Issue 1 Vol. 1 Aug/Sep 2016

AYANA

ISSUE VOL. 1

NOITIDE NOITANIDROOC DNA GNINNALP

The E-Magazine for the stylish bride

Bang for your BUDGET

Contents ON AYANA

THE COVER

30 F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E Bang for your budget

FEATURES WEDTrends

21 D O S A N D D O N T S '

'

For serving food at your wedding

Guest List

7

WEDLove

LOVE STORIES

L.O.V.E Quotes DDE Couples

Style WED

40 L O V E S T O R I E S House of Bridal

ONLY

@

AYANA

Editor AYANA

NOTES

Welcome Brides!

Have you been looking for a place where you can have all of your wedding needs met. This is it!

AYANA (The E-Magazine). The new must have wedding tool for the stylish bride. It is so informative and entertaining every page will guide you through your wedding with expert tips and tricks.

We can't wait for you to subscribe to our E-Magazine. You will fall in love with our featured articles, tips, tricks, real weddings, and advice for the stylish bride.

Enjoy our first issue!

THANKS FOR READING!

Afia Polk

Editor

MEET Christine

on

NOW SHOWING ON YOUTUBE.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL @DDEBYAYANA TODAY!

Love

WED

THGIRSIUOYGNIVOL#

L.O.V.E

Quotes

Love quotes and stories about couples who have fallen in love.

CHRISTINE +CHARLES The Butterfly Tale

IMAGE SOURCE:CANVA ONLY

@

AYANA

pg.

7

To Have And To Hold From This Day Forward

BASIC PROTESTANT VOWS

T H E

DDE

Couples

CHRISTINE +CHARLES

B U T T E R F L Y T A L E

Saturday, May 31, 2014 will be etched in my memory forever.

Not only did the day hold another Divinely Designed Event (as my mother says after every event we complete), but this event was extra special because it was my brother’s wedding. Anyone who is familiar with DDE by Ayana knows we pride ourselves on being a family owned and operated business. We believe that family comes second only to God and helping create a special day for my brother and sister in law was a moment I will cherish forever.

When Christine started planning, she, like most of brides had a vision needing focus. This happens a lot when a bride confuses things she likes with things cohesive with her wedding theme and personality. When this confusion sets in, (what I like to call Pinterest Overload Syndrome) it becomes difficult for a bride to bring clarity to her wedding vision. This is where hiring a professional, or in this case marrying into the family of one, will change everything for the better.

After speaking with Christine and Charles, my brother, on a few occasions, I discovered she wanted a free spirited garden theme, and Charles wanted to go in a more traditional Jane Austenesque direction. Although these paths seem so different, from the merging of the two, The Butterfly Tale w as born.

The Butterfly Tale is a theme that allowed the enchantment of the royal traditions found in fairy tales to melt into the free spirited magic of the Butterfly. From the flower girls passing out butterfly kisses, (hershey’s kisses attached to butterfly cutouts) instead of throwing rose petals to the couple being chauffeured in style in a vintage Packard to a violin serenade for their first dance, our team enjoyed discovering how are the details of the day would unfold intertwining both facets of the theme. It seemed to be a symbol for how marriage should be ​ a magical moment when 1+1 still equals 1. GO TO YouTube @DDEBYAYANA TO

WATCH CHRISTINE'S EPISODE OF THE BRIDES CLUB

BY:AYANA KINNEL

CHRISTINE +CHARLES The Butterfly Tale

VENDORS Event Planning DDEbyAyana

Floral Design

VENDORS

DDEbyAyana

Lighting

Venue/Catering MS Museum of Art

Photography Carlyn Photography

DDEbyAyana

Coordination

DDEbyAyana

THEME

Violinist John Uzodinma

Cake Campbell's Bakery

VENDORS

The Butterfly Tale (Collection available for purchase at STUDIOBYDDE.COM

Transportation Way Back in Time

DJ Nate Edwards

Cinematography EYM PremierProductions (exclusive cinematographer of DDEbyAyana

COLORS Array of pinks and purples

SIM PLE WEDDING PLANNING MADE

THE Butterfly T A L E FULL FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN WEDDING PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

Art Imitating Love FULL FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN WEDDING PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

Peacock Passion FULL FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN WEDDING PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

What's makes you a

STUDIO BRIDE ?

You are a Studio bride if you love.....

Planning your own wedding

Online shopping

A variety of wedding planning and designing opinions

Having a professional help you execute your unique wedding vision

Making wedding traditions your own

Creating a special event for your guest

WEDDING PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

WEDDING PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

SHOP NOW!

STUDIOBYDDE.COM

L O V E Loving

Over

Very

Expressive

Quotes

You don’t marry someone you can live with. You marry the person who you cannot live without.”

“Your soulmate is not someone who comes into your life peacefully. It is who comes to make you question things, who changes your reality, somebody that marks a before and after in your life. It is not the human being everyone has idealized, but an ordinary person, who manages to revolutionize your world in a second.”

“The best love is the one that makes you a better person, without changing you into someone other than yourself.” “

Author Anonymous

L.O.V.E

Quotes

BY: ELISSA MCCOOL

GO TO @ddebyayana CLICK LINK IN BIO

WHAT KIND OF

BRIDE ARE YOU ?

vs

Trends

WED SRETTESDNERTGNIDDEw#

DO's

& DONT's

Tips on deciding what and what not to do when planning your wedding.

IMAGE SOURCE:CANVA ONLY

@

AYANA

pg.

30

DO's & DONT's

FOR SERVING FOOD AT YOUR WEDDING

Here are some Tips for deciding what to serve and How to serve the guests at your wedding:

DO 1. Having an DO 4. Cake choice open bar is very ( Guests won’t important (If realize that your cake looks they are nice, you have waiting for the gotten your wedding party monies worth. to come in) This is one of the lasting memories of 2 . Having a DO your guests) plated dinner cuts the guest wait time 4. Buffet style ( When you are DO dinners pose a being served, variety for your you don’t have guests ( Most to worry about people are backed up picky eaters lines) nowadays)

DO 5. Supply the vendors with to​ go boxes since they are working ( Waste not, Want Not!) DON'T 6. Finger Foods

as entrees ( Being cheap is NOT the way to please guests)

DON'T 7. Cakes that

DO NOT look edible or presentable. ( Picking cakes that are not pretty will be a waste of money

DON'T 8. Having guests wait while NOT having a cocktail hour ( This is a sure way for guests to leave before the reception starts)

DON'T 9. Having plated

dinners is NOT a good idea if you choose the wrong meal ( This poses a limited selection of food for guests)

DO 10. Reception & style Food DON'T stations are a Good idea ONLY if they do not have a backup at a station ( More adventourous couples choose this style. It is the most expensive wedding food option of all!)

BY:VELSIE GENTRY

DO's

& DONT's

DO's

& DONT's

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHEERS TO YOU

CHEERS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE

JANE

JOHN

WHO JUST GOT ENGAGED ON

07-04-16

To announce your engagement email us at the address below.

Only

@

AYANA

Email @ info@ddebyayana.com

DO's & DONT's

Guest LIST

1. Create a budget before starting to create your guest DO list. If you create the guest list first you will inevitably expand your budget to fit your numbers. The budget will help structure your guest list and keep it under control.

2. Share the maximum numbers with all the family DO members who are inviting people. This will help to keep you from over inviting.

3. Only invite those people who are special to you and DO your fiancĂŠ. The guest list below can help you figure out who that is.

4. Send your invites out between six and eight weeks DO and be sure to include a written RSVP collection method such as email or a response card.

5. Create a soft and hard deadline for your RSVP. The DO soft deadline is the out you will have printed on your invite or response card. The hard deadline, usually a week later and not printed anywhere, is the absolute last day you will accept a response.

DON'T

DON'T

DON'T

DON'T

DON'T

1. DO NOT OVER INVITE! This is so important. Brides often think that if I want 150 guests to come to my wedding, I should invite 200 guests. This is a HUGE mistake. If you want 150 people to come invite 150. If you over invite you will go over budget.

2. Don’t handle the RSVP yourself. If you have not hired a professional to handle your details, please appoint a bridesmaid or a very detailed oriented relative or friend.

RSVP management is very tedious and frustrating work.

As a bride, you have so much to think about, let the RSVP worries go to someone else.

3. Don’t publicize your wedding details on social media.

Sometimes brides and grooms are so excited and want to share all the details of the wedding. The problem is people who are not invited will feel invited when they read the post about the wedding.

4. Don’t call each of the guests that have not RSVP’d by the soft deadline. You should anly call your very special guests such as your aunt or best friend’s mom. This guests usually have not RSVP’d yet because they assume you just know they are coming. Outside of that, if you call guests that have not RSVP’d they will tell they are coming and most times they are not. They just said yes not to hurt your feelings.

5. Have a seating chart or a seating plan at least. A seating chart is tedious work and a lot of brides opt out of the work of creating one. This is a mistake. You should have a place for each of your guests. If you insist on not having a seating chart, then have a plan for seating. Will you have a few reserved table for family then the rest is open seating. Are you going to check in RSVP’d guests first then those who did not RSVP? Show your guests you care about their experience.

BY: AYANA KINNEL

DO's

& DONT's

Tip: OF THE MONTH

Coming Soon

FEATURED

ARTICLE

Ban for BUD

30

pg.

IMAGE SOURCE:GOOGLE IMAGES

ng your DGET BY: AYANA KINNEL

BANG FOR YOUR BUDGET

As I began this blog, I asked my brides what they would like to read. Among many great suggestions, BUDGET was the most recurring theme. So in the vein of giving the people what they want, I will start with a series on budget.

The first step in your wedding planning process (especially as it comes to budget), is to dream big! Dream up elements you want to have at your wedding. Don't limit yourself on anything in the beginning stages. Limits will come later and depending on the budget, there might be plenty, so enjoy the dream stage.

The reason the dream stage is important is because there might be elements you assumed were out of your budget that you can afford after all. You don't want to eliminate anything without proper research.

A crucial part of making sure you get the "bang for your budget" is having the funds to spend. Outside of those who are just independently wealthy, most couples (and their families in some cases) are saving to fund the wedding of their dreams.

The next step is to agree on a number you are comfortable spending on the total budget. I love weddings, the bigger the better, but I always tell my brides "You still need to live after the wedding is over." This does not mean you can't have the wedding you want. But you must be smart about your spending and put your money on "value added" items.

After you and your fiance (and family) have discussed the bottom line number you should come up with a savings plan.

Now, you have your plan, you should know your spending limit. This bottom line number will also help you to determine your guest list limit.

ASK YOURSELF

1

Where are all of our funding sources? (credit cards, savings accounts, paychecks, parents or other relatives)

2 3

How much will each source provide? When will each source have the funds available?

Do we want to wait until we have the lump sum in hand? Or will we pay and save as we go?

BANG FOR YOUR BUDGET

Your guest list is essential in the budgeting process because each person can add money to your bottom line.

Think of it like this. You are giving each one of your guests $100​ -$150 as a gift. So, if you have $15,000 to spend and 150 guests each guest will get a $100 gift. The smaller the guest list, the bigger the gift will be. So, if you have that same $15,000 and 100 guests, each guest will get a $150 gift. In the end, everything from catering to design is driven by the numbers.

Planning a wedding that is not only beautiful but also a memorable experience starts with assessing what things are more important. These items are what we call "Value Added" items. "Value Added" items can be different for each bride.

However understanding what yours are can make your budget planning so much easier.

More often than not brides blow their budget simply because they don't know where to spend their money. There are so many shiny things that come with weddings that distraction is easy. Believe me I have been there! But when it comes to your wedding you want to be sure the bulk of your budget is spent on things that add value to the overall feeling of the event.

The value these items can bring will be the memories your guests will relive over and over. For example, if you and your fiance are great music lovers, then hiring a great band or a deejay with an extra special performance presence will add much more value than spending extra on the most exquisite chair covers or the extra fabulous table linen. In the end, your guests will remember what a great time they had and not that the linens were made of an expensive material.

BEAUTY Guru

Coming Soon IMAGE SOURCE : CANVA

THE

BIG

BRIDAL TAG'EM

&

TELL'EM

FACEBOOKÂ CONTEST

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS

@divinelydesignedeventsbyayana GO TO

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

CLICK

THE PROFILE PICTURE TO VIEW DETAILS

ENTER

THE BIG BRIDAL TAG'EM & TELL'EM FACEBOOK CONTEST

THE

BIG BRIDAL

TAG'EM

& TELL'EM

FACEBOOKÂ CONTEST

Style

WED

HOUSE OF BRIDAL EDIUGGNIDDEWHSILYTS#

Bridal fashion for the bride looking for tips on how different styles fit your body.

IMAGE SOURCE:STERLINGPICS ONLY

@

AYANA

pg.

40

HOUSE OF BRIDAL

7 WEDDING DRESS TRENDS TO FIT EVERY BRIDE'S STYLE

Your wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of your wedding. It may even be considered THE most important aspect, depending on who you are asking.

Picking the perfect dress can be a long, intimidating process. Tail or no tail? Strap-less or halter-neck? Do you even want it to be white? Maybe gray? ​ The possibilities of the wedding dress are endless and are evolving each bridal season. Although it may seem like a never-ending search, the right dress is out there for you!

Each season, designers reveal new bridal trends to match every bride’s style, whether traditional or not. Are you in tune with the latest trends of spring 2017? Here are 7 of our favorite go-to trends for every bride: BY: ELISSA MCCOOL IMAGE SOURCE:GOOGLE IMAGES

LADIRB FO ESUOH

1

DESIGNER: CAROLINA HERRERA

Bows are a timeless classic in wedding dresses. Whether placed in the front or back, bows make a subtle statement while adding character to the dress.

IMAGE SOURCE:HARPERS BAZAAR

Y o u

s a i d

"Yes" WE WILL HANDLE THE REST

LADIRB FO ESUOH

2

DESIGNER: NAHEEM KAHN

Pinks: Pink dresses take a slight step out of the traditional white dresses without falling completely out of the box. Rose pink dresses are a major trend for Spring 2017 that will compliment every skin tone.

IMAGE SOURCE:DAN LECCA

LADIRB FO ESUOH

3

DESIGNER: CAROLINA HERRERA

Non-traditional brides rejoice! Pants are making its way not only down the runway, but down the aisle. Pants are the unique, chic look that you should go for if you want to step completely out of the box of traditional wedding dresses.

IMAGE SOURCE:HARPERS BAZAAR

The Custom Experience

BOOK TODAY!

YOU SAID "YES" WE WILL HANDLE THE REST

LADIRB FO ESUOH

4

DESIGNER: REEM ACRA

Plunging necklines are great for the bride who aims for a little sexy while walking down the aisle. The small peek of skin is taking over the Spring 2017 season and more brides are beginning to take the slightly risquĂŠ, but classy, dress route.

IMAGE SOURCE:HARPERS BAZAAR

LADIRB FO ESUOH

5

DESIGNER: MARCHESA

For the bride who wants to standout in a simpler way, bold florals are a hot trend for Spring 2017. More dresses are popping up with 3-D flowers attached that give the dress a unique, effortless look.

IMAGE SOURCE:HARPERS BAZAAR

The Custom Experience

BOOK TODAY!

YOU SAID "YES" WE WILL HANDLE THE REST

LADIRB FO ESUOH

6

DESIGNER: J. MENDEL

Long sleeve dresses are not only reserved for the winter season. More designers have brought long sleeves into the spring season with soft, light fabric that produces a couture look.

IMAGE SOURCE:HARPERS BAZAAR

LADIRB FO ESUOH

7

DESIGNER: JENNY PACKHAM

Caped tops give a classic, old Hollywood feel to bridal dresses and are a definite option for the contemporary bride who does not want to show too much. Embellished with stunning jewels, the caped top can produce a very glamorous effect to the wedding dress.

IMAGE SOURCE:GETTY

The Custom Experience

BOOK TODAY!

YOU SAID "YES" WE WILL HANDLE THE REST

What's makes you a

Custom Bride You are a Custom bride if you love.....

Setting your own trends

A quality and complete customer experience

Hiring professionals to handle all your wedding details

Over the top, luxurious designs reflecting your style and taste

Extremely creative wedding film productions incorporating your personality

Having a completely unique wedding experience for you and your guests

YOU SAID "YES" WE WILL HANDLE THE REST

YOU SAID "YES" WE WILL HANDLE THE REST

BOOK TODAY!

CUSTOMBYDDE.STRIKINGLY.COM

GO TO @ddebyayana CLICK LINK IN BIO

WHAT KIND OF

BRIDE ARE YOU ?

vs

@

DDEBYAYANA DivinelyDesignedEventsbyAyana

LIKE, TWEET, FOLLOW, WATCH, AND PIN US

@DDEBYAYANA

@DDEBYAYANA

@DDEBYAYANA

@DDEBYAYANA

@DDEBYAYANA