Tell us a little about yourselves!
Ahmed and I met during high school in Cairo, Egypt, over 8 years ago! Since we were still so young when we started dating, our interests developed and grew together, eventually leading us to share a passion for film and, eventually, filmmaking. We’re now a writing and directing duo based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and own an independent production company, Studio Ragheb.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
We got married in my mother and step-father’s apartment in Washington, D.C., only a few blocks away from the house I grew up in, where Ahmed and I spent so much of our early relationship. We’ve both always been homebodies, so having a small wedding in a family home was so perfect for us.
How many guests did you have?
8.
Tell us about your outfits.
One of the most special aspects of the wedding was that my mother made my dress. She created the most elegant bias-cut silk slip dress with a hand-strung pearl halter strap, clasped at the back with a pendant from one of her own necklaces.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
When it came to choosing an officiant, we decided to self-officiate the wedding, which for us seemed like the most natural thing to do. As artists who work as a duo, we felt this should be no different!
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
Because we had a scaled-back wedding, having a great photographer to document it for those who weren’t present was crucial. Caitlin from Coral Dove Photography did such an unbelievable job. Her photos – especially her use of analog film – are breathtaking! Everyone was so blown away with her work.
Any tips for couples getting married, particularly during the pandemic?
If you’re like us and aren’t fans of big events, just go for it. Something we’ve definitely learned from the pandemic is that if you’re given the opportunity to do something, don’t put it off!
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our wedding rings are from Azza Fahmy, an Egyptian jewelry designer whose work is incomparable. Her designs are so unique and jam-packed with meaning and symbolism – and with such excellent
craftsmanship! If you aren’t already familiar with her jewelry, you have to check it out.
Photographer : Coral Dove Photography @coral.dove | Ceremony Location : Lily’s parents’ apartment in Cleveland Park, DC | Reception Location : Fig + Olive, DC @figandolive | Flora : Potomac Floral Wholesale @potomacfloralwholesale | Cake : Cakes by Lala @cakesbylalae | Lily's Dress : Made by her mother | Ahmed's Outfit : Gucci suit @gucci , Hugo Boss tie @boss, Suit Supply shirt @suitsupply | Wedding Rings : Azza Fahmy @azzafahmy | Lily's Shoes : Badgley Mischka @badgleymischka | Ahmed's Shoes : Johnston + Murphy @johnstonmurphy