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. 

The Natural Hair Bride

'Naturalistas' have taken hair inspo to a whole new level with stunning, natural hair styles for the most memorable runway a girl will ever walk- down the aisle to 'I do.' We recently came across natural hair bride, Nakyia, and HAD to share her stunning pics with you!

On June 11, 2016 Nakyia married her beau Jay in Punta Cana with perfect white sands and clear blue waters. The only thing more beautiful than this serene backdrop to their wedding was this flawless bride and her gorgeous, 'naturalista' bridesmaids! We love a bride who is her truest self on her big day, and this one is no exception!

Are you considering going natural or keeping your natural hair on your big day? We'd love to hear from you! In the meantime, hear from the bride herself on how she accomplishes her perfect tresses and be prepared to swoon over these pics!

"It was important for me to be myself on my special day just like any other. I'm proud to be a woman of Afro descent and I broadcast that fact with my hair. I have majority afro textured hair so achieving an afro is as simple as waking up in the morning. But to assure that it's fresh and moisturized I usually do the LOC method (leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream moisturizer) and either a flat twist out or two strand twist with perm rods on the ends. From that, I wake up in the morning pick out my hair and go. I don't spend  much on products like I used to when I first started going natural but I do still try different products (just not the expensive ones). Right now my staple products are Cantu Moisturizer, LottaBody Moisturizer, Ms. Jessie's Leave In Conditioner, and any type of oil I can get my hands on. I ALWAYS have raw virgin coconut oil on hand for my hair and I eat spoonfuls of it as well."

Bride: Nakyia Whitty Groom: Javonte (Jay) Davis
Wedding Date: June 11, 2016
Location: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Photographer: HDC Photo

Meet Nazret Asfaw: Event Planning Intern

Photography: TimeStop Photography

Behind every successful event, there is a hardworking Event Planner.

Meet the newest addition to our team, Nazret Asfaw!

Nazret really wanted more experience in the event planning world so joining Her Big Day was a match made in wedding planning heaven. Nazret has been closely involved in our quarterly mixers, bridal brunch, one year anniversary party and our wedding show that is around the corner. Learn more about her below! P.s. If you're reading this on July 20th, it's her birthday so be sure to wish her a happy birthday!

Name: Nazret Asfaw

School or Trade School You Attended: University of Washington 2011

Major:  Media and Communication with a Minor in Human Rights

Instagram: @nazretasfaw

Where are you from? I am Ethiopian and have lived in Seattle,Washington for over twenty-four years.

What is the most fun event you have planned? I enjoyed planning my brother’s Melse (part two of the Wedding). Everything from the decorations, dresses, food, and photographs turned out better than I expected. It brought joy to see family and friends enjoying themselves.

If you could get married today, where would be your dream wedding? I have always said it didn’t matter where I got married. I only care about having those close to me take part in the celebration. 

What would be your wedding colors and/or theme? I would like to keep day one of my wedding simple and classic with gold, white, ivory and blush. I then would have day two (Melse) be filled with bright colors such as yellow, fuchsia and blue. 

What are wedding traditions in your culture?

On the couple’s wedding day, relatives and guests will assemble at the bride’s and groom’s houses. The groom dresses for the wedding then picks up the bride from her family’s house. The bride and the bridal party meet the groom at the entrance of her home with music and bar him from entering until he makes his way through. On day two, the families of the bride and groom wear traditional clothing as a way to signify unity. Women get traditional braids and wear lots of jewelry. The groom and bride wear these beautiful embroidered crown and cape. 

Your favorite drink to order at Starbucks: 

I’m not a fan of coffee or tea so I usually get a Passion Tea Lemonade.

What’s in your purse? I don’t carry much in my purse just my phone, wallet, and chap stick.

Your favorite quote:

 “There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning” Jiddu Krishnamurti

What do you hope to get out of interning with Her Big Day?

I am doing this internship in hopes of gaining experience. I hope to learn how to effectively network, engage with establishment owners and local businesses/sponsors, and practice professional etiquette.

We are thrilled to have Nazret on our team!