Extravagant Celebration: Alethia & Wadeed’s Wedding at the Ritz Carlton Tysons

Alethia and Wadeed’s wedding day at the Ritz Carlton Tysons can only be described as a romantic, extravagant, and deeply personal celebration of love, culture, and timeless elegance. This luxurious affair seamlessly blended classic beauty with modern sophistication, set against the stunning backdrop of the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner.

One Love, Many Roots: A Wedding Woven with Heritage

Alethia and Wadeed first met in the summer of 2018 at Camp St. Nicholas, but their true journey began years later. After multiple cross-country trips, they finally shared their feelings in 2022 — choosing to begin a lifelong journey built on love, history, and intention. What made their wedding truly extraordinary was the incorporation of their rich cultural heritage. Drawing from the vibrant traditions of Spain, Mexico, and Jordan, their story was symbolized by a single Talavera tile — a beautiful piece of art weaving together three cultures into one narrative: One heritage, One future.

The Ceremony: Rooted in Romance & Cultural Traditions

The day started with a joyful procession of the groom from his house, including dancing and music, a Middle Eastern tradition called Zefeh — a vibrant celebration of the groom featuring music and dancing.

Held at the breathtaking Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Alethia and Wadeed’s ceremony was a moving blend of joy and deep tradition. Soft light streaming through stained glass windows, the sanctuary felt timeless—an ethereal setting for a day rooted in centuries-old customs. The couple exchanged vows in a traditional Orthodox ceremony, featuring the crowning ritual, where delicate golden crowns (stefana) were placed on their heads and joined by a ribbon, symbolizing unity and the presence of Christ in their marriage. The ceremonial walk around the altar, known as the Dance of Isaiah, marked their first steps together as husband and wife, guided by faith, love, and community.

As they exited the cathedral, the celebration continued in a joyful burst of color and light—guests lining the steps waved ribbon wands while bubble machines filled the air with shimmering orbs, creating a dreamlike farewell for the newlyweds.

The Reception: Romance & Opulence at the Ritz Carlton Tysons

The wedding reception at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner was a masterclass in elevated sophistication. The couple chose the Ritz for its opulent architecture, grand chandeliers, and luxe finishes — the perfect setting to bring their vision of a romantic and extravagant ballroom affair to life.

The room glowed with candlelight, from hanging candles around the dance floor to golden accents spread throughout. The floral design was lush and garden-inspired, blending soft, romantic blooms with moody tones, rich seasonal fruits like grapes and figs, and organic textures. This created an effortless yet elevated aesthetic — timeless and fresh.

The sweetheart table stood as a breathtaking focal point of the reception, elevated on a raised platform and framed by an ethereal white draped backdrop. Two towering floral columns flanked the couple, overflowing with blooms and greenery, creating a lush, romantic frame. At the center, a graceful half-moon table was dressed in a delicate burgundy lace overlay atop a classic white base, adding rich texture and elegance. Cascading floral arrangements fully encircled the table, enveloping it in vibrant, fresh beauty. Gold candleholders with burgundy taper candles cast a warm, romantic glow, completing the dreamy, intimate setting for the newlyweds.

The Feeling: Romantic, Timeless, and Truly Personal

The earthy color palette—muted purples, rich burgundy, deep greens, and touches of gold—set the tone for a warm, sophisticated atmosphere rooted in love and heritage. Tablescapes were thoughtfully styled with a mix of low and elevated floral centerpieces, accented by fresh fruits that added depth, texture, and vibrant color. The result was a setting that felt both luxurious and meaningful—a seamless blend of romance, culture, and timeless elegance.

Every corner of the Ritz Carlton Tysons ballroom was infused with thoughtful, personalized touches. Guests found their seats via a custom seating chart on large gold mirrors featuring Mexican tiles unique favors. Custom cocktail napkins shared fun facts about the couple, while table numbers showcased photos of the couple at the same age. The bar featured personalized signs with their initials—matching the elegant monogram on the dance floor. A heartfelt memorial table honored loved ones, and a beautifully curated family history table celebrated the generations that came before. Later in the evening, guests were treated to a late-night snack featuring the couple’s very first shared comfort food—adding a sweet, nostalgic touch to an already unforgettable night.

Behind the Scenes: A Planner’s Perspective on a Ritz Carlton Wedding

As Alethia and Wadeed’s full-service wedding planner, we had the honor of guiding them through every step of their planning journey — from the very first wedding checklist to the final dance of the evening. We began by creating a customized planning timeline and realistic budget, ensuring the entire process was seamless and stress-free. With their romantic, elegant vision in mind, we curated a trusted vendor team, provided hands-on design direction, and brought their dream celebration to life through intentional, elevated styling.

Our personalized Bride Concierge Service allowed Alethia to move through her wedding day with ease, confidence, and complete presence. From managing the bridal suite schedule to assisting with wardrobe changes, beauty touch-ups, and calm, quiet moments, every detail was handled with care, grace, and discretion.

Our full wedding design service was thoughtfully curated to reflect Alethia and Wadeed’s unique love story and cultural heritage. From selecting their refined color palette and ceremony inspiration to designing every visual moment — including the cocktail hour, reception layout, sweetheart table, dance floor, and custom stationery — each detail was layered with intention. We also guided them through floral and centerpiece concepts, signage, guest place cards, cake design, and even transportation to create a cohesive, elevated guest experience from start to finish.

The result was a celebration that felt as personal as it was breathtaking — extravagant in style, deeply rooted in meaning, and entirely their own.

“It’s better than we ever imagined — and we imagined so many times.”
— Alethia & Wadeed

Alethia and Wadeed, thank you for trusting us to be part of your extraordinary journey. It was an absolute privilege to witness and help bring to life a celebration that is as meaningful and beautiful as your love. Your story, your heritage, and your vision inspired us every step of the way. 

Photos by: Jennifer Nolan Photography, Jennifer is a wedding photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Professional Partners:
Venue and caterer: Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner | Church: St. Sophia Cathedral | Wedding Planning and Design: V&V Weddings | Photographer: Jennifer Nolan Photography | Videographer: Chasing light Productions | Hair & Makeup: Evine Beaute | Florist: The Rosy Posy | DJ & Photo Booth: DJ Hussam
Pianist: Atoka String Quartet | Seating Chart: Leah Letters  | Rental: Select Event Group
Stage Facade: Curated Events I Draping: Artistic Concepts Group
Transportation: Point to Point Limo 

Ready to plan your own unforgettable celebration?

If you’re dreaming of a Ritz-Carlton wedding that feels elegant, personal, and completely effortless, I’d love to bring your vision to life. I’ve had the joy of planning celebrations in this stunning setting and know how to make the most of its sophisticated spaces—from the grand ballrooms to the intimate spaces. My approach is warm and collaborative, focused on designing an experience that feels entirely your own while reflecting the timeless luxury The Ritz-Carlton is known for. I’d love to hear your story and start creating something truly unforgettable together—Contact us to create a wedding that’s as unique and beautiful as your love story or send us an email at hola@VVweddingplanning.com.