All Articles Tagged "wedding business"
Why Marriage Equality is Good for the Economy
(Daily Finance) — It’s matrimony’s version of a financial stimulus program. The moment Jose Matos proposed to Juan Estrada after New York state approved same-sex marriage, the pair joined thousands of gay couples expected to boost aneconomythat has been on the rocks. Caterer? Check. Flowers? Check. Engraved invitations? Yup. ”I’m talking to the chef today,” Estrada toldDailyFinance. “Jose is taking care of the legal. I’m taking care of the creative.” Estrada, a 35-year-old Pilates instructor, and Matos, a 34-year-old social worker (pictured), are hoping to finalize plans for an August ceremony and reception in New York City. They have a budget of $20,000, not including rings from Tiffany (TIF). Gay and lesbian marriage, approved June 24 and valid starting July 24, will allow New York to say “I do” to an additional $391 millionin commerce, a Democratic state senate report concluded.
Working the Wedding: 8 of the Best Black Names in the Industry
Wedding season is upon us. It’s a charged time period, and that’s not just a reference to the tears of joy and panic attacks – upwards of $80 billion is spent each year on crafting the perfect day. Today The Atlanta Post takes a look at eight black-owned businesses that have managed to distinguish themselves in a crowded industry. From world-renowned dressmaker Amsale Aberra to baker extraordinaire, Margo Lewis, these proprietors are upping the wow factor for weddings.
Amsale Aberra
Amsale Aberra’s business was born of necessity. The year was 1985 and after a few expeditions that yielded nothing but poofs and fussiness, the bride-to-be decided to craft her own gown. Soon thereafter the Ethiopian native took out an ad in a bridal magazine and began to see clients. While her devotees include some of the biggest names in Hollywood – Halle Berry, Julia Roberts and Salma Hayek – she’s also popular among fictional characters. Aberra’s dresses are featured in films Something Borrowed, 27 Dresses, and ABC Series Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Brothers and Sisters. Next month the cameras turn on her as she opens up her Madison Avenue boutique to WE TV in a reality series, “Amasale Girls”.
