Affinity Weddings Corpus Christi - The Dress Issue

Corpus Christi 8

THE QUESTIONS

DRESS TO ASK BEFORE BOOKING YOUR VENUE

ISSUE BEHAVIOR
OF BRIDAL STORES
Wandjell Browning

Keeps Families

CONNECTED

Photographer: Libra Scale Collective
Hair: Hairnmakeupbylulu
Makeup: Hairnmakeupbylulu
Bridal Gown: Oh My Dress
Venue: The Hall at Ridgestone
Model: Ashley Maddox, RAD Talent Agency



A Letter from the Editor

To the Reader:

This year, Affinity Weddings is entering into more markets and we have a lot in store for vendors and brides!
We launched in Corpus Christi at the end of last year and threw a masquerade ball that allowed us to meet
some amazing vendors in the area. Throughout The Dress Issue, you will see images from our styled shoot at
The Hall at Ridgestone featuring bridal gowns from Oh My Dress!

Take a look at the upcoming shows for Affinity TV on page 9. Also, take a look at our brand new mobile,
dynamic magazine!

Sincerely,

Zondra Victor
Editor-in-Chief
Affinity Weddings Magazine

Photographer: Asad Photo Maldives 02

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Letter from the Editor 2
Meet the Team 5

8 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Venue 6
Behavior of Bridal Stores 9

Wandjell Browning Keeps Families Connected 12
Hairstyling Tools That’ll Save You Time 14
Innovative Ideas for a Dessert Table 16
Unique Floral Ideas 21
Dream Altar Options 23

Staying Physically Healthy While You Plan 29

Photographer: Pavlicek Creations



MEET THE TEAM

Bailey Jordan Jamilah Robinson Zondra Victor

CEO President Chief Content Officer

Editorial

Adeline Saunders So a Gonzalez Chantel Smith Miguel Clement

Graphic Design

Ridhoh Sayfuddin

Production

Antonella Mazzei Hannah Joseph-Alvarado

Production credits:
Coordinator: Next Chapter Weddings

Photographer: Pavlicek Creations
Venue: Bella Moon
Florals: Bring Joy

Decor: Mulberry Basket Events, LLC

05

8 QUESTIONS

to Ask Before Booking Your Venue

The space you plan on using for your wedding is you need a venue that will t everyone
an important piece of the wedding planning comfortably. Some venues are willing to work
puzzle. There are several pieces of information with you to gure out how to t a few extra guests
you need to know about a venue before deciding if needed.
whether or not to book it. Here are 8 questions How many hours will the venue be available for?
you should start with. Some venues will book two events a day. Some do
not automatically rent for the whole day.You need
Is my preferred wedding date available? If you are to know if your venue time is limited so you can
exible with your wedding date this question may plan accordingly.

not be an issue for you. For the bride that is set on a What vendors is the venue willing to work with?
speci c date this is a good way to weed out your This can either limit your vendor choices or your
venue options. venue choices. If you choose a venue that doesn’t
How much will it cost to rent the venue? Your work with speci c vendors, then you know those
venue will be one of your biggest expenses. While vendors are ruled out. If you already have vendors
exploring venues in your area, you will nd that and are looking into a venue that will not work
the cost starts around $1500. By asking how much with them, you know that venue is out.
venue rentals will cost, you can eliminate those
that will not t your budget. Do we need to provide tables, chairs and linens?
Some venues will include these while others will
How much is the deposit? This question is one for not. You need to know this so you can arrange to
your information. Deposits tend to be on top of provide some if needed.
venue rental cost. If your decision factor is based What restrictions does the venue have? Venues
on what is cost-effective, compare rental costs by have restrictions from alcohol to what you can
adding the deposit cost to it. and can’t use for sendoff. You need to know of
these ahead of time so you don’t violate the rules
How many people will the venue accommodate? and end up with extra charges.
The answer to this question is extremely
important. You want your guests to be
comfortable on your wedding day. This means

Photographer: Pavlicek Creations 06

Production credits:
Photographer: Libra Scale Creative

Venue: BienVenue
Model: Ivanka Garrett
Makeup Artist: Mama Bear Beauty
Hair Stylist: Mercy’s Hair Designs
Bridal Gown: Impression Bridal
Florals: Fauxtastic Floral Creations

Production Credits:
Photographer: Phelicia Gomez Simpson
Venue: The Hall at Ridgestone
Model: Cyn Fed, RAD Talent Agency
Hair and Makeup Artist: Hairnmakeupbylulu
Bridal Gown: Oh My Dress

BEHAVIOR Production credits:
Photographer: Libra Scale Creative
of Bridal Stores
Venue: BienVenue
Model: Ayesha Love
Makeup Artist: Donyale MUA
Hair Stylist: Mercy’s Hair Designs
Bridal Gown: Impression Bridal
Florals: Frankie + Flora

Buying your wedding dress is a you. If a store associate is too Having fun is key.
big deal. A lot of thought goes opinionated for you, it is okay to
into THE dress you will be go somewhere else. A good bridal store will make your
wearing when you walk down You should also be able to look at dress-buying experience fun. They
the aisle. One thing brides often the dresses yourself to choose will indulge you while you try
don’t think about when going which ones you would like to try dresses and veils on. A store should
on the hunt for the dress is how a on. If you are in a store that give you whatever you need to
bridal shop should treat them normally picks dresses for you, make your experience a good
during the process. Here are 3 ask the associate if you can memory. If a store does otherwise,
red ags that should indicate accompany them. you know what to do.
whether or not you take your
business elsewhere. Negative comments are Feel free to shop for your
not welcomed. store.
The bride is the boss.
If a store associate is rude about The bottom line is you want a bridal
You are the one who is going to the way a dress ts you, go to a store that will give you a pleasant
be wearing the wedding dress; different store. A store associate experience. In order to do this, you
therefore, you are the one who can communicate whether or not may need to go to a few different
calls the shots. Do not let your a dress looks good on your body. stores or ask recent brides about
friends, family, or a store After all, they are professionals in their experiences. Make time to
associate take over your the bridal industry. They should
decision. This is about what you do so in the nicest way possible nd the store that is best for you.
want, not what they want for and not in a negative manner.

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Wandjell Browning

KEEPS FAMILIES CONNECTED

by Zondra Victor

Wandjell Browning, CEO of The Freedom Child Wandjell and Marty are creating a positive and
Foundation, is a bride who has more than just a lasting experience for children that will bene t from
wedding in her view. Growing up, Wandjell being able to hold on to their relationship with their
experienced life as a child with incarcerated parents, even during the incarceration period. The
parents. She was able to see, rsthand, the lack of Freedom Child Foundation works to solve several
funding available to help families and children pay issues that may keep children from maintaining
for necessities like food, stationery, and those relationships. Wandjell and Marty are
transportation for visitations. providing a community of support for children so
that both they, and also the parents, have a chance
Now, Wandjell is trying to make that experience to keep their connection.
better for others. She and her groom, Marty
Browning, research, supply materials, and “Children may seem forgotten or they get lost in the
organize transportation services for eligible system and that’s one thing we don’t want…” says
applicants. Marty Browning, Wandjell’s husband and COO of
The Freedom Child Foundation. “When you don’t
“When I was younger, I was severely impacted by have that parental structure in the home, you lose a
parental incarceration because both of my parents lot. Our parents are very important and we do want
were incarcerated,”says Wandjell.“I just remember, children to know that no matter what your parents
profoundly, the emotions, the lack of resources went though, you don’t have to go down that road.”
that I had to stay in contact with both of my
parents.” During this year’s pandemic, Marty and Wandjell
have had to change plans for how they operate
The Freedom Child Foundation serves minors business. They’ve gotten to hear many different
between 5 to 17 years old and is open to children stories and learn about the backgrounds of their
who have one or both of their parents applicants from all over the nation through their
incarcerated. Not only does Wandjell’s foundation website.
provide stationery supplies for children, they
provide transportation if a child has to travel an Visit Wandjell and Marty Browning at
hour or more away from their home. www.freedomchildfoundation.org or on Facebook
and Instagram.
“Most correctional facilities are like hours away
from home,” says Wandjell. “And so it can be very Learn more about The Freedom Child Foundation in
hard trying to get on a train, or get a rental, get gas. a special video interview with Affinity Weddings by
Or maybe even once they get to visitation, the visiting us onYouTube, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick.
food is very expensive.”

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Wandjell Browning,

CEO of The Freedom Child Foundation

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Hairstyling Tools

That'll Save Your Time

By Chantel Smith

For many of us, nding love is a journey of
vulnerability and a seemingly endless search for the
one that completes our puzzle of life. However,
when we nd that missing piece we then cherish
that moment and every second after, knowing that
the union created brings forth love and excitement
for the future. The same can be said for nally

nding the hair tools that create the perfect
hairstyle, especially for the big day.

Throughout this journey we will share three tools At last, we’re bringing attention to an overlooked
that will help you style and maintain your crown classic in styling tools, the hot comb. Thankfully,
and glory while saving time and hassle. there are now adjustable temperature options
available instead of the renowned stove top original
Our rst pick is great for adding volume to your comb. Hot combs are perfect for straightening hard
strands. Wave irons are the new “it girl” of styling to reach places such as roots, nape, and areas
tools. With three heated prongs you can easily around the ears. The results to this day are still
create luxurious body waves in an instant! Part your unmatched.
hair into four sections (a cross shaped pattern is a
great method), spray each section with a heat These amazing items can be found at your local
protector, clamp down and repeat until the nished beauty supply store and select drugstores at
look is accomplished. affordable prices. May your explorations lead you to
perfect your styling and give your tresses the love
If you are a heat conscious naturalista exi rods give and attention they deserve!
you the ability to create a variety of waves, curls and
coils without the added damage of intense heat. Production credits:
After detangling and moisturizing your hair, make Photographer: Libra Scale Creative
one-inch sections to wrap around your preferred
sized cushioned rod and secure by curving the end Venue: BienVenue
of the rods up. These tools are soft enough for Model: Sara Chau
sleeping and can be protected with a silk based Makeup Artist: Pink Ladies Texas
bonnet or scarf and easily removed by untwisting Hair Stylist: Mercy’s Hair Designs
by hand with a light hair oil to avoid frizzing. Bridal Gown: Impression Bridal
Florals: Fauxtastic Floral Creations

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Production credits:
Photographer: Libra Scale Creative

Venue: BienVenue
Models: Ayesha Love, Ivanka Garrett, Sara Chau
Makeup Artist: Donyale MUA, Mama Bear Beauty,

Mercy’s Hair Designs
Hair Stylist: Mercy’s Hair Designs, Pink Ladies Texas

Bridal Gown: Impression Bridal
Decor: Grand Events Party Planners
Florals: Fauxtastic Floral Creations, Frankie + Flora

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Innovativ Ide
for a Dessert Table
By Jocelyn Sauceda

Think of your dessert table preferably clear bowl. A clear Finally, instead of cake go for
as an opportunity to be bowl will allow the colors of the pie. A table lled with a variety of
creative. Weddings are fruit to show. pies will look beautiful and draw
often formal and thought of in a attention. Pick a variety of pies
serious manner. An innovative The second method is to that all look different. For
dessert table can alter the entire separate the fruits. Having example, a banana cream pie will
feeling of a wedding. These fresh everything in separate bowls will contrast an apple pie. The
ideas will inspire and get you give guests the chance to select juxtaposition of appearances is
excited. First off, many people only the fruit they want. This will fun and gives guests options. If
don’t love the idea of having a also give your dessert table a you prefer a cohesive table
table dedicated to sweets. fuller look. The next idea is choose pies that have similar
interactive. Display at least two appearances. This will assure
If sweets aren’t exciting to you, cupcake avors. Make sure the your table is just as formal as a
consider a fruit table instead. cupcakes are bare. Have a variety wedding cake but incredibly
Fruit is colorful and can be of icing, sprinkles, and any other unique.
beautiful to look at. Experiment toppings you can think of.
with cutting fruit into different Guests can make their own Production credits:
shapes. There’s a number of ways cupcakes. This is a great way to Photographer: Libra Scale Creative
to execute this. The rst way is to keep people entertained.The act
have a large bowl of fruit salad. of making their own desserts Venue: BienVenue
Guests will simply walk up and often brings nostalgic feelings Models: Ayesha Love, Ivanka Garrett, Sara Chau
serve themselves. This method and memories that will make Makeup Artist: Donyale MUA, Mama Bear Beauty,
requires the fruits in a large everyone smile.
Mercy’s Hair Designs
Hair Stylist: Mercy’s Hair Designs, Pink Ladies Texas

Bridal Gown: Impression Bridal
Decor: Grand Events Party Planners
Florals: Fauxtastic Floral Creations, Frankie + Flora

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Venue: BienVenue Events
Florals: Fauxtastic Floral Creations
Decor: Grand Events Party Planners

Unique Floral Ideas
By Sofia Gonzalez

Showcasing you and your husband-to-be’s from a grandparent’s watch, to your own watch, or
unique personality is important for the perfect even an old friendship bracelet. Whatever it is you
wedding day. You might be asking yourself, “How choose to do, it’s guaranteed that that bouquet will
can I differentiate this wedding from anyone else’s?” be one-of-a-kind.
An easy way to do so is through unconventional
Other ideas for bouquets are the ones for
oral ideas. bridesmaids. For those brides that are more laid
back, olive branches are perfect. They are very
If you are an old soul and have a knack for simple-looking and also symbolize
rustics or antiques, try hanging lanterns off of an peace—bringing serenity to the ceremony.
arch oral design. This can be done for any outdoor
or indoor wedding. However, if rustic isn’t your style, Cocktail hour is also something to think about
then you can stick with the arch design and color- in regards to oral ideas. This is something that can
coordinate the owers to your wedding. be fun. Instead of having just a normal bar, consider
having a oral backdrop for the bar, or just greenery.
For those who don’t just want an altar or plain This will create a statement bar, bringing it to life.
background—have a orist design the perfect altar
for you instead. To get this look, use a lush greenery Along with a bar, cocktail hour entails having
implemented with either birch or again, owers of small tables set up for guests. If you are wanting to
your choice. This will give a very organic, yet serene add onto the oral idea of the bar, have the tables’
feel to the ceremony, making it that much more legs intertwined with a oral idea. This will also
romantic for you and your partner. bring them to life and add more personality to the
wedding.
Now, here is one for all of the couples debating
whether or not they should have an indoor or As for the reception—you want to stay budget
outdoor wedding—why not try both? You can hold friendly, but also have the perfect centerpieces for
the ceremony inside but ask the orist to place your wedding. This one is extremely
grass onto the oor of the venue. This can make the unconventional, but also has an elegant look to it
ceremony feel informal, yet personal. It’ll be as if the when executed correctly. Florists have
wedding is taking place in your own backyard. experimented with tumbleweeds to resemble
chandeliers. They go above the tables and are
If you’re interested in sprucing up your added on as that extra“oomph”for a centerpiece.
bouquet, you can customize how it’s wrapped. Ask
your orist for help when doing so, but you can Whatever route you decide to take with your
wrap around it anything with sentimental value, wedding, ask your orist for advice when taking an
unconventional idea and run with it. If you want to
Venue: BienVenue Events stand out from every other bride, don’t be afraid to
Florals: Frankie + Flora be yourself and immerse your personality into any
of the oral ideas for your wedding.
Decor: Grand Events Party Planners

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DREAM ALTAR OPTIONS

By Adeline Saunders

Whether you’re getting married in a church or want something simpler, try a metal based chuppa.
decide to have a scenic wedding, the altar This sleek and modern look is a great asset to
may be just about the most important space in the pictures under the altar and don’t take too much
venue. The bride and groom might only be up there away from the bride and groom.
for a few minutes, but it is de nitely the most
meaningful (and most photographed) spot in the For the couples who want to ditch the altar all
entire ceremony. together, try tying the knot under a beautiful tree
covered with lanterns or string lights. The lights add
Some of the most natural and elegant looking altars a magical addition to one of nature's oldest
include greenery installations. Installations are fun wonders. Another great idea is surrounding
because they come in all different shapes and sizes. yourselves with themed aesthetic decale or your
Try a large, leafy wreath, or if you want to opt for favorite plants. This way you can say goodbye to the
something a little more classic, try an arch covered in traditional altar but still get the attention you
your favorite greens and owers. For the boho chic deserve.
couple, go with a birch teepee! Try weaving owers
and greenery into this setup so it can be extra The ceremony is the most important part of the
special. These altars make for a beautiful addition to wedding. It’s a time for the bride and groom to
the ceremony and look great in photos. profess their love for one and another while being
surrounded by their family and friends. Choose an
Chuppa altars are a classic and look great both altar that says “I love you” in your own unique way
indoors and outdoors. Whether you decide to use because you two are going to be the only people
sheets and owers or want to try something standing at it.
different like string lights and vine, there are plenty
of unique ways to customize your chuppa. If you

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Mr. & Mr . Abbot

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Photographer:
Libra Scale Photography

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WANDJELL &
MARTY BROWNING

Vendors:
Hair: Portia Lea - Beauty Expert
Catering: Flavor Fetish Catering Company
Makeup: Jillyne Renee Artistry
Bartending: On the Rocks Bar Service and Staffing
Ceremony & Reception Music: DJ Touch
Venue: Bella Moon
Decor & Linens: Wonderfully Made
Cake: TrishAnn's Delicious Desserts
Bridal Gown: Sweet Romance Bridal
Dessert Bar: Alchemy Bake Lab
Day of Coordination: Timeless Rose Events
Florals: Bring Joy
Photography: Catchingzzzproductions

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Wedding Week
Well-being

By Nicole Molter

Health involves your B o o s t Yo u r I m m u n e Rest and Relaxation
body, mind and soul. System
Keep all three in mind Rest! You need sleep! This will
the week of your wedding to When you’re stressed, your keep you feeling good, less
keep yourself in tip-top shape for immune system suffers. cranky, and will help you avoid
saying,“I do.” Elevated levels of the stress getting sick, too. Plus, you don’t
hormone cortisol, suppress your want baggy eyes at the altar!
Eat Right body’s ability to ght illness. Plan relaxation time for you and
Taking vitamins will help kick up your ancé. Even if you feel like
Avoid junk food even though it’s your ability to ght off sickness. there isn’t time, nd some time!
convenient to grab and go. You Vitamin C and A help ght off the Have you ever gotten a couple’s
will feel better and more common cold and u virus. massage? Do you both love
energized if you eat healthier. Sickness is not a welcome movies or taking long walks?
There will be room for KFC or wedding guest! Relaxation will help the two of
burgers and fries for after the you clear your heads.
wedding, but there may not be ChannelYour Stress
in your wedding dress! Be the most beautiful all-around
Figure out ways to de-stress with bride on your wedding day! Take
Whole grains, protein and fruit activities you enjoy. Go to the care of yourself amidst the
are tasty snacks and will give you gym, keep a pre-wedding craziness of this nal week!
much needed energy during journal, or sit on the porch with a
your wedding week. Keep cup of tea and your man. When
baggies of trail mix, beef jerky, you’re calmer, guring out ways
and dried or fresh fruit accessible to handle any wedding plan
to ll your tummy! hiccups is easier on your body
and mind.

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Start your wedding planning journey today!

Create a pro le and use our planning tools to guide you
in making decisions for your wedding day.

To learn more about Affinity Weddings, visit
affinityweddings.net or email hello@affinityweddings.net.

www.affinityweddings.net
@withthisring_aw
@WithThisRing_AW
@affinityweddingshouston

Photographer: Libra Scale Creative