Jembere Eyewear - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Sponsor {Featured Giveaway}

We have quite the giveaways for Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair, and we are especially excited for our amazing one from Jembere Eyewear. Think handmade, fashionable, high quality men and ladies sunglasses with a unique cultural aesthetic!

Jembere Eyewear (started by Abaynesh Jembere) is a New York based eyewear brand founded in 2013 with a philosophy that is simple - beautifully crafted and reasonably priced frames.

Jembere’s aesthetic is influenced by the juxtaposition of the rich culture of Ethiopia, where the name Jembere means, “my sunset” and every day life in the big city of New York. Jembere combines wearable styles with contemporary aesthetics. Each frame is handcrafted using top quality materials like Italian acetate and 5 barrel hinges.

Jembere also offers a unique detail when it comes to the cleaning cloth provided with your frames. The cloths are hand woven in Ethiopia by true artisans.

Did we mention that Jembere Eyewear has been seen on some of your favorite stars such as Taraji P. Hensen (aka Cookie..lol), Wale, Ty Tyrone, and Trey Songz to name a few?

So, what is the prize giveaway you're probably wondering?!

Giveaway: Almaz Frames | Color Brown Safari | Retail | $145 (comes with sunglass
case, lens cloth and logo Jembere box)

Buy your tickets to the show now to get your hands on this awesome prize giveaway. Envision yourself on your big day or even past that in these gorgeous shades. 

We will see you at the show!

Stay in touch with Jembere Eyewear!

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Farida Designs - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor

Nothing makes us happier than seeing a business remain rich in its culture, especially through fashion which is why we are thrilled to have Farida Designs as one of our Bridal Wear vendors at Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair. 

Get to know Owners, Easter & Farida below and get excited to mingle with them and see their gorgeous East African traditional dresses at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Easter & Farida: We aim to use traditional handmade fabric (from the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia or Eritrea) or use traditional design as inspiration. Our culture is so rich and visually interesting that we feel that it can be applied to all manners of clothing. We are trying to change the mindset of our own people and introduce our handmade fabric to the wider fashion world. Our bridal collection attempts to encourage brides to wear solely traditional design or fabric. Our evening wear and developing suit range means clients can wear traditional fabric/design to all formal and informal occasions. We also hope to develop our organic cotton range for daily wear.

HBD: We love how you want your clients to preserve their culture through your clothing in all parts of their wedding! Why are you participating in Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair? 

Easter & Farida: We are thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce our concept of using traditional fabric and design at Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair. This is an idea we have experimented with however, we are now developing a line of bridal wear dedicated to our culture. For the first day there is usually a western style of dress, then for the second day there is the 'Melsi' (the cultural day). However, since more couples are opting to have one wedding day and since we believe our fabric is worthy of religious ceremonies and the grandeur of the 'Veilo' (church wedding dress or western style dress) we began to work with couture wedding dressmakers to develop a line of dresses that may persuade Eritrean and Ethiopian brides to show case their culture throughout their wedding celebrations.

HBD: What do you find clients always say they love about working with you?

Easter & Farida: Our clients tend to love the color combination we experiment with, as our fabric is so vibrant in color this is a real pleasure on our part. We also believe that our clients enjoy our mixing of Arabian, African and Western styles of fashion.

HBD: We love your fabric too! We can't wait for our brides to see it too!

Get social with Farida Designs!

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Image Styling by Cassandra McClure - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor

Your makeup on your big day is so important as it ties your entire look together. You want a Makeup Artist who will make you look and feel like a Princess which is why we are so excited to have Image Styling by Cassandra McClure as one of our fabulous Makeup Artist vendors at Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair.

Get to know Owner, Cassandra McClure below and get excited to mingle with her and see her beautiful makeup artistry at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Cassandra: Receiving praise for my HD makeup, hair and fashion styling packages never ceases to amaze me. It doesn't take long to see that I'm a natural born artist that still takes the time to train periodically, both in Los Angeles and London in the finest schools. I take my art seriously by only using High Definition Make Up For Ever Professional products that make the skin appear flawless on photo and film. My in-home salon in Queen Anne has always been a favorite among many local women so I enjoy being able to really spend time with my brides and their families that way. I've flown overseas for weddings in places like New Delhi, so my flexibility and experience with both celebrity clients and world travel help set me apart, too.

HBD: We love how much you value honing your craft of doing makeup! Why are you participating in Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair? 

Cassandra: I am excited to partake in the show this year. I grew up attending wedding events like these with my Mom. As a little girl, I would help her set up her event company booth. As I got older I started offering my makeup services to brides. In 2008 my life changed forever when I booked my first bride at a wedding show in Tacoma. I now live and breathe for engagement, wedding and family work. I take pride in building trusting relationships with fellow vendors and really enjoy helping newly engaged women and their families prepare for one (or some) of the most important days of all!

HBD: What do you find clients always say they love about working with you?

Cassandra: Between Yelp, Google, Wedding Wire and Facebook I seem to get at least one new review per week and not one has a bad word to say so far (Praise God!). I am a shy person until you get to know me, meaning I am drama-free and thankful for each day God brings good people into my life. Destination weddings are really popular and I recently returned from Sicily where I helped a bride get ready on two of the biggest days of her life. It was a week neither of us will ever forget. She wrote me a hand-written thank you card that I put alongside with the others and can be found in my studio. I invite you over to read them all! :)

HBD: Wow! That is so special that your client loved your work that much. Getting a personal letter from a client is what we all hope for! What other things should potential clients know about you and your business?

Cassandra: My door is always open at 3040 17th Ave. W #610 Seattle, Washington 98119. I urge women and men to call and book an appointment to test my services. I love a challenge and I work well with all ages. My youngest repeat client is 6 years old. Wayne is a local beauty pageant queen and I mentor her throughout the year. I love giving back and working with charities and churches- hospitals give me the utmost joy. I can be reached anytime on my cellphone at 206.883.4152.

Get social with Image Styling by Cassandra McClure!

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Onstar Limousine, LLC - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor

Ride in style when it comes to your big days! Transportation is one area of planning that should not go overlooked. Fortunate for you, we have just the car service to get you and/or your wedding guests to and fro: Onstar Limousine, LLC, our Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair Transportation vendor.

Get to know Owner, Tek Tekle below and get excited to mingle with him and see his top of the line limo services at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Tek: The wedding limo service for the bride and groom is only part of the transportation to consider for your special day. Onstar Limousine offers options for all of your special guests before, during and after your special day, including: Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, airport transfers for out-of-town guests, activities for guests arriving early or departing late (such as winery tours, brewery tours, Seattle tours, shopping excursions and more), shuttles to and from the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception getaway cars for the ride to the airport for your honeymoon

HBD: We love how you offer limo services for just about any occasion! We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Get social with Onstar Limousine, LLC!

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GreenLight Events - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor & Sponsor

The lighting and sound on your wedding day(s) quickly sets the tone! Whether it's a spotlight on the dance floor + speakers directed to the main stage during the first dance, or a beautiful wedding symbol of the bride and groom's initials affixed on the wall, there are a lot of ways to add personalization through lighting and sound. Just ask our Lighting & Sound vendor & sponsor for Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair, GreenLight Events! 

Get to know Owner, Dan Humphrey below and get excited to mingle with him and see his fabulous lighting on our fashion runway during the show. You will also get a chance to see his work at his exclusive booth at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Dan: Light is something special. It's the fundamental way in which we experience our world. Simply put, we need light to see. So by designing the very element that allows your event to be seen, GreenLight Events can help your event have an impact like no other. The effect can be subtle or it can be dramatic. It can be small detail lighting that makes your product displays pop or it can be bold, energetic and larger than life. Whatever style and emotion your event calls for, GreenLight Events can help. GreenLight Events has many exclusive tools that cannot be found anywhere else. Whether it's custom chandeliers, bespoke string light options or our exclusive light stands, we've got the tools to make your lighting unique. We also have the largest inventory of wireless up lights in the area. Got a big event? We've got you covered. With over 20 combined years in the event industry we are trusted by some of Seattle’s top event planners and venues. 

HBD: We love how you have such a vast inventory! That really allows couples to have options. We look forward to having you at the show! Anything else the couples should know about your business?
Dan: Our team is fast, courteous and dedicated to making your event amazing. So when you're ready to take your event to the next level give us a call at 206-659-8519 or visit us online at www.greenlight.services.

Get social with GreenLight Events!

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Meet Yabsira: Her Big Day Fashion Stylist Intern

Getting all of our runway looks for Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair won't be possible without our fabulous Fashion Stylist Intern: Yabsira Wolde. We are so excited to have her passion for fashion styling on the team. From putting together fashion pieces to deciding on hair and makeup, she will be helping to create the perfect model look on the runway. Learn more about her below!

Name: Yabsira Wolde

College: University of Washington

Graduation Year: 2018

Major: Undecided

Instagram: @yabsiraawolde


Where are you from?  Seattle

What is your favorite thing that you’re involved in at school? My communication class! I love interacting with people and learning all the different forms of communication.

What is the most fun event you have planned? My prom

If you could style any event, what event would you like to style? Right now, my eyes are on Balmain....or Givenchy! 

Who is your fashion icon? The first person that comes to mind is my Mother. She is so fashion forward!

If you could get married today, where would be your dream wedding? Anywhere next to a waterfall or Addis Abeba.

What would be your wedding colors and/or theme? White and gold

What are wedding traditions in your culture? There are so many I would need pages to write them. One of them is, when the wedding is about to be over, the guests chase out the bride and the groom with a traditional song.

Your favorite drink to order at Starbucks: Iced chai or Green tea latte

What’s in your purse? Mascara, lipstick, wallet, and gum

Your favorite quote: "Never put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.” -Anonymous

Kariba Photography - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor

Capturing every little detail of your big day is so important, which is why we are so fortunate to be having Kariba Photography at Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair as a full coverage Wedding Photography vendor. Her photos will take your breath away! 

Get to know Owner, Kariba Jack below and get excited to mingle with her and see her amazing wedding photography work at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Kariba: Kariba Photography is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer for the Seattle, Washington and surrounding locations. If you crave photographs that are vibrant, crisp and sleek that stand out from the crowd, Kariba Photography is your hot spot for epic imagery. Kariba Photography welcomes and finds joy in working with bridal couples from all ethnic backgrounds. My clients pride themselves in being able to express their cultural background while knowing their most cherish moments will be captured.

HBD: That's really amazing that you work to capture the beauty of couple's cultures! What do you find clients always say they love about working with you?

Kariba: Clients love the energy I always bring to their big day. Weddings can become stressful, but being able to remember to laugh, dance while nobody is watching and create those memories that make the day uniquely yours and special is what it is all about.

HBD: That couldn't be more true! Is there anything else you would like to share?

Kariba: Sharing is caring! If you like my work, please share my info below.

Get social with Kariba Photography!

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Makeda TEJ (Honey Wine) - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor

In the Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures, you have two wedding ceremonies. The food and drinks that you incorporate on the second day called the Melse/Melsi play a huge role in living up to that cultural celebration. We are so glad to have unique cultural vendors at Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair, like Makeda TEJ who will be showcasing Ethiopian honey wine. 

Get to know Owner, Nebyou below and get excited to mingle with him and sip some delicious honey wine at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Nebyou: I sell bottle of Makeda Tej/Mes for all occasions. Makeda Tej/Mes is a unique traditional Ethiopian style honey wine made in Mountlake Terrace, WA. It is made from organic Honey [imported from Ethiopia], water, and Gesho [Rhamnus prinoides Hops].

HBD: Wow, that is incredible that it is imported straight from Ethiopia! Where can people order your wine?
Nebyou: Makeda Tej (Honey Wine) is not available for online purchase at this time. Online ordering is coming soon, though! In the meantime, please visit my booth to sample this exclusive drink. You can also visit your local Habesha supermarket/restaurant to purchase this product.

HBD: We are so excited to have our wedding show guests sample Makeda TEJ! See you at the show!

Get social with Makeda TEJ!

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DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport - 2016 Her Big Day Wedding Show Vendor & Sponsor

We are so honored to have DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport as our venue sponsor for Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair. Specializing in their venue, catering, and coordination, their space can help you have the wedding of your dreams.

Get to know Sr. Catering Manager, Ariel Paull, below and get excited to mingle with her and her team as she helps you design your wedding into their venue space at the wedding show in January {buy your tickets here}!

Her Big Day (HBD): Tell us about your business! What do you specialize in and what makes you unique?

Ariel: The DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport is the prime destination for cultural weddings in the Seattle area. Our largest ballroom boasts an impressive 13,600 square feet with 14' Ceilings. We can accommodate events with up to 1,000 guests. At the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport we understand the importance of integrating culture and tradition into your wedding, which is why we have put together a comprehensive wedding package to include the use of an approved caterer of your choosing. Our expert team of event managers are knowledgeable in wedding customs of many different cultures, and will help you bring tradition to your dream wedding.

HBD: It is a dream come true for many cultural brides to have the amenities that you offer. We love how in tune you are with cultural weddings! Why are you participating in Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair? 

Ariel: This is our first year participating in this wedding show as the venue sponsor. We love being involved with the different cultural communities.

HBD: What do you find clients always say they love about working with you?

Ariel: Our clients love how easy we are to work with and how accommodating we are to their individual needs. They appreciate our attention to detail and that we anticipate their needs.

HBD: That's very comforting for any bride and groom to know that you're able to be one step ahead of them! What do you think is your biggest selling point?

Ariel: The DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport welcomes approved outside caterers for couples who wish to enjoy traditional cultural cuisine at their wedding.

Get social with DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport!

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