Virginia Weddings features weddings weekly on the blog. Being featured on the blog does not necessarily mean being featured in the print magazine.
Bride: Ellie Balakhanlou, 36, Physician
Groom: Kevan Moniri, 41, Executive
Date: October 26, 2024
LOCATION: Outlook at Saddle Ridge, Chesterfield, Virginia
Number of Guests: 215
Kevan and Ellie met on a dating app. They soon made plans to meet at a local restaurant for drinks and stayed for tapas; the rest is history!
PROPOSAL
In the spring of 2024, Kevan proposed to Ellie at Aspen Snowmass in Colorado while they were enjoying a skiing session. They paused to capture some photos, and he surprised Ellie with a ring. She immediately said, “Yes.”
As a token of his affection, Kevan gave Ellie a vintage-inspired engagement ring featuring a prong-set and an old European-cut center diamond. Three bead-set, old European-cut diamonds flanked the center stone on either side.
VENUE
Kevan and Ellie married at Outlook at Saddle Ridge in Chesterfield, Virginia, a venue combining rustic charm with modern elegance. They appreciated the indoor and outdoor options, utilizing the horse pasture for their ceremony and wedding photos, while holding the reception in a ballroom with a spacious dance floor. Their color scheme included ivory, dusty rose, mauve and gold accents.
ATTIRE
Ellie got ready in the spacious bridal suite of the venue, which was equipped with several mirrors for hair and makeup. She purchased her wedding gown at The Bridal Room in McLean, Virginia. The gown, designed by Essence of Australia, was a strapless fit-and-flare style featuring a sweetheart neckline and a corset back. It showcased vintage-style lace patterns with beaded details that added a touch of shimmer. One of Ellie’s favorite elements of the dress was the train, adorned with beautiful lace details and fabric-covered buttons that extended to its end.
Ellie’s necklace, a gift from her grandmother, boasted a vintage Middle Eastern design characterized by flowing leaf and ribbon-like motifs on both sides.
For her fragrance, the bride chose Daisy by Marc Jacobs.
On her feet, she wore open-toe shoes with a buckled ankle strap, ruched crinkled detailing, a bow at the toe, and a block heel. The upper and lining were made of fabric, while the sole was leather.
The bridesmaids wore long dresses in mauve and dusty rose colors. They had the option to choose their preferred style.
The groom wore a Calvin Klein suit. It featured a tailored navy-blue three-piece suit, complete with a matching jacket and pants and a coordinating blue vest or waistcoat. A light pink tie provided a soft contrast to the blue suit.
The groomsmen also wore navy suits.
The groom and the groomsmen got dressed at home.
BOUQUETS
The bridal bouquet showcased a soft and romantic arrangement of flowers in a muted white and rose palette. The bridesmaid bouquets were similar to the bridal bouquet but more compact.
Kevan’s boutonniere, pinned to the lapel of his jacket, featured a small pink flower with greenery. The groomsmen’s boutonnieres matched the colors of the bridal bouquet.
CEREMONY
The couple was married in the venue’s backyard, which faced the woods and horse pasture. The bride’s father walked her down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The processional music was “Canon in D,” and the recessional music was a Persian song titled “Aroosi.”
During the ceremony, the officiant read an Iranian poem. The maid of honor described the tradition of the “Sofre” table. The couple then lit a unity candle, symbolizing the joining of their two lives and families as one.
FLOWERS
The ceremony altar featured themed arrangements that highlighted a culturally centered tablescape. It included a large white stage riser, measuring 12 feet by 8 feet, with tall floral arrangements as the backdrop. Along the ceremony aisle entrance, tall flower arrangements stood on gold pedestals, featuring white hydrangeas and roses, mixed with pink and fuchsia roses, alongside green foliage and eucalyptus.
At the base of these pedestals, smaller rounded floral arrangements used similar colors and greenery. The aisle was lined with white petals scattered along its edges.
CULURATION TRADITIONS
Kevan and Ellie took part in a ceremony that is an important aspect of her cultural tradition. They sat at a special table adorned with various symbolic items. The bridesmaids held a cloth over the heads of the bride and groom. Female family members with happy marriages then rubbed sugar on top of the fabric, wishing sweetness and happiness for the couple.
COCKTAIL HOUR
The couple’s cocktail hour took place outdoors at the stable’s venue. Guests enjoyed cold drinks served from a beer truck and played corn hole. They were offered mini crab cakes, mini quesadillas, and sirloin bites for appetizers. The couple’s signature drinks were a “Moniri Mezcalita” and Belle Isle Honey Habanero Moonshine.
RECEPTION
The reception occurred in the venue’s ballroom, combining a modern aesthetic with timeless elegance. A stunning crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, creating a cascading effect of light strands. The color scheme featured all-white decor, with soft gold and blush pink touches.
The dance floor was adorned with a white design featuring a gold monogram, which included the initials E and K. Each table was elegantly set with white linens and a mix of white and gold chairs. Floral arrangements showcasing white and light pink flowers adorned the tables.
White draping lined the walls, and large windows allowed natural light to fill the space. Soft lighting and candles on the tables created a warm ambiance. On either side of the dance floor, white lounge furniture was available for guests to relax.
In the background, the sweetheart table was decorated with candles in front of it. Immediate family members sat at an Estate Table located near the sweetheart table.
The newlyweds captivated their guests as they entered the reception to the song “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth. The wedding party entered the reception to “The Way I Are” by Timbaland. For their first dance, the couple chose the song “Everything I Do, I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams. The father-daughter dance featured the Persian song “Ye Dokhtar Daram Shah Nadare,” which tells the story of a father giving his daughter to a prince. The groom and his mother swayed to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. The couple ended the night with a last dance, “Forever After All” by Luke Combs.
MENU
Guests were served dinner from various stations, including tacos, pasta and carving.
CAKE
The wedding cake was a three-tier cake. The dessert bar included Persian sweets.
EXIT/AFTER PARTY
The newlyweds exited the reception through a sparkler send-off and headed to an after-party at Siné Irish Pub & Restaurant.
HONEYMOON
The couple spent their honeymoon in St. Lucia.
VENDORS
VENUE
The Outlook at Saddle Ridge
https://www.instagram.com/theoutlookatsaddleridge
PHOTOGRAPHER
Marshall Arts Photography
https://www.instagram.com/marshallarts.photography
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANCE
Malik & Gabby Photography
https://www.instagram.com/malikandgabbyphotography
VIDEOGRAPHER
Silver Streak Media
https://www.instagram.com/silverstreakmedia
WEDDING PLANNER
Water & Wine VA
https://www.instagram.com/waterandwineva
OFFICIANT
Babak Balakhanlou
ENGAGEMENT RING
WEDDING BANDS
IGorman
https://www.instagram.com/igormanjewelers
GOWN
Essence of Australia
https://www.instagram.com/essenseofaustralia
The Bridal Room
https://www.instagram.com/thebridalroomva
SHOES
Loeffler Randall
https://www.instagram.com/loefflerrandall
HAIR
Radiant Reflection
https://www.instagram.com/radiantreflection
MAKEUP
Radiant Reflection
https://www.instagram.com/radiantreflection
FORMALWEAR
Men’s Wearhouse
INVITATIONS
The Knot
FLOWERS
The Flower Guy Bron
https://www.instagram.com/theflowerguybron
CATERING
Mosaic Catering
https://www.instagram.com/mosaiccatering
MUSIC
Shamoudi Entertainment
https://www.instagram.com/shamoudientertainment
The Jamestown String Quartet
https://www.instagram.com/jamestown.string.quartet.va
CAKE
Sweet Fix
https://www.instagram.com/sweetfix
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
