August 27, 2016 // The Westin // Judah Avenue Photography
The Beginning
Michelle and Dyami met through a mutual friend. Michelle’s best friend recommended she have Dyami fix her laptop when it started acting up. Her best friend knew exactly what she was doing and ended up being an integral part of their proposal story, too.
The Proposal
For Michelle’s 30th birthday, Dyami and her best friend told her they wanted to plan the cele ation. She was picked up in a stretch limousine where her family and friends were all waiting inside. During dinner everyone made speeches. When it was Dyami’s turn to make a speech, Michelle thought nothing of it until he dropped down on one knee. The birthday surprise was the start of the rest of their lives.
The Details
For Michelle, the most exciting part of planning their wedding was picking out the small details for the day. The flowers she wanted, how to arrange the tables, and what entrees would be served were all exciting decisions that she remembers enjoying during the process.
The Venue
“We both knew that we wanted a venue that would be able to host both our ceremony and reception,” Michelle recalls. It also had to have beautiful ambiance. “I wanted a venue that was close to local attractions since we would have a lot of family from out of town. I came across the Westin Annapolis and was immediately drawn by the location and outside appearance. We set up a meeting for a tour and were sold immediately. The event space was perfect and they provided everything that we needed within our budget. It was honestly the best decision and the best venue for us.”
The Wedding Party Invitation
Michelle asked her idesmaids to be a part of the wedding by giving them each a small box that contained a small balloon and a pin with a message saying It’s time to pop the question. Inside the balloon was confetti and a small piece of paper asking them to be a idesmaid. “It was great seeing their reactions after they popped the balloons,” Michelle shares.
The Wedding Planner
Michelle considers her best decision regarding preparing for the wedding to be hiring a wedding planner. “Because of my planner, I was able to have a relaxing and absolutely stress free day. I honestly didn’t have to worry about a single thing which was awesome.”
Their Best Advice
“Do your research and give each venue and vendor due diligence when deciding on their services,” Michelle recommends. “Responsiveness was very important to me so I would be weary of venues and vendors that don’t respond in a timely fashion. Ask plenty of questions and don’t feel pressured to commit to anything until you and your fiancée are absolutely comfortable and sure of your choice.”
The Details:
Planner/ Designer: Wedding Savvy | Décor and Styling: Westin Annapolis & I Want Ambiance Florist: Da Vinci’s Florists | Band: String Poets | DJ: DJ Max Powers | Caterer: Westin Annapolis Cake/ Baker: Occasional Cakes | Bridal gown store: Mary’s Designer Bridal Boutique Gown designer: Sottero and Midgley | Bride’s makeup: Hellooo Gorgeous | Bride’s hair: Creative Images Wedding rings store: Zales | Bride’s other jewelry store: Etsy | Bridesmaid dresses store: Azazi | Men’s attire store: Men’s Wearhouse | Favors/ Gifts: Etsy & Prop Stop | Videographer: Reflexion Videography | Photobooth: Prop Stop | Wedding hashtag: #LeeSangJenkins2016 | Registry: Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond
