Meron + Negash’s Modern Golf Club Wedding in Virginia Featured a Surprise Rainbow and Vibrant Ethiopian Culture

Meron and Negash’s two-day wedding in Northern Virginia had a mix of traditional Ethiopian culture and fun modern details that made this exciting golf club wedding an unforgettable way to celebrate their love story.

The pair were in elementary school when they first met but their love story began when they were reunited in 2019. Their relationship blossomed and led to a gorgeous rose-filled surprise proposal at the Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital where Meron thought she was just attending a gender reveal celebration. I was thinking “Oh wow, they are making this whole reveal extra special,” she shared.

On May 11, 2024, Negash and Meron exchanged vows in front of family and friends in a multi-day ceremony that honored their Ethiopian heritage at the luxurious and intimate setting of the clubhouse at Westfields Golf Club.

With the assistance of Bmore Fabulous Designs, the couple created a memorable wedding and reception atmosphere that exuded the unique and vibrant energy of the couple. For their first ceremony, the bride wore a sexy figure-hugging mermaid gown with embellished lace applique and a deep V neckline. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were all coordinated in a bright shade of blue.

The reception was designed to further honor the couple along with their rich Ethiopian community and customs. The Melse featured dancing, traditional attire, gifts, and blessings for the newly married couple.

For more details from this vibrant Ethiopian wedding, keep scrolling through the gallery below!

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• Couple: Meron Seife & Negash Said
• Occupations: Pharmaceutical Operations Service Coordinator & Correctional Officer
• Wedding date: May 11, 2024
• Wedding location: Westfields Golf Club in Clifton, VA

Quick Facts:

• Gifts for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: We both gave our tribe gift bags and boxes of fun and useful things.
• Gifts for one another: We opted to write each other love notes instead and read them after we got dressed for our big day.
• Ceremony entrance song: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
• First dance song: “Real Thing” by Pink Sweat$ ft. Tori Kelly.

Day 1: Traditional Wedding

How did you meet?

We have known each other since we were in grade school and our families know each other. The first time we saw each other in person, we were kids and did not reconnect until December 2019.

To get ready Meron chose a white satin bridal robe with feather-accented sleeves to add a bit of classic luxury and to start her day.

The proposal…

Negash said we were going to his friend’s gender reveal party and that we needed to dress up because this was a fancy couple and a fancy occasion. We pulled up to Washington National Cathedral and while walking up the steps I saw white rose petals sprinkled on the steps and walkway. I was thinking “Oh wow, they are making this whole reveal extra special.”

We got to the top of the steps, and I saw his cousin hiding like a ninja with his camera. I was instantly confused until I saw more white roses, bouquets of them on another set of stairs, and I realized what was really happening!

I turned to Negash with the biggest smile on my face! He took my hand and walked me over to the roses. He told me how much he loved me and couldn’t see a future without me. Then he got on one knee and asked for my hand.

“I couldn’t stop smiling and of course, I said YES!” – Meron

We embraced in a kiss and hug. His cousin began to direct us to take more pictures and all of a sudden I saw my two best friends and his other cousin (who is one of his best friends) come out of hiding. I was beyond surprised! I was overjoyed and blessed that I could also share such a sweet and intimate moment with the closest people in my life.

The bride’s shopping experience…

I went to three different bridal shops. At the last store, I found my dress, and it was the very last one I tried on. I wasn’t expecting to find THE dress at the last store. I simply wanted to be matched with a great stylist, and I realized, that is the secret. My stylist was such an amazing and wonderful human being. We connected well! She listened to what I liked and needed. She was patient with me. Toward the end of our session, she asked me if I was willing to try on a style I told her I did not want. I initially said I didn’t want too much beading, but she told me it was her favorite dress in the store and that it would look amazing on me. So I said ‘Sure, why not?’. I was enjoying trying on all the dresses.

“When I put it on, it was instant! Before I left the dressing room to show my friends, I knew this was it!” – Meron

It was the only dress I kept looking at myself and kept touching the fabric. I loved it! She was right! I walked out and my friends had tears in their eyes! I call my dress the “Bianca”, after my stylist.

Negash knew he wanted to get his suit custom-made and did so. He went shopping with his cousins and had a fun time at the store. He looked so sharp in his tuxedo!

Getting ready with Negash…

The couple wrote each other heartfelt letters before the ceremony.

The couple’s first look…

The Ceremony…

What are your favorite wedding day memories?

After the ceremony, there was a massive and really bright rainbow right behind the venue. This rainbow looked so close to us! I knew that was a little something extra from God for us. All the guests came back outside to take pictures. As did we.

Day 2: Ethiopian Cultural Wedding

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?

In Ethiopian culture, we have a reception that is called a “Melse” and is usually hosted by the parents or family of either the bride or groom. The bride, Groom, wedding party and guests are all in traditional Ethiopian attire. We have dancing and singing and of course lots of delicious food.

What advice would you give to other engaged couples?

Keep your boundaries strong! There’s always someone who wants to make the wedding about themselves and not you. Really focus on what you want and how you want to feel on the day. Take plenty of wedding planning breaks! And most of all, keep your eye on the true prize, which is your marriage. The wedding is just one day (or two if you have more than one reception). Marriage over wedding.

Looking for more vibrant Ethiopian culture and wedding inspiration?

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Vendors:

• Venue: Westfields Golf Club
• Photographer | Videographer: Paul Cole Weddings
• Decor: Bmore Fabulous Designs
• Wedding dress: RK Bridal New York
• Makeup: New Era Faces
• Hair: Hair by Micdiva
• Lashes: Madeup by Raben
• Grooms suit: Indochino
• Photo Booth: Party Favor Photo
• DJ: Dope Sound and Consulting LLC
• Transportation: NSP Group LLC