INTENTIONAL WEDDING DESIGN WITH AMANI AFFAIRS

Long before she was orchestrating elegant wedding weekends and seamless celebrations, Jihan Francois was assigning roles, drafting order forms, and mapping out growth plans for a childhood friendship bracelet business. For the founder of Amani Affairs, planning has never been a learned skill—it’s been an instinct. That early drive to organize, lead, and bring ideas to life evolved into a career shaped by both strategy and creativity, from studying entrepreneurship at Hampton University to earning an MBA in Marketing from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

Yet it was a destination wedding in the Cayman Islands that ultimately set her path. What began as a favor for a friend became a defining moment—one that revealed the emotional depth and trust at the heart of wedding planning. Today, through her company, Amani Affairs, Jihan channels that experience into thoughtfully designed, deeply personal celebrations, where every detail is intentional, and every couple’s story takes center stage.

Wedding Planner Jihan Francois. Photo Credit, Indigo Silver Photography.

Can you share the story behind your business—how it began?

Planning is what I was born to do. At six years old, I started my first business making friendship bracelets with my friends. I assigned roles, created order forms and mapped out how we would grow. That instinct to lead, organize, and bring ideas to life has always been there. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Hampton University because I knew I wanted to build something of my own. I later earned my MBA in Marketing from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, with an emphasis in sports, media, and entertainment. Even with that background, I found myself drawn to the creative and experiential side of my work. Event planning was always the part I enjoyed most. While working in marketing and communications roles, I was also planning events on the side for corporate clients, entertainers, and professional athletes. Then in 2007, I was asked to help plan a friend’s wedding in the Cayman Islands. I was living in a different city, figuring it out as I went, and a little nervous, but we pulled off a beautiful wedding. That experience changed everything for me. Weddings felt different. They are more personal and emotional, and a deeper level of trust is involved. I continued planning weddings and events consistently after that, eventually becoming a Certified Wedding and Event Planner through The Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute and working alongside David Tutera’s team. In 2017, I officially launched Amani Affairs, named after my middle name and rooted in faith, intention, and the creation of meaningful experiences. From the beginning, my focus has been on designing weddings that feel like the couple, not like something pulled from a template. Every detail is intentional, every decision has purpose, and the goal is always the same: to create a seamless, well-led experience that allows my clients to fully enjoy one of the most important days of their lives.

How would you describe your planning style, and what sets your approach apart when working with couples?

My planning style is structured, intentional, and very hands-on. I lead the process from start to finish, so my clients are never left guessing or trying to figure things out on their own. My background in marketing and large-scale event execution shapes how I approach planning. I am always thinking about flow, guest experience, and how every piece works together, not just how it looks. What sets me apart is how tailored everything is. I pay close attention to how my clients live, what they value, and how they want their day to feel. From there, I build a plan that supports that vision while making sure every detail is accounted for. I am also extremely detail-oriented and proactive. I am thinking ahead, solving problems before they become issues, and keeping everything on track. My clients often tell me they feel calm because they know nothing is being missed and everything is under control. I only take one wedding per weekend, which allows me to stay fully present and give each client the level of attention and leadership they need.

What’s one thing couples can expect when working with you?

Clarity. There are many decisions in wedding planning, and it can become overwhelming quickly. My role is to lead the process, guide each step, and ensure everything is organized, thoughtful, and moving in the right direction. My clients know what is happening, what is next, and that every detail is being handled. They are not chasing vendors, managing timelines, or trying to figure things out on their own. That level of clarity creates a sense of calm. It allows them to relax, enjoy the process, and be fully present on their wedding day. It is one of the biggest things I hear after the wedding. They felt taken care of and were able to enjoy the day rather than manage it.

What are some of the most meaningful or memorable weddings you’ve planned?

One that stands out was a couple who lived in New York City but chose to get married in Wilmington, where the groom’s family is based. They were very intentional about making the wedding feel personal and connected to both of their backgrounds. We planned their full wedding weekend, including the rehearsal dinner,  wedding, and after-party. They wanted to highlight local talent and meaningful details, so we incorporated Wilmington artisans throughout the experience. Local children handcrafted the table numbers, which added a really special, personal touch. The bride is Salvadoran, so each place setting included fresh coffee beans from El Salvador as a favor. We also designed each table with quotes about love in either Spanish or English, depending on who was seated there, which made guests feel seen and included. Music was a big part of their story as well. We flew in a Grammy Award-winning DJ from Queens, who also happened to be a friend of mine from college, for the reception. For the after-party, guests walked from the venue to a nearby location, where a DJ from a local Wilmington hip-hop station kept the energy going. Even their dog was part of the celebration, dressed in a custom tux as the ring bearer. The entire dinner was served family-style to create a warm, connected atmosphere, like one big family. Every detail had intention behind it, and when it all came together, it felt effortless, personal, and completely true to them. That is always the goal.

Photo Credits: Atlanta Dahlia Photography, Chris Zachary, In His Image Photography, Sammy Cald Photography, The Story Creative.

What advice would you give to newly engaged couples who are just beginning the planning process?

Get clear before you get busy. Before you start booking vendors or saving inspiration, take the time to define your priorities, your budget, and the kind of experience you want to create. That clarity will guide every decision and help you avoid unnecessary stress. I have seen couples make quick decisions early on that cost them time, money, and cohesion later. Slowing down at the beginning makes the entire process smoother. Also, do not underestimate how much goes into planning a wedding. Having the right planner early on gives you guidance, structure, and access to the right resources from the start. At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you. Not like something you saw online, but something that reflects your life, your people, and your story.