Tara Melvin March 19, 2014
Tara Melvin 
I am overjoyed to share this blog with all of you because of its importance to me and the first time something has been created for the Washington, DC area.
Last summer I was contacted by Mary Chatman, CEO of BlackBride.Com, and she shared her desire to bring to the Washington, DC market a unique bridal show concept (Bridal Brunch) to capture the beauty of women of color. The first bridal brunch by BlackBride.Com was May 19th, 2013 at the Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, New York planned and hosted by Fallon Carter of Fallon Carter Weddings. Excited and delighted to take the challenge as their second stop of the bridal brunch series and to serve as Washington, DC’s local event planner and host, I briskly went about connecting with my wedding industry colleagues that were at the top of their craft in the wedding industry. Month by month, and step by step the plan of this wonderful event came into motion. Bridal Brunch DC opened its doors for one day, Sunday, March 9th, 2014. This couture boutique style bridal showcase included a fabulous seated brunch fare, live entertainment, interaction with the industry’s best wedding professionals, fashion show, and a professional panel for the Brides to ask questions regarding their special day. The event was the first of its kind, and it provided a great opportunity for wedding professionals to have a personalized experience with potential brides and grooms in a unique bridal setting at the beautiful and historic Carnegie Library in Washington, DC.
The results of the show – FABULOUS! The Brides stated that this was an intimate affair created just for them. It was certainly a honor and pleasure to serve as the event designer and producer for this extroadinary affair. Special thanks to Mary Chatman of BlackBride.Com and Fallon Carter Weddings for allowing me this amazing opportunity – it was a pleasure partnering with you! Many thanks to the wonderful wedding professionals (sponsors and exhibitors) and area panel members in the Washington, DC metro area for collaborating with me to make the event a success! My first bridal show produced- accomplished!
WHO IS BLACKBRIDE.COM
Mary Chatman serves as the CEO & President of BlackBride.com since taking over the company in late 2010 through acquisition. With over 20 years of corporate experience in Global Business Development and in the fashion modeling industry, Mary began writing for the site while operating Love Life Designs six months prior to becoming the owner. BlackBride.com has been the premier online resource for brides of color since 1998. It has been around for the past fourteen years as the ultimate wedding companion for planning the most romantic and important day of a woman’s life. The company provides definitive vendor resources for brides in every aspect of wedding planning, including new trends in fashion, designer wedding gowns, photography, accessories, food, honeymoon travel, destination weddings and so much more. (excerpted from BlackBride.Com).
THE PANEL:
THE SPONSORS:
Events DC – The Carnegie Library
Tierra Floral Design
Caribbean Caterers
Soliloquy Bridal Couture
House of Jonlei Altelier
DJ Angie D Entertainment
Michael Clark Photographers
Frame Magic Productions
Couture Cakes by Sabrina
Mareta Creations
JJ&T Entertainment
Dawn Newsome Make-Up Artist
Defined by Deana LaRae
Booth-O-Rama
Gala Cloths
DC Rentals
Showtime Events
Emerald Stewart and Her Amazing Model Friends
THE RESULTS (photography credit: Michael Clark Photographers)…click on photographs to enlarge view and for caption credits!
SPECIAL KUDOZ TO MY TEAM, PERFECT PLANNING EVENTS…I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU…YOU COME THROUGH FOR ME TIME AND TIME AGAIN!