Mojuba Wedding

My Big Day Planner

2009-11-03T17:53:00.003-06:00

On the television show Friends, when Monica got engaged to Chandler, it took her about five minutes after he slipped the ring on her finger for her to pull out a perfectly sectioned, color coordinated binder full of info on planning her dream wedding. Unfortunately, we can't all be as organized as Monica Gellar. Lucky for us, there is a product that can help.

My Big Day Planner is a wedding workbook that comes with everything needed to help plan your wedding. The kit comes with a pen, sticky notes, page flags, folders, business card organizers, sheet protectors, a separate document holder, and clipboard - and has sections to help you keep track of your budget, guest list, seating chart, vows, legal documents and more! (click here to check out a sample section) The best part is the planner is completely customizable. The over 200 workbook-style pages and 17 different categories can be removed or rearranged to fit each bride’s individual needs. And if you are all-digital, My Big Day Planner also offers an eBook, which allows you to download the pages from your home or office to help organize the work you’ve already put into planning your wedding.

So get on track and get organized...get My Big Day Planner!

Key Tips For Choosing Ceremony Music

2009-11-03T17:44:00.002-06:00

A few months ago, bride and groom, Jill and Kevin Heinz, entertained us all with the viral video of their wedding march to Chris Brown’s “Forever”. Though this video was wildly popular (getting over 25 million hits on YouTube) a choreographed dance to a pop song isn’t for everyone’s wedding. Looking for something more traditional for your ceremony, but finding classical music to be a bit daunting? Well rest easy. Before you meet with musicians, take a look – and a listen – to my starter suggestions of classical ceremony pieces:

Prelude Music: used as guests are being seated for the ceremony, which can take up to 30 minutes

Air on the G String (Bach) One of my personal favorites! Beautiful as a string quartet.

Chorale Prelude: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) This piece can also be played on strings or a piano.

Processional Music: signals the beginning of the ceremony, including seating of the parents, bridal party, (sometimes of the grandparents), and finally the bride walking down the aisle

Trumpet Tune (Purcell) You will feel like an actual princess walking down the aisle to this song.

Trumpet Voluntary The Prince Of Denmark March (Purcell) The trumpets sound gorgeous and are a nice alternative to the more standard string instruments.

Cannon in D (Pachelbel) Can also work as a processional, recessional, and postlude.

Bridal Chorus (Wagner) You can’t go wrong with the classic Here Comes The Bride.

Interlude Music: generally a vocalist will sing these songs as the bride and groom give flowers to their parents, light a unity candle, etc.

Ave Maria (Schubert) If you would like to add a modern spin to this classic, check out Beyonce’s version.

Recessional Music: played after bride and groom have been pronounced man and wife

Wedding March (Mendelssohn) A timeless song to for the couple to exit the ceremony as newlyweds.

Ode To Joy (Beethoven) The last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is an elegant piece.

Postlude Music: played until all guests have exited the ceremony

Water Music (Handel) A lovely piece to end the ceremony with.

Happy (Music) Hunting!

2009-11-03T17:41:00.004-06:00

Color Me Married

2009-11-03T17:41:00.003-06:00

While a bride can never go wrong with a classic white dress, we think that the bridesmaids shouldn't be the only ones in the wedding party who get to play with color. Chicago dress designer, Michelle Rahn, felt the same way, and thus came up with a gown that allows you to brighten up your wedding day. The Sabrina dress is a classic, strapless, drop waist which comes with a modern twist in the form of a colored crinolin (available in Black, Red, Fushia, Violet, Eggplant, Canary yellow, Sky Blue, Navy, and Platinum). Match this splash of color with a pair of jewel toned shoes and brightly colored jewelry and you will look like you stepped right of the runway. If you want to keep your ceremony look more traditional, the Sabrina gown (also available at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon), makes a great choice to change into for the reception.

Green Jade Stud Earrings by Stephen Webster

Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pump

Ivanka Trump Ties The Knot

2009-11-03T17:39:00.001-06:00

On Sunday, Ivanka Trump married her boyfriend of 2 years, Jared Kushner, at the Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey. 27 year-old Ivanka wore a Grace Kelly inspired gown by designer Vera Wang, and said her I Do's in an Orthodox Jewish ceremony (she recently converted to Judaism for Kushner). Among the 500 guests were Barbara Walters, Rudy Giuliani, Russell Crowe, Natalie Portman, Andrew Cuomo, and Regis Philbin, who sang at the reception. Father of the bride, Donald Trump, gave the short, but sweet toast "Be happy and enjoy your life" and mother of the bride, Ivana Trump, recently blogged that the newlyweds make such a happy couple.

Dream Wedding

2009-11-03T17:21:00.003-06:00

Here at Mojuba, we are all female (Shocker!), so with our brains almost always focused on weddings, it’s only natural for a girl to daydream about her own big day….So, if I were to get married, this is what I would do…Of course,without regard to budget, or the fact that my boyfriend would head for the hills if he knew I was even thinking about a wedding. 1. I am obsessed with the girls at Wedding Paper Divas and their collection of pretty invitations--so since the chosen color of my faux-nuptials is eggplant (a muted, but still fun color choice for those of us who are color-phobic, like myself)-I fell in love with this invite.

2. I've always been a sucker for flowers, but I just wish they lived longer. My previous preservation efforts (prom night corsages, graduation bouquets) have been overall disappointing, so when I found out that NYC-based jewelry boutique Charm and Chain makes rhinestone bridal bouquets that will last a lifetime, I got so excited that I teared up a bit. (Faux weddings can be emotional, too)

3. The big day is the ultimate rationalization for a little Louboutin in your life. ‘Nough said.

4. Chanel's Vendetta nail polish is a favorite of our Mojuba girl Lucy. She literally gets stopped in the street by women in envy of her nail color. Definitely wedding-worthy.

5. Now, for one of my own swear-by beauty items, Dior eye makeup. Dior Show mascara literally makes people think you're wearing falsies (eyelashes!), and the eye-shadow has a heavy pigment, smooth texture, and some serious wear-ability--the three must-have musketeers of great eye shadow.

6. As for those bridesmaids, I've always sworn that the dresses I force them into would not make it into Katherine Heigl’s 27 Dresses closet, which is why I'm ecstatic that Jackie introduced me to dressmaker Dessy's new line of Pantone-inspired dresses. They are perfect for brides who want their maids to be merry. Why? Because the bride selects a Pantone color swatch, and the Bridemaids can pick the style that suits their body from the dozens of dresses available in that Pantone color. Brilliant.

Stay tuned, I’ve just started thinking about my reception, a.k.a. the Fake Social Event of The Season. Are chocolate fountains cheesy?

An Eerie Engagement

2009-10-31T18:36:00.000-05:00

A Pumpkin Proposal

2009-10-31T18:34:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween From Mojuba Wedding!

2009-10-31T18:32:00.001-05:00

"Glee" Gowns

2009-10-22T15:16:00.002-05:00

On last night's episode of the hit television show Glee not only did we get to see the cool kids get slushy facials, Puck's sweeter side, and Mr. Schuster Bust A Move, we were also treated to viewing the gorgeous Miss Emma Pillsbury in two very different wedding dresses. Glee producers commissioned the designers of Beverly Hills based L'ezu Atelier to create the over the top, Princess Diana-esque wedding gown that Emma wore while being serenaded by Will with the "Thong Song". After re-thinking her dress choice, Emma later appears in the episode wearing the more demure choice of a silk gazar Nanami gown from retailer J. Crew.

Take a peek at both dresses (and the musical performances in which they appear) in all their Gleeful glory below:

A Fortuitous Proposal

2009-10-20T16:13:00.003-05:00

-Mia, NYC Mojuba Contributor

Get Married Magazine Launch Party

2009-10-19T21:49:00.007-05:00

The guys and gals of Get Married pulled out all the stops last night at their party to celebrate the first issue of Get Married magazine. Held at Taj Lounge in New York City, the soiree included such VIP guests as Colin Cowie of Get Married TV and Mojuba’s very own Mia Moore who enjoyed an asian-inspired atmosphere, tasty treats, and fun photobooth.

Click here to get your FREE copy of Get Married magazine and don’t forget to turn to page 27 to check out Mojuba Wedding Emergency Kits on their list of smart fixes.

(images via GetMarried.com)

MTV's Disaster Date

2009-10-19T16:45:00.004-05:00

Getting cold feet? Having blowout’s with your boyfriend? Before you ditch your dude to return to the dating pool, check out what you think you’re missing. Sometimes the grass just isn’t greener on the other side…

Disaster Date - MTV Shows

A Sweet Proposal

2009-10-14T01:27:00.001-05:00

- Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

A Family Affair

2009-10-14T01:23:00.002-05:00

- Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

The Office Gets In On The Wedding Dance!

2009-10-14T00:44:00.004-05:00

First we brought you the viral video sensation of the JK Wedding Dance, then Australia's Dancing With The Stars recreation of it. On last week's episode of The Office, Jim and Pam got married - but not before the wedding party could put their own twist on this ceremony march phenomenon.

Check out the JK Wedding Dance, The Office version, below:

-Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

Actress Christina Hendricks Marries Her Mad Man

2009-10-14T00:24:00.001-05:00

Christina Hendricks, who plays secretary Joan Holloway on the hit AMC television show Mad Men, married fellow actor, Geoffrey Arend, (of Super Troopers opening scene fame) this past weekend at Il Buco restaurant in New York City. The blushing bride wore an ivory fils coupe (cut thread) Carolina Herrera gown, which Hendricks told People Magazine was the very first dress she tried on. The couple is a Mad Men match made in heaven, as Hendricks’ co-star, Vincent Kartheiser, introduced the pair.

Congrats!

-Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

Win A Bride Mojuba Bag!

2009-10-11T21:49:00.003-05:00

Style Unveiled is hosting a twitter contest to award some lucky tweetheart a Bride Mojuba Bag!

The Bride Mojuba Wedding Emergency Kit is a collection of last-minute items that brides need, but didn’t know they needed on their wedding day. Bride Mojuba is a sophisticated, chic bag that unfolds to reveal one exquisite item after another, from essential everyday necessities to lovely indulgences for the bride and her bridal party.

How to enter:

Step 1: If you don't already have a Twitter account, get one!

Step 2: Find our Twitter account and become a follower!

Step 3: Find Mojuba's Twitter account and become a follower!

Step 4: Copy the message below by highlighting it (including the link) and right clicking 'copy':

RT {LOVING} the @my_mojuba wedding emergency kits I found on @styleunveiled ... Check out this awesome giveaway > http://tinyurl.com/ygdpqrs

Step 5: Insert/paste the message into your tweet box and update your status.

For more on Mojuba Wedding Emergency Kits check out MyMojuba.com or the review on Style Unveiled. And be sure to check back on October 26th to see if you're a winner!

Win A Groom Mojuba Bag!

2009-10-11T20:04:00.011-05:00

Style Unveiled is hosting a twitter contest to award some lucky tweetheart a Groom Mojuba Bag!

The Groom Mojuba Wedding Emergency Kit is a collection of last-minute items that grooms need, but didn’t know they needed on their wedding day. Whether bought to ease the stresses of their own wedding or given as a gift, grooms across the country can breathe a sigh of relief. Mojuba bags will prepare them for the unexpected.

How to enter:

Step 1: If you don't already have a Twitter account, get one!

Step 2: Find our Twitter account and become a follower!

Step 3: Find Mojuba's Twitter account and become a follower!

Step 4: Copy the message below by highlighting it (including the link) and right clicking 'copy':

RT {LOVING} the @my_mojuba wedding emergency kits I found on @styleunveiled ... Check out this awesome giveaway > http://tinyurl.com/ygdpqrs

Step 5: Insert/paste the message into your tweet box and update your status.

For more on Mojuba Wedding Emergency Kits check out MyMojuba.com or the review on Style Unveiled. And be sure to check back on October 26th to see if you're a winner!

Dress Your Best: Wedding Guest Edition

2009-10-07T08:50:00.002-05:00

Contrary to what some may think, looking gorgeous on the big days is not only her burden to bear. In fact, finding something to wear, as a guest of a wedding can be even trickier than shopping for a wedding gown – at least the bride has her outfit narrowed down to one color! Luckily for us wedding guests, fashionistas Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power, creators of the trendy website WhoWhatWear.com share their tips on how to dress for a black tie wedding in this excerpt from their new book, Who What Wear: Celebrity And Runway Style For Real Life.

Go For: Jewel tone, black, or navy dresses; floor-length or cocktail-length dresses; interesting, embellished accessories; faux fur jackets or shrugs

Steer Clear Of: White, cream, or ivory dresses; revealing cuts (too low, too short, too backless); casual fabrics (cotton, jersey, or polyester)

Risky Business: Sequins, prints, bright colors; red dresses

What We’d Wear: A strapless, vintage, emerald-green dress that hits the middle of our shins, gray fur wrap, gold and black strappy high heels, and a metallic evening bag

To get even more tips on how to look Who What Wear wonderful at a wedding (and many other occasions) click here to purchase your copy of Who What Wear: Celebrity And Runway Style For Real Life.

-Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

Emergency Toast: Don’t Leave Home Without It

2009-10-04T12:32:00.003-05:00

A good wedding toast is like a mini skirt: Long enough to cover everything, but short enough to hold your interest. Unfortunately, you can’t find a good toast at your nearest mall. In case you find your mind go blank as you tap a champagne glass or are just struggling to find the right words, here’s an emergency toast you should have on hand:

(Bride) and (Groom) may your lives be filled with joy, good health, and a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!

Remember to have a glass in your hand, speak loudly and clearly, and most importantly don’t drink too much before your toast (like the gentleman shown below in the movie The Wedding Singer), but be sure to take your sip after!

A Wedded Weekend!

2009-09-29T17:24:00.010-05:00

Hollywood was abuzz this weekend with star-studded nuptials and we’ve got all the details on these three very different weddings.

A Malibu Marriage

Actress Jaime Pressly and entertainment lawyer Simran Singh tied the knot at the Dick Clark Estate on Saturday. Guests enjoyed beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean as they celebrated the newlyweds who chose Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” as the song for their first dance.

The Water Cooler Wedding

Socialite Khloe Kardashian and forward for the Los Angeles Lakers Lamar Odom made their summer love permanent Sunday night, as the two got hitched at a family friend’s house in L.A. Guests included Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, Odom’s teammates, and many familiar faces from the E! channel including Chelsea Handler, Ryan Seacrest, and Brittny Gastineau. The bride wore a dress by Vera Wang and carried a bouquet of white roses, stephanotis, and lilies of the valley.

An Idol I Do

Season 1 American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini married girlfriend Reina Capodici this weekend in their hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The couple, who have known each other since junior high school, recited their own vows during the ceremony, which also included a special portion for Guarini's new 4 year-old stepdaughter, Lola.

Congrats to all the happy couples!

- Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

Wedding Bloopers!

2009-09-28T18:48:00.003-05:00

Murphy's Law does not care about the most important day of your life. Just take a look...

Marriage At The Movies

2009-09-27T15:01:00.021-05:00

There’s nothing like attending a great wedding. The four F’s (food, fun, family, and friends) are a hard combination to beat. Unfortunately, no matter how much I play matchmaker among my friends, I can’t attend a wedding every weekend. So when I find myself feeling that wedding withdrawal, I turn to the next best thing:

The Mojuba Top 10 Wedding Movies List

10. Mamma Mia! (2008)

The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular '70s group ABBA.

9. Rachel Getting Married (2008)

A young woman who has been in and out from rehab for the past 10 years returns home for the weekend for her sister's wedding.

8. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself.

7. Wedding Crashers (2005)

A pair of committed womanizers who sneak into weddings to take advantage of the romantic tinge in the air, find themselves at odds with one another when one falls in love.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, and a beautiful princess.

5. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Comedy and drama unfold among a British group of friends over the course of – you guessed it – four weddings and a funeral.

4. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

When a woman's long-time friend says he's engaged, she realizes she loves him herself... and sets out to get him, with only days before the wedding

3. The Wedding Singer (1998)

Robbie, the singer and Julia, the waitress are both engaged to be married but to the wrong people. Fortune intervenes to help them discover each other.

2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

A young Greek woman falls in love with a non-Greek and struggles to get her family to accept him while she comes to terms with her heritage and cultural identity.

1. Father of the Bride (1991)

In this remake of the Spencer Tracy classic, the father of young soon-to-be-wed woman deals with preparations for the wedding while trying to come to terms the fact that his little girl is now a woman.

-Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

From The Ceremony To The Reception: A Twist On A Classic

2009-09-21T12:03:00.005-05:00

The overwhelming popularity of Beyoncé’s mega hit Single Ladies may have given your fiancé that extra push he needed to propose (or maybe he was just sick of you waving your empty ring finger back and forth in his face), but its hardly appropriate for your first dance as Mr. and Mrs. If you still want your dose of this diva – without the coordinated dance moves – check out Mrs. Jay-Z singing this version of Ave Maria. This pop-y version of a ceremony song combines the perfect amounts of tradition and modernism, plus Beyoncé sounds absolutely beautiful. Head right to dance floor, brides! It’s time to wave bye-bye to being a Single Lady, and hello to married life.

Check out “B” singing Ave Maria, with her song Angel as an interlude, live at the 2009 BET Awards above (and be sure to notice her wedding inspired dress) or click here to download the studio version from iTunes. studio version from iTunes.

New York Spring Fashion Week

2009-09-14T12:39:00.007-05:00

Fashion Week in New York City is almost over – and hopefully so is the rain. I, along with famous fashionistas including Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively, stylist Rachel Zoe, and even editor of French Vogue Carine Roitfeld, bravely tramped through puddles in my 5 inch stilettos this weekend at Bryant Park, all in the name of fashion of course! The award for favorite show goes to Christian Siriano who is always fierce, most embarrassing moment goes to the model who almost toppled over on the Yigal Arouzel runway, and favorite dress is awarded to the Toni Maticevski design (pictured right), which appears to be inspired by traditional wedding looks from both a bride and groom. One thing is for sure, weathermen may be predicting the coldest winter in years, but next season is going to be haute!

-Mia, New York Mojuba Contributor

Plan The Perfect Party

2009-09-09T14:25:00.010-05:00

When Oprah throws a party, everyone comes! And that's exactly what happened Tuesday in Chicago when the talk show guru celebrated her 24th season with a soiree people will be talking about for quite a while. While you may not have the budget Miss "O" was working with, there's still much to learn about party planning from the talk show host. Oprah made sure to cover all the essentials:

Great music (Jennifer Hudson, James Taylor, and the Black Eyed Peas all performed), location (shutting down three blocks of Michigan Ave. ain't too shabby), entertainment (magician Criss Angel dazzled party goers with some amazing tricks), and of course fabulous guests (how about thousands of "O" fans?). Most importantly, Oprah made sure to take extra special care of her guests, showing them her appreciation by providing water stations, porta potties, and transportation for those with disabilities. Next time you throw an event, instead of aiming to party like a rockstar think about partying like Oprah!

Be sure to catch the Oprah show on Thursday, September 10 to watch all the great highlights from the 24th Season Kickoff Party or check out the Black Eyed Peas Flash Mob performance below.

Green Your Wedding

2009-08-30T11:37:00.008-05:00

Not only is recycling a genuinely good thing to do - it's trendy as well. So far this year environmental issues have been splashed across the pages of Vanity Fair, Disney launched their "Friends For Change" conservation campaign, Leonardo DiCaprio made the Toyota Prius the new Mercedes Benz. Now, the eco-friendly trend has hit the wedding industry in a big way. From rings to invitations, many wedding vendors are now offering environmentally friendly alternatives. Eco Wedding is full of excellent resources to help you make your big day, an ecologically aware one, and websites like Green Wedding Guide even allow you to calculate your own wedding’s carbon emissions count. The gorgeous wedding dress by Morgan Boszilkov (pictured above) is even made out of sustainable fabrics. Going green never looked so good!

Glamorama 2009

2009-08-24T17:27:00.011-05:00

My friend Alison (left) and I.

On Friday night, I was reminded why I love my job...it allows me to do wonderfully trendy and exciting things like attend Macy's 2009 Glamorama, a charity concert+fashion show debuting the top new fashions for Fall 2009 and emceed by the one-and-only Ne-yo. Between confetti raining from the sky and actual rain soaking male models wearing only their speedos, it was difficult to focus on the fashion! Nevertheless, Roberto Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, and Jean Paul Gautier managed to catch my eye with their military jackets, acid wash denim, and fur. For the alternative bride, Gautier's black veil was a runway staple. See photo below. Most important, the evening raised over $400,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

-Jessica, Chicago Mojuba Contributor

One Stop Shopping For Your Honeymoon

2009-08-20T14:18:00.009-05:00

Most brides are so preoccupied with making sure they get hitched without a hitch that they tend to overlook something just as important as their big day- their big night! Honeymoon prep can often be as time consuming and require the same effort that goes into planning your wedding - especially for the ladies. Lucky for us, two of my favs have teamed up to form a beauty/body powerhouse, while conveniently gifting us gals with a one stop shop for our wedding night. Project Runway Winner and former makeup artist Christian Siriano has created a limited edition cosmetic collection for Victoria's Secret. The sexy, yet simple line includes all the basics you would need to create that purrrfect sex kitten honeymoon look, including: shiny gloss for "kiss me" lips, an all over bronzing powder brush to give you that just married glow, silky eye shadow for a smoky stare, and even a petite, ruffled makeup bag to hold all of these important goodies. With all of this available (plus more!) at Victoria Secret you can now pick up lovely lingerie plus makeup necessities all in a one stop shop.

Wedding March Madness

2009-08-17T21:57:00.004-05:00

By now you've all seen the viral video phenomenon known as the 'JK Wedding Dance', where a fun-loving and smooth moving wedding party gets down to "Forever" (by Chris Brown) as their wedding march, but what I bet you haven't seen is Australia's Dancing With The Stars tribute routine! The down under version of the hit ABC reality competition found and married couple Jill and Kevin's wedding aisle boogie so entertaining that they decided to put together a little number to recreate it. Check out the professional's version here:

How do you think it compares to the original?

-Mia, LA Mojuba Contributor

Alyssa Milano Gets Hitched!

2009-08-16T21:52:00.005-05:00

Actress Alyssa Milano’s list of ex-boyfriends closely resembles an issue of People’s Most Eligible Bachelor’s edition. From pretty-boy pitchers, baseball players Barry Zito and Carl Pavano, to 80’s hunky heartthrobs Jason London and Kirk Cameron, Alyssa has pretty much sampled the cream of the dating crop, which is why I was surprised when the serial girlfriend graduated to wife status this weekend – to a talent agent?

Yes, Miss Milano became Mrs. Bugliara after a sweet Saturday ceremony in her husband’s hometown of New Jersey. It just goes to show sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs (if you can call Justin Timberlake a frog) before your find your prince charming.

Best wishes and a huge congratulations to the happy couple, from all of us at Mojuba.

-Mia, L.A. Mojuba Contributor

The Wit Hotel: Luxury Meets Trendy

2009-08-10T15:03:00.007-05:00

We have previously blogged about the Wit Hotel's delicious restaurant, State and Lake, as a great place for a rehearsal dinner followed by post-dinner drinks at the hotel's chic rooftop bar, Roof. Now, we have some more to add following a wedding rendez-vous with the Wit's talented Director of Catering, Laura Ekker. After the most delicious Mexican chopped salads for lunch (chopped romaine, mango, corn, tortilla chips, and chili-glazed shrimp) from State and Lake, Ekker gave us a tour of the Wit's beautiful ballroom, its elegant library, and then...the jackpot: the side-by-side Spa at the Wit and private theatre, SCREEN. Perfect for day-of prepping, the bridal party can spend the day getting pampered in the spa...massages, nails, hair, and make-up...while the boys hang out in the theatre watching a good movie or some sports, drinking from the full bar, and dining on a full menu of food options. Talk about a day of relaxation! Contact Ekker to plan your big day by phone at 312-239-9509 or by email at lekker@fhginc.com.

Bridal Coaching Workshop

2009-08-06T13:33:00.004-05:00

Our new favorite bridal self-help event is Liza Hippler's Unabridged Bride workshop, a series of three sessions where brides go through coaching to prepare for the transition from being "single" to "wife." This brand new concept in bridal coaching is terrific, and Hippler knows her stuff. The Founder of Maiden to Married, a bridal coaching company based in Nashville, Tennessee, Hippler prepares brides for life with a partner, a transition that isn't easy to make. The workshop includes a special final day where Bride and Groom come together for coaching. The next workshop runs Thursdays, September 10, 17 & 24 at the trendy Aloft Hotel in Nashville. For more information, go to www.unabridgedbride.com.

Trend Alert: Grooms Help Plan the Wedding

2009-07-29T14:38:00.007-05:00

Recently, many couples are turning away from the traditional "bride-plans-the-wedding-groom-just-shows-up" philosophy for a more couples-oriented planning process. It can be exciting for a bride and groom to work together on their wedding preparations, as the affair often becomes even more special. Event planning firm Carefree Bride's Carolyn Kinnaird recently reported, “About a third of the weddings we do are heavy on groom involvement, and in most of the rest, grooms take some interest in things like the budget, catering, bar and music.” Even wedding showers are integrating as couples move toward "Jack-and-Jill" themed parties, where both bride and groom are in attendance. Most recently, BBC America came out with a new (and hilariously entertaining) show entitled "Don't Tell the Bride." The premise- give $20,000 to a cash-strapped couple to create the wedding of their dreams only the groom must plan the entire affair, wedding dress and all. Okay, so maybe that is a bit too extreme (my boyfriend would likely plan a sports-themed affair with me as some sort of white-clad cheerleader), but you get the point. Share the experience planning the big day and it will be that much more meaningful to you both.

- Jessica, Chicago Mojuba Contributor

Are Engagements The New Black?

2009-07-22T23:07:00.010-05:00

It’s no news the celebrity world is full of trends. These crazes tend to be cyclical, like high-waisted jeans or boy bands. Now, after the Hollywood baby boom has tapered off, it seems as though the most recent trend sweeping our favorite famous folk is…engagements! In the past few weeks tons of teens tore down their Kevin Jonas posters as news of the 21 year-old heartthrob’s engagement broke, the rich got richer as Ivanka Trump was proposed to by someone with an even bigger trust fund than her own, and jilted bachelorette turned Dancing With The Stars contestant, Melissa Rycroft, finally got her ring. With the engagement trend spreading faster than UGG boots in 2004, we can’t wait to see who’s next!

-Mia, L.A. Mojuba Contributor

Mojuba Fun Fact

2009-07-17T10:04:00.006-05:00

DID YOU KNOW...

In the UK, Ireland, and Australia, a Bachelorette Party is referred to as a Hen Night.

Cluck cluck!

WINNER of the Groom Mojuba Bag!

2009-07-15T16:22:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to KELSEY, who won a Groom Mojuba bag to let her groom shine on the wedding day!

Wedding Aces was overwhelmed by the number of entries into their Mojuba Groom Bag giveaway! They wish we could give one away to each of you, but there can only be one winner. The winner was chosen randomly using random.org.

Also, visit the Mojuba website to sign up for special offers from Mojuba. Still want a bag? How about registering for bride and groom Mojuba Bag on your wedding registry? They would make a perfect wedding gift from a friend or relative!

Check our her comment about why she wants to give the bag to her groom:

Love this idea! My wonderful husband-to-be has been so active and helpful (he booked the band and helped us match up the church and reception site dates!) so I’d love to suprise him with something nice. He’d love it because he wouldn’t buy it himself (he doesn’t think it’s ‘girly’ if it’s a gift) and it’d be a lasting, constant reminder of our special day and this special time. And I’m not saying that his groomsmen might need some help getting it together, buuutttt this would be a great help!
Love the blog!
-Kelsey

Enter to Win a Groom Mojuba Bag!

2009-07-08T10:56:00.007-05:00

Wedding Aces is holding a contest to win a Groom Mojuba bag!

He gave you a rock… now show him how much he rocks with a Groom Mojuba wedding day survival kit.

This is the day for you and your future hubby to celebrate your love for each other-but sometimes grooms can feel a bit left out of the planning and that they’re just along for the ride (willingly of course!)

Put your man in the limelight! The Groom Mojuba wedding day survival kit is a great way to let your groom feel important. Prepare him with everything he, his groomsmen, the ring-bearer, and even both your fathers need to make sure they are all Dapper Dans the whole day through.

Guess what--he’s emotional and nervous too. He might not want you to see him sweat but it doesn’t mean he isn’t sweating–or that he doesn’t have butterflies in his stomach. Even the coolest, calmest guys get nervous, lose buttons and their cool… and have no idea what to do about it. With Mojuba, we’ve got him covered–who is going to be his go-to gal while you’re busy with your own stuff? Groom Mojuba.

The Best Man is just not a Maid of Honor. You know his groomsmen don’t have Carmex, an extra comb, Advil, Pepcid, a lint brush, band-aids, or extra deodorant in their pockets. With Mojuba, he will have everything he and his entourage need to take care of themselves. Just because he’s not wearing heels doesn’t mean those new shoes won’t hurt his feet too!

We’ve even included a pack of playing cards and some sweet treats to pass the time if they get antsy. And he will use this bag again and again-on the honeymoon, at the office, and in a few years… maybe even as a baby bag. Wink wink!

Visit MyMojuba.com and see all the life-saving (and face-saving) treasures inside Groom Mojuba.

How to Enter: Leave a comment on Wedding Aces Groom Mojuba Giveaway page by Friday, July 10! WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY, JULY 13!

A twist on tossing the bouquet...

2009-06-24T15:20:00.005-05:00

For a twist on the age-old customs of tossing the garter and bouquet, consider the following game. Have the deejay gather everyone on the dance floor. First, have the deejay tell everyone who is not married to be seated. Next, those couples married less than two hours (that's the bride's and groom's cue). Then, those married a year or less; five years or less; ten years and so on until you have one couple left on the dance floor. Present that couple with the bouquet and garter and ask them for their advice on ensuring a long and blissful marriage. The remaining couple will likely feel very honored, and you will find out the key to lasting love!

New Chicago hotspot the Wit Hotel is perfect for your rehearsal dinner and after-party

2009-06-22T13:55:00.021-05:00

For a delicious and fun rehearsal dinner head to Chicago's new Wit Hotel for dinner at State and Lake (easy to remember, as the restaurant is located at the corner of State and Lake Streets). Chef Bradley Manchester's innovative twists on traditional favorites have already received rave reviews. After dinner, move the party upstairs to the Roof, the Wit's ridiculously trendy rooftop bar with spectacular panoramic views of the city. We're kind of obsessed with this hotspot- if nothing else, stop by the Roof on a Friday night and pick up your future fiance. Can we say cute men?! For more information, contact Laura Ekker, Director of Catering, by phone at 312-239-9509 or by email at lekker@fhginc.com.

Jackie meets Project Runway winner Christian Siriano and finds the perfect standout wedding dress

2009-06-17T10:59:00.006-05:00

As soon as Mojuba Wedding founder Jackie James walked into Helen Yi's Chicago boutique for cocktails with Christian Siriano, her eyes fell to one of Siriano's Fall 2009 Collection dresses. A bold blue floor-length gown, this dress is a must-have for any uber-adventurous bride. Heck, we would find any excuse to snag the daring number. Think second-time brides or rehearsal dinner. For more information, contact Siriano at http://www.christianvsiriano.com/contact.html or Helen Yi at 773.252.3838.

A Yummy Wedding Giveaway

2009-06-10T10:37:00.008-05:00

For a delicious and fun dessert idea, we're in love with The Pies the Limit! These cream cheese pies are thicker, creamier, and smoother than typical Cheesecakes. Owner Craig Callen is a pie connoisseur. The pies come in over 20 flavors (our favorites are the cherry and Snickers) and in 2 different sizes- the traditional 9" whole pie or a 3" individual tart. Either line your dessert table with a variety of whole pies or we suggest doing individual pies as a wedding giveaway. Attach a little card that says: "Thanks for celebrating with us! Love, The HapPIEest Couple- Jack & Jill."

Check out their website: http://www.thepiesthelimit.com/ or call Craig at 773-732-3534.

Decrease the cost of your flowers

2009-06-05T10:59:00.006-05:00

While flowers are an essential part of any nuptial, they can be very expensive. To cut down the amount you spend choose flowers in season. While more and more flowers are available year-round, if you pick those that are grown in season it can cut your flower costs tremendously. Your florist can tell you which flowers those are. That way, you can put the extra saved cash towards, say...your dress!

Hair and Makeup Tips (and Happy WEDnesday!)

2009-06-03T15:45:00.007-05:00

1.) Don't get a haircut the week before your wedding (go two weeks before at least). If you don't like the cut, there's still time to play around with styles (i.e. a re-do on the dye job when your stylist takes you from black to blonde).

2.) No facials the week before, either. If you break out, you still have time for the skin to clear up.

3.) Don't go tanning the day before...you don't want to be an Oompaloompa Bride!

DO go natural with your hair and makeup designs. Best to wear your hair similar to how you usually style it. Same goes for makeup. Your everyday look obviously got you your beau in the first place- no need to change it now! Let your natural glow light up the day!

Introducing Blog Mojuba!

2009-06-03T15:28:00.004-05:00

WELCOME TO BLOG MOJUBA! This is where we at Mojuba get to chit-chat all about what we love most- WEDDINGS! We'll share wedding tips, trends, gossip, upcoming bridal events and more for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

And don't forget to check out our bride and groom bags at http://www.mymojuba.com!