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.

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!