It started with a magazine. In 1999, our founder, Chanda Daniels, was spending an afternoon flipping through popular wedding publications when she noticed something missing. As a Black woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she couldn’t find herself or others like her represented.
Dismayed but determined, she knew she had to create a space in the wedding industry where all love stories would be welcomed and celebrated as they deserved. Drawing on her lifelong passion for planning celebrations, she turned that vision into meaningful change, and A Monique Affair was born!
Chanda’s Story
Chanda’s journey into the wedding industry was anything but linear, but she believes the universe led her to start A Monique Affair at exactly the right moment. After more than a decade working in retail, she began reflecting on what truly brought her joy. The answer was clear: planning parties.
While still working in the IT department at Andronico’s Market, Chanda launched A Monique Affair. It wasn’t until 2012, however, that she took the leap and left her job to pursue wedding planning full-time. Seven years later, she expanded her vision by founding her second company, Chanda Daniels Planning & Design, which focuses on multi-day wedding celebrations.
Today, Chanda leads AMA as founder and CEO. And while she’s stepped back from day-to-day planning tasks (except in special cases involving trusted creative partners or legacy clients), she never steps back from the company’s mission. Every couple meets with Chanda at the start of their journey. She listens, learns their vision, and personally selects the planner best suited to bring it to life.
As part of her ongoing mission to empower women of color in the wedding industry, Chanda has also shaped A Monique Affair into a space where emerging planners can grow, train, and build thriving careers.
What Sets A Monique Affair Apart
At A Monique Affair, our team-based approach is at the heart of everything we do. Each member of our team is positioned to work within their strengths, ensuring that every couple feels supported, relaxed, and cared for throughout the entire planning process.
As an AMA couple, you’ll work closely with your dedicated planner from your first consultation through your wedding day. Along the way, additional team members step in to support key aspects of your experience. On the day of your event, your concierge will oversee your care and coordinate the arrival of your creative partners. At the same time, our transportation coordinator ensures that your wedding party and guests arrive safely, and return home or to their accommodations at the end of the celebration.
We believe exceptional events require a team of exceptionally skilled professionals. That collaborative spirit is the foundation of every event we produce, from weddings and milestone celebrations to corporate socials and nonprofit events.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity
Above all, we believe weddings belong to everyone. Since 1999, A Monique Affair has proudly championed love in all its forms, and that commitment continues to guide us today.
When couples and creative partners think of AMA, we want inclusivity to come to mind first. No matter who you are or who you love, we’re here to offer our expertise and support as you plan a celebration that reflects your unique story.
Ready to begin planning your wedding with A Monique Affair? Reach out and tell us your story! We can’t wait to hear your vision for your event.
