Posted by Ola Akinsanya on February 19, 2009 at 3:39pm
African Entrepreneurs Network understands that all businesses are not created equal. Therefore, we created a network designed to help all level of businesses. Small businesses in general do require exposure in order to be successful. Companies pay a lot of money to get in front of millions of consumers because they recognize that marketing is required in order to generate revenue. Television commercials account for most of the advertising of goods and services, and they have proven to be very successful. Magazines, likewise, are successful in their own rights; they also have a share in the market of advertising. The more popular the magazine, the more the likelihood for a certain ad to be properly circulated. Now there is the Internet, the information super highway, where traffic is mind boggling. What better medium for one to advertise and reach a very large percentage of the population.Then, there is also the cost of an ad. Advertising can be expensive if you advertise on television and the popular magazines. However, the Internet can also give you the same exposure if you advertise in the right forum. African Entrepreneurs Network encourages its members to advertise because it works. Anyone who wants to be successful in business is going to require some exposure. The network and its members also create a community of business owners who share ideas and also advertise their businesses at low cost. There is referral marketing within the community and the members support one another's business. African Entrepreneurs Network has created a "Shopping Mall" of businesses that is visited and supported by the members of the network.Congratulations to all who have taken the initial step of business ownership, and is presently sitting in the driver's seat. Now is the time to put on your navigation system to direct you to your destination. With that we welcome you to the African Entrepreneurs Network where your small business ownership dreams will be realized with the assistance of our advisors, counselors, and our network members.Ola AkinsanyaCEO and Founder of African Entrepreneurs Networkhttp://africanceos.ning.comhttp://africanentrepreneur.net
Read more…
A Bird’s Eye View on Wedding DressesHow this Photographer sees it
The Wedding dress is one of the most important details of the day. Everyone wonders “what is the bride wearing”? “What is she going to look like”? Therefore having seen hundreds of wedding dresses as the owner of a photography business I wanted to give some thoughts and advice that I hope will be considered regarding this most photographed item on the wedding day.Let’s start with that trip to the bridal salon, I recently spoke at a seminar and mentioned that mothers are probably not the best person for the bride to take when shopping for her wedding gown unless mom is a fashion icon and she knows a lot about wedding dresses. I felt like that woman in the bible who had just been caught in the act of adultery, I really thought I was going to be stoned to death, a few of the mothers in that room were more than a little annoyed with me. .My point simply was that mothers are often driven by emotions, this after all is their baby getting married and they may be a bit overwhelmed by all of the details involved in selecting the one item that sets the Maybe your mom didn’t have the wedding of her dreams but wants that for you; it is only natural that she will be a touch emotional, mom may not see that her daughter may spend the big day looking like a gigantic wedding cake, or a throw back from the Victorian era. stage for this big dayAdditionally the bride is often under enormous pressure to make others happy and may not have the intestinal fortitude it takes to stand up to mom and say I don’t want this, especially if mom and dad are shelling out any of the money for the wedding.Obviously not every dress looks great on every one, you must consider your height, weight, complexion, hair & eye coloring when you make this significant purchase. Would your body type look great in a strapless dress or a ball gown? Would your skin coloring favor white, ivory or eggshell or another color? Do you like beading if so how much? What about lace? What about the fabric? Chiffon or satin? What fabric works best for you? Trying on several different styles of wedding gowns, made by a variety of manufacturers can give you a great sense of what is available in the market place. The things I havementioned are but a few of the many considerations in selecting this garment. Finally you may have to make alterations make sure to ask the bridal salon what they can and cannot do. You must be precise and specific about what must be done to avoid very costly mistakes especially in the area of alterations. Brides go alone, or take a very trusted friend not the whole crew of screaming girlfriends with you to the bridal salon. You may also keep in mind that loved ones and friends won’t want to hurt your feelings about how you look as you try on your wedding gown.You may also keep in mind that loved ones and friends won’t want to hurt your feelings about how you look as you try on your wedding gown. A quick note most salons have a sales staff that will give good advice but keep in mind that the salon is in business to make money.Don’t make the decision in a hurry; don’t buy the first thing you try on, and for heaven’s sake don’t just try on one dress. When selecting your wedding dress also consider the season of your wedding. A sleeveless dress in February in Aspen probably won’t cut it, so don’t forget the time and season of the year. Best wishes on finding the dress that best represents who you are on that all important day.Go to the shop when you’re restedGo when the shop is slow, take a day off work if necessary, Friday evenings and Saturdays are almost always busy and you may not get the kind of service you requirePlease have the right undergarments when you go, most shops have the proper bras but it would be worth the investment for you to buy one for the purpose of trying on gownsOnce you make the decision on the dress come prepared to put a deposit on the gown.Other Points for Great Wedding Day Photos:Rest the night before the wedding puffy eyes show in photosGet a great makeup artistGet something to eat; a hungry bride is not a happy brideHire a wedding planner at least for the day of, stress really does show in photosRelax and have a great day!This article provided by Carla Rein of MorningStar Photography to reach MorningStar go towww.morningstarphotography.com
Read more…
Expert Wedding Photographer Balks at the Idea of a Lack of Diversity in Wedding IndustryMorningstar Photography Says Black, Indian and Asian Women Get Married Too
Columbia, MD (BlackNews.com) - While weddings are their expertise, many major celebrities and notables such as baseball Hall of Famer Dwight Gooden, iconic anchorman Roger Mudd, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and Hollywood producer Cleveland O'Neil have all found their way in front the lens of a MorningStar photographer.While serving every possible client MorningStar has broken away from the herd and focused primarily on the ethnic client. "There is an assumption out there that Black, Indian and Asian women don't get married as frequently as everyone else, it may be statistically true but it is not borne out by the people who come to us."Gone are the days of the couple looking longingly into each other's eyes. Today MorningStar Photography focuses on the nuances of the wedding day: mothers who cry, bridesmaids who aren't always happy at the altar, an engagement ring on the heel of a bride's shoe, a bride's expression as her sorority sisters wish her the best for her future. These are the memories that make each wedding unique, and that MorningStar strives to capture.Focusing on ethnic weddings as a niche market has allowed MorningStar to blaze a trail in the past ten years producing eye-popping images for the client, no matter who they are. High end boutique photography is available for the senator's daughter as well as the sanitation worker's daughter. MorningStar has spectatcular packages for almost every budget.While MorningStar focuses on a diverse clientele, the owners of this company also represent the America that Barack Obama hopes for and would be most proud of. Alan Rein, a Jewish man, and his wife, Carla, who was born in Trinidad, are the driving force behind the day-to-day operations of this small, hands-on, thriving enterprise. The Reins know diversity because they live it in their everyday lives.Carla commented "We don't do fast food photography, it takes time and patience to create beautiful images. It's the eye behind the lens that matters most, not a photographer's ability to Photoshop."MorningStar Photography recently did a showcase at the Gathering Place in Clarksville, MD where potential clients were able to view MorningStar's immense catalog of work.MorningStar can be reached directly at www.morningstarphotography.com or to schedule an appointment with MorningStar simply call in the Balto-DC Metro area 410-730-7515 or 1-888-294-1417 toll free. MorningStar also works both nationally and internationally.CONTACT:Carla Rein410-730-7515888-294-1417 toll-free
Read more…
Free Wedding Coordinator...2009Did you receive our offer in the latest newsletter?If you did then you already know that you can receive a free wedding coordinator if you hire Imaginative Gift Baskets, LLC & Balloon Bouquets to decorate your wedding/event.How do I receive the free wedding coordinator?There is a minimum purchase from our sister company Imaginative Gift Baskets of $600 to take advantage of the free wedding coordinator. As soon as you hire Imaginative Gift Baskets, LLC to decorate your wedding/event, then the coordinator from Ambiance U Desire is yours to use on for your big day. The coordinator will help you research, and contact vendors, etc. Your coordinator will also plan your wedding rehearsal, and will be there for every moment of your big day to coordinate your vendors.So act now since this sale is only for the first 300 new clients.Offer ends soon. Call now (504) 613-0634www.Balloonbouquetsandmore.comwww.ImaginativeGiftBaskets.comwww.AmbianceUDesire.com
Read more…
The following message will consist of shameless begging. My event planning company, Signature Soirees has been nominated for the Best Wedding Planner in Cleveland. I am asking for your votes. If you feel uncomfortable voting for some unknown person, please feel free to check out my website and see samples of my work on my blog.If you decide to vote, thank you so much. You can vote by clicking here.
Read more…
Posted by Michaela on September 15, 2008 at 9:21pm
Can I vent here with my fellow sista's???So it's 5 days before the wedding and I find out that my sister (and her husband) and my Aunt, who also happens to be my Godmother, will not be attending my wedding.NO I am not Joking... I have been slaving over planning a wedding far in advance for these "folks" to find a sitter for my special day and no one has found a sitter yet. I know at first everyone was pissed because I wanted a "adult" only reception. Does anyone find this offensive?? I don't, especially considering the "Be-Be" kids that would have been in attendance. I would prefer to not have to deal with the agravation of these kids running around acting up on my day. Personally, when I am invited to a wedding, I would prefer not to bring my child, because I like to enjoy myself at the ceremony and reception.The second problem they are having with my wedding is that it happens to be 45 minutes from my hometown and everyone wants me to getting married in the church I was raised in. Well, I don't mean to sound like a brat, but I always envisioned myself walking down a center aisle, and my "home" church does not have that. Besides, I have been attending this new church for over a year and I really love it. I would love to start my new life with my soul mate in "OUR" church, not "my" church. Am I wrong???Ahhh... so the husband to be is home.. I am sure I will be venting in the near future... hopefully everyone else attends so I don't have to (as my mom would say) BLESS someone out!{I labeled it part 1 because I know there is more to come}
Read more…
Lexus Events is giving away a customized Wedding Day Coordination package.To Enter:Send an email to couples "@ "lexusevents.biz with the following information:1. Bride's Name2. Groom's Name3. Wedding Location4. Wedding Date5. Wedding Website (if applicable)6. A 250 word essay on the details of "your story" (how you met, your engagement, your wedding details, etc). Most importantly this essay should explain why you should be chosen as the winner. Be sure to include a photo!The entry deadline is August 31st, 2008. The winning couple will be announced on September 15th, 2008!Rules:*Entries must be 250 words or less and include a photo of the couple. Include the wedding date, location and any details about your wedding.*If wedding is outside of the Bay Area, winner will be responsible for providing transportation and hotel accommodations for travel from Oakland to wedding location.*Only one entry per couple. All entries must be emailed to couples "at" lexusevents.biz with the subject line "Wedding Day Coordination Contest" by August 31, 2008.*Wedding must take place before May 1st, 2009 and is subject to our availability*Winning couple must sign a contract.*No cash value.
Read more…
One of the most common questions that I get emailed about has to do with this: how do I handle a gift when I've been invited to a wedding, birthday party, graduation celebration, bridal shower, baby shower, etc. (fill in the blank) and I can't go?The short answer is this: you do not have to send a gift if you RSVP "No."No go? No gift.I hope this helps to make a lot of people a little less stressed out!
Read more…
Envi Consulting & Associates is proud to announce the Sheer Elegance Bridal Extravaganza!On Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Envi Consulting & Associates will host the Sheer Elegance Bridal Extravaganza at LOFT at Castleberry Hill. The purpose of this show is to provide upcoming brides the opportunity to see a dynamic venue, meet vendors, get new and innovative ideas for their wedding, and see the latest trends in Bridal Attire and Formal Wear.Vendors in all categories from Photographers to Consultants, Videographers to Bakers will be in attendance! There will be a dynamic fashion show showcasing the latest in Bridal Fashion!Keeping in line with our community involvement and philanthropic mission, the Sheer Elegance Bridal Extravaganza is in support of the I Do Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to encourage couples to incorporate charitable giving into their wedding, creating alternative avenues to support non-profit organizations. A portion of the proceeds from this spectacular, fun, and unique bridal show will support their corporate initiatives.We are proud to announce that the Perfect Wedding Guide will be a contributor at the show!We are so excited about this dynamic event!
We are ecstatic and more than proud to announce that our 2008 Envi Bride of the Year, LaDonna Bradford and her fiance, Darnell Suggs have won the 2008 NBC Today Show Race to the Altar.Selected as 1 Couple of 5 Finalists to compete for America's votes to win an ALL EXPENSES paid Wedding in Rockefeller Center and Honeymoon, LaDonna & Darnell were chosen as the Winning Couple!!!!In 2 weeks on, June 25, 2008, LaDonna & Darnell will get married in the Rainbow Room in NYC on TV in front of millions of viewers.Next week, America will have the influence on planning their wedding, from chosing the dress to the rings to the Honeymoon location on www.todayshow.com.We will make sure to remind you starting Monday!You can watch the BIG Announcement of the Winning Couple here at Race to the AltarThank you again for all of your support!Congratulations LaDonna & Darnell!
Read more…
LIVE Wedding Dress Bridal Webcam @ Victoria's Bridal CoutureVictoria's Bridal Couture now has a new Wedding Dress Bridal Webcam for the Brides and their family.Invite your family and friend to shop with you! Tell them to tune in here during your appointment to watch you while you shop for the wedding dress of your dreams...This webcam service is FREE and easy to access. Just go to our website at Victoria's Bridal Couture (http://www.victoriasbridalcouture.com) then click on the "WEBCAM" menu item in the lower left hand part of the page. You could also go directly to the CAM here at http://www.victoriasbridalcouture.com/cam.html . You will need to click the "Refresh" button to update the webcam camera image every few seconds.
Read more…
Allure Bridals 8534 @ Victoria's Bridal CoutureAllure Bridals 8534Victoria's Bridal Couture brings you this Diamond White/Gold, Champagne/ivory/Gold wedding gown from Allure Bridals.Manufacturer: AllureWarranty: Victoria's Bridal Couture takes special care and checks all wedding dresses from Allure for proper sizing, color and special request to the order. If you are unhappy with your purchase or have any issues, please contact us so we can assist in resolution and/or give futher advise. All sales are final and no refunds will be given. Please also note that wedding dresses ordered in your size does not mean that alterations may not still need to be done. You are responsible for your own alterations.MSRP: $1,137.00Price: $749.00
Read more…
Wedding Gown Preservation for Wedding DressesVictoria's Bridal Couture brings you Wedding Gown Preservation - TraditionalPrepaid bridal gown cleaning and preservationWhite gloss finish preservation chestConvenient Carrying HandleRedesigned (NEW) deluxe shipping container$500 Declared Value20-year Certificate of GuaranteeAnti-Sugar treatmentGown will be steam pressedPrepaid shipping both waysAdd 3 additional accessories at no extra charge. (clean your choice gloves, bag, detachable train, garter, veil, headpiece and many other wedding accessories.)Bridal gown preservation kits are usually shipped within 5 - 10 business days depending on your location. Our kits are shipped from New York. Your wedding dress will be handled with personal care, preserved, and shipped back to you within 2 - 10 weeks from the day it is received by The Wedding Gown Preservation Company.See the video here.1. Order your gown preservation kit from VictoriasBridalCouture.com for only $120.2. Your gown preservation kit includes: cleaning order/instruction form, stickers to mark stains, plastic bag to wrap your gown, twist tie to close plastic bag, box to ship your gown to Wedding Gown Preservation Company, tape to seal box and pre-paid UPS and FedEx shipping labels to Wedding Gown Preservation Company.3. Look beautiful wearing your wedding gown on your wedding day!4. After your wedding or when you return from your honeymoon, carefully look over your wedding gown. Use the stain stickers to mark any spots, dirt or stains you see. You don't have to mark the hem as dirty - everyone's hem gets dirty and the folks at Wedding Gown Preservation Company know to always pay special attention to the hem.5. Fill out the Wedding Gown Preservation Company's order/instruction form and the return shipping label. If you want to have your veil and garter cleaned, there is a place to add those items.6. Place your gown and any other items (veil and/or garter) into the plastic bag. Close the bag with the twist-tie provided.7. Place plastic bag into box. Seal box with tape provided or use your own tape.8. Decide if shipping UPS or FedEx is more convenient for you. Tear off the small tracking receipt tag from the shipping label and keep it for your records. Then place the appropriate shipping label on the box.9. Take box to any Mail Boxes Etc. (or any package shipping store), take directly to any UPS or FedEx terminal, give box to any UPS or FedEx driver, take the box to your work (if your employer has UPS or FedEx service) at no charge to your employer or you, take to any grocery store that accepts UPS or FedEx packages, or call 1-800-PICKUPS, or 1-800-GoFedEx and UPS or FedEx will go to your home (a service charge may apply when calling UPS).10. You're Done!Manufacturer: Wedding Gown Preservation Co.Warranty: The Wedding Gown Preservation Co. offers a 100% guarantee against caramelized sugar stains or yellowing of the gown. If at any time the gown is found to have yellowed or has caramelized stains, the Wedding Gown Preservation Co. will reprocess the gown at no extra charge to the customer. If re-processing is unsuccessful, the Wedding Gown Preservation Co. will refund the preservation cost.MSRP: $154.99Price: $120.00
Read more…
Men's Vest, Ties & Cravats from Dessy, After Six & Alfred Sung @ Victoria's Bridal CoutureAfter Six Mens Tuxedo VestVictoria's Bridal Couture brings the men this Duchess Satin Tuxedo Vests which are a perfect match for the bridesmaid gowns! Vests made to order in sizes SM-LG-5XF (waist 27"-66") and available with extra length for 6'2" and taller. Our store will have a sample vest soon. Colors: ambeauty, amethyst, artic, aubergine, banana, black, blush, bordeaux, burgandy, buttercup, carnation, celadon, celestial blue, cherry, claret, cloudy, clover, cornflower, cotton candy, espresso, flame, fuchsia, ginger, glamor, grape, hunter, ice, innocence, ivory, kiwi, lavender, lilac, mauve, meadow, merlot, midnight, mint, mocha, moon dust, moss, polomino, passion, periwinkle, platinum, plum swirl, posie, pretty in pink, quartz, rose, ruby, sailor, sapphire, sorbet, sugar plum, tahiti, tangerine, taupe, teal, tulip, white, winsor blue.Please Note: Although we have made every effort to represent our colors as truly as possible, we cannot guarantee an exact match with the actual fabrics. The tone of light on the fabric, differences in computer monitors and printers, and differences in dye-lots will all cause color variations.Manufacturer: DessyMSRP: $95.00Price: $65.00Victoria's Bridal Couture also has a selection of ties, bow ties, cravats, cufflinks, mens wedding sandals and executive engravable bridal party (groomsmen) gifts.
Read more…
Mia Solano 2008 Silk Bridal Collection by Raylia @ Victoria's Bridal CoutureVictoria's Bridal Couture brings you the NEW 2008 Mia Solano Silk Bridal Collection by Raylia. This is the debut silk line for Mia Solano by Raylia and Victoria's Bridal Couture is the only place where you can own one online.You are looking at style M692 where you can own it at http://www.victoriasbridalcouture.com/catalog_i7889940.html?catId=293720 and it is only $1,483.50.Here is a list of the current prices:Mia Solano M699 by RayliaPrice: $1,932.00Mia Solano M697 by RayliaPrice: $1,414.50Mia Solano M692 by RayliaPrice: $1,483.50Mia Solano M690 by RayliaPrice: $2,334.50Mia Solano M688 by RayliaPrice: $1,552.50Mia Solano M680 by RayliaPrice: $1,679.00Mia Solano M678 by RayliaPrice: $1,725.00Mia Solano M672 by RayliaPrice: $2,656.50Mia Solano M669 by RayliaPrice: $1,679.00Mia Solano M665 by RayliaPrice: $1,667.50Mia Solano M661 by RayliaPrice: $1,483.50Mia Solano M656 by RayliaPrice: $1,748.00Mia Solano M650 by RayliaPrice: $1,897.00Mia Solano M638 by RayliaPrice: $1,598.50Mia Solano M632 by RayliaPrice: $1,644.50Mia Solano M630 by RayliaPrice: $1,932.00Mia Solano M623 by RayliaPrice: $1,782.50Mia Solano M615 by RayliaPrice: $1,690.50Mia Solano M611 by RayliaPrice: $2,150.50Mia Solano M604 by RayliaPrice: $1,748.00Mia Solano M600 by RayliaPrice: $1,679.00
Read more…
2008 Just Tea's from the Jim Hjelm Occasions Collection @ Victoria's Bridal CoutureVictoria's Bridal Couture brings you the 2008 Just Tea's from the Occasions Collection by Jim Hjelm.These are the lowest prices anywhere and we dare you to find them any lower. If you do, please go to our price match and give us a chance to beat that price.Jim Hjelm JH5817TPrice: $238.00Jim Hjelm JH5816TPrice: $228.00Jim Hjelm JH5815TPrice: $228.00Jim Hjelm JH5814TPrice: $199.00Jim Hjelm JH5813TPrice: $209.00Jim Hjelm JH5812TPrice: $247.00Jim Hjelm JH5811TPrice: $228.00Jim Hjelm JH5810TPrice: $247.00Jim Hjelm JH5809TPrice: $238.00Jim Hjelm JH5808TPrice: $228.00Jim Hjelm JH5807TPrice: $228.00Jim Hjelm JH5806TPrice: $209.00Jim Hjelm JH5805TPrice: $209.00Jim Hjelm JH5804TPrice: $219.00Jim Hjelm JH5803TPrice: $199.00Jim Hjelm JH5802TPrice: $257.00Jim Hjelm JH5801TPrice: $256.00Jim Hjelm JH5800TPrice: $238.00
Read more…
Have some questions or simply don't have the time for the details and leg-work?
Well we are just what your looking for!
Memorable Moments Event Planning service is a Wedding and Event consultation firm. We service the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana regions providing professional consulting for all of your event planning needs. We pride ourselves on creating flawless events, customized to your dreams specifications. Our attention to detail, creativity, and vision combined with our professionalism, and demand for excellence can make your day no less than spectacular.No matter the event, we will cater to meet your needs and budget with a variety of packages to choose from. Our commitment to your special occasion is to make that one day your Memorable Moment.Contact us today. Our planners are looking forward to speaking with you to further discuss howWe Can Ensure Your Social Success!
