{Real Wedding} Lebanese American Fairytale

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No matter what your wedding style is, I think we can all agree that there’s something seductively captivating about fairytales.  The idea of fusing love stories from different lands, magical colors, table scapes that transcend reality…and a photographer who’s able to capture each moment like poetic prose.  I give you: the tale of a Lebanese-American wedding, photographed by our newest Vendor J’Adore photographer: Jennifer Hughes.

Setting: Baltimore, MD

Heroine/ Hero: Methodist American Bride – Kendall & her Lebanese Muslim Beau – Mohamad

Signature Colors: Turquoise, Teal, Chartreuse and Green.

Photographer: Jennifer Hughes

SCENE #1: Once Upon a Wedding.

Kendall’s expression, the moment she sees her “Soon-to-be-Mrs” look in the mirror is priceless.

Kendall and Mohammad’s wedding scores points on so many fronts, that I don’t even know where to start.  I’ll break it down by category, so you can have a full understanding of why I adore everything about this wedding.

Location Score: The couple chose  the Engineer’s Club, a 19th century brownstone gem located in the heart of Baltimore’s upscale historic district.  Not only do the chambers provide picturesque photo opportunities, It’s the perfect source of conversation starter ideas (such as ice-breaker questions for your guests) and design inspiration.

Scene #2: Who’s the Most Fab of them all?

…or what, for that matter.  From the stunning colors used for the bridesmaids, or the simply elegant design, there was tons of fab soda to go around.

Interfaith Challenge Score: Both the bride and groom consider themselves open and unconventional in their religious beliefs.  However, with every interfaith wedding, brides often face the challenge of planning a fusion wedding ceremony that doesn’t non offensive and yet personal.  So as a compromise, Kendall and Mohamad decided to have a nondenominational ceremony in front of over 200 guests.

“A good friend of mine became ordained online” Kendall shared, “and talked of things that ALL religions have in common — love, honesty, family and community.  We incorporated our siblings in the wedding party, and had readers from both sides of our lives to make the day all about the joining of two families.”

Scene #3: Candid Confections

Color/ Design Score: When the photographer informed me that Katie Martin was the event & floral designer, I wasn’t the least bit surprised.  Katie is the style genius behind one of my favorite reads: Eco-Beautiful Weddings, and owner of Elegance & Simplicity. Her ability to bring experience, style, and ecol-luxury to the wedding, was a no brainer.  It also helped that she hit it off perfectly with the bride.

“I love all things COLORFUL, PLAYFUL and WHIMSICAL — a little sparkle never hurt anyone, either”  Kendall said. “I wanted the wedding to have a warm, personal touch and be anything but typical or cookie cutter.  I was really lucky that Katie shares that same joy and excitement over all things whimsical.  I found her on her website, and as soon as we met, I knew that she was the PERFECT person to help me out with this wedding.  Case in point — she was wearing a teal/blue shawl (the wedding color) and started gushing about Etsy (one of my all-time favorite online sites).  I gave her the color scheme, my love of ribbons, colorful glassware ideas and we brainstormed the rest. Katie and I laughed and had a blast thinking of quirky ways to make this wedding unique without challenging sophistication. We complimented each other perfectly, and I feel like we embodied real joy and laughter in all the wedding details.”

Scene #4: Tempt Me in Turquoise

And now for the reception eye-candy.  The area many brides and event planners turn to for a little pixie dust of inspiration.

Scene #5: A Fairytale…beginning!

Intercultural Challenge Score: When asked about some of the challenges faced in planning a fusion wedding, I related 100% to several of Kendall’s responses.  In Lebanese culture (like mine – Cameroonian), typically the whole family or village is invited to the wedding, rehearsal dinner, etc.  Often times, abstaining from this tradition can be viewed as rude.  So what’s a modern bride to do?  Whether you’re on a budget, or under capacity or food restrictions from your chosen venue contract, how do you appease both families?

When it comes to planning a fusion wedding, accept that you won’t be able to please everyone.  Fact!  But you can compromise.  Here are some ways to do it:

1. Share the Tasks: Kendall and Mohamad were able to split “wedding chores” to keep the sanity sustainable.  While she took on all the DIY coordination through her fabulous list of Etsy designers (see credits below), he focused on food, music and venue coordination.

Thank you so much to the amazing Jennifer Hughes for sharing these photos. She is without a doubt, an instant “Hell Yeh” for our Vendor J’Adore Photography list. Congrats to K & M on your enchanting wedding.

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{CREDITS: Photography: Jennifer Hughes; Venue: The Engineer’s Club; Event Coordination & Floral designs by Katie Martin of Elegance and Simplicity; Decor/Lighting by Ampa Events; Linen by Table Manners; Music by MyDeeJay; Bridal Gown by James Clifford; Bride’s shoes by Nina; Bride’s Hair & Make up by Carola Myers; Bride’s crystal headband by LeletNY; Bridesmaids & Flower girl’s dresses by Jenny Yoo; Flower girl’s wings by Attitutude; Bridesmaid’s brooches from Aged and Opulent and from Vintage and Victorian; Groom’s Suit by Hugo Boss; Groom’s tie by Tie Bar; Stationery (Save the dates, card stock, escort cards, etc) by Magnolia Papier; Wedding Cake and Cupcakes by Cakes By Design; Grooms Cake by Charm City Cakes; Zaffeh Dancers from MSE Productions}