Happy Friday ya’ll! We’ve got a pretty one for you today. Nothing better on a Friday afternoon then scrolling through pretty wedding images right?
I started emailing with Sofia in January of this year. She was living and working in NYC and trying to plan her RVA September 2014 wedding remotely. A tough job to try to do solo right?
That, in and of itself, is quite the task. Add to it, her groom lives in Dubai! Half way around the world people!
Sofia & Aboudi met in Dubai while Sofia was visiting the city on a trip she received as a graduation gift. Several other fate-filled moments brought them together again and they fell in love.
Fast forward though their relationship to this lovely engagement and wedding planning time…
The venue was set thanks to her Dad and brother who scouted the wedding location scene in Richmond for Sofia. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Blomendaal House. A beautiful backdrop for an outdoor ceremony in the gardens and then a reception under the tents in front of the house.
But the list of “everything else” was left up to me and Sofia, so we got to work. Without meeting face to face until April, we did a lot over the phone and email. Thank goodness for Pinterest boards!
Mint green and gold was the color scheme Sofia oogled over from the time we began chatting. She toyed with deep purple and gold as well, but for the garden, I thought the mint and gold, with just a touch of peachy blush, would be just gorgeous. The gold was vital as it played a huge role in connecting Sofia & Aboudi’s Lebanese culture. So we made sure we had plenty of sparkle to go around. Glittery table numbers from BHLDN, ornate gold overlays from Connie Duglin specialty linens on the cocktail tables, gold chiavari chairs from Classic Party Rentals of VA and feather tips dipped in rose gold glitter all acted as little “tips of the hat” to their Lebanese roots.
Mary Henry of M Henry Designs worked with us on floral to make sure we were staying honest to the garden we were in, but yet decorating the very blank canvas of a white tent. She hit a home run once again pulling in the whites, greens and touches of blush to pull the look together.
Sofia worked in the film industry in NYC, so a videographer was a no-brainer and she obviously had a list of what type of film she wanted of her big day. I immediately sent her Humanstory Films. Bill Gaff and I have worked together for almost 10 years now and he was the only filmmaker I would recommend for this job! Check out their wedding film here.
[I’m a sucker for a sweet Father/Daughter moment.]
It pays to have talented friends in the wedding industry. Luckily for Sofia & Aboudi they were in good hands with their photographer friend Carly Arnwine who captured the day so beautifully. And Aly Randolph of Randy Cakes who made the custom cake pops and the wedding cake – she was a busy lady! Both friends did an amazing job on every detail they touched.
Eric Cunningham from Choice Entertainment kept the party rockin’ all night and mixed up some fun Arabic and dance music for the crowd. A surprise belly dancer got the dancing started and the floor was packed all night!
Sofia and Aboudi – you were such a sweet and loving couple. I’m so excited for you and your life together in Dubai. Please keep in touch! Sohotkon! (Cheers!)
Warm Regards,
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Blomendaal House | Catering: Meriwether Godsey| DJ: Eric Cunningham with Choice Entertainment | Photography: Carly Arnwine Photography | Videography: Humanstory Films | Linens & Chaivari Chairs: Classic Party Rentals of VA and Connie Duglin Specialty Linens | Cake: Randy Cakes | Flowers: M. Henry Designs | Ceremony Music: Silverleaf String Duo | Guest & Wedding Party Transportation: Winn Transportation | Planning & Design: LK Events & Design
(photo by Mary Otanez Photography)
