The post Kevin Hart’s Biggest Accomplishments appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

The post What Role Does Technology Play In Kevin Hart’s Life? appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

2013 is turning out to be yet another monster year for music’s royal couple, Jay-Z and Beyonce, as the pair have signed worldwide publishing deals with Warner/Chappell Music.

According to Billboard, the ink is still drying on Mrs. Carter’s big-time publishing agreement that will handle her future songwriting, including the distribution of her fifth studio album.

“It’s an honor to join Warner/Chappell Music and to continue working with my friend Jon Platt,” Beyonce said in the Warner/Chappell announcement release. “I trust his vision and admire his professionalism, and I look forward to our partnership.”

Platt joined Warner/Chappell last September after spending more than 17 years with EMI Music Publishing. As president of EMI, the music executive signed acts such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Usher, Drake, Ludacris and more.

Related: Star Clique

“I am always inspired by [Beyonce's] drive, her creative vision and the breadth of her talents as a songwriter, performer and artist,” Platt stated of the partnership. “Everyone at Warner/Chappell is honored to have the opportunity to serve this ground-breaking superstar as she continues to evolve, growing her incredible catalog of songs and producing some truly extraordinary new music.”

Earlier this week, husband Jay-Z and his Roc Nation firm also signed worldwide publishing administration deals with the company.

“The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend. Jon Platt is such a person,” the rapper said in a statement. “He’s a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It’s great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.”

As Beyonce prepares to release her new project and set out on an international world tour, her other half will do a little touring of his own. Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake will hit 12 cities across America for the “Legends of the Summer” concert series (dates below). All the fun begins after their appearances at the U.K.’s Wireless festival on July 12 and 13.

July 17: Toronto, ON (Rogers Centre)
July 19: New York, NY (Yankee Stadium)
July 22: Chicago, IL (Soldier Field)
July 26: San Francisco, CA (Candlestick Park)
July 28: Los Angeles, CA (Rose Bowl)
July 31: Vancouver, BC (BC Place Stadium)
August 4: Hershey, PA (Hershey Stadium)
August 6: Detroit, MI (Ford Field)
August 8: Baltimore, MD (M&T Bank Stadium)
August 10: Boston, MA (Fenway Park)
August 13: Philadelphia, PA (Citizens Bank Park)
August 16: Miami, FL (Sun Life Stadium)

The post His & Hers: Jay-Z, Beyonce Sign Publishing Deals With Warner/Chappell Music appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Associated Press

President Barack Obama says the dedication in the Capitol of a statue of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks will be a “powerful moment.”

Obama is to speak at next Wednesday’s ceremony.

Parks’ refusal in December 1955 to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger led to a citywide bus boycott in Montgomery, Ala., and encouraged nationwide efforts to end segregation. Parks died in October 2005.

Obama said Thursday in a radio interview with Al Sharpton that the statue will put a seamstress who helped bring about a “more just America” in her rightful place among some of the titans of U.S. government.

Officials say the statue will be the first full-length one of an African-American woman in the Capitol.

The post Obama: Rosa Parks Statue Dedication A ‘Powerful Moment’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Colby Carrington

Would you give up sex for six months?

Perhaps you need motivation for such a test – so let me rephrase:

Would you give up sex for six months if it meant saving $2,500?  There are plenty of women who would according to an All You magazine survey.

The poll results found that 56% of respondents would not give up the cookie if it saved them some coin.

Putting such sacrifice in those terms sounds a little harsh.  But then I started thinking about my dating life. My non-existent one. And a lightning bolt of a revelation hit.

In my 30+ years, there’s a trend when it comes to dating and my bank account.  When I’m not dating, I spend less money.

How you say? Well, there’s no pre-date prep that requires a new dress to impress.  Nails done, hair done – DIY did. As for other maintenance – last year I got acquainted with laser hair removal route so aside from a couple of yearly touch ups, yours truly is permanently and appropriately bare in all the right places.

By this logic, spending less money means I’m saving money.  Armed with such newfound knowledge means that to be defined as ‘single’ is…incomplete.  Nay, I demand a better descriptor.

I am not single.  I am Fiscally Responsible.  Capital F. Capital R.  I wonder if the IRS would see fit to add this to Form 1040 as a new category under Marital Status…

 Photo credit: Shutterstock

Cleotha Staples–one of the original members of soul and gospel group the Staple Singers—has died. She was 78.

Staples passed on Thursday after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Her soprano voice was a crucial component of the Staple Singers’ signature sound. “Her [voice], which rang out like a bell and descended with a distinctive twang, was among the key musical elements in the family group that sold tens of millions of records and scored hits such as “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself” and “Uncloudy Day,” notes the Detroit Press.

Born on April 11, 1934, Staples was the oldest child of Roebuck “Pops” Staples and his wife, Osceola. She grew up on a sharecroppers farm near Drew, Mississippi. A year later, “Pops” Staples relocated his family to Chicago. He grew up with blues guitarists such as Charlie Patton and sang in gospel groups, which would later have a great influence on Cleotha and her siblings.

In the 1940s, “Pops” Staples began teaching his children songs he had learned throughout the years. The young group started to perform at local churches. By 1953, the Staple Singers were recording albums and touring.

With a string of Top 40 hits on Stax Records, in the late 1960s, the Staple Singers earned themselves the nickname “God’s greatest hitmakers.” They were also asked by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to perform at rallies.

The post Cleotha Staples Of The Staple Singers, Dead At 78 appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

It seems a name-change was in order, though we’re not quite sure why. In a somewhat baffling move, Jermaine Jackson has changed his legendary last name to “Jacksun,” according to court documents obtained by E! News.

On Friday, a court commissioner signed on the dotted line, approving the 58-year-old singer’s petition. He is, now, officially Jermaine LaJuane Jacksun.

Jermaine, the fourth-oldest of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children, has not commented since making the name change legal. However, a spokesperson for Jermaine told E! News, the “decision to change one letter of his last name was ‘a personal choice’ and “not a big deal.”

Jermaine’s official announcement comes on the heels of Cirque du Soleil revealing its new Michael Jackson-inspired show, called “Michael Jackson ONE.” Preview performances begin on May 23 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The post Jermaine Jackson Officially Changes Legendary Last Name appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Last week, it was Forest Whitaker. This week it’s 90s rapper MC Hammer publicly addressing his run-in with racial profiling.

Hammer, born Stanley Burrell, says he was stopped and arrested by police in the Northern California city of Dublin.

On Saturday, the 50-year-old former rap star tweeted that an officer walked up to his car and asked: “Are you on parole or probation?”

He says he gave the officer his ID, but the officer reached inside the car and tried to pull him out.

Lieutenant Herb Walters of the Dublin Police Department told the Oakland Tribune that Hammer was arrested on Thursday for “investigation of obstructing an officer in the performance of their duties and resisting an officer,” according to the Huffington Post.

Lt. Walters declined requests to comment to KTVU-TV about Hammer’s version of the arrest.

But Hammer says the situation boils down to another lesson learned, tweeting:

“Instead of being bitter, I’m taking the opportunity to make this a ‘teachable moment’ and ‘eye opener’ for many friends & colleagues.”

The post MC Hammer Says He Was Racially-Profiled By California Police appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy Yahoo News

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Police are seeking a 26-year-old man as the prime suspect in last week’s pre-dawn shooting and crash on the Las Vegas Strip that killed three people and injured several others

The black SUV used as a getaway car was found Saturday as police named Ammar Harris in connection with the shooting and six-vehicle chain-reaction carnage Thursday on the neon-lit boulevard near the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Bally’s and Flamingo resorts,

An aspiring rapper who was driving a Maserati was shot to death, while two people in a taxi died in the crash.

“His location is unknown,” police Capt. Chris Jones said of Harris, who sometimes goes by the name Ammar Asim Faruq Harris. Police say he has been arrested for working as a pimp.

Police released a photo that was taken when Harris was arrested last year on pandering, kidnapping, sexual assault and coercion charges.

Read the full story here.

The post Prime Suspect Sought In Las Vegas Shooting, Crash appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

HOLLYWOOD — Celebrities arrive at the 85th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center on Sunday (Feb. 24) to celebrate the best in film. Check out the full list of winners here and more star arrivals after the jump!

ZOE SALDANA

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

ROBIN ROBERTS

QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS

DWIGHT HENRY

KELLY ROWLAND

KERRY WASHINGTON

HALLE BERRY

JAMIE FOXX & CORINNE BISHOP

GLORIA REUBEN

OCTAVIA SPENCER

NAOMIE HARRIS

JENNIFER HUDSON

RACHEL MWANZA

QUEEN LATIFAH

MICHAEL STRAHAN

CHRIS TUCKER

SHAUN ROBINSON

The post 85th Annual Academy Awards: Red Carpet Arrivals [PHOTOS] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

by Lashawnda K. Becoats

Your guide to the shops and services for planning the perfect wedding.

CAKES

Cake Lady Jill
704.877.7748
weddingcakesbyjill.com

Cheesecake Etc.
704.509.2020
cheesecakeetc.biz

Nona ’s Sweets
704.717.6144
nonassweets.com
CATERERS

Best Impressions Caterers
704.333.9779
bestimpressionscaterers.com

La-Tea-Da’s Catering
704.338.6864
lateadas.com

Triple Crown Caterers
704.672.9910
triplecrowncaterers.com
FLORISTS

Elizabeth House Flowers
704.342.3920
elizabethhouseflowers.com

Nectar
704.905.9808
nectarfloraldesigns.com

The Place For Flowers
704.521.6111
placeforflowers.com
GOWNS

Hayden Olivia
704.333.0377
haydenolivia.com

J. Major’s Bridal Boutique
704.372.0082
jmajors.com

New York Bride & Groom
704.529.6400
nybride.com
MAKEUP

Jami Svay
704.763.0242
jamisvay.com

Jeffre Scott
704.339.0010
jeffrescott.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Critsey Rowe Photography
704.777.7707
critseyrowe.com

M. Clay Photography
980.229.5048
mclayphotography.com
PLANNERS

Carolina Wedding Design
704.541.9100
carolinaweddingdesign.com

The Main Event
704.332.5819
themaineventnc.com

Weddings and the City
704.258.3117
weddingsandthecity.com
RINGS

Diamonds Direct
704.532.9041
diamondsdirectsouthpark.com

Karat Patch Jewelry
704.334.3188
karatpatch.com

Morrison Smith Fine & Custom Jewelers
704.332.1605
morrisonsmith.com
TRANSPORTATION

Pearl Limousine
704.393.8444
pearllimo.com

Rose Chauffeured Transportation
704.522.8258
riderose.com

Sunway Trolleys And Tours
704.348.1200
trolleysinc.com
TUXEDOS

DW Designs
704.332.1896
dwdesigns.biz

The Formal Touch Tuxedos & Accessories
704.593.1961
theformaltouchonline.com

Paul Simon
704.366.4523
paulsimonco.com

VENUES

Centerstage@noda
704.940.1050
centerstagenoda.com

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
704.829-1268
dsbg.org

The Harvey B. Gantt Center For African-American Arts + Culture
704.547-3768
ganttcenter.org

by Vicky Johnson

With credits including HBO’s Treme, ABC’s Brothers & Sisters, Red Tails, and the award-winning independent film Middle of Nowhere, Edwina Findley has been hailed by critics as “a marvel to watch.” On November 17, 2012 , the much-admired actress starred in her most poignant role-to-date—as Bride. We recently got a glimpse into her star-studded nuptials to soul mate Kelvin Dickerson, an Advertising Executive/Time Management Coach.

Edwina, who also serves an inspirational leader through her organization Abundant Life Creative Services, has chosen to build her life on faith. So she may say it was fate that led to her meeting Kelvin. Upon relocating to a new neighborhood, Edwina began running into him at every turn—the bank, grocery store and even on the subway. Come to find out, the two lived right around the corner from each other. Their strong commitment to their church played a large role in them growing closer—not to mention Edwina’s choice to remain chaste until her wedding night (no small feat for a young actress).

Their courtship would eventually evolve into a proposal during a Hudson River dinner cruise in New York for Edwina’s birthday. As the couple took to an empty dance floor, little did Edwina know that Kelvin had arranged for the band to stop the music and set the stage for his tender proposition. Completely taken by surprise, a speechless Edwina was finally able to utter her acceptance, following a flurry of requests from delighted passengers.

Plans for the nuptials began in earnest with the assistance of Heather Hughes of Style Unleashed, who has dressed Edwina for celebrity events. After securing Leaph Drake, of Divine Memoirs, as their wedding planner, the couple worked together on a vision for the big day.

Fitting of Edwina, they decided on a “Hollywood Premiere” theme. From save-the-dates that resembled movie posters to invitations designed as tickets, the details of their wedding were sprinkled with touches that evoked a red-carpet experience. Her God Mother, Academy Award Nominee Viola Davis, even hosted a paparazzi-worthy shower in the bride’s honor.

Sentimental touches were not overlooked at their ceremony, which was held at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY. Not only was the couple honored to be married by their Pastor Dr. A.R. Bernard, but having the bride’s 93-year-old grandfather, Reverend Dr. William Calbert, participate in the nuptials made the event even more memorable. “His presence was a special gift,” Edwina says of the former Buffalo soldier and retired Army chaplain.

In true celebrity fashion, the couple ended the evening with an “After-Party” reception, at Taj Lounge in Manhattan, before jetting off to Puerto Vallarta for their honeymoon. To sum up the auspicious affair, Edwina says, “What better way to celebrate with my co-star for life?”

Above photo: Pictured here with members of the wedding party, Edwina glowed in a gown by Allure Couture, with shoes and accessories by Badgley Mischka, while new husband Kelvin rocked a gray Calvin Klein tuxedo. After the wedding, the newlyweds took pictures in front of the step and repeat—a part of their red-carpet-themed wedding.

In today’s link round-up: Quvenzhané Wallis nabs a classic role, Michelle Obama shows up at the Oscars and much more!

The YBF
Jennifer Hudson SLAYS “And I Am Telling You” + Adele & Shirley Bassey Salute James Bond
In case you missed it…

EURweb
What’s Up with Kanye’s Major Dissing of Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake
It’s just Kanye being Kanye.

Hello Beautiful
Sorry Willow, Quvenzhane Wallis Is Our New ‘Annie’
Perfect.

EBONY.com
Michelle Obama Hands Out Best Picture Oscar
The First Lady delivered the Oscar for “Best Picture” to Argo.

VIBE.com
Kobe Bryant Reaches 31,000-Point Milestone in NBA
The Black Mamba joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in the 31,000 point+ club.

The Frisky
It’s A Girl For Kim And Kanye
Breaking news.

Courtesy of The Associated Press

Just before the March on Washington in 1963, President John F. Kennedy summoned six top civil rights leaders to the White House to talk about his fears that civil rights legislation he was moving through Congress might be undermined if the march turned violent.

Whitney Young Jr. cut through the president’s uncertainty with three questions: “President Kennedy, which side are you on? Are you on the side of George Wallace of Alabama? Or are you on the side of justice?”

One of those leaders, John Lewis, later a longtime congressman from Georgia, tells the story of Young’s boldness in “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a documentary airing during Black History Month on the PBS series “Independent Lens” and shown in some community theaters.

RELATED: No Girls Allowed: The Removal of Women from the Civil Rights Narrative

In the civil rights struggle, Young was overshadowed by his larger-than-life peer, Martin Luther King Jr. But Young’s penetration of white-dominated corporate boardrooms and the Oval Office over three administrations was critical to the movement. Working with leaders within the system, including three presidents, made him a target of criticism by those who wanted a more aggressive path to racial equality.

An appreciation for what Young brought to the movement came after his death in Nigeria in 1971 at age 49. But it was not sustained, said Dennis Dickerson, author of “Militant Mediator: Whitney M. Young Jr.”

“He should not be diminished,” said Dickerson, a Vanderbilt University history professor who also appears in the film.

Continue here…

The post PBS Documentary Tells Story Of Unsung Civil Rights Leader Whitney Young appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

*UPDATE: The Onion released the following statement on their official Facebook page:

“Dear Readers,

On behalf of The Onion, I offer my personal apology to Quvenzhané Wallis and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the tweet that was circulated last night during the Oscars. It was crude and offensive—not to mention inconsistent with The Onion’s commitment to parody and satire, however biting.

No person should be subjected to such a senseless, humorless comment masquerading as satire.

The tweet was taken down within an hour of publication. We have instituted new and tighter Twitter procedures to ensure that this kind of mistake does not occur again.

In addition, we are taking immediate steps to discipline those individuals responsible.

Miss Wallis, you are young and talented and deserve better. All of us at The Onion are deeply sorry.

Sincerely,

Steve Hannah
CEO
The Onion”
_______

At what point does “satire” fall into the disrespectful and disgusting category? Just wondering.

On Sunday, satirical news organization The Onion came under fire for a message sent out by their official Twitter account calling 9-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis the c-word.

“Everyone else seems afraid to say it but that Quvenzhané Wallis is kind of a cunt, right? #Oscars2013,” the publication wrote. Approximately one hour later, the tweet was deleted from the account but not before making its rounds on the social networking site and upsetting the masses.

Scribe dream hampton wrote, “This isn’t me mistaking the Onion’s sarcasm and satire for an actual headline. This is a human being w/a job calling a 9 y.o. a cunt.”

The Wire actor Wendell Pierce, a native of New Orleans like Wallis, joined the conversation, stating, “@theOnion Identify the writer. Let him defend that abhorrent verbal attack of a child. You call it humor I call it horrendous.”

Journalist Roland Martin chimed in, “Look, I get comedy. I get satire. But what @TheOnion said about a 9-year-old girl nominated for an Oscar is atrocious.”

As the backlash continues to pour in, all eyes are on The Onion to release an official statement apologizing for its distasteful humor (and what should be the inevitable termination of its anonymous social media handler during the Oscars).

The publication has yet to respond to the matter.

The post The Onion Releases Apology For Calling Quvenzhané Wallis The C-Word [UPDATE] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Evette Dionne

Millennials are under assault again. Last month, The New York Times published “The End of Courtship?” an article detailing the shift in dating culture amongst Generation Y, classified as those born between the latter 1970s and the mid-1990s. The piece compared the courting rituals of baby boomers and Generation Xers to our technology-driven culture and determined that the dating customs of our parents and grandparents are no longer applicable now.

Reporter Alex Williams utilized interviews with millennials seeking relationships, as well as, the plot framework for HBO’s hit, “Girls,” to depict a dismal dating world. According to Williams, text messaging has replaced traditional communication and restaurants are empty because Gen Yers are caving to carnal impulses, instead of placing the horse before the carriage.

However, what the writer and those interviewed fail to note is though millennials have subverted dating rituals, we have not eradicated tradition.

One of the interviewees, Shani Silver, asserted that the word “date” should be eradicated from the dictionary because it’s extinct.

“Dating culture has evolved to a cycle of text messages, each one requiring the code-breaking skills of a cold war spy to interpret,” she told Williams.

However, her experience doesn’t mirror all millennials. As writer and cultural critic Rhiannon Lucy Cosslet eloquently details, “romance hasn’t so much died as changed its trousers, and just because young women are doing things on a more equal basis rather than relying on men to take us to fancy French restaurants, doesn’t mean we’re not falling in love as much as ever.”

This is especially relevant among college students. MyDateSchool discovered that 54 percent of Ivy League students prefer a traditional dinner for their first date. A majority statistic indicates that millennials are still persistent about courting before committing.

The writer also faults the decline in courtship to the regard for the “hookup culture,” where spontaneous romantic flings lead to commitment-free arrangements.

“Many students today have never been on a traditional date,” professor and author Donna Freitas told Williams. “Young people today don’t know how to get out of hookup culture.”

This is accurate. Hooking up is prominent among millennials, but it has also been prevalent in previous generations, including the sexual revolution among hippies. Hooking up did not impact their generation and millennials are deserving of similar respect for our sexual agency.

The emergence of technology as the primary form of communication is also blamed.

“Traditional courtship — picking up the telephone and asking someone on a date — required courage, strategic planning and a considerable investment of ego (by telephone, rejection stings). Not so with texting, e-mail, Twitter or other forms of ‘asynchronous communication,’ as techies call it.”

However, what isn’t noted is that different isn’t necessarily an eradication of tradition. Most men are not asking the father’s permission to date his daughter and as the Match.com commercial often spews, one in three relationships begin on the popular website. But millennials are resorting to technology because it fits our lives. Texting instead of calling, spending time at the café instead of expensive bistros, and meeting online rather than raves is suitable for our hectic lives. Some millennials are beginning their careers, so our time is limited. Technology has enabled us to communicate without sacrificing precious minutes.

Researchers have discovered that romance is essential to most human’s lives; so though courtship has evolved, it hasn’t ended. Its appearance is different.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Police in Brockton, Mass. have requested state child welfare officials to investigate possible child abuse or neglect in the case of a 9-year-old boy who appears in sexually suggestive rap videos, according to The Associated Press.

As of Monday, criminal charges have not been filed and Luie “Lil Poopy” Rivera Jr.’s father has not been arrested. In several videos posted to YouTube, Rivera can be seen slapping the buttocks of a woman bent over, glorifying drug use and engaging in other suggestive acts while performing in adult nightclubs.

The boy’s father Luis Rivera told the local newspaper, The Enterprise, that his son was doing nothing more than acting. But authorities see the matter a little differently.

“It’s a bit much for a 9-year-old. It warrants the attention of the Department of Children and Families,” police Lt. David Dickinson said Sunday afternoon.

A Department of Children and Families spokeswoman confirms that officials are investigating whether the boy is being properly cared for.

Luis said he will be calling his lawyer, but maintains that he and his son have done nothing wrong.

The post Mass. Police File Complaint Against 9-Year-Old Rapper’s Father For Inappropriate Videos appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

The secret’s out: Janet Jackson has tied the knot.

Related: The Album: Featuring Weddings We Love

In an exclusive statement to Entertainment Tonight, the 46-year-old international star and her billionaire beau Wissam Al Mana confirmed their big news and set the record straight on a few rumors. The couple stated:

“The rumours regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony. Our wedding gifts to one another were contributions to our respective favourite children’s charities. We would appreciate that our privacy is respected and that we are allowed this time for celebration and joy. With love, Wissam and Janet.”

This is the third marriage for Jackson who was previously attached to James DeBarge and René Elizondo. Prior to her relationship with Al Mana, the “Rhythm Nation” singer dated producer Jermaine Dupri for nearly eight years.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

Take notes on the brave career moves of the most important Civil Rights leader in black history.

Born 84 years ago into the harsh, segregated realities of the South, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quickly became known as the face of the Civil Rights Movement. His lifetime of service where he fought tirelessly to bring justice to America through non-violent protests, boycotts and marches is forever engrained in the history books of our country.

Below are some of Dr. King’s greatest career moments that highlight why his legacy lives on today.

Dexter Avenue Baptist Church: In 1954 at the young age of 25, Dr. King became the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

Continue reading at BlackEnterprise.com

By Iman A. Jefferson and Jada Russell

Your guide to the shops and services for planning the perfect wedding.

CAKES

A Piece of Cake
773-224-7200
apieceofcakeinchicago.com

Le Royal Icing
312-285-8670
leroyalicing.com

CATERERS

A Tale of Two Chefs
312.326.1948
taleof2chefs.com

Rome’s Joy Catering
773.373.4320
romesjoy.com

FLORISTS

Anthony Gowder Designs
312.563.1306
anthonygowder.com

August Bloom Haute Floral Design
773.819.0883
augustbloomflorals.com

Hello Darling
312.226.2440
hellodarling.com

Revel Décor
773.292. 9100
reveldecor.com
GOWNS

Belle Vie Bridal Couture
312.751.2222
belleviebridalcouture.com

Jenny Yoo Collection
312.642.2327
jennyyoo.com

Ultimate Bride
312.337.6300
ultimatebride.com

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

Artisan Events
773.248.9333
artisanevents.com

Birch Design Studio
312.280.6811
birchdesignstudio.com

Engaging Events by Ali
773.777.2299
engagingeventsbyali.com

PLANNERS

Big City Bride
773.525.7526
bigcitybride.com
RINGS

Lester Lampert
312.944.6888
lesterlampert.com

Marshall Pierce & Company
312.782.4403
marshallpierce.com

Sidney Garber
312.944.5225
sidneygarber.com

STATIONERY

Pulp & Ink
312.475.1344
pulpandink.com
TUXEDOS

Balani Custom Clothiers
312.263.9003
balanicustom.com

Ermenegildo Zegna
312.587.9660
zegna.com

Formally Modern Tuxedo
773.975.7700
formallymodern.com

VENUES

The Art Institute of Chicago
312.443.3600
artic.edu

Park Hyatt Chicago
312.335.1234
parkchicago.hyatt.com

River East Art Center
312.321.1001
rivereastartcenter.com