I stumbled across this jaw-dropping video yesterday on Facebook and couldn’t wait to share it with you guys. I’ve seen a lot of wedding trailers and this was the first one that left me at a lost for words. The venue of Abbaye de Cernay in Paris is majestic, the bride’s gowns are exquisite and the overall cinematography is sick. After a little research I learned that the bride is apparently a pretty famous Nollywood (that’s the Hollywood of Nigeria for those out the loop) actress and the groom Linus is a global media consultant who also hails from Nigeria. The two wed on April 21, 2012. Congrats to them and enjoy the video.

Oh and P.S. – Before you go rolling your eyes and counting up how much money the couple spent on their nuptials, just remember they didn’t ask any of us for financial assistance to create the wedding day they wanted. I admit the day seemed a little over the top but it is enjoyable to watch and I truly feel most brides-to-be can be inspired by something in this video, regardless of their budget.

Tell me your favorite part in the comments (I really enjoyed the fireworks!) and if you have any additional intel on these two feel free to share.

On the road to Mrs. Jene is learning to balance time with her beau and her buddies!

One of the trickiest balancing acts you have to learn when you decide to get married is the one of time management between your single girlfriends and your new spouse.  This is especially when your social life revolved around your girls before your relationship. It is delusional to think changes wont be necessary.

First let me say I am a firm believer in maintaining your friendships. Good girlfriends have shared a connection that should transcend time. They have been confidants, partners in crime and even surrogate parents in some cases. Your girlfriends were the people who helped you navigate the dating maze that got you to the marriage point in the first place.  So getting married should not make them obsolete.

However, when you stand before God and take a spouse your husband/wife has to be the priority in your life. Their feelings should be considered above all. By getting married you are saying you are no longer a single, but part of a union. Your actions need to reflect accordingly.

Here is where the balancing act begins. Your girlfriends need to recognize that since you are now married you wont be as available as you may have been in the past.  Its not because your affection for them has changed, its just availability is not the same.

Jene with a couple of close girlfriends and members of her bridal party.

With that said, your new spouse has to also acknowledge the importance of your girlfriends in your life. He has to appreciate that the friendships you have fostered have helped cultivate the woman you have become; the woman he loves. It is important he supports you in continuing those relationships.

In a nutshell, when you decide to get married you have to make your marriage and your spouse your first priority. But in doing so completely kicking your friends to the curb is not an option. A healthy person is multi-faceted, and all of the facets need to be honored.

Lonnie & Katrina Jump the Broom: Find Out What He & Other Men Think About Popping "the" Question

When a man decides he wants to get married, we have to acknowledge he’s reached a high peak of maturity. He’s not shying away from commitment, responsibility or the idea of sharing all the love he has to give to one special person. Even more important, he is willing to expose his vulnerability. Just check out  films like The Brothers and The Wood where the men getting married fight to stand their ground in front of their boys in order to express just why they love their women and how they knew she was the one. Today on Triple B, we’re featuring 13 of our past Tie the Knot Tuesday grooms who weren’t afraid either to let it be known just how they knew the lady in their life would turn into their wife. Feel free to forward this post to your family, girlfriends and co-workers (especially the cynics) because let’s face it; how often do any of us get to read about this demographic of men expressing such feelings? Enjoy!

Another great product from Cincopa Send Files. Cincopa video hosting solution for your website.

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday features in their entirety here.

***Did you or someone you know recently tie the knot? Complete this brief form and the wedding just might be featured in an upcoming Black Bridal Bliss feature!***

Sitting Pretty: Triple B TAY Skincare Winner Jacqueline Royall

Happy Monday! Today, Triple B announces another happy giveaway winner. Jacqueline Royall of New York City is the recipient of those two awesome beauty products in the TAY skincare giveaway first mentioned a couple weeks back. Royall, who favors a diet full of organic fruits and veggies and void of meat is delighted with her Clean Orange Soap and Youthful Eye Treatment because she avoids products with sulfates and/or parabens. And just what was her winning response to the giveaway question about incorporating something green/eco-friendly into a wedding day you’re wondering? Check it out:

“I think an excellent way for someone to make their wedding day eco-friendly is by donating leftover reception food to City Harvest or a similar organization for the hungry and homeless. Or, a couple could ask their reception venue to compost as much as the trash from the event as possible,” shares Royall.

Sharing is indeed caring. Join Triple B in congratulating Jacqueline Royall and stay tuned for more exciting giveaways on BlackBridalBliss.com in the near future.

Newlyweds Nicole & Marcus in Dubai: Who says Black folks don't travel? Not Triple B!

Those of you who follow Triple B know I’m a fan of traveling — especially off the beaten path. Seeing the world beyond your block, state or even country is simply invaluable. But when the economy sucks and you’re a young, new couple just starting out, international travel can be daunting. So check out these Tie the Knot Tuesday alum to get inspired and encouraged! Plus get tips from some of my fave travel sites to get your own passport in rotation!

Camille and Uchenna take on Japan

When New York couple Camille and Uchenna began planning their honeymoon, there was one important factor both instantly agreed on. “We didn’t want to go anyplace either of us had already visited,” reveals Camille. The adventurous pair ended up in Japan for an awe-inspiring vacay they’ll never forget.

Cleo & Lyncoln in South Africa

Maryland newlyweds Cleo and Lyncoln enjoyed a visit to cosmopolitan Capetown, as well as, a safari adventure near Kruger National Park during their South African honeymoon. Their double dose of fun proves that it is possible to experience multiple types of scenery and culture in one country.

Dee and Tory soaking up the sun in Bora Bora

Washington, DC-based duo Dee and Tory traveled to the French Polynesia for their fantasy honeymoon which Dee describes as “simply paradise.” Highlights of the romantic getaway included a hotel room built completely above water (!) and dinner on the roof of the island’s best restaurant for a meal beneath the stars. Fun Fact: Dee and Tory’s resort was the same location where the film Couple’s Retreat was shot.

Nicole and Marcus enjoy a camel ride in Dubai

Philly couple Nicole and Marcus had an unforgettable honeymoon in The Maldives and Dubai. “I didn’t know where I was going. Marcus just said bring your passport and clothes for someplace warm,” recalls Nicole. “I wanted a [destination] that people would have to look up on the map,” jokes Marcus.

Nadine said "Yes!" to her beau Sean in Cuba

Traveling to Cuba was a lot easier for Canadian couple Nadine and Sean than it would be for most American lovebirds. However, they’re still included because Sean thought outside the “box” when choosing a destination to propose to Nadine. “Nay actually wanted to go to St. Lucia which was too expensive for me at the time. So, I took her to Lucia, Cuba!” shares Sean. Creativity is indeed the master of invention.

For more exotic travel inspiration for your honeymoon or destination wedding, visit our Pinterest Board Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts!

Looking to get your own exotic travel on but don’t know where to start? These friendly sites can help! (Be sure to mention Triple B sent ya!)

Black Atlas

The Travelistas

Johnica Reed

Family Bliss: Road to Mrs. blogger Jene with her future mother-in-law and fiance Royshawn.

The closer it gets to our wedding date, the more real it all becomes. I have been completely living in la la land when it comes to wedding planning. While I have hit some bumps in the road along the way, for the most part it has all been pretty easy.  Way too easy apparently since now it’s anything but. Shawn and I joke we can’t wait for our wedding day.  We can’t wait for it to come and go. Planning a wedding is all consuming, and frankly exhausting. However, it’s worth it and even with all the stress, becoming a “Mrs.” Has its high points. A high point for me is that the family of my fiance has enveloped me.

 Today’s movies and sitcoms have trained us to expect turbulent circumstances when it comes to developing relationships with our new in-laws. The comic relief is supposed to make it entertaining, however if it’s you experiencing something like this there isn’t anything funny about it. This is why I count myself blessed everyday. Shawn’s family has been so welcoming to me. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. His entire family treats me as if I have been a member forever, and it is such a beautiful feeling. Even though his mother and sister live in a different state they stay in contact with me regularly when it comes to wedding preparations. They call me to get updates on progress, and offer any assistance we need to make our wedding day special.

In the past I have had less than amicable interactions with family members of a prior relationship. So I know just how much of a blessing having a great relationship with my future husbands family is, and I am beyond thankful.

I can’t wait to become a Harrison.

Actress Sophia Vergara dazzled in this silver Marchesa gown, proving a busty woman can pull off a strapless gown if the bodice offers ample coverage like this one does.

Monday night’s MET Gala brought all the style, glamour, pomp and circumstance we’ve come to expect from the annual ball with a healthy dosage of “what the *?!# moments” for good measure. Here are the top five looks (plus a BONUS) that Triple B brides should look to for inspiration in preparation for their own big day:

Solange Knowles

SOLANGE – Pure perfection. Beyonce’s lil’ sis stepped up her style game over the past year but for those who still had doubts her latest fashion choice at this week’s MET Gala made her a bonified style star. The canary Rachel Roy design was tailored just right to fit her petite frame and showed that Solange can effortlessly pull off the season’s peplum trend. She proved that one doesn’t need to wear tulle, feathers, sequins or show a lot of skin to be a showstopper on the red carpet. This silhouette could easily translate to a wedding dress by switching the color from yellow to white(or whatever hue you choose). Solange opted to wear a big curly fro (which I loved) but if one wore a similar gown with their hair all pulled back away from the face, a bold earring or statement necklace would be a nice addition.

Paula Patton

PAULA PATTON – Bridal fashion royalty Vera Wang dressed Patton which is understandably why so many thought it looked like a bridesmaid dress. And I agree but wouldn’t your bridal party be eternally thankful if you choose a dress like this for them to wear on your wedding day? Plus, pastels are huge this season. This style can easily work as a wedding dress, too.

La La Anthony

LA LA ANTHONY – The First Lady of the NY Knicks is smashing is this royal blue Zac Posen curve hugging gown. If you have a body type like La La’s, consider a mermaid silhouette as well to play up your shape; not hide it — especially on your wedding day.

Ashley Greene

ASHLEY GREENE – This gown by Donna Karan is probably the only one that could easily go straight from the event’s red carpet onto the body of a bride without any tweaks. She kept her Jacob & Co. jewels simple and classy. I love the modern take on the strap (such effortless chic!) and the touches of silver woven into the fabric. Also, the draping over the midsection is very forgiving. This would look majestic on a bride at an evening black-tie wedding!

Janelle Monae

BONUS – JANELLE MONAE – Sure most women aren’t going to wear a jumpsuit on their wedding day. But in my personal opinion this look was such a winner I had to include it. The eclectic singer opted to wear pants (as did Alicia Keys and a couple others) which was definitely a risk but boy was it worth it. The most important factor here is fit and although Janelle is super tiny, the silhouette elongates her by accenting her svelte waistline. This winning look made me think perhaps more brides should consider jumpsuits for the events surrounding their wedding day. You know like, the rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.

Which of the above gowns would you consider rocking on your wedding day? Why or why not? Let me know, folks!

Marriage Matters Monday presents The Mauricettes of Canada!

Just last week an engaged Facebook buddy pleaded in her status update, “To or to not do a wedding video? I love the idea, but my fiance isn’t sold. Need to convince him. Help!” Of course, Triple B was on the case. I immediately sent her a link to Tie the Knot Tuesday couple Cleo and Lyncoln’s Q&A on choosing (and budgeting for) a videographer and advised her to book one based on honest feedback from the hundreds of brides I’ve interviewed. Said buddy was very appreciative. But just this morning I realized that I never shared The Road to Mrs. alum Nadine’s wedding trailer with you! Well, here it is (newlyweds Nadine and her hilarious hubby Sean don’t disappoint). The three things I enjoy most about this wedding trailer are Nadine’s teenage son in the video (he was a significant part of the union afterall), the video switching from black and white to color as the couple jumps the the broom (it was subtle but carries loads of significance) and last but certainly not least, the inclusion of their engagement trip to Cuba in the middle. Swoon! Enjoy folks and leave me a comment with your fave parts, as well as advice for my friend on how to convince her fiance to book a videographer for their own big day.

Nadine and Sean’s Wedding Trailer

Road to Mrs. blogger Jene said "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" to her new wedding planner!

It is crunch time and thus far I have approached wedding planning as a DIY bride. I am very proud of the accomplishments I have made on my own. Especially since event planning on this scale is not my forte. The bulk of the major decisions have been made.  Contracts, deposits and price negotiations are done, but here is where I have hit a wall.  I am secure enough to acknowledge where my strengths are lacking, and the little details of décor and implementation for the reception is where I cry UNCLE!

I have decided to enlist the help of a planner. One of my bridesmaids recently had a party celebrating her birthday, and her planner did a fabulous job. I was so impressed in fact, I begged my friend for her contact information. I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed at this phase of the planning process and I saw this as God answering my prayers.
My first conversation with Najah (my planner’s name) was further confirmation. We vibed really well. She asked me to describe my vision for the wedding. When I told her my ideas Najah seemed genuinely attentive and excited. She was also impressed with the progress I have made up to this point. We have a meeting scheduled this week at my venue to get started. This is such a load off my mind. Boy I tell you, God is in the prayer answering business.

On another note, with the wedding only four months away I have had an unfortunate setback in my weight loss efforts. I’ve been plagued with chronic back problems for a little over a year now. I have disc degeneration that causes debilitating pain and leaves me immobile. I’ve been in therapy and had a few minor surgical procedures. These things have kept my issues at bay for a while, however a recent flare up has left me incapacitated. I am keeping the faith that this too shall pass and I will be back on my feet and ready to go soon.