There are so many options when shopping for the "Yes to the Dress!"  If you're looking for a personalized, couture experience, then Laury Bride should be part of your bridal gown shopping experience.  In this episode, The Designer herself, Laurie Underwood, shares some of the following: how Laurie became Laury Bride; mission and objective of the Laury Bride shopping experience; and, most excitedly how wedding planning is going for her as a Bride-to-Be, and much more! 

Before the Big Day

Episode 75: Bridal shopping and wedding planning with Laury Bride

“You’ve got the VELVET Touch”  - Yes, she does!! Meet Amber of The Velvet Touch!!  A highly accomplished and results-driven Program Management Professional with 25+ years of leadership and program management expertise gained from positions of increased responsibility within the automotive industry. Since 1991, she has utilized her years of program management experience as well as her love of styling events to create beautiful weddings and events for hundreds of clients. She prides herself for designing and executing designs that  speaks to who the Bride and Groom are. “When guests walk in the room it should reflect the Bride and Groom!” She decided to turn this love into a business in 2001 with the formation of her event and floral design business – The Velvet Touch Events. The Velvet Touch Events (VTE) is a premier floral and event design studio specializing in exclusively designed, elegant affairs. The unique designs are defined by the clients’ vision, along with the VTE teams’ attention to detail and love for exquisite design. If you need someone who knows how to connect your personality and style to your overall wedding decor, then Amber and her team at The Velvet Touch are the right choice for your #BigDay.  She knows how to tap into her clients’ fashion sense to design and execute decor that WOWs all your guests!! She even reveals some “behind the scenes” trade secrets during this interview, so if you’re curious about how she makes magic happen, take a listen and learn some cost savings tips, and why she has a “love hate” relationship with Pinterest.  The team of professionals at VTE share a passion for creating exceptional moments that will be remembered for a lifetime. VTE weddings & events reflect the importance of life’s most significant moments. And it is through these moments that a true love for the craft of floral and event design is fully expressed.   Amber also shares these suggestions: Hire a Planner that can handle last minute tasks and ensure everything goes according to plan, PLUS it helps to have a Point Person for all your vendors to communicate with on the #BigDay; and Hire a Designer/Florist within your budget that can execute your vision (with some of the tips she shares) without breaking your budget! You can reach out to Amber: @eventsbyvte on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter  or visit the website at: https://www.the-velvet-touch.com 

**REPLAY** BTS Decor with The Velvet Touch

In this episode, I'm excited that weddings are back and so am I with new episodes of the podcast!!! Over the past year, despite the pandemic, I've observed some details that I needed to throw some shade to help you avoid any pitfalls on your wedding planning journey to the Big Day, such as: 1) Hire only Wedding PROFESSIONALS; 2) Know the difference between hiring a PLANNER versus a COORDINATOR; and 3) the importance of having the right wedding ATTENDANTS! It's a short, but "sweet" narrative just for you along with some previews of upcoming episodes!

Episode 74: Weddings are BACK!!

Have you seen styled wedding photo shoots? Do you ever wonder what's the purpose? They appear in bridal publications for wedding inspiration for your #BigDay! Denise of Denise Lillie Engagements has had two recent photo shoots inspired by Black Panther #WakandaForever and the Netflix series #Bridgerton which are each showcased in today's episode.   Tune in and make sure to follow and subscribe: https://www.instagram.com/beforethebigdaypodcast https://www.instagram.com/deniselillieengagements https://www.beforethebigday.co https://www.droyalengagements.com/

Episode 73: Wedding Styled Shoot Inspiration for your Big Day

It's the first #WeddingWednesday in May and I'm so excited that Amber and Yoshi wanted to share their #weddingplanning journey on the podcast today.  Hear what and WHO they credit for helping their #CovidWedding be a #BigDay success, including: 1) the fabulous staff at the Rattlesnake Club in Detroit, MI; 2)their amazing Wedding Coordinator - the Crystal Marie of Crystal Marie Events for the logistics AND #Superman and #WonderWoman decor; and much more!

Episode 72: Superman and Wonder Woman get married during Covid-19

Excited to interview Olivia, VTABi Administrative Directer for the Couture luxury Bridal Robes collection.   VTABi began as a small business in which Veronica sold Kanté print wear, Afrocentric designs and matching accessories. Now, with over 15 thousand followers on social media, VTABi has grown into a successful luxury bridal brand. Her most notable bridal robes and  bridal lingerie have been featured in magazines such as Essence, Mulanuchi, and Black Bride. Her gowns, jumpsuits and maternity robes continue to galvanize the internet and define Veronica as a fashion trailblazer within our community. 

Episode 71: Bridal Robes by VTABi

This is a "teaching" episode as I share how to properly create a Wedding Budget using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.  If you haven't created a budget or just don't know how to start, this spreadsheet is an excellent resource.  You can get a copy here:   Google Sheets Microsoft Excel

Episode 70: Wedding Budget using Excel

Brides have so many choices when it comes to not only her bridal attire but also for her bridesmaids; Bridal Babes offers CHOICES for your #BrideTribe available ONLINE with a seamless shopping experience. Plus, some "extras" for Bridal showers, bachelorette parties and much more. Ashley is in the Guest Chair for today's #Wedding Wednesday explaining the process AND sharing some tips for those on the #weddingplanning journey! Listen on any podcast channel OR view the fashions on today's YouTube episode. And make sure you listen or watch all the way to the end for a special discount code!! YouTube episode: https://youtu.be/zwxlqN5Qqss

Episode 69: You are a Bridal Babe

Excited to have The Rev. Katrese Kirk McKenzie in the guest chair this #WeddingWednesday to share her most memorable moments from her MicroWedding in 2020, including: 1.  Her awesome bridal gown from #ProjectRunway Designer #LauryBride; 2. The awesome #weddding venue in Illinois; and 3.  how they were able to capture memories with EVERY guest present; and much MORE, including some tips on planning your upcoming #BigDay

Episode 68: Micro Wedding Tips from a Fairytale Celebration

"Sophisticated in Style and Joyful in Romance" is Terri Baskin's motto as a much sought after Wedding Photographer in the DMV area. A 2nd generation Wedding Photographer, Terri advises couples to ensure they have a good "fit" with their Wedding Photographer: 1) get to know each other and establish a relationship; 2) schedule a pre-Wedding session, i.e. an engagement shoot; and so much more!! Shout out to Melissa of B Astonished Events, Episode 66 Guest, who partnered with Terri for Micro Weddings during #covid19. 

Episode 67: Wedding Photography Tips with Terri Baskin

Melissa Williams is the Owner and Lead Planner & Designer of B Astonished Events, LLC.  She's in the Guest Chair this #WeddingWednesday to discuss #MicroWeddings, which were created due to #Covid19 restrictions but are they here to stay once the #pandemic is over?? Listen in on how this concept may be the new #weddingtrend! Melissa has 7 years of professional experience of business management and working in the events industry.  After receiving her Master's degree in Sports Business management, she was inspired to become an entrepreneur in the event industry.  Through the years she has coordinated, planned, designed and executed countless weddings and other special events in the DMV area. 

Episode 66: Micro Weddings - Here to Stay?

Did you know "Tress" is another word for Hair? My guest for today's #WeddingWednesday episode has established herself as THE Hair Expert for Brides on their #BigDay.  You've seen her work on BravoTV, TLC, and in magazines such as the Washingtonian and Munaluchi Bride.

Episode 065: Choosing your Bridal Hair with Tress Art by Serena

With the mission to inspire others to Dream, Love, and Celebrate life, Michelle Gainey started Atlanta based Lemiga Events nearly two decades ago, serving as a premier event planning boutique specializing in stylish and glamorous affairs. Soon thereafter she extended her expertise into other lifestyle services.   I'm so blessed to have her in the Guest Chair for this #weddingWednesday episode!

Episode 064: Wedding Planning and Design with Lemiga Events

Another one of the Real Wedding Planners of Detroit, Meisha from Dream Celebrations is in the guest chair for this episode.  In it we discuss the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Coordinator, AND we even "touch" on the fact that #covid19 may have started a new trend for smaller weddings = bigger decor budget.  Tune in or watch on the Before the Big Day YouTube channel. 

Episode 63: Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator?

What Bride doesn't love unique accessories for her #BigDay or perhaps for her Bachelorette celebration and/or Bridal Shower? Kimberly from Kreatively Styled Bridal Boutique is in the Guest Chair for this #WeddingWednesday episode.  You can listen OR get a preview of some of her accessories via the Before the Big Day YouTube channel.

Episode 62: Kreative Bridal Accessories

All the resources and advice you need to have a memorable, stress free Big Day!

hubhopper

Before the Big Day

hubhopper