Charleston Multicultural Bridal and Events Association
Jun 122014
 

Bridgette Bartlett-Royall headshotRecently we at CMBEA had the pleasure of meeting Bridgette Bartlett, founder of Black Bridal Bliss, the ultimate online destination for black brides. We tremendously enjoyed getting to know Bridgette, a newlywed herself who married Anthony Royall in Charlotte, N.C. in October 2013. During our two hour interview, we learned a lot about her, and Triple B, as she affectionately calls Black Bridal Bliss. We encourage everyone to check out this valuable resource for the destination black bride who wants a big day that is both fabulous and budget friendly.

An award winning columnist, Bartlett-Royall has an impressive resume. She has served as writer/editor for Essence, Juicy and People magazines. Moreover, she worked for over eight years as an editor at Essence Communications, expanding their coverage of real life weddings and weddings of celebrities, such as basketball player Chris Paul. Bartlett-Royall has interviewed a wide range of well known celebrities such as Alicia Keys, LeBron James, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Steve Harvey, and Rachel Zoe. She was also the featured guest on an episode of TLC’s bridal reality show Something Borrowed, Something New.

Her website Black Bridal Bliss, which just celebrated four year of existence in June 2014, is a portal with 12,000 unique site views per month. Some of the features of the site include “Tie the Knot Tuesdays” (which showcase real life weddings and engagements), destination wedding planning, bachelorette party location suggestions, celebrity interviews, and “Bridgette’s Picks,” which feature Bridgette’s wonderful fashion and style picks for brides to be. One aspect that makes Bridgette’s site unique is its focus not just on the glitter and glamour of wedding planning, but also the hurdles that couples face during their first years of marriage and the joys of single mothers finding love and matrimony.

We came to meet Bridgette when her husband surprised her with a post honeymoon trip to Charleston, S.C. They enjoyed visiting local tourist sites downtown and in the surrounding areas. Bridgette, not surprisingly, could not resist checking out the Charleston wedding scene, which she loved, and hopes to develop further collaborations with CMBEA and its vendors. We look forward to welcoming her back to the lowcountry in the near future. Contact info@cmbea.com for more information.

Be sure to check out http://blackbridalbliss.com/

Dec 052013
 

Come out and join the Charleston Multicultural Bridal and Events Association (CMBEA) in celebrating the lowcountry’s finest advocates for diversity and multiculturalism on Sunday, December 8th from 4-7 p.m. at Sanctuary Hall and Gardens, 2125 Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Charleston’s own Food and Wine Festival Chef Benjamin Dennis, as well as other entertainment/networking activities. Theron Snype from the City of Charleston Minority Business Enterprises will be our guest speaker. The Dance troupe WoSe and classical guitarist Gregory Guay will perform.

Charleston Multicultural Bridal and Events Association (cmbea.com) is
a lowcountry masala of culturally diverse vendors that provides professional
development and one stop event planning for brides, event organizers,
and the general public. 888-905-0045

Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-annual-cmbea-awards-ceremony-tickets-9199779789

List of nominees
CMBEA Icon: longstanding advocate in the Charleston community for multiculturalism and diversity in the lowcountry.

Lorna Beck
DeBorah’s Bridal (DeBorah Green)
Maria Falangola
Jonathan Green
Al Miller
Brenda Jennifer Peart
Queen Quet
Deona Smith
Theron Snype
Darrin Thomas

CMBEA Most Valuable Person (MVP): this award goes to the member who has contributed the most to CMBEA in terms of volunteer hours, leadership, and advocacy.

Tanis Jackson
Nicole Burnham
Sisters in Motion
Drisana McDaniel
Renee Singletary
DeBorah’s Bridal

Rising Star: business person who has been a trailblazer who has galvanized the multicultural landscape of Charleston through a new or revitalized business initiative.

Henry Ravenel
Nicole Burnham
April Rollins
Jessica Kirby
Benjamin Dennis

CMBEA People’s Choice Business Awards go to the businesses that best represent a commitment to multiculturalism and diversity through their business practices, aesthetics, superior customer service, and outstanding products/programs, as voted on by clients and fans.

Best Venue

Ashley Hall
Embassy Suites
Metropolitan Room
Omar Shrine Temple
Runaway Bay (Honorable Mention)
Sanctuary Hall & Gardens
SC Aquarium

Best Planner/Coordinator/Decorator

An Affordable Affair by Tammy McCutcheon
Charleston Couture
Larger Than Life Events & Designs
Outstanding Occasions By Dell
Sisters In Motion
Tanis J Events
Your Signature Events by Michelle Summers

Best Photographer/Videographer

Double O Photography
Jason Cordes Photography
Kevin Maurice Photography
Vintage Noire Photography
A Click in Time Photography

Best Paper Goods/Invitations
Bibi
Carlson Craft Products (Tanis Jackson)
Dodeline Design

Best Caterer/Chef/Restaurant

Alluette’s Café
Carolima’s
Chef Benjamin Dennis
Duvall Catering
Gullah Cuisine
Joe’s Catering
Metropolitan Room
Nigel’s Good Food

Best Cake Artist/Desserts
Brown Sugar Custom Cakes
Carolima’s
Carolina Cake Queen
Gardenia’s Custom Cakes
Rochelle’s Cakebox

Best Florist

Flowers by Eddie
Flowers by Frankie
WildFlowers Inc.
Frederick’s Florist

Best Musical Bands, DJ’s, or Dance Entertainment

A Touch of Class
Complete Music/Video
Daniel D
David Solomon Marrow
Devone Gary
Wose
Big Boy Entertainment
Calvin Taylor
Nndigo Sol

Best Bridal Attire/Jewelry
DeBorah’s Bridal
Bridals by Jodi
Traci Lynn Jewelry
Young’s Fashions
Debra Walker

Best Rentals and Linens

BJ’s Linens
Connie Duglin
Covers by Nicole (Nicole Burnham)
Ruth’s House Event Rentals & Designs

Best Blogger/ Web Magazine/ Social Media Expert

Brenda Jennifer Peart (Humans of Charleston)
Deona Smith (Dejo Group, Living Roots)
La Isla Magazine
Tanis J Events (Tanis Jackson)
Creole Magnolia Café (Donloyn Gadson)

Best Hair, Makeup, or Skincare
Blue Jasmine
Lash de Luxe Beauty
Jennifer Fernandez
Pleshette Grant
Angie Ravenel

Other
Movers and Shakers (Networking Group)
Sights and Insights Tours (Al Miller)