Meet Our 2017 Wedding Show Vendor & Sponsor: Crimson Haze Lighting

On January 29^th, our amazing brides get to be mesmerized by our wedding show vendor & sponsor: Crimson Haze Lighting! Rated the highest lighting service in Seattle according to Yelp, The Knot and Eventwire, we absolutely cannot wait to see them light up our fashion show stage! Even better, brides get to directly connect with them at their booth and start to plan the wedding of their dreams!

We had one question for Owners, Clea & Clayon: What makes Crimson Haze Lighting so special? Read their answer below!

Crimson Haze Lighting:  You will be working directly with us, the business owners. No one is more invested than we are in making your lighting perfect. We are a full-service company, not a rental outlet. We install, operate, and remove everything for you, keeping your experience smooth and simple. We work exclusively from our own deep inventory of state-of-the-art equipment, which means we are nimble with last-minute needs, and have truly honed our expertise. We focus on wireless technology (no cables, no tape, no waste), and eco-friendly, efficient LEDs (low power, no heat, long life). We are priced competitively, and will work with you to make the best use of your budget.

Prior to founding Crimson Haze in 2012, we enjoyed 12+ years of full-scale event production across a broad range of events, from intimate fundraisers to festivals with 10,000+ attendees. Our background means we understand the production process our clients are going through, and we know the value and peace of mind that comes with entrusting the lighting — a critical component of any event — into the hands of competent, reliable, creative professionals.

We love working directly with clients, collaborating creatively, and bringing your vision to life — from the subtle to the spectacular.

Connect with Crimson Haze Lighting further here:

Website: crimson-haze.com
Phone number: 425-954-5451
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimson.haze.lighting/

Tickets to the wedding show can be found at: bit.ly/herbigday2017

Meet Our 2017 Wedding Show Sponsor: Alexander Party Rentals

Photographer: DanYelle McNeely

On January 29^th, future brides and their entourage will have the opportunity to meet with and be inspired by the team behind Alexander Party Rentals- a family-owned and operated event rentals company! They are the go-to suppliers for everything you can possibly need for your Big Day and they are great at meeting your needs!

When I (Beri) got married in 2012, I had a wedding guest count of 1,500 and our venue did not have enough chairs for our guests! We rented additional chairs, including chiavari chairs for our wedding party, and they made our planning so easy by being detailed, punctual and efficient!

Come and say hello and check out their inspirational set-up! P.S. don't forget to stay for the fashion show where our beautiful models will grace the stage sponsored by Alexander Party Rentals!

Her Big Day: We actually didn’t know that Alexander Party Rentals was a family-owned and operated business until recently! Tell us a little about your family and how they came to start this company.

Alexander Party Rentals: We started out as a small tool rental company in the 80’s, and started to notice the need for party rentals. In 1991, Alexander Party Rentals began providing the Puget Sound Region with quality & affordable event rental equipment. Recently in our second generation of ownership, we are proud to be one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, sporting some of the youngest equipment and newest products.

HBD: We love your beautiful white tents! What’s the largest tent you’ve set up and was it for a wedding?

Alexander Party Rentals: We have rented tents in excess of 10,000 square feet! The largest wedding tent we’ve provided was a 50x120 foot tent. Our tents come in not just white, but clear, and, on our unique tidewater tents, a semi-translucent material.

HBD: We have to ask about your chiavari chairs because they seem to be an essential for the Big Day. What are the different types and colors you carry in stock at your store?

Alexander Party Rentals: Our Chiavari chairs are definitely one of the most popular wedding must-haves right now. We carry them in Gold, Silver, Black, Mahogany, and White. Also, all of the cushions are interchangeable…so they can be easily coordinated with décor. We are offering special wedding pricing on Chiavari chairs right now, too!

HBD: Here at Her Big Day, we connect cultural brides with vendors who can service their unique wedding needs. What are some items or equipment you carry that are unique to some cultural weddings?

Alexander Party Rentals: When we first discuss our client’s needs with them, we do our best to help them in creating their wedding vision. Our tents for example, can be customized for the bride that wants clear skylights to dance underneath the stars, or transformed with an elegant tent lining and lavish chandelier. We also have linens in many vibrant colors, china in various styles, and dramatic two-tone iridescent fabric overlays called Dazzles.

HBD: What’s the best way for a bride to find out if you carry something in your store? Do you do special orders for items you may not carry?

Alexander Party Rentals: Our website lists all of our current rental items; however, we are constantly ordering new equipment to increase our inventory. If you don’t see something you are looking for, we suggest calling us and asking, as a new item may well be on the way. You might be the call we were waiting for to procure a new item.

HBD: And last, what can we expect to see at your booth during the wedding show? Can we have a hint! J

Alexander Party Rentals: We want to show brides how lovely it can be to mix the newest industry looks with their unique cultural décor. You can expect lots of vibrant colors, a culturally rich vibe, and the hottest wedding trends. Our booth will also have special wedding show pricing offers, too…some of which are 40% off regular pricing!

Photographer: DanYelle McNeely

Connect with Alexander Party Rentals further here:

Website: alexanderpartyrentals.com
Phone number: 206-282-1987
Facebook: Facebook.com/alexanderpartyrentals

Tickets to the wedding show can be found at: bit.ly/herbigday2017

Meet Special Guest Designer: Selam Tekie of Habesha's by Selam

Over the last couple of years we have enjoyed watching this incredible designer grow as she continues to accomplish great levels of success. With each new collection that she produces, we are left in great astonishment of her stunning designs and consistency of breaking her own records each time! 

We are beyond excited that she will be showcasing her latest collection on our runway at the Her Big Day Cultural Wedding Show! Here's a fun interview with the designer where she shares her love for design and how she got started!

Her Big Day: Where are you from and where is your business located?

Selam Tekie: I am from Eritrea, born and raised in Eritrea, currently living in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. That is where my fashion business is located.

HBD: When did you realize you had an interest for fashion design and how did you get started?

ST: Although I started to pursue it later in life, as I was engaged in a different profession, I’ve always had an interest from a young age. When I moved to Addis Abeba from, Abu Dhabi, UAE to start a new life, I got the chance to start my own business and decided to do fashion. And it has been going well so far.

HBD: Your entire collection has such an elegant presence and look! Where do you get your design inspiration from?

ST: Actually, when I moved to Abu Dhabi from Eritrea, the very first job I had was as a sales woman in a fashion store known as Berishka. I used to love all the collections and designs in that store, and they have inspired me to try it in my fashion business.

HBD: Do you have any role models in the fashion industry? Who are they and why?

ST: Ethiopian designer Amsale, because she is one of the top, celebrity wedding gown designers.

HBD: You also have a boutique in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Do you carry only traditional Habesha dresses or are you including the western white wedding gown as well? Will your customers find ready to wear dresses in your store or is everything you provide custom made for each client?

ST: I have two stores- one for traditional Habesha dresses, and one for western white wedding gowns. So my clients have options in selecting different styles of dresses from these two stores. I usually prefer to make custom dresses to fit, but at the same time I usually keep some ready-made dresses in stock for clients who have immediate needs.

HBD: What do you love most about creating the traditional Habesha dress?

ST: I love everything, and it’s a beautiful culture! The most important and main thing to love about the dresses is that it’s something you wear occasionally, like during holidays, weddings or some cultural events. So, because of that, the person wearing it is always perceived as celebrating a special event. They are all in smiles and in their finest touches of beauty, with the likes of traditional hair braids, jewelry, etc.

HBD: What is your most cherished dress from your collections and why?

ST: I love all of my designs and don't have a particular favorite. All of my designs are special to me.

HBD: You will be featuring your newest collection on the runway of our 2017 Wedding Show in Seattle, Washington. What new trends or styles can we expect to see from this collection?

ST: This is a golden opportunity, a dream come true, to present myself with my collections, and I am ready to hit the runway with new styles that the attendees can easily fall in love with. I am confident in showcasing my finest works and collection.

HBD: For future brides who will be at our wedding show and ready to meet you, what advice would you give them in working with you? In other words, what is the best way to put in an order for a custom dress or pre-existing design during our wedding show?

ST: I always prefer to take orders ahead of time so it gives us plenty of time; I don’t like creating a special dress in a rush. During the show, future brides, as well as others, can put in orders on the spot! For those who are looking to order a dress during a different time, I am always available to guide them in selecting their dresses and ordering it online with me.

Also, during the show, I may have a few ready-made dresses for sale for those who are interested in buying them on the spot.

HBD: Where do you see Habesha’s By Selam in the next 5 years?

ST: Well, I believe I have started it with great passion and desire, and I want to continue in that manner- as the sky will be my limit.

Be sure to come and say hello to Selam on January 29, 2017! P.S. You won't want to miss her jaw dropping designs on the runway!

Tickets at: bit.ly/herbigday2017

Meet Our 2017 Wedding Show Vendor: Samila Boutique

On January 29, 2017 Samila Boutique will join us during our 2nd annual cultural wedding show to grace us with their stunning evening wear and bridal dresses on our runway as well as exhibit their services as a boutique vendor! Bonus: after learning about these ladies and their gowns, you will definitely want to come prepared to SHOP their dresses and buy them straight off the rack! Yes, try them on and take them home with you right at the show!

We can't wait for you to meet the ladies behind this boutique; but for now here's a fun behind the scenes look at who they are and what they have to offer women in the PNW!

Her Big Day: Who is behind Samila Boutique?

Yasmin Shirdel: Samila Boutique team is composed of women of all ages, experiences and backgrounds. The owners consist of mother-daughter team Samila herself and myself, Yasmin.


HBD: How long has Samila Boutique been around and how did you get started in the bridal industry?


YS: My mother opened Samila Boutique in 1995 as a womens apparel store. One day, she added a rack of evening wear to her boutique and quickly noticed customers lining up for them. She showed up one day with a U-Haul truck and took out all the existing inventory and replaced the entire boutique with evening wear! Over time, customers came to her wanting to be styled for their weddings. Unfortunately, the store was never big enough, so in 2013 she expanded and moved into a 3,000 sq. foot showroom. Finally, we had the capacity to bring our customer's wishes come true! I procured the dresses and designed the space. And in 2015, we expanded our evening gown division to add bridal.


HBD: Wow, that's incredible! You mentioned to us that you are of Persian background. How has your background influenced your choice of designers or style of dresses, if any at all?

YS: Very much so. Our culture is rich in decadence, luxe and details. Our culture prides itself in having rich history and attention to detail. With this embedded in our roots, we procure dresses that no one in our area has. We choose to bring in unique wedding gowns with more beading, detail and design. Because of our experience and partnerships with designers for 20+ years, we have been able to curate a collection that is unique and timeless.

HBD: Upon visiting your boutique, we’ve noticed a stunning array of bridal designs. Who are some of the designers you carry?

YS: We carry Casablanca Bridal, Morilee, Eddy K, Lilian West, Calla Blanche. We also work with a team of designers from Turkey and India to create a private label with authentic middle eastern design and flavor.

HBD: Who selects the gowns and/or designers who become a part of your boutique's selection and what inspires your process?

YS: I select everything and consult with Samila from time to time. The first inspiration comes from brides; listening to what they want and what they wish was different and unique. Secondly, watching the trends on the runway and on social media.

HBD: What's your biggest seller?

YS: Lace is really in high fashion now, particularly with unique illusion detail on the neckline.

HBD: Where do you see Samila Boutique in the next 5 years?

YS: Continue to be a place where women come to find evening gowns and wedding gowns that help celebrate and define who they are.

HBD: And last, for the bride-to-be who is looking to come in and check out your collections, do you take walk-ins or should they call to schedule an appointment first?

YS: Appointments are required. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to a wait list.

We can be contacted via Email: info@samilasboutique.com or phone: 425-558-5714 
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for live updates on our upcoming trunk shows, events and new arrivals!

Also, check out what our previous clients have to say about their experience at Samila Boutique Here. Hope to see you all soon!

Get your tickets today and come say hello to Samila Boutique: bit.ly/herbigday2017 !!! See you soon, Bellas, xx.

La Belle Elaine's Bridal Boutique

On November 15th, Her Big Day held a model casting call at La Belle Elaine's Bridal Boutique located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle. Thanks to the owners of the boutique, along with our Sales and Marketing Director, Kayla Reynolds, we had an incredible night of auditioning against a backdrop of lovely lace, sequin and tulle wedding gowns!

Recently, Kayla sat down with manager Stacey Gimmestad to bring  you a fun, getting to know you post about the boutique and the owners behind it!

Kayla Reynolds: How did La Belle Elaine's get started?

Stacey Gimmestad: The owners originally took over Elaine’s of Edmonds in the early 90s, which was started by Elaine in 1979. After a few years of success, we opened a second boutique in Kirkland known as La Belle Mariee. The two stores were then merged to create a larger boutique in downtown Seattle in 2004. And now, we are in a more intimate setting in Eastlake.

KR: You recently moved to the Eastlake neighborhood, how it that going?

SG: We love our new Eastlake location; the lighting is beautiful. It creates an incredible experience for each bride. And the brides love our runway! Our new location allows us to cater to brides in the Seattle area. 

KR: Our models loved the runway during the casting call as well! And of course, they were all mesmerized by the gorgeous collection of gowns carried in the boutique. Who are some of the designers carried in the boutique?

SG: A few of  the designers in our collection include: Kenneth Winston, Allure, WTOO, Eddy K, Rosa Clara and Nicole Spose.

KR: Who selects the gowns and/or designers to become a part of the boutique's selection and what inspires that process?

SG: The owners as well as the manager of 13 years, myself, do all the buying. Their selections are inspired by what they see on the red carpet during award season. They also try to keep up and pay attention to what’s new and fresh in bridal every season.

KR: What's your biggest seller?

SG: The great thing with having such a unique variety of gowns is that every bride's choice is different. Which means the popularity of dresses are always changing. We have noticed that no matter what is trending, a simple, elegant gown is always a timeless wedding look. 

KR: Bridal accessories such as belts, headpieces and earrings are also available in the boutique. Is it true that some of these pieces are custom made and exclusive to La Belle Elaine's boutique? Tell us more about that:

SG: Sally Crew lives here locally in Seattle and exclusively makes everything you see in the store and will customize any jewelry a bride desires. Her experience of jewelry ranges from working on necklaces, headbands, bracelets, earrings, head pieces, garters, etc. It's easy to call and schedule an appointment with her to help you create the accessory look for your big day! 

KR: Where do you see La Belle Elaine's in the next 5 years?

SG: What we feel our customers enjoy about La Belle Elaine's is that we focus on one-on-one personal service. In the following years we don't plan to expand locations or grow in size. We love our space on Eastlake and want to stay here. Our brides love it and we plan to continue that satisfaction of our store and service by staying intimate and always working toward helping the bride. 

KR: What would you say to the bride-to-be who is interested in coming in to check out your collections?

SG: It's best for a bride to set up an appointment with us because it ensures that they get all the time and attention they need. The appointment reserves a dressing room and a bridal consultant to assist a bride through the process. Bridal consultants will then be able to answer any question a bride has along with giving them their undivided attention.

KR: Yes, give La Belle Elaine's a call at  (206) 432-9383 for an appointment! Also, to take a peek at what's offered in the boutique, visit us on the Website or say hello on Facebook or Instagram. 

Happy Dress Shopping, Bellas! xo

The Perfect Bridal Brunch

 {photography: Jos Riv}

On June 26, 2016 we put on an exclusive and intimate Bridal Brunch for cultural brides embarking on the wedding planning process!

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The event, held at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge, was an opportunity for the bride-to-be to receive wedding planning tips, tools and guidance from not only us, but also from a panel of past brides who have gone through the process of planning a cultural wedding!

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This value packed event was also inclusive of a live makeup demo by Makeup by DivaDoll, a fashion show from award-winning bridal designer, Dream Dresses by PMN, an unlimited brunch + mimosa bar, prize giveaways and much more!

Our Cultural Wedding Planning Workshop was the FIRST of its kind! The brunch received so much praise, that we are so excited to share that our second Bridal Brunch will be taking place on Sunday, January 29th, 2017 from 11AM-1PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport preceding our 2nd Annual Cultural Wedding Show, "Her Big Day: A Cultural Wedding Affair."
Best of all, this year's brunch will be lead by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Glam by Maryam.

Get your VIP tickets now to be a part of this amazing morning and afternoon of all things bridal! TICKETS: bit.ly/herbigday2017

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.