Christina + Corey

Title: Romantic and Traditional wedding

Bride: Christina Feseha

Groom: Corey Bailey

Location: Seattle, WA

Wedding Date: 08/01/2015

Venue: King’s Hall, Mt. Baker

Number of Guests: 600

Cultures Represented: Eritrean and American

Description or Theme of wedding: No real theme just blush, pink, gold and white color scheme

The most memorable part of your wedding: The most memorable part of the wedding was walking into the reception with the community for the first time. The swords were something that a lot of my guests aren’t familiar with or used to, but they loved it. I loved the feeling of protection and support in that moment. Also seeing my husband (yay) standing at the altar was a feeling that I can’t even explain.

Did you do anything unique, crazy or fun: We did a one day wedding instead of the traditional 2 day wedding. For the ceremony we had a friend of ours officiate a short and traditional ceremony. I still wanted to incorporate a few of the 2nd day traditions like changing into a zuria and wearing kaba’s. I had my henna done as well. It felt nice to try and mix the 2 day traditions into 1 day.

What was the most difficult part about planning your wedding: Trying to let everyone in our families in on what our plans were. A lot of people were hurt that they didn’t know a lot of details but it is so hard to remember who you have told what to when plans constantly change.

What was the easiest part about planning your wedding: Deciding the colors that we wanted. We wanted soft romantic colors so it was easy to put together a color scheme. The décor like linen, colors, etc, were so fun to design in my head and then see them come to life.

Any words of wisdom to the couple planning their wedding: Start planning early and trust yourself to know what you want. Everyone has an opinion on what is best for you but you have to tune them out a little and stay true to celebrating your relationship and future together. Also enjoy your engagement even through all of the stresses of wedding planning.

Experience with having a 1 day wedding as opposed to 2 day Eritrean wedding: All in all I am so happy that we did the one day wedding! We were exhausted the next day and couldn't imagine having to do it all again even though it was the best day. I think I was really nervous with how the Eritrean community and my parents would take the 1 day thing but everyone had a great time and we incorporated all of the cultural and personal aspects that were important to us. I would say it was a success and efficient since we got to relax on Sunday and enjoy our first day of being husband and wife. Also we were sent so many congratulatory messages on our phones/social media etc., that it was nice to go through them together on a relaxing Sunday and reflect on everything that happened.

Vendors:

Bride's attire: Mori Lee Dress from I Do Bridal (advise fromb bride: highly recommend this bridal botique!) (206)633-7926

Hair & Makeup: Glambymaryam- (advise from bride: would not recommend. Makeup creased and began to run in early afternoon)

Makeup for Bridesmaids: Burton Beauty by Neikia Williams.

Groom's attire: Calvin Klein by Men’s warehouse (advise from bride: buy your groom’s suit so he can have it tailored)

Photographer & Videographer: Marius Blidar Photography

Wedding Planner: Me

Wedding Decorator: Décor N Design- (advise from bride: her work is flawless but she does not respond to you quickly if you have questions and she doesn’t guarantee anything on your contract. I was supposed to have Peonies in my boquet but she told me that they were not available the day before my wedding.)

Florist: Decor N Design

Cake: Crème dela Crème- Renton, WA – highly recommend (206)241-0249

Catering: The community

Lighting: King’s Hall

Transportation: A&A Limo services

Entertainment (DJ, Band): Selam band- highly recommend

Sound: King’s hall

Traditional Wedding Decor: My mom and family helped to transform the stage during a short break while I got changed