Number of attendants Seven bridesmaids, seven groomsmen, and 14 women of honor. How they met They met during orientation week of their residency training at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. The engagement Sharif proposed while hiking the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls National Park in Maryland. He did not have a ring so he fashioned one from a branch when Sayyida wasn't looking. Wedding design inspiration Islamic, Moroccan, and Afro-centric fusion What Was Unique and special about Their wedding Their wedding was heavily ethnically infused from the Nikkah (Islamic Ceremony) at the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C. to the Moroccan-themed Walima (Islamic ceremonial feast) to the Afro-centric Civil Ceremony with African drummers, tasting ceremony, and jumping the broom ceremony. Favorite details "I have a ton of very close girlfriends," Sayyida says. To honor the closest women in her life, she had 14 women of honor lining the aisle. During the ceremony, they gave words of wisdom to her and Sharif to carry into their marriage. Most unexpected event on their wedding day About 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony, Sharif's sister broke the heel of her shoe. She gracefully walked down the aisle on one "tippy toe." One thing they learned The power of words. During the wedding planning, they said they were going to get pregnant on the honeymoon. Three weeks after the wedding, they conceived daughter Amirah Reem. Piece of advice Enjoy the entire process, from planning to wedding day. "Oh, and be sure to have a coordinator – or two!" Sayyida suggests.
Ceremony and reception location Mehndi (Gramercy Mansion), Nikkah (Islamic Ceremony held at Islamic Center of Washington, D.C.) and Walima (Islamic reception held at Gramercy Mansion), Civil Ceremony (Gramercy Mansion) Flowers Michael Anthony Center Videographer Open Eye Media Wedding Dress Kenneth Pool for Amsale Bridesmaids Amsale groom and groomsmen After hours Hair Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon Cake Charm City Cakes Caterer Chef's Expressions Invitations Saima Says Design Coordinators Wedding Coordinator: Barbara Saunders-Davis of A Perfect Day; Event Coordinator: Michael Anthony of Michael Anthony Design Center Music Street Corner Symphony Jewelry Mercedes Bien vintage jewelry
