Helina + Kidus

Her Big Day Team
Jul 22, 2016
2 min read

Bride: Helina Wolde Medhin

Groom: Kidus Getahun

Location: Dallas, Texas

Wedding Date: May 28, 2016

Reception Venue: The Empire Room

Number of Guests: 450

Cultures Represented: Ethiopian-American

Description or Theme of wedding: Ethiopian-American theme

The most memorable part of your wedding: Traditional Ethiopian Dancers performed during dinner; We featured our wedding slideshow love story on a big screen for guests at the reception before our entrance; And our talented nephew performed an instrumental version of Bruno Mar’s “Marry You” in a string trio (cello, bass, violin) during our ceremony outside.

Did you do anything unique, crazy or fun: We had an Ethiopian Orthodox ceremony on a few days beforehand since my fiancé grew up in the church. Our wedding party also took part in an old traditional celebration called a “tilosh” (dowry celebration) which made for even more memories.

During our Saturday, American reception, we incorporated old wedding photos from close members of our family (on both sides) as table numbers. It was a small simple touch, but SO many of our guests were particularly touched by this thoughtful, unique gesture and were surprised to see their/ their parents’s wedding photos at some of the tables.

What was the most difficult part about planning your wedding: Working with a venue, where you are not using their caterer. We paid an outside catering fee, but were still not accommodated with some of the basics like chairs and tables and linens, and plates, cups and utensils, etc. We wanted to serve injera (Ethiopian food) and hired an outside caterer. Unfortunately the venue made it very difficult for us at times, and we had to do a lot on our own (i.e. bring in additional chairs, tables, plates, cups, our own servers, etc.)

What was the easiest part about planning your wedding: Having the loving support and help of my parents, and my now husband during the stressful times. I also started early and hired a month long coordinator AND a wedding décor designer (Southern Affairs in Dallas, TX).

Any words of wisdom to the couple planning their wedding: Be you. Be original. I always said I wanted a traditional Ethiopian wedding, but not a typical one. There’s a difference.

There is nothing wrong with going outside of the usual vendors that our community uses, or personalizing some of the most intimate details. This is your wedding and no one else’s. Plus it’s often the most unique details that really impress your guests and make for the best experiences. Also- hire a wedding coordinator!!!

Vendors:

Bride's attire: Val Stefani (white wedding dress); Lisa’s Couture Bridal (custom for the melse); Orthodox traditional dress (custom from Ethiopia)

Makeup: Makeup by Fifi (@mua_fifi)

Hair: Hair by Sess Lee

Groom's attire: The Black Tux

Photography and Videography: Double You Photography

Wedding Planner: Rachel Reeves Events (month long coordinator)

Wedding Decorator: Southern Affairs

Invitations: Vistaprint

Florist: Haute Floral (candelabras and candle centerpieces) AND En Fleur (floral centerpieces, bouquets, etc.)

Cake: Sweet Thangs By Lo

Catering: Star Bukri’s Catering

Lighting and Sound: Astounding Sounds & Lighting

Entertainment (DJ, Band): DJ Fitsum; Hirut Girma (singer)