• Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Women in Music
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion House
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty News
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Color Files Podcast
    • Nails
    • How-To
    • Beauty Carnival-Archive
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair And Beauty
  • Love
    • Love & Sex
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle News
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
    • Unbossed Podcast
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
    • Your legacy1
  • News
    • BLACK VOTES MATTER
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Events
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • LEVEL UP: Entrepreneur Summit (DEC 2020)
    • Power Tools
    • SHE GOT NOW
    • Girls United Summit
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Dear Black Men
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Festival
  • Subscribe
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Shop Essence

Follow Us

Skip to content
  • Essence Studios
  • Girls United
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Shop Essence
  • Celebrity
    • Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • ‘Yes, Girl!’ Podcast
    • Entertainment
    • Black Women in Music
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
  • Fashion
    • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion House
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Color Files Podcast
    • Nails
    • How-To
    • AVEENO® Skin Health Startup Accelerator
    • Beauty Carnival-Archive
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
    • Beauty News
  • Hair
    • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair And Beauty
  • Love
    • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • The Solve Podcast
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know
    • Health & Wellness
    • Lifestyle News
    • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
    • Netflix’s Jingle Jangle Gift Guide
    • Unbossed Podcast
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Black Travel Guide
    • Currency Conversations
    • Your Legacy
  • News
    • News
    • BLACK VOTES MATTER
    • Essence 50th Anniversary
    • Latest News
    • Raise Your Voice
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Events
    • Events
    • WELLNESS HOUSE: YEAR OF RENEWAL
    • LEVEL UP: Entrepreneur Summit (DEC 2020)
    • Power Tools
    • SHE GOT NOW
    • Girls United Summit
    • Making Moves Now: Virtual Bootcamp
    • #EF SESSIONS
    • Dear Black Men
    • Cares Act
    • News & Announcements
  • Festival
  • Subscribe
Home · Relationships

Countdown to 'I Do': Part 5

Countdown to 'I Do': Part 5
By · April 6, 2009October 29, 2020
01
The Final Stretch!

Pamela Edwards, beauty editor of ESSENCE magazine, here with my very last installment of Countdown to “I Do." I literally have four days until my long-awaited walk down the aisle. My main objectives this final week are to save as much time and money as possible without sacrificing too much of my wedding vision and not becoming a bridezilla.

So, here’s what I’ve been up to…

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

02
Every Bride Needs One…

A same-day wedding coordinator is an absolute must, according to at least a dozen of my closest married friends. This angel, Jennifer Johnson, pictured here on her big day, is serving as my same-day coordinator. She’s a native New Orleanian and has brought much peace and resolution to all the planning.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

03
The Ring

I did pick up the ring for Ni. It’s simple and he loves it. I recommend you shop around when you buy your rings, or anything else “bridal.” There’s a bit of a racket out there. I found a $600 difference in price for this same white-gold band. And quotes ranged from $500 to $5000 for the exact same flowers!

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

04
Bouquet Bits

I got a lot accomplished this week, starting with a trip to the NYC flower market with my trusty adviser and dear friend Karen (right). Many shops there offer hard-to-find flowers at wholesale prices. We selected the bowls for the centerpieces and shipped them down to N.O. Karen also advised me on bouquet choices. My florist was shocked to receive an order four days before a wedding, but she was also kind and made me feel like it’s going to all work out.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

05
Dad and I Have Made a Decision

“Unforgettable” it is! Thanks to all of you who weighed in on the bride-and-dad dance!

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

06
Time Is Everything

Look, there’s no point in getting every beautifying treatment on the day of the wedding, so I booked an appointment at Cornelia. Most day spas offer special bridal treatments at prices much less than you would expect.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

07
Feet First

So at Cornelia, I took care of my pedicure. Olga, the nail tech who serviced me, suggested a Scandinavian cruise as a future honeymoon option. Nigel liked the idea.

08
Still Smiling

We only have about 37 more things to do, but ahhhh, we’ll get there. Many brides forget about their hubby-to-be in the frenzy of planning for their big day but Nigel and I have been pretty good at keeping the “we” in wedding. While I finalize flowers and programs, Nigel ordered our cake and food for the rehearsal dinner. Plus, he’s frugal.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

09
David’s Bridal Is a Good Start

One wallet-friendly bridal spot is David’s Bridal. They’re all over the country, everything is affordable, you can order your invites, your guy’s tux….the works. And how cute is this flower girl dress?

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

10
Shoe Smarts

…and these David’s Bridal shoes are only about $60! They’re dyeable and comfortable!

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

11
Not Giving Everything Away

I’m off to pick up my dress right now. Of course, nosey Nigel will see the blog tomorrow, so I can’t display the final deal, but isn’t this Jane Wilson Marquis gown simply elegant?

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

12
An Updo It Will Be…

I don’t have a relaxer, so I don’t want to worry about major frizzies. If my hair is up and out of the way, then that’s one less thing to worry about. My trusty Mason Pearson brush (a great investment) will help me keep the strands smooth.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

13
Lash Out

I only have one beauty stipulation—individual lashes. They’re so glamorous and look better than the strips. Here I am receiving my individual lash extensions with XTreme Lashes. They’ll last about a month and I now don’t have to worry about a lot of eye makeup on the big day.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

14
Pretty Brown Eyes

I did fall asleep throughout the two-and-a-half-hour process, so I do look like I just woke up, but focus on the lashes. Aren’t they fabulous?! So now I can cry all I want without a trace of runny mascara. Visit xtremelashes.com for a rep near you.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

15
To Favor or Not To Favor

I’m just not into wedding favors…more stuff! Plus, we’re all traveling—more stuff to pack. Anyway, my programs are especially cute (this is not it, but the inspiration) so hopefully that will suffice for those hankering for a favor.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

16
Think Pink!

I will be wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something pink (my shoes). Look it’s my day. I’ll do it my way.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

17
Beauty Babes

The ESSENCE editorial team got me good. Assistant beauty editor Andrea, left, and fashion & beauty editorial manager Marcia, right, somehow managed to put together a New Orleans-themed wedding shower for me in the office full of bells and whistles. They hid it from me for a week! I was totally surprised.

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

18
Support System

Senior editor Patrik Bass (left) and beauty & cover director Mikki Taylor chat it up during my surprise office wedding shower. Mikki lovingly shared her words of wisdom with me during the shindig. I gladly took heed—she’s been happily married for over 20 years!

19
Help a Sister Out

I still can’t find these sparklers. Apparently, they’re what’s known as “Roman Candles.” Does anyone know where I can get such Roman Candles in New Orleans?

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

20
This Is It!

Thanks to you, all my new ESSENCE.com family. I appreciate your well-wishes and support over the past five weeks. Be sure to stop by next Wednesday for all the details and pictures from my exciting Nawlins nuptials.

Feel free to leave Pamela a congratulations comment along with any last-minute advice for the bride-to-be!

Check out last week’s post here »

Check out my 3rd post »

Check out my 2nd post »

And take a peek at my 1st post »

Read More

Beauty
The Drugstore Makeup Brand Responsible For Viola Davis's Stu...
Entertainment
Meghan Markle Calls Time As A Royal 'Almost Unsurvivable' In...
Celebrity Moms
Tia Mowry and Gabrielle Union’s Daughters Had The Most Ado...
Awards & Events
Regina King Surprising Andra Day To Congratulate Her Golden ...
News
NASA Names D.C. Headquarters After ‘Hidden Figure’ Mary ...
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2021 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now