There’s Nothing Like a Little Sparkle & Shine
Hey there strange-birds. I’ve been in love with the black dresses here lately. You can check out my, Yes, Black is Beautiful for Weddings, too post to get an idea of what I mean. Even still, for this one, ending up with a black dress wasn’t the plan. To be honest, I thought I’d end up sourcing something in the deep teal family. But since I try to keep my expectations open, once I found the right dress, she couldn’t be denied. This one feels like it’s meant for my grown and sexy lovelies who never turn away from a chance to glam it up. If that sounds like your jam, then this Planning a Jewel of a Black-Tie Wedding has your name all over it!
Planning A Jewel of a Black-Tie Wedding Starts with a Pic
I wanna be the woman in this inspiration picture every day of my life. This immediately reminded me of the movie classic, Coming To America. If you’re following what I’m saying, you know the scene I’m talking about. The one where the Prince is being bathed before being dressed. To me, the lovely in this pic is lounging right after her royal bath. She’s taking her sweet time before slipping into her formal dress for the evening. Every woman should be able to experience this level of calm relaxation before her wedding. Especially if what she’s about to slip into is as dope as what I’ve got coming for you next.
The Mood Board
All The Things You Need to Know…
The Bride and Groom Fit
Okay, I already know what you’re thinking. Yes, I’ve been on a bit of an Ese Azenabor kick lately. But can you blame me? Look at this perfection! This multi-color sequin stunner showcases my all time favorite elements. Long sleeves? Check. Deep, (but not too deep for us more ample bosomed lovelies), neckline? Check? Front slit so your gorgeous gams can be seen in all their glory? Check, check, and check! As if all that wasn’t enough on its own, the top is covered in jewel-toned sequins. I can just see the woman from the inspo pic standing up to slip this on. This one may feel like a bit of an investment at $2,400, but I mean just look at it. It’s all the way worth it.
The tux standing next to this dress needs to have an attitude all its own. Enter this Black Jacquard Tuxedo from Welthe Lifestyle. It is easily one of the most beautiful tuxedos I’ve ever seen. The tailored fit, subtle sheen from the jacquard, and velvet detailing at the lapel and waist make this one a showstopper. It comes at a bit of a showstopper price at $1,095, especially since most tuxedos are rented for weddings. But you’ll never find a rented tuxedo as fly as this.
A Jewel of a Black-Tie Wedding Finishing Details
Deep, Rich & Lux
- A hat can change the whole look of an outfit, especially this stunner from Flame Keepers Hat Club. You’ll see its matte black set-off by the wide burgundy ribbon styled on the groom in the mood board. But if you’re a bride anything like me, you’ll steal that hat from your love and rock it myself! Plus I love the way the burgundy tones add additional richness to the whole look without being too matchy-matchy. I love it so much in fact, that it carries over to the other details, too.
- Did somebody say lush? Weddingomania.com, has some amazing weddings to scroll through for inspiration. Really if you’ve never been to the site, you should. They post some beautiful nontraditional weddings appealing to us strange-bird brides, and this reception pic is no exception. I love the almost gothic feel, the draping foliage, clustered candles and deep burgundy napkins would tie together all the elements of this jewel of a black-tie wedding.
- I’m always looking for ways that flowers can be more than flowers. One of the trends I’ll never get tired of is incorporating unexpected elements into bouquets. This purple kale bouquet with shades of dusty blue and deeper purple, highlighted by dots of white, plays nicely in highlighting the jewel tones in the dress. Together they’re a perfect compliment.
- Remember when I said burgundy was carrying over to the other elements? Ya’ll this invitation is so lux, I feel like I can touch it through the screen. Your guests receiving this beauty by @Paperedwonders will know exactly the kind of grown-folks soiree they can look forward to.
Made Picture Perfect
- If it’s not clear by now, I love a mostly-natural-with-a-bit-of-glow makeup look for weddings. Nothing here against a full face beat, that can be beautiful, too. But as someone who doesn’t wear makeup on a regular basis, I find myself drawn to looks that wouldn’t push too far outside my comfort zone. Her skin looks so flawless in this photo – like she’s being in love is lighting her up from the inside out. And who could want more than that for the wedding day?
- Do you see this beautiful afro cloud of a hairdo I found on @StyleMeAfrica‘s Instagram page? I love how it’s simple enough to pull off by yourself. Still, it doesn’t stop it from being fierce enough to hold its own paired with the Azenabor gown. I mean really, how much more regal can you get?
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