Ellen, a dentist from Zimbabwe, and Ameet, an IT Engineer from Clifton, Virginia, met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in DC. For their first date, they had dinner in Georgetown, then danced the summer night away. Five years later, Ameet surprised Ellen with a proposal at his place in Arlington, followed by a small dinner party with close friends at RPM Italian to celebrate.
For their June wedding, they say they wanted a classic, elegant wedding with symbolic traditions, cultural celebration, family, and community. Ultimately they say the celebration included more than a week of activities and five events including as much as they could from each of their Eritrean and Punjabi cultures, including traditional attire and a gourmet fusion menu.
Ellen’s favorite details were their vow exchange and sand ceremony, which she says captured the essence of their love in a personal way; Ameet says his favorite parts were the inclusion of Sikh and Eritrean traditions. “Sikhs and Eritreans are warriors with common values of justice, community, and commitment to freedom and sovereignty,” he says. “Ellen and I come from cultures surrounded by history and significance. We are blessed to carry them forward.”
Wedding favors included 360-video and photo booth photos for guests, plus traditional Punjabi sweets, care packages, and more.
After the wedding, the newlyweds honeymoon in Bali. See the photos from their big day below.
Photographer: Nat Wongsaroj Photography
Venue: The River View at Occoquan and The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
Planning and coordination: SW Events
Decorator: Liz Decorations, Sarah Khan Event Styling, ADY Special Events and Rentals
Draping: Drape Kings
Invitations: Parekh Cards; Zola
Caterer: Bollywood Bistro, IndAroma, Dama Restaurant & Cafe
Cake: Sage Cakery
Hairstylist: Tress Art by Serena
Makeup artist: Tiazia Coleman and Blush by Makki
Groom’s attire: Brian Alexander Bespoke
Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux
Bridesmaids attire: David’s Bridal
Music: Dynasty AVE (DJ); Rock Creek Strings (string quartet); Dholi Jaskirat Saini (dhol player); Aron Kibreab Hizbai (Eritrean reception band)
Rentals: Sammy’s Rentals and Select Event Group
Transportation: Harmon’s Carriages (horse and carriage)
Videographer: Paperboys
Floor wrap: Shout!
Lighting and Production: Dynasty AVE
Photo booth: DMV Captures 360
Seating chart: Signature Designs
Bhangra team: DC Metro Punjabi Academy
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
