Years after crossing paths during dental school rotations, dentists Shaden and Isa connected at the wedding of a mutual friend. Six months later, Shaden says Isa asked her father for her hand in marriage before proposing at Salamander Resort in Middleburg. And nine months after that, the Fairfax couple exchanged vows in an extravagant November wedding decorated in shades of white, cream, and pink at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
Among the couple’s favorite parts of the day were the father of the bride, Dr. Ali Ramadan Alfaqi’s speech (Shaden’s favorite part), and the dabke performances (Isa’s favorite part). For an extra special, over-the-top touch, there were also two ballet performances with violin accompaniment—the first after guests were seated in the ballroom, just before the newlyweds made their grand entrance, and the second during dinner.
Other highlights of the day included lush architectural flower arrangements; a drummer who hyped up guests on the dance floor; signature mocktails that included an elderflower paloma drink and lavender lemonade; and a larger-than-life cake. See the details below.
Wedding Details
Photographer and videographer: Samshots
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.
Planning: Le Papiyon
Design, decor, and florals: Wedded Events
Invitations: My Lovely Store
Cake: Martina M&T Events
Hairstylist: Hair by Faneela
Makeup artist: Malia’s Makeup Artistry
Entertainment: PixieViolin (violinist); Fairfax Ballet (ballerinas); DJ Hussam; Al Baydar Dabka Group (dabke);
Rentals: Glam Party Rentals; Select Event Group; Sammy’s Rentals
Lighting, dance floor, stage, haze effect: The LightSource Company
Dance-floor wrap: Royal Arts
Drapery: Enchanted Events
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
