Engagement Feature: Tutu + Damola

Bride-to-be: Adetutu Adereni

Groom-to-be: Adedamola Gbakinro

Ethnicity of couple: Nigerian (Yoruba)

Tell us how you met one another: we were introduced by a friend in fall of 2015. I decided to take a leap of faith and go visit him in Houston, after that visit things didn't work out well so we went our separate ways. Fast forward to Spring of 2016, Damola randomly reached out to me and I had just gotten out of a relationship so i was not looking for anything serious. We went out a couple of times and I realized he had changed a lot and I was liking the new him- and the rest, as they say, is history!

How did he pop the question: My birthday was coming around in August, I had just gotten back from London and did not want anything stressful, so we decided to go to San Antonio, about 2 hours away. I did not pay much attention to his behavior because I was so hangry (hungry and angry) lol. But, I did realize he was driving very slow and he changed dinner reservations without informing me so at this point, I was really HANGRY. Anyway we finally made it to dinner 2 hours later and as soon as we got in the first person i saw was my Dad, then Mom, Brother and two of my BFFs. I was indeed shocked to say the least. So we had dinner, nothing special, he went and talked to my dad (that was their first time meeting) and when he got back, he changed seats to sit near me. Shortly after, the waiter came out with a cake, and I don't even remember anything else other than the words on the cake asking me to marry him. I couldn't have asked for a better proposal- I had all my family and loved ones around me!

When's the big day: August 4th and 6th 2017

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding: My wedding dress!

What would you say has been the hardest thing about planning a cultural wedding: Dealing with all the "mummys" :-)

Any tips or advice for the couple who is engaged and planning a wedding right now: As an African there really isn't anything I can say, everyone will have their opinions and ideas- just try and do something for yourself, and that thing for me is my dress. I am wearing the dress I want, everything else can be controlled but that's my "One" thing. So find that One thing that works for you and stand your ground!

Engagement photographer: Instagram- @GMSphotosandvideos @Josecastillophotography

MUA for pre-wedding shoot: Princess (Instagram- @sumthin_foreign)Engagement shoot location(s): National Cathedral Washington DC and National Gallery of Art

Congratulations again on your beautiful engagement, Tutu! We can't wait for your Big Day! Many Blessings to the both of you, xx.

Engagement Feature: Meron + Reshad

Bride-to-be: Meron Kassahun

Groom-to-be: Reshad Favors 

Ethnicity of couple: Ethiopian & African American

Tell us how you met one another: Reshad and I saw each other at a friend's engagement party. I had travelled from DC to Florida for the party. Reshad and I spotted each other at the party. We locked eyes for a moment but did not exchange information until after the party. 

How did he pop the question: Reshad planned for us to meet at the cherry blossom festival that takes place each year at the beginning of spring. Previously, I told him how much I loved cherry blossoms and how I wanted to watch them bloom. He figured it would be the perfect opportunity for him to ask for my hand in marriage. After taking in the cherry blossoms for a few hours, I spotted one of my family members. One by one, more of my family started to emerge. I still did not realize what was happening until I turned around and saw Reshad on one knee.

When's the big day: June 17, 2017

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding: Enjoying the company of all of our close friends and family!

What would you say has been the hardest thing about planning a cultural wedding: Picking cake batter..they're all so good! 

Any tips or advice for the couple planning a wedding right now: Save, save, save! And have a budget. It's also good to have someone that can say no sometimes for me it was Reshad (haha!). 

Engagement photographer: Anthony Drayton
Makeup Artist: Blush by Makki
Hair Stylist: Yene Damtew
Engagement shoot locations: Tidal Basin, Lincoln Monument, Jefferson memorial 

Congratulations again on your beautiful engagement, Meron! We can't wait for your Big Day! Many Blessings to the both of you, xx.

Engagement Feature: Ida + Willie

Bride-to-be: Ida Ghebre

Groom-to-be: Willie Skinner

Tell us how you met one another: We met about five years through mutual friends at church.

                     

How did he pop the question: It was kind of a big lie. I was told I was going to a 30th birthday dinner later that night, so that was how I got to be dressed up. One of my best friends said she was going through a breakup and wanted talk and have a girls day. So I actually went up to my old college town ( Boulder, Colorado) and met up with my friends at a Starbucks. We planned to have dinner at a restaurant in the mountains and she would tell us what happened. We drive up the mountain and pass the restaurant which I thought that was strange. We ended up parking in the next lot and my friends, in my opinion, were doing the most. 
It was two days before Christmas, so it was quite cold in the mountains as you could imagine. I didn't understand why they wanted to take pictures before the dinner. They were moving and talking so quickly, I couldn't really combat but follow them. They made me take off my coat so I had only a dress on. I started walking down a path and I saw two people taking pictures and didn't think anything of it because it is a touristy area. I walk closer to the cottage and my fiance Willie walks down the steps and I FROZE. I then saw candles and flower petals around the cottage front area. He grabbed me and began to slow dance and then did  a speech ( that I can't quite remember but luckily he wore a go pro cam so it caught everything). He went down on one knee and popped the question!

When's the big day: July 24, 2016

What would you say has been the hardest thing about planning an Eritrean-American wedding: Figuring out the best and FAIR way to blend two cultures. 

Any tips or pointers for the couple planning a wedding right now: Delegate and Just enjoy the engagement period.

Engagement photographer and location(s): Deep Ellum and White Rock in Dallas Texas

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Ida! Many blessings to you both in your new union, xx. 

Engagement Feature: Helen + Marion

Bride-to-be: Helen Berhe
Groom-to-be: Marion Clark

Tell us how you met one another: We met at a United Nations Conference in Washington DC. We were both in attendance representing our respective schools. He introduced himself and when he shook my hand, the coffee in my other hand spilled all over. We chatted a bit and really hit it off. For more about the story, visit: marryingmybestfriend.com 

How did you/he pop the question: I learned weeks after the proposal that he asked EVERYONE in my family individually for permission for my hand, which I thought was so sweet and thoughtful. He took me (my brother tagged along) to the Japanese Gardens in Portland because I had mentioned to him that I never been there despite my being in Portland my entire life. After walking around for a bit, we sat on a bench to relax. He pulled out a Mac book to give to me. I was super excited about the Mac book not knowing what was to come next. He opened the computer and there was a video that he made with all of our special memories. As I was watching the video, he stood up and with a shaky voice said my full name and got down on one knee. Of course I said YES! He is my best friend and I could never imagine being with anyone else.

When's the big day: August 27th 2016! 

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding: Having all of my loved ones all under one roof. I am so excited to be able to laugh, party and have a good time with all of my family and friends. Rarely does everyone get together this way and I feel so blessed that it will all be in celebration of Marion and I's union.

What would you say has been the hardest thing about planning an Eritrean-American wedding: Being born and raised in the United States, there are elements to wedding planning practiced in the U.S. that are not common in Eritrea, such as the bride having a big voice in her wedding. My family has been amazing in this entire process and they have made it so easy for me, but initially, finding a balance, was a challenge. Additionally, juggling all of the vendors was somewhat of a challenge as well. I thought I was a patient and organized person until this wedding planning process. This is by far the most challenging feat I have ever taken on. 

Any tips or pointers for the couples planning a wedding right now: Make a list of things that are negotiable, and things that are not. The cost of weddings can add up very quickly if you are not careful. If you know you must have a certain photographer or vendor, write that down and cut in other places that are not so pressing for you. Also, COMMUNICATION with your fiance is vital. 

Locations: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the Ambridge Event Center.

Photographer: Simon Tsegay of "Infocus Media" http://www.infocusmedia.us/

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Helen + Marion! Many blessings to you both in your new union, xx. 

Engagement Feature: Meron + Mike

Bride-to-be: Meron
Groom-to-be: Mike
Location: Seattle, WA.

We are SO excited to finally get our hands on this stunning couple's engagement shoot! We knew it would be inspiring, but they just blew us away with these breathtaking photos! We love the three different sessions with different locations, looks and styles! The bride to be said each session was a representation of who they are.
Session one: Young, urban and Hip- this look took place at the iconic gum wall in Pike Place Market where they've spent much time together (and initially met not too far from their as well). They wanted to include a fun shoot to show that they were still young, fresh and fun!
Session two: VOGUE- this look took place on the road to Washington State University where they both attended college together. (How stunning is her green dress, by the way!?)
Session three: ELEGANT and Classy- this shoot, taken with the Seattle Space Needle in the background truly shows the elegance and timelessness of these two lovebirds! They truly nailed each of these looks! We are so excited for them to tie the knot.

Tell us how you met one another: We are high school sweethearts and first met at a Folklife festival at the Seattle Center!

How did he pop the question: On our 10 year dating anniversary, Mike planned an extravagant, multi-city getaway trip that started in Miami and ended in Jamaica! Throughout the entire trip, I kept thinking he was going to propose, but he never did and I just couldn't wrap my mind around what he was planning. He finally caught me off guard one night in Jamaica and proposed in the most beautiful way on the beach, in a private dinner set up with candles a personal waitress and musician. I would need an entire day to tell my proposal story in detail, but let's just say it was something you would see on TV...it was breathtaking! It was a fairytale that was my reality playing out right in front of my eyes.

When's the big day: Summer of 2016, date is TBD

What are you looking forward to most about your wedding: I'm looking forward to our two big families coming together and celebrating our love! Also,having the opportunity to showcase our pure and beautiful culture.

Engagement photoshoot by: Ron Espina Photography

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Meron + Mike! Many blessings to you both in your new union, xx.

Engagement Feature: Luwam + Yonas

Bride-to-be: Luwam George

Groom-to-be: Yonas Fessehaye
Location: Atlanta, GA.

Luwam & Yonas just tied the knot over the Labor day weekend so we thought we'd share their sweet engagement photos and "how we met" story during the same week! There is so much L-O-V-E in each photo, we loved it!

Tell us how you met one another: Yonas and I actually met through mutual friends a few years ago. Everyone always mentioned how we should be more than friends, but it really never crossed our minds until after a few years of friendship. Our friendship eventually blossomed into something more after Yonas made a couple of attempts to have a first date. I would always invite people along not really knowing if it was a date or not lol. The really awkward first date led to me marrying my best friend. J

How did he pop the question: I had my family come in town for my cousin’s wedding, so I was running all over the place preparing for their visit. After grocery shopping, I pulled up ready to park and I noticed that Yonas had stolen my favorite parking spot. So I left my car in the middle of the street (yes, I know, very dangerous) and I stormed into the townhouse ready to give him a piece of my mind. However, I walked into a pathway of rose petals leading to a big heart made out of rose petals with a box in the middle of it. I was in complete shock and totally caught off guard, just the way that he had planned. As soon as I told him yes, I would marry him, I told him that he needed to move his car out of my parking spot. Afterwards, we celebrated with chick-fil-a and wine. J It really meant a lot to my family and I that he proposed right before they came into town so I could tell my parents and brother in person that I was engaged rather than over the phone.

When's the big day: September 5^th, 2015

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding: We are both looking forward to having family and friends from all over the world come and join us in celebrating our union.

What would you say has been the hardest thing about planning an Eritrean-American wedding: Hmm… the most difficult thing would be the guest list. Throughout the process of wedding planning, we had to keep a large guest list in mind. In some ways, it kind of limited the options available for our wedding.

Any tips or pointers for the couple planning a wedding right now:

The wedding is only one day (well, two in our case)! Do not stress out over it and remember: the most important thing is the days AFTER the wedding- the actual marriage. Also, choose your bridal party carefully- they will make the wedding planning much smoother and more fun!

Engagement photos by: Ayu Hailu (we highly recommend him!)

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Luwam + Yonas! Many blessings to you both in your new union, xx.

A Same Day Surprise Proposal & Wedding

"I didn't want to say 'I love you' without being able to back it up with every fiber of my being." .... Meet Ryan Leak- 27 year old young man who pulled off the most amazing proposal of all time! A proposal followed by the actual wedding! Yes! The actual wedding! After 5 years of dating, Ryan told his girlfriend Amanda Roman he loved her for the first time, proposed to her and married her...all in one day!!

Just exactly how did he pull this off? Pinterest! Yes, Ryan found his girlfriend's wedding board, where he found the ultimate pot of Gold....more than 200 pictures of wedding ideas and inspiration that would become his guide to planning her dream wedding!

So over a period of one year, as his girlfriend updated her wedding board, Ryan stayed on top of her latest wedding inspirations and paid extra close attention to the details that she had desired.

In accordance with Ryan's plans, 100 guests flew out to Miami for the surprise wedding. In addition, Ryan flew out Amanda's favorite hair and makeup artist (simply amazing!) to get his bride ready for their special day!

So when Ryan finally got on one knee, the big question wasn't will you marry me, but will you marry me today!

Watch this amazing documentary and be prepared to bawl your eyes out! Grab your box of kleenex and enjoy! xo