Willard InterContinental DC

Maryam & Reed

PHOTOGRAPHY & FLATLAY DESIGN — Anna Schmidt Photography
FLORALS — Ultimate Floral Designs
GOWN — Reem Acra (Flock of Angels, Prophet Collection)
GOWN STORE — Carine's Bridal
BRIDAL SHOES — Acquazurra Love Me Pumps
PRE-WEDDING PORTRAIT SHOES — Christian Louboutin So Kate
CUSTOM TUXEDO & SUIT— Tom James Clothing

PLANNING, SOFREH, & EVENT DESIGN — Poopak Golesorkhi (Exclusively Events by PG)
VENUE & CATERING — Willard InterContinental DC (Michael Deltette and team)
CINEMATOGRAPHY — Paperboys
MAKEUP & BROW — Azin Farshadfar (Muse Studios)
HAIR — Devon Baltimore (Up Do Specialist)
ENTERTAINMENT — DJTaba and Violinist Celeste Vee
PHOTO TEAM — Oscar Navarre, Danielle Lawrance, Gerar Santos

Inside MARYAM AND REED's CLASSIC Gold AND White Persian Fusion Wedding at The Willard in DC

Maryam and Reed celebrated their love in Washington DC at the historically prestigious Willard InterContinental Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps away from the White House and the Capitol. Their timeless gold and white Persian fusion wedding — masterfully coordinated and designed by Poopak Patrice Golesorkhi — was full of iconic beauty, modern sophistication, and layers of meaningful Iranian traditions and cultural elements woven throughout the day from the Aghd (ceremony) to the Jashn e aroosi (grand reception).

Set against Washington, DC’s urban political landscape, the glamorous black tie celebration included an intimate first look on the hotel’s majestic staircase followed by bridal portraits showcasing Maryam's stunning Reem Acra Flock of Angels gown and playful crystal encrusted heels. The couple's multicultural ceremony featured a traditional Sofreh Aghd, an elaborate Persian wedding table spread decorated with meaningful elements that celebrate and bless the couple's union. With glimmering white crystals, soft candlelight, and fine gold and silver detailing, the couple's distinct sofreh designed by Exclusively Events was as exquisite as it was touching. The Ayeeneh (mirror) sat prominently at the head of the table for Maryam and Reed to gaze into, reflecting on their future together. To symbolize the sweetness of their union the couple fed each other asal (honey) from the table, and married family members showered them with sugar through the Torreh ghand (cloth) to pass along sweet blessings. In addition to other traditional sofreh elements like the Qur'an, Tokhmeh Morgh (decorative eggs), and Soozan Nakh (needle and thread), the sofreh's unique design also included a beautiful heartfelt tribute to Maryam’s late father. 

After a spirited ceremony, the newlyweds hosted an al fresco cocktail hour for their guests featuring signature cocktails and contemporary canapés that The Willard’s culinary team made with locally sourced and environmentally sustainable ingredients. The night ended in style with an unforgettable lavish reception filled with merriment and laughter, including a lighthearted Persian knife dance (Ragsheh Chagoo) and cake cutting.

Scroll to see images from this magnificent event.

CREATIVE TEAM: 

PHOTOGRAPHY & FLATLAY DESIGN — Anna Schmidt Photography
FLORALS — Ultimate Floral Designs
GOWN — Reem Acra (Flock of Angels, Prophet Collection)
GOWN STORE — Carine's Bridal
BRIDAL SHOES — Acquazurra Love Me Pumps
PRE-WEDDING PORTRAIT SHOES — Christian Louboutin So Kate
CUSTOM TUXEDO & SUIT— Tom James Clothing

PLANNING, SOFREH, & EVENT DESIGN — Poopak Golesorkhi (Exclusively Events by PG)
VENUE & CATERING — Willard InterContinental DC (Michael Deltette and team)
CINEMATOGRAPHY — Paperboys
MAKEUP & BROW — Azin Farshadfar (Muse Studios)
HAIR — Devon Baltimore (Up Do Specialist)
ENTERTAINMENT — DJTaba and Violinist Celeste Vee
PHOTO TEAM — Oscar Navarre, Danielle Lawrance, Gerar Santos