Their Wedding Day: Basking Ridge Country Club
Rania & Haythem tied the knot at Basking Ridge Country Club in the most perfect micro-wedding celebration!
When Rania first reached out to me she described their wedding day as an intimate celebration with just family and close friends! They wanted to keep things simple, and include some beautiful florals and violinist playing as Rania walked down the aisle. Rania said, “Honestly though- we’re just so excited and grateful to have found each other, and to start our lives together, surrounded by the people we love.” 🙂 And their day was a perfect celebration surrounded by their loved ones, just as they envisioned! Including their adorable pup, Peppy, who made an appearance in a cute little suit!
Although the in-person celebration was intimate, I loved that Rania & Haythem included a livestream option so their guests who couldn’t travel were still able to be a part of their special day!
Their Love Story
When I asked Rania & Haythem to share one thing they love about each other, Haythem said, “I love everything about her and that we are always in our little bubble.” Rania said, “I love how kind and loving he is, and that we can be 100% ourselves with each other.” These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. 🙂
Rania told me about Haythem when she first reached out! She said, “[My fiance’s] name is Haythem. He’s 100% Egyptian, to my half-Egyptian mix. We met in Montclair, and the rest is history From his kindness, to his sense of humor- he was everything I had been searching for and never thought I’d find. From the way he sent me a valentine shaped like my dog, to the way he got on all fours the first time he came to my apartment to greet my dog- he makes me laugh so much, and he makes my heart sing.” How sweet is that? Having a furbaby myself, I know it means the world to have someone I care about connect with my pup!
How They Met
As Haythem tells it, “I came across this beautiful woman online who had a big, inviting smile and a picture of her and her pup dressed up as Where’s Waldo for Halloween. I knew immediately that she had a playful nature to her and I just had to reach out.” For their first date, they decided to meet up on a Super Bowl Sunday in Montclair. Rania told me, “The plan was just to grab lunch, but four hours later, we were still strolling — and laughing— around town as we got to know each other. We completely lost track of time. Our first date did get off to an interesting start, though, with me (allegedly) grilling him about religion, politics, and all the things you’re not supposed to talk about on a first date within the first 15 minutes of meeting. With all of that out of the way, it was uphill from there!”
These two have a kind of love that creates that instant bond, and you can just tell from spending a few minutes with them, that they’re a perfect match, and meant to be!
The Proposal
You have to hear their proposal story! 🙂 Rania told me, “We had lunch in Montclair, then drove over to Eagle Rock. I knew he was planning to propose because we had already looked at rings, I just didn’t know when or where it would happen. At Eagle Rock, we walked around a bit, and then he got down on one knee and popped the question. He had a photographer stealthily following us to capture the moment. As soon as I said yes, my best friend and Peppy came running out of nowhere to join the celebration. It was beautiful.”
To the Newlyweds
Rania & Haythem, thank you so much for having me be a part of your special day! It was an honor to document your start to forever, and capture all the memories of your wedding day! You two are such kind souls and have such a beautiful story! Soak in all the newlywed bliss of this new chapter! Sending a huge hug! xoxo
Vendors
Photo Assistant/2nd Shooter | Ryan Hardin
Getting Ready Venue | Archer Hotel
Ceremony & Reception Venue | Basking Ridge Country Club
Videographer | Kyler Lopez
Invitation Suite | Minted
Bride’s Dress Designer | Sophia Tolli
Bride’s Dress Boutique | Seng Couture
Bride’s Shoes | Bella Belle
Rings | David S. Diamonds
Groom’s Attire | Calvin Klein
Officiant | Brian “The Rev” Schelper
