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. 

Exclusive Look at Mana Design from Fashion Week Columbus 2015

We are so excited to share this exclusive look at Nuha Gebremedhin's new collection from her line: Mana Design. She recently showcased her stunning work at Fashion Week Columbus 2015 and it was Fabulous!

Designer Nuha Gebremedhin describes her collection as 'timeless, elegant and ethnically inspired' and we couldn't agree more! We love her ability to create a western style wedding gown using traditional, hand woven fabrics from Ethiopia. These gowns can be worn on the wedding day during the ceremony or reception, and are sure to leave an impression on your guests.

We think this line would be perfect for the modern bride who isn't afraid to step out of the box by blending the western wedding dress with cultural elements. It's perfect for a one day, culturally infused wedding as well!

Enjoy and tell us which dresses speak to you the most!

xx.

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