Down That Aisle In Style

Greetings All,

I recently received this amazing and detailed book for today's Full-Figured Bride. This book offers real advice and encouragement, while providing a "Dream Map" to assist full-figured women in planning one of the most important days of their lives.

Did you know that the average size of a woman in the US is a size 16? And more and more she is making her debut down the aisle, and in style. Who said that true beauty only came in a size 6? Not any more, for the race is on!

The author Chamein Canton is phenomenal. A survivor, and a miracle among us. With many years in the wedding industry, as a wedding consultant and accomplished author, she has a heart to give back to women and she did just that in her new book, Down That Aisle In Style, A Guide for Full-Figured Women.

As I consumed the content of the pages, literally, I was blown away. This book is so rich in advice on health and beauty tips. Dress and veils selections according to your body and face shape. Yeah, it's really that deep. It's detailed in photos and is surplus in information. Plus it's easy to read. In addition, it explains how and why you should choose a photographer, that has experience working with full-figured clients, and so much more. Umm...umm, Good Stuff!

The experience had encouraged me to refer to this Guide when working with my full-figured clients and recommend to those who are not. This book is retailed at $34.95 and is available in hardback on www.amazon.com. Reserve your copy today! If not for youself, then for that full-figured (soon-to-be-bride) woman in your life. Trust me, she'll cherish it, and you for contributing to her peace of mind on her very special day.

I think it's important for any bride to feel like Cinderella on her special day. More importantly, to feel that way the months leading up to that day. Confidence is an essential part of the equation and can be attained only when you educate yourself, and truly accept and love you for who you are. Beautiful, Bountiful, and Blessed!

All About The Groom

We've all heard the stories and have read countless articles about the Bride. "The Perfect Dress" and the "Perfect Location", but rarely do we see or hear anything about her shy, quiet, yet equally important counterpart. The Groom.

Did you know that there are more publications that canvas the globe and travel through the circuits of the World Wide Web concerning the bride, than the groom?

Well isn't he just as important?

After all there would be no wedding without him. Even though the groom's role is often downplayed, and mostly in the background, he's an essential and vital part to the success of the day's events.

A grooms' persona may be projected as that of nonchalant, laid back, NID's (Not Into Details), and in several instances, that's how it is.


You may have heard many stories of grooms not wanting to get involved in planning their "Big Day", leaving the bride, MOTB (Mother of the Bride) and the MOH (Maid of Honor) to handle all of the details. But that 's on the contrary. More & more grooms today are taking an active role in planning their nuptials. From choosing colors palettes and themes, taking dance lessons, making music selections, and right down to coordinating his party's look for the day. It's without a shadow of a doubt , that his tastes and ideas could be matched with that of his bride to be.

Either way, whether his input is great or STN (Slim To Nil), know that it's okay. Give him the opportunity to express himself, even if it's only minute in form. Just know that he's committed. Not often portrayed in do or deed, but in matters of the heart.

However frustrating this may be because of his too calm, too cool, and too collected attitude, don't be dismayed. Get him involved by asking him questions that will only pique and grab hold of his interests. For instance, if he's not a coattail and cuff link type of guy, but he plans to get spiffed up on the Big Day, ask him to make a list of photos he'd like the photographer to capture of him getting donned up to commemorate this very special day. Get creative in finding ways to get him involved.

Moreover, from my experience in dealing with grooms firsthand, the facade does not last very long and the gloves tend to come off the moment he lays eyes on his bride (and the floodgates of emotions are no longer able to contain themselves), as she begins her walk down the aisle, towards him, and their destiny together.


From the Groom's point of view, "Saying less .... is More". Often of few words, his opinions and ideas are worth more than their weight than gold.

A Perfect Day

July 5, 2008

The day started off with a slight overcast. It had rained the day and night before. During the set up at the church no one complained it might rain on the Big Day. As we worked to decorate the church, there was an air of excitement, yet everyone was calm, or so it appeared to me.

Adrienne's day started at 7:00 AM. She had a 9:00 AM hair appointment. Nothing was left to chance with the tight itinerary I had lined up. I can only imagine how she must have felt with only just a few hours away before she would walked down that rose petaled path towards her groom and her destiny.




Adrienne arrived a back at the house slightly behind schedule, but just in time to for her make up to be applied by her make up artist, Carmen Garcia of Simply for Her. Carmen did a wonderful job on all of the bridal party's make up. The girls were "in" fab from head to toe. Adrienne was especially overwhelmed with how she looked for her big day.


The rain fell sporadically that day. Leaving moments where the sun shined through and the rainbows casted an umbrella of blessings in the sky for this joyous occasion.

So it began...

When I began assisting my sister plan her special day, I only needed 3 things from her: Her favorite flower, her color scheme, and for her to tell me her vision for her day. She didn't have an idea. So I asked her to be open to ideas and concepts. She agreed. As stated before in a previous post Adrienne is a huge Disney fan. She loves Aladdin. So I incorporated subtle ideas into the plan. I applied the same concept that I used when designing her invitations, and streamlined it throughout the entire wedding. It was reflected in every detail. Such as sheer drapery, luscious floral designs, and timeless keepsakes. All of which was produced through my sub division company,

Dreams & Keepsakes

I was not the photographer but I have enclosed a few photos for your viewing. Enjoy them!








I was told that she cried all the way down the aisle.








And now my gift to my baby sister and her groom.... The Details.

















Adrienne didn't have Aladdins' Lamp, but she recieved wedding wishes & blessings from her all of her guests.




Special thanks to Constance James of Connie's Cakery. Elder Michael Peters, Excel Transporatation & Limosuines Services, Carmen Garcia of Simply for Her, and Peter Saunders of Us Photography Studios. The team, Shanae C., Christopher B., Clyde B., Marie W., our Mistress of Ceremonies, Leslie B, and last but not least, Joan M. (our oldest sister) for handling the logistics and the technical aspects of the event. We couldn't have pulled it off without your expertise. Furthermore, I enjoyed working with each and everyone of you. Job well done all!

Look for the professional photos to be posted on my website in the coming months. Currently I am waiting for photos from other events that were done earlier this season as well.

And to my readers, thanks for all your support and taking this journey with me to my Baby Sisters' Wedding.

To Mr. & Mrs. Dwight & Adrienne Howard:
CONGRATULATIONS!