After seven years of dating, the wedding was highly anticipated by family and friends alike. The couple envisioned a celebration that would leave a lasting impression—blending the elegance of a black-tie affair with the excitement of a New Year’s Eve party. The ceremony took place beneath a beautifully styled heated tent on the grounds of the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort, while the reception was held at the historic Campbell House, the very same venue where the bride’s parents celebrated their wedding reception in 1976.

From the start, guest experience was top of mind. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed an open bar while snapping Polaroid photos to place in the guest book alongside handwritten well-wishes. When the ballroom doors opened, guests were delighted to find table numbers inspired by childhood—each table featured photos of the couple at that corresponding age, from age three to beyond. As the night unfolded, the DJ seamlessly mixed Arabic party music into the set, a joyful nod to the groom’s Palestinian heritage that kept the dance floor energized.

Midnight was, without question, the highlight of the evening. Champagne flowed as guests donned New Year’s headbands, glasses, and noisemakers while counting down to 2025. As the clock struck midnight, 500 white and silver balloons cascaded from the ceiling, marking the couple’s first kiss of the New Year—and of their marriage. For their grand exit, they ran through the historic halls of the Campbell House as guests cheered and waved ribbon streamers, ending the night on a jubilant high.

The couple served a classic vanilla cake, alongside New York–style cheesecake topped with strawberry and whipped cream—an indulgent treat guests thoroughly enjoyed and their first dance was set to “La Vie en Rose” by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra, a timeless choice that perfectly matched the romance of the evening.

Looking back, the bride reflects on the unexpected relief that comes on wedding day after months of planning. While it’s common to hear advice about stress and things going wrong, she found that every ounce of anticipation was worth it. Walking down the aisle surrounded by loved ones and dancing the night away with favorite people proved unforgettable. Her advice to future brides: the nerves, the buildup, and the planning are all worth it—and the newlywed era is pretty wonderful, too.

Photography: Rose Horvath Photography
Videography: Sav Allen Photography
Ceremony Venue: Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa
Reception Venue: The Campbell House Lexington
Florals: Blooms by Brooke
Wedding Planner: Candice Ford Event Design
Catering: The Campbell House Lexington
Cake & Desserts: Sam’s Club
Music: DJ Dru Funk, Throwdown Sounds
Transportation: Coachman & Co.
Hair: Hair by April Singleton
Makeup: Beauty by Chloe Miller
Bride’s Attire: “Salacea” gown by Chosen by KYHA; Chic Parisien, Miami
Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux

Additional Credits:
(Balloon Drop) Lighter Than Air (Portrait Photography Location) The Loudoun House

Lydia + Matta's New Year's Eve Wedding