Nasheed and Chris's Non Traditional NMWA Wedding

Photo by Ayesha Ahmad

Ok are y'all ready for part 2? (if you missed part 1, check it out here)

Nasheed and Chris's wedding was insanely awesome. Here are some examples of what you have to look forward to - then scroll on down and enjoy the photos by Ayesha Ahmad of this unique, non-traditional DC wedding: 

• A first look with fab protest signs and beautiful shots from all around DC

• Two of the National's Mascots (Abe and George, of course) as their ceremony ushers

• An elaborate ceremony processional to music such as "Gangsta's Paradise" and a parade of babies who filed in to the tune of "Prince Ali" from Aladdin

• A uniquely non-traditional, super personal (and hilarious) ceremony which included references to the Hunger Games ("may the odds be ever in their favor"), a vow to "make America great again," and a reading which turned into a performance from Book of Mormon

• A ceremony that also gave nods to both their backgrounds, with the exchange of garlands and the breaking of the glass (by both of them, thank you very much)

• A costume change for BOTH the bride and the groom (and check out her BOOTS - and his socks!!)

• An elaborate first dance which ended in my most favorite song of all time (seriously), "Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler from The Wedding Singer

• The kick-ass cover band Go Go Gadjet who rocked it out, along with glow in the dark bracelets the couple provided to guests that would flash and change color in sync with the music

• Basically the best wedding ever... enjoy!

Nasheed and Chris's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: National Museum of Women in the Arts

Caterer: Main Event and Aladdin Catering

Photographer: Ayesha Ahmad

Band: Go Go Gadjet

Florist: Scentsational Florals

Draping/Platform: Fabrication Events

Nasheed and Chris's Non Traditional Holud

Photo by Ayesha Ahmad

Guys. This couple is so near and dear to my heart. I worked with them last year, doing month-of coordination for both their holud and wedding in May of 2017. They reached out to me a YEAR in advance and I immediately booked them even though I normally don't book that far out. That's because their email mentioned their non traditional backgrounds (he's half Italian catholic/half Jewish, and Nasheed's parents are from Bangladesh and Muslim) in addition to references to Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, lip sync battles, and other insanely wonderful non traditional ideas!

So this obviously has to be a two-part-er. Come back on Thursday for their ridiculous wedding. But now, onto the holud. In addition to the holud being co-ed, their email mentioned that it "may or may not include a lip sync battle, roast of the bride/groom, airing of grievances, feats of strength, and/or white people awkwardly trying to do synchronized dances to Bollywood music in lieu of whatever is actually supposed to happen at those things." YES.

It was all of those things, and so much more. Josephine Butler Parks Center was the venue and it was a huge DIY affair. Big thanks to Nasheed's fantastic friends who created her "stage" decor, as well as to my lovely associate Tarra who assisted the hell out of it (including putting out a small fire with her bare hands. That girl is fierce). 

While there were some traditional elements, such as the henna and delicious food, there were also amazing untraditional moments - like all the performances, including a Circle of Life recreation with a very unwilling Simba, lip sync battles (my all time favorite activity), and much, much more. Enjoy this colorful, hilarious evening captured by Ayesha Ahmad Photography!

Nasheed and Chris's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Josephine Butler Parks Center

Photography: Ayesha Ahmad

Catering: Ravi Kabob and The Italian Store

Staffing: Wright Staffing Company

Henna: Henna Ink

Huma and Sayeed // Meadowlark Botanical Garden Wedding, Vienna, VA // VA Wedding Coordinator

In case you missed it, earlier this week we took a look at Huma and Sayeed's colorful henna party. Today is their beautiful wedding at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. As many south asian weddings are, this was a big wedding - and because it was December (!) using the outdoor area of Meadowlark's beautiful gardens for ceremony and cocktails just wasn't an option. So Huma opted to have people sit at their reception tables for the ceremony, thus eliminating any need to "flip" the space and keeping things simple and fun for her many guests!

After getting ready, Huma and Sayeed did a first look and some portraits around the grounds (please be sure to not miss Huma's ROCKING sneakers, folks), and then walked each other down the aisle, which I adored (and always adore). The ceremony was beautiful (especially in front of the stunning floral arch Sarah Khan Events created!) and we then merged right into cocktails, followed by dinner. I have to give a huge shout-out to Carmen and her staff at C&G Catering. They were amazing to work with and helped run a difficult event (considering the caterer who shall not be named showed up incredibly late with all of the food!). After dinner, Huma and Sayeed kicked off dancing with their first dance - "You're Just Too Good To Be True" into Michael Jackson's "BAD"! LOVED IT. They ended the night by sneaking some shots in at Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights.

Once again, big thanks to Mary Sandoval for these absolutely gorgeous photos. And huge congrats again to the loveliest of couples, Huma and Sayeed!!

Huma and Sayeed's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

Staffing: C&G Catering

Decor/Flowers: Sarah Khan Events

Photographer: Mary Sandoval

DJ: Dynasty AV

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Huma and Sayeed // Henna Party // VA Wedding Coordinator

I've decided to break Huma and Sayeed's wedding into two parts - namely, because I helped them with two events and their are just too many beautiful photos to share! I assisted with both their informal henna party the night before, and their actual wedding ceremony and reception the following day. Huma and Sayeed were such a beautiful couple to work with. Huma is a self-professed Type A - the social organizer of the pair, bustling with energy and silliness. While Sayeed is super relaxed, chill and down to earth. The way they balanced each other throughout the planning and their days of celebration was a lovely thing to behold - a wonderful match that speaks volumes as to how their marriage will be for years to come.

This was a fun one for me because it was "off season" - in mid December which is rare for us wedding planners. The henna party took place at the Crown Plaza at Crystal City and was a mix of traditional vs. non traditional because this really was a fusion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi families and cultures. It was co-ed rather than all-female, but they did partake in several traditional moments (including the tradition of stealing the groom's shoes and him having to pay to get them back!) - and provided delicious south asian food! Sarah Khan Events did the decor for both the henna party and the wedding - it was so colorful and fun! The Mehndi artist was there all night (I even got to sneak in a quick one myself right before she left) and did such a beautiful job.

So enjoy these beautiful shots by Mary Sandoval (who was fabulous to work with) - and tune in next week for Huma and Sayeed's wedding at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens!

Huma and Sayeed's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Crown Plaza National Airport

Photographer: Mary Sandoval Photography

Decor/Floral: Sarah Khan Events

Henna: Henna Harmony

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