Let's Talk: : Wedding Nouveau

Today we have another installation of Let's Talk! This time, we're catching up with the force behind the beautiful and inspiring blog Wedding Nouveau - Fri Bailey. Some of may recall from this post how I was completely captured by this unique space that offers couples from different ethnic backgrounds unique and interesting ideas to integrate their heritages into their weddings. Without much ado...let's turn this over to Fri:

What are the first five words that come to mind when you think about Africa?

Home, Warm, Confusing, Complex, Love

What is one of your favorite memories from time spent in Africa or around other Africans abroad?

Well I was born in Cameroon, so Africa is not only home to me, it's like the little sister you want to protect on the playground. I'm very sensitive to how it's portrayed to western audiences, because often times we are reduced to a community of mentally and financial impoverished people when in fact, we offer a wealth of hospitality, lessons in family and tradition, and an unyielding spirit that overcomes the toughest of hardships. My experience like my memories are as complex and diverse as the stars in the sky, but at the end of the day, Africa is my soft spot.

If you could go to one place on the continent right now, where would it be and why?

I'd have to say anywhere but Cameroon, as I've been to more countries all the other continents, and only one in my own. It's sad, but cross country travel isn't as easy as you'd hope. Maybe off the top, I'd say South Africa just because the World Cup is on my brain.

When you are not running your blog, what do you like to do?

I'm a theatre artist. Got my MFA in acting, and have toured on stage, commercials and all that jazz. I love the performing arts. I can spend hours watching Film, live theater or Dance. Also, I just had a baby in December, so watching my little daughter discover life's nuances is up there as well.

Where is your favorite hang out spot?

Anywhere with my husband and daughter. For solo hangouts..I'd have to say the movies.

What is your personal soundtrack of the moment?

James Horner's "Brave Heart" and Niki Reiser's "Nowhere in Africa" (Great question, by the way).

Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?

Oprah Winfrey and my mother. They both embody the true meaning of determination, faith and womanhood in my eyes.

What has been your proudest achievement?

The arrival of my daughter, venturing out on my own at a very young age, and the incessant ability to dream when reality dictates otherwise.

What is the best lesson you've learned so far?

"When Someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time" Maya Angelou.

What dream do you still want to fulfill?

I have many. I've always been a dreamer. Maybe that's why the stage feels like home to me. I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you. I will tell you this, I want to instill all the traits that I absolutely LOVED about my childhood, into her {daughter} upbringing, and banish everything else.

What book and/or magazine are your reading right now?

Book: "Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger.

Magazine: Afar, Vanity Fair and People. (Yes, dreamers have guilty pleasures too:-)

:: Thanks so Much Fri::

{Photos: Wedding Nouveau}