Tell us about yourselves!
Bita and Dominic’s journey together began with their blossoming friendship during the time they worked together back in 2017. They worked side by side on projects, de-stressed with yoga, and had thrilling weekends with their closest friends. With Bita's heaping curiosity and Dominic’s eager attitude, they were always up for an adventure.
The pair discovered they both had an open mind and often shared their perspectives on the human condition and modern culture. With every passing day, it became increasingly more comforting to be in each other’s presence. The appreciation Bita and Dominic had for each other’s character, grew into a love strong enough to transcend their contrasting backgrounds. With distinct lived experiences, the two found similar values and desires for their future selves. It was extraordinary to imagine how their fate could be intertwined.
Bita and Dominic’s love story maintained an aspect of destiny, with a unique attraction keeping them connected, along with sheer willpower. Through career changes, a tumultuous pandemic, new degrees, physical distance, and loss, what kept them together was the sweetest devotion. Their commitment to loving each other proved to be inspiring beyond imagination.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the only place that was in the running. Bita, an art lover, attended college at VCU in Richmond and frequented the place she knows as a true community/”third” place. She took her family and Dominic to visit multiple times. The sculpture garden and the marble hall are unmatched magical locations for the couple’s family.
How many guests did you have?
170.
Tell us about your outfits.
We wanted a timeless look with little touches of unique attributes with inspiration drawn from nature (Bita’s mismatched earrings from Completedworks- specializing in unique creations with meaning; flowers dressing hair; feathers in Dominic’s bowtie)
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
Ensuring everyone’s energy was flowing and connected, feeling the love at all moments: Tears, laughter, and a chance to break out any dance move. The space/environment, music, transitions, the details, and special notes (e.g., a personal anecdote for each table name- selected after favorite artists!) were key. Ensuring the moments were captured by our wonderful photographer Rachel Stenger Phtoto was important too!
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
Intentionality. The early vision began with a nostalgic memory from Bita: The figs in her childhood backyard in Shiraz, Iran. The colors and symbolism of the fig became the starting point of the many design choices. We sought poetry and cultural references from Persian poetry - helping with the poem choice for the ceremony.
We leaned into the art theme by choosing artists for each table and including a personal anecdote for each artist. We also included our two grandfathers who were artists for the tables our parents sat at, as a surprise. We also wanted our vendors to be as local and seasonal as possible, especially with the late summer/ early autumn flowers, with sustainability in mind. Additionally, inclusivity and ensuring there’s a chance for everyone in both sides of the family to be hosted together in a lovely space and connect was importance to brew the vibrant energy.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Start as early as possible and discuss the most important things you want out of the wedding day. Expect imperfection and come to terms with a few things not going right no matter how well you plan.
Anticipate and chat with family regarding dynamics prior to the week of events. Continue to connect with your partner further, whether that’s doing therapy or having deep conversations or prompts about your life together.
Remember to be present at all minutes of the day so you can savor as much of the beautiful yet fleeting moments as possible.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our wedding planner Elizabeth Carberry was awesome during the planning when it came to getting all our questions answered, being proactive, and making sure she understood my vision to help bring it to life.
Our florist, Rhea of Photosynthesis Floral Design, had some of the most incredible and whimsical creations, and her fresh seasonal flowers (that were placed in my hair) stayed intact for days.
Our musicians, DJ Taba and our friend Pendar Kordnavasi who played piano during the ceremony, facilitated an impeccable vibe that wouldn’t be fully executed if it wasn’t for them!
Photographer : Rachel Stenger Phtoto @rachelstengerphoto | Ceremony + Reception Location :
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) @vmfamuseum | Celebrant : Kyle Yantis (Friend of couple)
Entertainment : DJ Taba + Pendar Kordnavasi @pendar.kordnavasi | Planner : Elizabeth Carberry
@elizabethcarberry_weddings | Flora: Photosynthesis Floral Design @photosynthesisflorals | Makeup :
Beauty by Jahara Jannae @beautybyjaharajennae | Hair : Ashley Sanchez Beauty @ashleysanchez_beauty | Cake : JC Desserts LLC @jc__desserts | Stationery : Tied + Two @tiedandtwoweddings | Suit : Suit Supply @suitsupply | Dress : Carine’s Bridal @carinesbridal
Engagement + Wedding Rings: Aspen Jewlery Design @aspenjewelrydesigns | Dominic's Shoes :
To Boot New York @tobootnewyork | Bita's Shoes : Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo | Groom, Best Man and Father of the Groom Watche : Tissot | Bride's Jewellery : Completedworks @completedworks
Wedding Party Attire : Bloomingdales, Revelry, and Azazie
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