FABULOUS and is priced under $1000.00