How to choose the wedding dress of your dreams

Set The Budget

First things first - set your wedding dress budget. Try not to look at dresses that are out of your price range, unless you plan on going over budget. If you don't, then use top of the range gowns as inspiration for a less expensive design, so you won't have to spend a fortune.

Choose a Style

Flick through magazines to get an idea of the style of dress you're looking for - it could be classic or contemporary, slinky or strapless. Consider your venue and the time of year, as well as what you like.

Book Appointments Early

If you've spotted dresses you like by particular wedding dress designers, book appointments with them or with bridal shops who stock their designs. 

Pick a Partner

Go for your first appointment with an open mind and a helpful friend or your mum. Just take one person with you - any more and the experience can be a little overwhelming and confunsing. 

Be Open-Minded

Try on various styles of dress. You may find that a style you think won't suit you actually looks fabulous!

Don't Rush

Don't be rushed into any decisions. If you think you've found 'the one', you can always go away and think about it before making your mind up. Think things through.

Consider Practicalities and Accessories.

If you want to a wear a veil, for example, try one on with the dress. Equally, put your hair up if you think that's how you'd like to wear it on the day

Trust Your Choice

When you've found the perfect dress, don't try on any more! Arrange your fittings, and start shopping for underwear and shoes   

Think Colour Themes

While you don't have to show your bridesmaids your dress before their own dresses are chosen, make sure their gowns tie in with the theme and colours of your wedding as a whole

Ask for Advice

It's also worth asking the designer or retailer for advice on how you can clean the fabric of your gown in case you have any small spillages on the day! That way you can rest easy in the knowledge that whatever happens, you'll still look cool, calm and amazing.

The Wedding & The Venue

Your wedding day is a very important event in your life. Yet preparing for that day means involving lots of time, energy, and money. The preparation for your wedding will all start by choosing a perfect wedding venue and reception. It is very crucial to decide what type of wedding you want because this is your basis for choosing where to hold your special day. Although this is somewhat a systematic course of action, preparing for your wedding day can also be fun activity too! There are so many well-known wedding venues and receptions all over the world. You can even find one within your city if you just research on them. Beaches, hotels, churches, and gardens are some of these popular wedding places.

To start off, make a full list of all the wedding reception venues that interests you. Once you are done, you can browse the internet and do a brief research about each of those locations. Narrow down your list by discarding those venues that won’t suit your budget or those that are not according to your taste etc. Once you have come up with a final selection, you may want to personally visit the place and take a look around.

That ideal dream wedding of yours is bound to happen soon. Try to picture that special day at a peaceful spring garden, outdoor on a summer beach, or a formal meal at a five-star hotel. Whatever wedding venue you wish to have, you will have just what you’ve been wishing for once you have decided on it. You can choose the kind of design, style, and arrangement that will go with your “dream wedding”.

While you are looking for a prospective wedding reception and wedding venue, start think about theme of the wedding too. This can be the best time to talk and brainstorm ideas with your partner. Choose one that will suit both your tastes. Try to go over the motif, decorations, add-ons, and the menu. Decide whether you want the reception to be held indoors or
 outdoors, casual or formal, and olden or modern theme. The details of your wedding are as
 important as the wedding venues and receptions. Once you start with the preparation, pick first on what motif or theme you would like to use. After that, go on with finding the accessories that will match with the theme. These decorations for the wedding are very useful in bringing an expression of you and your husband-to-be’s personalities as well as establishing a particular mood in your venue. There are many selections of styles, colours, and ornaments, and you can choose from any wedding specialties shops. Make your wedding venues and wedding receptions a one-of-a-kind by putting up lavish ornaments such as laces, ribbons, artificial butterflies, and gemstones. You can also customize these things to match with your theme. Look for venues with the best quality at an affordable price.

Nigerian Wedding : Unique & Creative Traditional Wedding Cakes

What’s a wedding without the cake? The Nigerian traditional wedding cake goes hand in glove with the entire traditional ceremony, with most of the cakes actually depicting what is going on or is about to happen in terms of the ceremonies, symbols, customs and traditions. 

A Lot of couple know how important the Traditional wedding ceremony is for both their parents and relatives. Over the years, it's become more like a tradition to have this special kind of cakes made. This is a unique way of embracing the several Nigerian cultures, depicting our cultural roots by incorporating symbols and traditions into modern day cakes. For example, in Africa cowrie shells serve as a symbol of fertility which makes perfect accents for a necklace, headpieces and hair accessories. Hope these selection of amazing cakes will inspire you for your special day. 

Fans Blast Jude 'Engees' Okoye Over Firearms Pix

Fans are beginning to hold their celebrity idols accountable for every action they take, when it is a mis-step, they come down strong and hard in criticisms; Maheeda, Beverly Osu, and Basket Mouth were some of their latest victims. Now their cross hairs have descended on Jude Engees Okoye eldest brother to the phenomenal P Square twins who posted pictures of firearms on his Instagram page.

Overtaken by a nameless urge, Jude had posted pictures of his pistols and live bullets and was quickly dragged to the social media public court.

“This guy keeps forgetting his real age… When your mates are governors of their state or making global positive impacts you’re here busy showing off your toys like a primary school kid…. What example are you showing to the up and coming? Imagine if all this small boys starts carrying guns around ” wrote a commentator.

JUDE       

“Isn’t this the most ridiculous act of 2014? So showing off your guns abi na pistols is a way of telling the world that you have arrived? Sometines, having money isn’t enough, having common s*nse works together with having money to produce a s*nsible being” wrote another.

Only last week, popular comedian Basket Mouth was taken to the cleaners after he made a joke over relationships and rape. He apologized as soon as critiquing comments began to rain.  Maheeda, Beverly Osu and Juliet Ibrahim were also white washed for their semi-nude Christmas cards released online only days to the season last year.

“This guy (Jude) doesn’t know the enormity of what he has just done, hope he’s got a license for them, I doubt, if the police doesn’t come after him then the bad guys would definitely know they have a formidable potential hit…” wrote one last commentator.

Jude Okoye however doesn’t seem to agree and is unperturbed by this turbulence he’s made as the pistols and bullets are still on his Instagram wall.

What do you think of his actions?

GLO - CAF Awards: D’Banj, P-Square, Lagbaja to thrill at Glo CAF awards

Tonight’s GLO CAF Awards in Lagos promises to be a bumper entertainment show as top African music stars like D’ banj, Lagbaja and P-Square, are to thrill fans and guests  who will grace the high-profile event at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotels on the Island.

Organisers said yesterday that these celebrated acts will set the tone for the mother of all shows that essentially celebrates African football stars who shone in the football sphere in the year just gone by.

Prominent on the list is the masked artiste from Nigeria, Lagbaja, who is expected to keep the night alive with his Afro-Calypso genre of music, a product of various influences ranging from traditional yoruba music to Jazz. The masked one is expected to enliven the hall with his scintillating dance steps and rhythmic saxophone.

P-Square, the identical twin brothers will also entertain the crowd at the event. P-square ´s music is Afro centric; combining western and African rhythms in creating a marvelous blend of R&B, Hip Hop and Dancehall songs.

Their songs cut across various age genders and geographical boundaries, making them one of the most popular and sought after artistes in Africa. Since the release of the Get Squared and Game Over album, they have performed in several major concerts all around the world. Also billed to perform at the event is singing sensation and Glo Ambassador in Benin Republic, Zeynab who, as usual will thrill the audience with her unique style.

South African singer, Lira who set the benchmark with her 2006 album, Feel Good – and with her late 2008 release, Soul in Mind will also thrill the audience. In the last two years, Lira has grown in stature most especially as a songwriter and intuitive performer, turning the young girl who showed the first glimpses of her gift more than five years ago into a woman with a world class talent.

Also billed to perform is D’ banj, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, harmonica master and a charismatic stage performer with boundless energy. D’Banj is moving from height to greater height everyday and has been glorified as the poster boy of Nigerian Music. The beginning of his achievement recognition came when he won Most Promising Male Artiste at the KORA AWARDS, He also performed at the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and has since release a single, “on of the World” from that  breathtaking performance.

HOW TO TREAT YOUR MAN ; the best ways

No woman will want to stay with a man that isn’t good enough for them. Many women want the perfect man, someone who will shower them with gifts, love them, care for them, support them in times of need and make them laugh when they feel like crying. What many women do not know, however, is that many men want the same things in a woman. In any form of relationship, your goal should be to treat your man as you would want to be treated. However, there are a few specific tricks to the trade.

How to Treat Your Man; The Best Ways

No woman will want to stay with a man that isn’t good enough for them. Many women want the perfect man, someone who will shower them with gifts, love them, care for them, support them in times of need and make them laugh when they feel like crying. What many women do not know, however, is that many men want the same things in a woman. In any form of relationship, your goal should be to treat your man as you would want to be treated. However, there are a few specific tricks to the trade.

                                                               1)You need to be selfless.

To be selfless never mean you wouldn’t think of yourself. Being truly selfless means you know when it’s not a good idea to pick a fight. You know when to be helpful and when to back off. You know the time when your man needs to stay alone, and you know when he needs a lap to rest his head on. Every man will want to have time with his friends without you. This is not a reflection of how cool or delightful he thinks you are. And, even though this stage may not show itself until the relationship is firmly established, it’s important for both women and men to have time without each other. This is where the selflessness will come into play. Let your man go and he’ll come back even happier, that you had the maturity and confidence to let him go.

2)You got to be generous.

Nobody likes a partner who consistently puts themselves first. It is essential to remember that you must place your boyfriend before yourself whenever you can in order for him to do the same. Now, if you notice that you are putting him before you all the time and he never puts you first, it’s time to move on. A one-sided relationship foster is never a good thing. You will be dependent on his approval, which you will never get, and he will be dependent on you mothering him. However, if each of you learn to generously give of your time and efforts, you will go far in the relationship.

3)You need to have self-respect.

There is a popular saying that respect is reciprocal. If you respect yourself, it will be a lot easier for you to respect your man and vice versa. It is true that men like the chase and the mystery of a woman who is independent. However, no man likes a woman who lacks self-respect and does shameless things to command attention. Be sure you conduct yourself appropriately in social situations so that your man will be proud to be with you and know that you respect him. It is of the utmost importance to remember that you are a reflection of him to some extent. People will judge him based on the type of woman you are, whether you like it or not.

4)Try a little tenderness.

Kindness is something that isn’t often meted out these days. Showing kindness means you intuitively know when your man needs your help or you could make his life a little easier by doing something for him. If you discover one of these moments, don’t over analyze what he’ll think if you help out, just help him. If you fear that he might think you’re controlling, then offer the help first to see if he’ll take you up. If nothing else, he’ll be glad you asked.

I hope this information will help you to have a lasting love and relationship life.

If you have any comment drop it in the form provided below

BRIDESMAIDS- 9 tips on how to choose who!

Stressing over which friends and/or relatives will be bridesmaids? Choosing the bridal party is no laughing matter. Scan these deciding factors, and the selection process will be a breeze.

How Many Maids?

One of the first things to consider when selecting your bridal party is how many guests you're planning to invite. While bridal parties can range anywhere from a single maid/matron of honor to more than a dozen attendants, most wedding experts agree that a good rule of thumb is to have one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests. (This doesn't mean, though, that you have to go ask a stranger to be in your wedding just because your fiance has one more attendant than you do. Life will go on if you have uneven numbers of groomsmen and bridesmaids.) Also, a large wedding party traditionally signifies a formal wedding. So if you're planning a small, intimate gathering, ten bridesmaids might be a bit too much.

More isn't Merrier

Speaking of size, remember that the more bridesmaids you have, the greater the potential for complications. In other words, you'll need to get more people to agree on a dress or decide on abridal shower date. And if you're on a limited budget, think about who has to pay for all those bridesmaids bouquets. That's right -- you.

Blood is Thicker Than Water

If you're close to your sister or future sister-in-law, the thought of not including them in your wedding party probably never even occurred to you. But if you suffer from a serious Jan Brady complex, the thought of asking your sister (or sister-in-law) to be a bridesmaid probably ranks right up there with getting a football in the nose. Still, it's usually worth including family members just to avoid unnecessary conflict. Think of it as having more bargaining power when you're battling with your mom over the guest list.

No Backsies

You don't need to ask someone to be in your wedding just because she asked you to be in her wedding. Don't ask the college roommate you haven't spoken to in five years just to return the favor. Weddings are no time for quid pro quo. Period.

Location, Location

What do you expect from your bridesmaids? Will simple moral support suffice, or do you expect them to be your personal Pollyannas, addressing wedding invitations and tying tiny ribbons around your wedding favors? If it's the latter, think twice about asking friends who live far away or who have extremely hectic schedules. You don't want to find yourself getting frustrated with a friend you knew wouldn't be able to give you all the help you wanted.

Don't Assume

Try not to make hasty assumptions. Don't write off some friends simply because you think they don't have enough money to afford that Vera Wang bridesmaid dress you have your eye on. If you want to ask a friend whom you know is having financial difficulties, you can always say something like, "I'd love for you to be a bridesmaid, but I understand the tough time you're going through now. If you can't do it, I'd love to find something else for you to do in the wedding." (Or, you can offer to pay her way if you can't stand the idea of her not being in the wedding.)

Guys Count

A bridesmaid doesn't have to be a woman. Despite the prevalence of feminine pronouns in this guide, if your best friend is a guy, there's no reason why he can't be in your wedding. Today, many brides (and grooms) are including members of the opposite sex as attendants. In these cases, a man on the bride's side is simply called an attendant or bridesman, while a woman on the groom's side can be called an attendant or a groomswoman.

Other Honors

Still stuck? Keep in mind that there are plenty of other roles good friends can play in your wedding if they don't make the cut -- do a reading, hand out programs, or perform a song.

Spread the News

Once you make up your mind about your bridesmaids, you'll want to get the word out. The only thing worse than a coworker who thinks she's invited to your wedding is a friend who assumes she's going to be a bridesmaid. If you're afraid of hurting someone's feelings, remember that, as cliched as it sounds, any true friend will understand whatever decision you ultimately make. And finally, the sooner you make your decision, the sooner you get to check off one more box on your endless wedding checklist.

MERCY JOHNSON COUNTS HER BLESSINGS

Mercy Johnson-Okojie

A-list actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie has expressed gratitude to fans for standing by her and taking on her fight in 2013. She described the year as incredible, saying she couldn’t ask for more. “It is one year I won’t forget in a hurry,” she said. She promised to go head in another direction in the new year. “In 2014, there will be new direction for the brand, keep your fingers crossed while God and my team work out the magic.”

Mercy who is reputed to be the highest paid actress in Nigeria at the moment, acknowledged her exalted position in the most subtle manner. “How can I forget 2013, the year I had the honour of being the most searched Nollywood actress for the third consecutive year? Social media, Twitter most especially, played significant role in reaching out directly. The teaming fans on Twitter and other platforms, this is for you; thank you for loving, tolerating and being there for me.”

In a year in which she poured so much encomium all everyone who did any kind of business with her, she expectedly singled out her husband, Prince Odi Okojie for special praise, describing him as the most wonderful man in the world.  “If there were to be reincarnation, I will take the step of faith with you again. Odi, you are a good man, wonderful husband and loving daddy. I am blessed to be your wife and blessed will you continue to be among men.”
Not one to be drawn into a fight, she side-stepped those who may have no good word for her. “The critics played their parts too. I took the constructive ones, made adjustment and became a better person.”

Our favourite soul star Bez married his sweetheartBolatito Ladoja

You know no one loves weddings like we do !
We are so excited about the first celebrity wedding of 2014. Our favourite soul star Bez married his sweetheartBolatito Ladoja 

at the Guiding Light Assembly Church in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi today – 4th January 2014.

The lovely couple have now proceeded to their reception where they will enjoy a day of bliss and celebration surrounded by their families and friends.

Bez looked very dapper in a bespoke blue suede tuxedo with a black satin lapel by Mai Atafo Inspired. Definitely a superstar look while his bride looked elegant in a lace dress with asymmetric off shoulder sleeves  by Love, Tims – the bridal line of I Do Weddings. 

WORDS ARE POWERFUL! - are you blocking your blessings?

Happy Sunday all !!! 
          
           I was actually thinking of a topic to write on that will inspire our lives and change our thoughts .  The words that we speak are so powerful that they shape and define our lives. Our words can also transmit FEAR or FAITH into our lives. You have the power to choose what happens in your life by the words you speak. Our conditioning does not allow us to speak the way God wants us to speak rather we are conditioned to speak the way we feel concerning any particular circumstance. Whatever situation we face every day of our lives, we should be conditioned to speak the promises of God. 



                                                 

The Scripture says in  Proverbs 18:21~ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 

You want it so bad that all you do is talk about it, but what are you really saying? Are you speaking your dreams into existence or are you blocking your own blessings?

Sometimes we can be our worst enemy when it comes to our thoughts and our choice of words. When you put negative energy into the atmosphere, just know that the enemy will definitely use your own words against you. That’s when he’ll start telling you.. “You’re never going to be anything to anyone”. “You’re never going to get far”. You might as well stop wasting your time and give up now”. The sad part about it is…many of us will give in to that fear. Why? Because we are the ones who planted the seed.

Sometimes despite the way it looks , you have to learn to see it the way you want it to be. Your business is not picking up the way you expected it to?…You can choose to say “Maybe I should quit while I’m ahead” or “I know my season is just around the corner. Failure is not an option.” …Another bad breakup? You can choose to say “I’ll never find the right person” or “I know God is sending me ‘Mr. Right’ .” Instead of telling yourself “I don’t know how I’m going to make it.”, tell yourself “I know God will provide.”  Always say the right things and see the glory of God at work in your life. 

Being realistic is one thing, but being pessimistic is another. Words are seeds, they can make or destroy us. Before you speak, think about what you are planting.

Bible Reference : Job 19 : 2, Luke 4 : 22

Have a great week ahead!  

an open letter to SINGLE WOMEN - about your future husband

An Open Letter To Single Women
    - about your future husband.


              Dear beautiful,


                     

l, Gorgeous, Smart, Intelligent and God loving Sisters,

I would like to introduce you to someone. Let’s call her Sharon. Recently, Sharon was going on a date with a potential “future husband”, so she sent me a message to get my honest and brotherly opinion about her “future husband” and men generally.

Giggling like a teenager, she was excited because her dream of getting married this year finally looked like a reality – by the way, she is approaching the age of 30. She had been in a few failed relationships, tried a Ben 10 (younger lover), and had even gone through a failed marriage. This time, with all the experiences she had collected, she asked me for my sincere advice on what to look out for in a “future husband”.

As a husband, pastor, mentor, author and journalist, I have researched and lived the life of a “future husband”. I have interviewed and counseled countless people on relationships.

I felt so privileged to be trusted to give counsel. I wish more men and women would stop fighting each other and start talking to each other. Trust me; I am an honest evaluator – direct but sensitive and truthful. I know the truth sometimes hurts, but it heals afterwards. She was humble enough to seek my advice in order to avoid the pitfalls so many women have fallen into.

As a man, I get very angry whenever I see women being disrespected, devalued and treated with little dignity by other men. Let’s just say it has a way of catapulting my holy anger, I always do my best to protect women from some predator, abuser and cheater who calls himself a man, but is disguised as a “future husband”.

Anyway, I delightfully shared with Sharon some of the points from my ‘Future Husband Template for a Godly Woman.’

1. A future husband will know that you are a future wife – trust me, most men immediately know if you are “the one” or not. We just know and we will act on it.
2. A future husband will own up to his mistakes. If he keeps making excuses for his mistakes, he shouldn’t be in your future because most likely he is just a church boy (Immature Christian man).
3. A future husband will respect you no matter the circumstance. If he only respects you when he wants to get something in return – red flag!
4. A future husband will do whatever it takes to provide – he is a go-getter. He might not provide everything, but he always does his best.
5. A future husband has integrity. When he promises you heaven and earth, and cannot even deliver Soweto, something is wrong. He doesn’t make promises he knows he cannot keep.
6. A future husband seeks more than just outer beauty – like every other man he is visually-stimulated but his heart makes the best judgment not his eye. He wants to know you inside out and not just outside in so he can show off your inner and outer beauty.
7. A future husband is an investor – he is very ready to invest in your emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. (I am definitely investing in my wife so she can be a crossbreed between Meagan Good and Joyce Meyer.)
8. A future husband will point you to Jesus rather than to himself. If he behaves like he is your #1 superhero taking the place of “SuperYeshua”, then I sense a problem coming.
9. A future husband will pray with you because there is nothing more intimate. The beauty of any godly relationship is experienced when you pray together.
10. A future husband will make a good friend, not just a good lover. A tall, dark and handsome Idris Elba lookalike is not enough without true friendship.

I also reminded Sharon (and want to remind my sisters too) that it is not, nor has it ever been and never will be a woman’s job to look for a “future husband”. His job is to find YOU! – so my sisters, keep it biblical.

To all single women, someday you’ll be the LOVE of somebody’s life. Just be patient.

Whatever you do, you shouldn’t get desperate, feel lonely and start running around churches, clubs, concerts, weddings etc looking for your “future husband”. Keep looking sexy and elegant.
Develop a godly character so that when he finds you, he will know that you are cut from a different cloth – “future wife” material.

Your “future husband” adviser,

Solomon

What is your opinion regarding your “future husband?” Please share with us!!! We would love to know what your thoughts are.

CALABAR CARNIVAL! - Nollywood steals the show

Every Christmas, millions of tourists and fun seekers across the world  throng the ancient city of Calabar,  Cross River State,to catch  a glimpse of the annual Calabar carnival. And last  year’s Christmas was no exception.






                                

The carnival, which kicked off  from Saturday, November 30, with the lighting of Christmas Tree ran through  January 1. It was nothing less than the popular carnival da Rua in terms of colour, artistry and  love-filled atmosphere.

Many attendees described  it as “a memorable blend of culture, fun, adventure and creativity ability of the people as represented by the five bands of the carnival.

“But besides, the streets parade with makeshift costumes, crowded stadium, happy jamboree and soul rowing jollity that took the centre stage, graceful participation of Nollywood stars in last year’s carnival indisputably helped to add glamour  and sophistication to the annual event.

Prior to the establishment of Nollywood band as an addition to the already existing carnival bands including, Bayside, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Seagull and Freedom band, movie stars have been part of the carnival in the recent past.But  this year, they featured prominently than ever in most of the carnival activities as they stole the show.

At  UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar  venue of the carnival grand finale,  the likes of  Tonto Dikeh, Funke Akindele, Uti Nwachukwu, Fred  Amata, Imeh Bishop Umoh, Mr. John Okafor a.k.a Mr Ibu,  Nkem Owoh(Osofia), KC Ejelonu, Linda Ejiofor, Gideon Okeke, Enyinna Nwigwe, OC Ukeje and several others were the cynosure of attraction.

Accompanying Senator, Florence Ita-Giwa’s  led Seagull band and Cross River State First Lady’s Master Blasta band, the movie stars caused a stir as they displayed alongside the bands  in  different forms ranging from their colours, costumes, choreography, music and  dance drama to the amusement of the cheering spectators who   thronged the  venue to catch a glimpse of the event.

Upon sighting Mr. Ibu, the crowd ran after him, just as shout of  “Osofia in Calabar’ filled the air.  Also, the sight of Tonto Dikeh was pleasing to the over one million participants who were eager to  meet the controversial actress.

The  stars also participated in the street party. While the street party  which was declared opened by the state governor, Liyel Imoke  lasted, the stars  were not found missing in action.

Just as the people  who flooded the 14 kilometres carnival route stretching into the U. J Esuene Stadium, the terminating point and theatre of communal celebration for the day, till the early hours of Saturday, december 28, felt the sensation and vibration as well as experienced the convivial social atmosphere of the yearly feast, which has been described as the biggest street party ever in the annals of the African continent.

The carnival climaxed last Wednesday, January 1, with a thanksgiving service.

Impressionz De Spectacular is an Event Management, Planning and Consultancy outfit for both Cooperate & Social events. We profer solutions to every hitch that comes with organising an event. We take the stress of you completely and give you that your dream event.

OUR SERVICES
Co-operate Events such as meetings, product launch & conferences

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LOCATION :
Though based in port Harcourt, we will definitely go anywhere your event is taking us to. We are fully capable of handling your events in any part of the country.
Contact :
Mobile : 08032792297
Email : impressionzdespectacular@yahoo.co.uk

Here are pics of my jobs done.