The marriage of Amanda and Rami brought together sophisticated black-tie traditions, deeply personal cultural elements, and an Old World garden aesthetic, creating an unforgettable celebration at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. From the moment guests arrived at the stunning coastal venue, they were immersed in an atmosphere designed to feel both formal and intimately warm. Every detail of the celebration, from the curated culinary offerings to the interactive guest experiences, reflected the couple’s careful attention to detail and a desire to honor their families and heritage.
Food & Drink
Upon arriving at the ceremony, guests were welcomed with a crisp glass of champagne, immediately setting the tone for the elegant celebration ahead. The transition into the cocktail hour featured a sophisticated spread of passed hors d’oeuvres that delighted attendees with a variety of rich flavors and textures. The selection included Heirloom Tomato and Stracciatella, classic Beef Wellington, savory Mushroom Arancini, and delicate Coconut Shrimp, offering a preview of the culinary excellence to follow.
The reception transitioned into a formal three-course plated dinner, beginning with a refreshing Boston Bibb Salad. For the main course, guests were given a choice of three distinct and expertly prepared entrées: Braised Beef Short Rib, Grilled Sea Bass, or Butternut Squash Steak. The meal concluded with a decadent selection of dessert and coffee. Throughout the dining experience, tableside wine service offered pours of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc to complement each course.
Adding a personal touch to the bar menu, the couple featured custom signature cocktails tailored to their individual tastes: a Dirty Martini for the bride and a Negroni for the groom. As the formal celebration continued into the late-night hours and transitioned into an energetic after-party, guests were treated to a beloved late-night favorite: Chick-fil-A catering. This comforting and unexpected late-night snack served as the ultimate casual counterpoint to an otherwise formal black-tie evening, delighting guests as they danced the night away.
Florals & Decor
The visual landscape of the wedding was thoughtfully curated to feel lush, romantic, and timeless, drawing heavily upon an Old World garden sensibility. The design scheme relied on an abundance of white and ivory blooms layered thoughtfully with fresh greenery, establishing a classic and refined foundation for the ballroom spaces.
To add depth, warmth, and texture to the environment, the design incorporated rich olive linens, intricate lace details, crystal glassware, and subtle gold accents. Candlelight played a central role in bringing the design to life, utilizing tapers, hurricanes, floating candles, and votives placed at varying heights to illuminate the ballroom. The interplay of flickering light against the floral installations and textured linens resulted in an aesthetic that was simultaneously elegant and formal, yet warm and inviting, successfully capturing the essence of a candlelit garden atmosphere brought indoors.
Wedding Cake
Reflecting the sophisticated and romantic theme of the evening, the couple selected a traditional three-tier white wedding cake. The confection featured a soft, monochromatic floral texture delicately applied across the buttercream surface. The design possessed a lace-like, heirloom quality that tied in seamlessly with the bride’s wedding gown and the overall aesthetic of the celebration. Beneath the intricate exterior, the cake featured a decadent "Tuxedo Cake with Oreo Filling" flavor profile, providing a sweet and memorable conclusion to the evening’s formal dining service.
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
Music formed the emotional backbone of the wedding day, guiding guests seamlessly through the romantic ceremony, the sophisticated dinner, and the high-energy reception that followed. For her walk down the aisle, Amanda chose a deeply moving live violin rendition of Whitney Houston’s classic ballad, "I Will Always Love You," creating a poignant and unforgettable moment for all in attendance.
Later in the evening, the couple shared their first dance to an acoustic version of Gryffin’s song "Cinema," setting a tender and romantic tone for the night’s festivities. As the evening transitioned from dinner to dancing, a lively DJ took over the turntables, keeping the dance floor packed and vibrant throughout the night.
In a heartfelt nod to Rami’s Syrian heritage, the couple incorporated traditional Middle Eastern percussion into the reception programming. A live drummer joined the DJ directly on the dance floor, infusing the space with the infectious energy and rhythm of traditional Syrian celebrations. This dynamic musical collaboration created one of the most memorable, joyous, and culturally rich moments of the entire evening.
Special Detail #1: Personalized Welcome Totes
Hospitality was a central priority for the couple, who ensured their guests felt pampered from the moment they arrived in Florida. Out-of-town attendees were greeted with custom welcome totes featuring a hand-drawn watercolor illustration of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
Inside each bag, guests discovered a collection of personalized and practical items designed to enhance their stay. The totes included a hand-drawn watercolor map of the local area, a custom tumbler, curated snacks, and a comprehensive emergency kit stocked with essential items for the weekend. Elevating the welcome experience even further, Amanda and Rami included an individually handwritten note for every single guest, expressing their sincere gratitude for the effort guests made to travel to Naples and celebrate alongside them.
Special Detail #2: Live Watercolor Artist
To commemorate the evening in a truly unique way, the couple hired a live watercolor artist to capture guests in real time throughout the celebration. Working efficiently amidst the festivities, the artist painted delicate, hand-formatted portraits of attendees.
This interactive element served a dual purpose, functioning both as high-end entertainment during the event and as a deeply personalized keepsake for the guests. At the end of the night, attendees walked away with a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home, serving as a lasting and artistic memento of the wedding celebration.
Special Detail #3: Custom Live Engraver
Continuing the theme of interactive and personalized experiences, the couple introduced a live engraver station during the reception, offering bespoke keepsakes crafted on the spot. Guests were invited to select either a stainless-steel cocktail shaker or a wine bottle opener to be custom-engraved with their initials or names in real time.
This engaging station transformed a traditional wedding favor into an interactive experience, giving guests the opportunity to watch a craftsman at work while creating a lasting, high-quality memento of the black-tie affair.
