This Wedding at The Wharf Fused
Indian and Palestinian Traditions
Maya + Rami
Ambre Nuit
BY ANNA SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ANNA SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY
Ambre Nuit
PHOTOGRAPHY & FLATLAY DESIGN / Ambre Nuit by Anna Schmidt Photography
PLANNING & EVENT DESIGN / Christine Godsey - CG&Co Events VENUE FOR HALDI, MEHNDI, & SHAHRA / Bull Run Golf Club VENUE FOR SHAADI, COCKTAIL HOUR, & RECEPTION / IHG Wharf CATERING / Moghul Catering FLORALS / Sophie Felts Floral Design HAIR & MAKEUP / Makeup by Ana B CINEMATOGRAPHY / Love in Color - Julian Spessard DABKE DANCERS / Faris El-Layl Dabke PUNJAB DANCERS / Mehfil Mitraan Di - MMD Bhangra Dancers DJ / DJ Shilpa CAKE / Classic Bakery RENTALS / Something Vintage OFFICIANT / Ranjan Ravaliya HENNA / Bhavna's Henna - Bhavna Naik SARI DRAPING/PINNING / Khadija Chaudhry LIGHTING / Dan Goldman Events DRAPES / Fabrication Events PHOTO TEAM / Oscar Navarre, Danielle Lawrance
Cosmopolitan. Colorful. Luxurious.
A stunning multicultural celebration unfolds in a grand, modern ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of Washington, D.C.’s waterfront. As the sun sets, the city’s glittering skyline bathes the space in golden light, complemented by soft ambient hues of amber, gold, and blush, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere. The décor is a seamless fusion of vibrant Indian opulence and the earthy elegance of Palestinian traditions. Rich jewel tones—ruby, gold, citrine, amethyst, and pink sapphire — are artfully balanced with softer accents of ivory, champagne, and blush. At the center of it all, a striking mandap adorned with intricate, colorful florals stands as a breathtaking focal point. Guests honor the couple’s heritage in attire that reflects their cultures: flowing sarees, embroidered lehengas, and regal sherwanis alongside traditional Palestinian thobes and abayas adorned with delicate embroidery. The bride embodies timeless beauty in a couture, bejeweled saree, while the groom cuts a striking figure in a tailored suit with global flair. Together, they are the epitome of modern royalty — an exquisite balance of tradition and innovation. A thoughtfully curated menu takes guests on a culinary adventure, infusing the bold flavors of India and beyond. As the night unfolds, the dance floor comes alive with a mesmerizing blend of traditional live performances and modern international hits, ensuring an unforgettable celebration.
about the Wedding
For their wedding weekend, they chose a setting as timeless as their love. Nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Bull Run Golf Club provided a picturesque indoor-outdoor space for their first day of celebrations. The Haldi ceremony honored Maya’s Indian heritage, with golden turmeric rituals symbolizing prosperity and joy. As the festivities continued, the tented Mehndi party transformed into a vibrant fusion of cultures, complete with Palestinian basket dance and the rhythmic energy of Shahra, celebrating Rami’s roots.
Maya and Rami’s love story was forged through three years of law school and strengthened by the challenges of a global pandemic. After crossing the stage and graduating together in Virginia, Rami planned a breathtaking surprise: a proposal at San Francisco’s iconic Palace of Fine Arts. Beneath the grandeur of its Greco-Roman rotunda and beside its tranquil lagoon, a string duo played “Can’t Help Falling in Love”—the perfect soundtrack to their next chapter.
For their shaadi ceremony, cocktail hour, and spectacular multicultural reception, Maya and Rami enlisted the expertise of Christine Godsey (CG&Co Events) to orchestrate an unforgettable experience at IHG Wharf, overlooking the Potomac. Their vision was brought to life by the talented Sophie Felts Floral Design , whose artistry shaped an extravagant floral mandap and lush, organic arrangements that embraced bold summer hues with an air of sophisticated whimsy.
The couple’s grand celebration was a feast for the senses, featuring Palestinian Dabke and Punjabi Bhangra dancers, bespoke henna designs, exquisite international cuisine, and four distinct bridal fashion moments. The evening culminated in a dramatic sabre cake-cutting finale — a perfect conclusion to a wedding that was as regal as it was deeply personal.
Scroll to see the breathtaking images from this extraordinary wedding weekend.
“Anna and her team made everyone feel so comfortable and navigated all the chaos of our Indian fusion wedding seamlessly."
Having Anna and her team capture our wedding weekend was one of the best decisions we made! Our photos are stunning!
- maya, bride
