Happy last day of the year and decade! I’m marking the occasion by sharing pics of a key highlight: being my sister’s maid of honor. My sister, Ann Marie got married earlier this year at the Four Seasons in Atlanta and #AnnWillSayIDo truly was a dream. This was my first wedding that I was in and I’m honored that it was my maid of honor experience.
The details were all amazing from the planner, Michelle of Le Miga events– she was exceptional- to our dresses to the decor.
The bridal party was 17 which included 9 bridesmaids. Our golden yellow dresses were custom made and I loved the experience of their creation from going fabric shopping in NYC to the design by Natasha Nyanin to their sewing by Mrs.Anh (an amazing seasmstress in ATL. I loved how my maid of honor dress had a sweeping train from the shoulder. The bridesmaids has two styles for their dresses that I felt suited all. The applique was the perfect accent to the dresses. Wondering if I’ll be able to wear it again.
Ceremony: 
The most emotional part was seeing my sissy walk down the aisle. I loved seeing the dress and veil together after all of the fittings. It was so surreal in that moment that she was becoming a Mrs.!
I love the custom backdrop for the alter that included the Adinkra symbol, Gye Nyame, meaning “except God” from Papered Wonders.
Reception:
Because we took photos before the wedding, the bridesmaids were able to enjoy the cocktail hour.
For the reception entrance, my sister requested that the best man and I be in sync so we did a dance to “ Do the Dance”. Here is a pic of the best man I leaving the ceremony.
The dj was phenomenal, guests were on the dance floor during the starters! I slipped away with Momma Rose to escort my sister for her dress change. Her second dress was such a stunner, by Brides By Nona. It took a little bit to lace up the corset back. The dress details were spectacular. 
For my maid of honor speech, I wanted to keep it fun, but also sweet and share my perspective of my sister and brothers love story – they were set up by an aunt! Im thankful I was able to remember my speech. I didn’t want to read when I got up for the toast with the best man. DECOR
The tablescape was a dream. The menu was a diamond accordion and the flowers dropped high across the tables. I hadn’t seen much beforehand so I was completely in awe to see it all. 
GIFTS
The wedding gifts were a sweet touch to mark the day.
FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY
We had a blast at the rehearsal opening our bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts. I thought they were so well thought out. The bridesmaid gifts were in a series of small hat boxes. So you opened one personalized with your intitial to reveal a gift and then saw a smaller box to open next. I’m all about practical gifts that can be reused. We also received our black pjs and gold leaf earrings for the wedding day. Each of us also got reusable tumblrs calligraphied with our names. 
I got Momma Ro and myself maid of honor and mother of the bride sandals to match the ones I got my sister. Similar here
HOW I GIFTED THE BRIDE
I wanted to gift my sister items she would use everyday. First, I wanted a nice personalized gift box so I did a DIY version. I ordered a plain white gift box from Amazon and a Mrs. Swatson decal from Etsy. Inside I filled it with a custom computer pad for her office that also was on Etsy. 
Personalized jewelry is a forever fav so I got her initial earrings that I also have for her new initials “AS” which also turn out to be my initials so we match. For an added touch, I put them in a personalized jewelry sack that looks like it’s no longer available similar here. 
Personalized jewelry is a forever fav so I got her initial earrings that I also have for her new initials “AS” which also turn out to be my initials so we match. For an added touch, I put them in a personalized jewelry sack that looks like it’s no longer available similar here. One of my sister’s favorite things is candles so I got her this gold foil one with a personalized wedding day message.
I also added a pair of yellow earrings that I made, pearl hair clips, and topped it all with rose petals.
This definitely topped my 2019 and I’m so thankful for the beautiful memories and photos by Milanes Photography.
sliceofsashapie.com 