How did you get engaged?
We took a trip in July 2018 with a group of friends to Napa and Sonoma Valley. I had planned the entire trip with my friend, so we started off the day of July 26 just as we had planned. We went to some wineries and made additional stops around the area that we had not planned before, unbeknownst to me, everyone was stalling. Around 5 p.m. we finally made it to the beautiful Castillo de Amorosa winery. After the wine tasting, we began doing a tour of the grounds when Sherif turned around and got down on one knee. It was a complete surprise and a perfect moment!
Details of the day!
The vision for our wedding was classy with lots of flowers. We used white, blush and gold. The bridesmaids wore blush, the chuppah and centerpieces were made of white and pink flowers. The cake matched the theme by encompassing the white, blush and gold theme. Since we’ve known each other since 8th grade we had our childhood pictures set up when people entered the reception. I wanted to do something different for the guestbook so we did a fingerprint guestbook that now hangs in our house. I also wanted something different for the seating chart, so our florist created a flower arch that matched the chuppah and the place cards hung from the arch.
Why did you choose your venue?
We loved the idea of having elements of our day outside and the reception inside. The view of the lake behind the ceremony was breathtaking and once we saw it we knew we had to get married there.
What was on your menu
We had an entire choice of chateaubriand, salmon, chicken or a vegetarian option. For dessert we had chocolate fudge floating Viennese displays or out wedding cake which was French cream and raspberry filling.
All about your gown!
I bought my dress at The White Gown in NYC. It’s a Pronovias from the Atelier Runis 2018 collection. My dress was an incredible form-fitting mermaid style with a plunging sweetheart neckline and crystal tulle. It also had an open back and featured embroidered tulle and sparkly beading. The dress was almost magical, it was truly exquisite.
What was your favorite moment?
The entire day was magical but the best part was having all of our family and friends in one place. There was so much love the entire day and it was everything we could have dreamed of.
One detail you couldn’t live without?
I wanted to surprise everyone with a first dance, so we took a number of lessons beforehand to make sure the dance was perfect.
Did anything go wrong?
Nope! All our vendors were great and helped us keep track of time.
First dance song?
“Back At One” by Brian McKnight with a custom edit created by our DJ.
Any advice for future brides?
Make the day what you want it to be. If you have a vision, go after it but don’t lose focus that the day is about marrying the love of your life.
Honeymoon Location
Cape Town and Mauritius for two weeks.