Bride and groom
Meli Jozi, a student, originally from Rockville; and Patrick Soleymani, also a student. The couple currently lives in Baltimore.
The wedding
July 1. The ceremony and reception was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown.
How they met
The couple was introduced by a mutual friend in Washington, D.C.
The proposal
While in San Diego visiting Meli's aunt, the couple had dinner at Hotel del Coronodo. After an evening of great food, wine and view of the water, Patrick proposed once dessert was brought out. "We didn't get to eat the delicious chocolate chipotle ice cream, as it melted while Patrick was proposing, but I ended up having something far more sweet," Meli said.
What she loves most about him
“I love his passion for live as he drives me to reach my potential. He is with me and by me in everything I wish to achieve. Also, I love how we are the best of friends. He understand my dry sense of humor and sarcasm in a way no one else does."
What he loves most about her
“I love her independence and strong will to persevere over any and all obstacles and her ability to always be positive in the face of distress! Also, she is more than a soul mate as we are the closest of friends and confide in each other on a daily basis."
Wedding theme
Mixture of sleek modern and traditional
Number of guests
Approximately 130
What made it special
"For us having all our friends and relatives all in one place for our special day was priceless. I had my aunt, uncles, cousins all coming to D.C. staying with us for the entire weekend and Patrick as well had his aunts and old family friends visiting us for that weekend. We don't get to see each other as often, so catching up with everyone like that and having a great time with all of them was fantastic. Everyone who joined us for the wedding truly in some ways had an impact on both our lives and we adore and love all of them."
First Dance
"Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce
Favors
"I had picked out adorable round shaped porcelain jewelry boxes with bouquet of flowers on top to give out as favors to our guests. But I guess it wasn't fate because everything went wrong when it came down to favors on the day. I found out the next day that unfortunately, our guests weren't able to get them so instead I am planning on shipping them out individually to our guest on our first year anniversary this up coming July. Maybe I'll start a trend!"
Gown
Ceremony dress: Ian Stuart; reception dress: Monique Lhuillier
Photographer
Michael Kress Photography
Honeymoon
Hawaii
The Details
Wedding planner was Patrice Golesorkhi, Exclusively Events; flowers, by Alison De Wit, Distinctive Floral Designs; hair and makeup, by Leiloni Cooper; reception music, by NYX Entertainment; videographer, by Thomas Bowen Films; lighting, by Swank Audio Visual; men's formal wear, by Calvin Klein; cake, by Four Seasons Hotel.
