Lebanese Archives - Deb Lindsey Photography

It is not an exaggeration to say that Hiba + Matt’s Mandarin Oriental summer wedding in DC was a nonstop day of emotion, laughs and so many surprises! They were determined to give their guests an event they wouldn’t forget.

The Mandarin Oriental ballroom was transformed beautifully and guests sat at their tables to watch the ceremony unfold on a stage surrounded by flowers. The elegant pops of red were just the right touch. Officiated by family, the ceremony was lighthearted and funny. And then, the party!! The wedding party was escorted back into the ballroom by Lebanese drummers as a nod to the bride’s heritage. Yes, they did the traditional first dance but that was after two of the groomsmen “kidnapped” the bride but were foiled when Matt burst into the ballroom accompanied by the “Mission Impossible” theme. From that point on the dance floor was packed–led by the bride and groom who were terrific dancers. The final surprise came during the cake cutting. Did I mention it was a 7-foot cake by Buttercream Bakeshop?? Cut with a sword. And with confetti cannons firing? Or the bride and groom simultaneously tossing a bouquet and a football with a garter on it? Like I said, non-stop action and so many fun things to photograph.

With so many moving parts it’s critical that an extraordinary planner be the one behind the scenes. Kudos to Sara Bauleke at Belle Notte for making it all happen without a hitch.

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Event coordinator Sara Bauleke – Bella Notte 703-979-5887

Site coordinator Katie Jones – Mandarin Oriental 202-787 6125

Florist Jill Medawar – Toulies En Fleur – 703-868-5939

Hair Michael Awad from Toka Salon 202-333-5133

Makeup Nour Kazoun – info@nourkazoun.com

DJ NYX Entertainment – DJ Howie – 301-984-0500

Cake Buttercream Bakeshop – 202 -735-0102

Videographer Suburban Video – Chris Lucarelli 301-315-6300

Memorial Day Saturday started for me with a welcome reception at El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan for Francesca + Joey’s (aka Froey) wedding weekend. It was nice to be back at a restaurant I used to frequent when I lived in the neighborhood a million years ago. Warm speeches from a steady stream of friends and family let me know that I’d be in for a great party the next day. Sunday was another gorgeous sunny day which gave us the perfect backdrop for all of our outdoor photos before the ceremony & reception at the Corcoran Gallery. One of my favorite moments early the in the day was the first look. Francesca came up behind Joey, carrying her phone that was playing her favorite Justin Timberlake song and the two of them were laughing by the time they turned to see each other. And really, is there a more beautiful setting than the steps of the Corcoran for portraits? We did scoot next door to the Red Cross HQ for a few shots in the sun and then it was off to the ceremony. As expected, their vows were funny and sweet and paid tribute to both Francesca’s Lebanese heritage as well as Joey’s Jewish background. That carried over to the reception where they did the Hora and then segued into Lebanese dancing that culminated with Francesca being lifted up above the crowd. A word about the absolutely gorgeous room…I know, I’m using that word a lot in this post but it just seems necessary. The gallery is stunning on it’s own but the transformation of the room with a mirrored head table, large high flower arrangements and seriously cool textured hot pink and gold linens made for a truly breathtaking room. Kudos to Anne at Atrendy Wedding for pulling it all together so beautifully.

Wedding Planner Anne Kelley Atrendy Wedding 703.932.2185