The Vine News

What is the Virtuous Woman Bridal Gala, and who is it for?

The Virtuous Woman Bridal Gala is an experience. It’s not your typical bridal show where soon to be brides attend and they get a bag and go from booth to booth collecting information, tasting food and then leave. Our goal is to make sure you have everything you need to plan your wedding and also have a good time while doing it. We offer a fashion show and beauty make overs. There is a comedy show and a well-known live artist performing. Also, the dresses we showcase at our bridal shows are geared toward the conservative woman. It doesn’t mean she has to be covered from head to toe; but we believe a Virtuous Woman can be beautiful and elegant without showing all the “gifts” God has given her. The Bridal Gala is for anyone and everyone.

What made you organize the first one last year, and what was it like?

I have been to many bridal shows and they are all the same. I saw there was a need for a bridal show for the conservative woman, the woman who believes that her body is sacred and it is temple and it is something beautiful and should be treated and adorned as such. Not only that but I wanted to create a bridal show where the vendors we choose will fit the needs of the conservative woman. I wanted vendors that can assist couples in every area of marriage. From not only finding a venue,

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picking a caterer and a wedding planner but vendors that can help assist couples dealing with issues of having children, to finance, to church and even sexual relations. All from a spiritual/biblical view.

The bridal show we did last year was absolutely beautiful. We had over 100 brides. And I must say it was more like church than a bridal show…and I was ok with that…we are careful not to make anyone uncomfortable but give everyone the freedom to worship or not worship if they choose otherwise. We also said a prayer during the welcome of the show. Again, being careful that we stay in order. Some found it unusual and others totally got it.

What's in store for this year's event? What can women expect to see?

On April 7th we are planning to really make our mark in Prince Georges County as the premier Bridal Gala for the conservative woman. Sometimes it’s hard to explain to some how we define a Virtuous Woman where they can understand. We try not to use words like Holy or sanctified or any religious term…So we just say conservative. We have a young lady by the name of Cassandra from “Divas of Comedy” to host the gala…along with Lisa Dove Washington from Dove Magazine. Cassandra is a Christian comedienne that I’m sure everyone will enjoy. We have a performance by a local gospel artist. But more importantly we are going to give couples informative information. Information they can use in preparing for their wedding and maintaining a happy and healthy relationship. Everyone must register and get their tickets in advance. Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door.

Are you planning any gifts or giveaways for participants?

This is what I enjoy the most about our shows. The vendors have the heart to give. We are giving away a complete wedding package…The Virtuous Woman Bridal Package Giveaway valued up to $10,000. Couples will need to register to win and all the details are on the website which is www.virtuouswomanbridalgala.com. There will also be gift bags for all the participants.

How many women are you expecting this year?

We are expecting double the amount of attendees than last year. This year we decided to advertise the event on WHUR-96.3 as well as local newspapers and internet to capture a broader audience. With the excitement of The Virtuous Woman Bridal Package Giveaway we very well may have a standing room only.

Is this gala only for women who are planning a wedding? If not, what can others get from it?

This gala is for anyone who planning any kind of event. Yes it is geared toward weddings because of the bridal fashion show. But we have caterers, pastry chef, event planners, photographers and many other vendors that can assist you with any event. Even if you want to come and enjoy the fellowship and eat, listen to some gospel music and have a fun afternoon….why not?

His life was taken too soon, and now all that’s left is a pile of candles, teddy bears, liquor bottles and flowers arranged neatly on the spot where he died.
But what happens to the loved ones he left behind?
This is the topic explored in the explosive Gospel play “Teddy Bear Blues Don’t Last,” written by Stephen Byrd.

They've been compared to the Jackson 5, but this family group’s harmonic tones don’t just make good music, it makes good ministry as well.
God's Blessings No Chains Holding Me Down, the talented youth quartet from Camp Springs serve up Gospel harmonies week after week, along with meals for the homeless. Ranging in age from 6 to 14, the three brothers and sister have been crooning their redemptive tunes in churches, and nursing homes for two years now, establishing a reputation among supporters of a youthful group that is serious about ministry.
“When they came, they really impressed me with their singing. And one little fella had so much Word in him where he can encourage the other youth,” said Doris Boyd, pastor of We the Friends Outreach Assembly in NE Washington. Boyd heard the group on the radio and has invited them several times to minister on her television broadcast, “Let’s Talk.”

The big “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Sunday night wasn’t just Lil Jon – it was also children and youth at the north Georgia United Methodist Children’s Home.
The rapper and “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant won $40,000 for his first time as a project manager on the hit NBC show. His designated charity is the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference’s United Methodist Children’s Home, located in Decatur.
The money – which will be collected on next week’s show – will go to the facility’s family-housing program to provide shelter for homeless families. “Our family-housing program does not receive any funding from the state of Georgia,” said Terence Johnson, director of programs. Currently eight families, about 30 people, need shelter.
Children and staff at the Georgia home have been glued to the television on Sunday nights since the Atlanta rapper and music producer chose them for all the money he wins on the show, which will run until May.
“Lil Jon called us last fall to see if it was OK for him to pick us as his charity,” Johnson said. “Of course, we were ecstatic. From that point on, we have been rooting for him. We are hoping he can get a chance to be a project leader again.”
Johnson said the musician spent most of a Saturday at the children’s home learning about the facility and meeting and playing with some of the children.
"I chose the United Methodist Children’s Home as my charity because it’s a personal thing for me. My family took in some foster kids when I was young, so I know the importance. Every kid deserves a good home and the best opportunities," said Lil Jon.
The United Methodist Children’s Home was established in 1871 to care for children orphaned during the Civil War. The ministry provides services for children from birth into their early 20s, including foster care, residential and family housing, and independent and transitional living for older youth.
Johnson said the children hope to have a reception and a talent show for Lil Jon after he finishes “Celebrity Apprentice.”
In addition to the money, the staff is also thrilled about the national and local media attention that they hope will benefit the children.
“We have a great need for foster parents,” Johnson said. “If anyone is interested in being a foster parent anywhere in north Georgia, we really want them to submit applications or at least inquire so we can follow up.”