Manal and Hussam were married on a beautiful summer day in Northern Virginia. Their wedding was full of classic elegance and unique and joyful Palestinian/Lebanese wedding traditions!
Manal got ready for the day at her parents’ home with help from her mom, sister and bridesmaids.
At the start of the day, before the wedding ceremony, friends and family gathered at the bride and groom’s home to offer well wishes and congratulations. These four adorable flower girls were super excited about wearing their fancy dresses!
Manal and Hussam walked down the aisle together at the Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church carrying candles. During the ceremony crowns were placed on their heads and they walked together in three circles.
Married!
After the ceremony, everyone headed to the reception at the Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
Manal’s bridesmaids wore soft green and her sister, her maid of honor, wore a lovely blush pink dress.
Manal shares, “Sam proposed to me on my birthday at the Georgetown waterfront. It was special to me because our family and friends where there holding “Will you marry me?” posters. Having their support means the world.”
As the couple entered the reception, it was time for a special tradition called a zaffe. It was amazing! A band played drums and everyone cheered. There was so much celebration and excitement!
Manal describes her wedding style as fairy tale classic, “I’ve always dreamed of arriving on a horse-drawn carriage. Also the love bird theme was special because Sam’s mother nicknamed us “love birds.” We had the love bird cocktail napkins, love bird salt & pepper favors, and the love bird on the water goblets.”
The celebration went on all night long!
Manal’s sister, Maya, gave a really sweet toast, sharing stories that made the bride tear up and also gave her a good laugh!
Another really beautiful Palestinian wedding tradition is the candle dance. A procession of women led by the bride enter the reception carrying candles. They walk to the dance floor and the bride takes turns sharing the candle dance, symbolizing a spiritual light, with the women who love and support her.
Congratulations Manal and Hussam!
For more photos check out the slideshow:
Ceremony: Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church
Reception: Hilton Mark Center, Alexandria, VA
Florist: Maryam flowers
Makeup: Creative Images
Hair: Coiffure Nada
Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson
Cake: Fancy Cakes by Leslie
Photography: Jessica Schmitt and Eric Swartz
