Amal Zaari’s use of venue was recognized by the International Special Events Society with a 2009 ISES award. (Photo by James Roy)
Cross-Cultural Currents
By Amal Zaari
Park Hyatt Washington
The bride was Jewish of Lebanese/Armenian descent, the groom Jewish, so the objective was to create multi-cultural wedding celebration appropriate to both cultures with proper decor, music, and cuisine. The couple envisioned a grand-scale celebration featuring a Jewish ceremony, utilization of over 10,000 square-feet of space, a chuppah (canopy), dining and dancing, and a henna parade that allowed guests to dance to the sounds of Arab folkloric music while enjoying Middle Eastern desserts made by the hotel’s pastry chef.
Following the ceremony, the ballroom needed to be turned over immediately to create an elaborate setting for a grand-scale reception. The banquet team had one hour to make it happen, so, while the ceremony was taking place, the foyer area was curtained off to permit presetting the tables with linens, flatware, and floral centerpieces for the reception. Every move was timed to the exact second.
Park Hyatt Washington offers its brides exclusive use of the ballroom level for their wedding; an important element in the success of this special celebration. Also, the drapery of the ballroom was a big hit – the hotel owns it, so we saved the client around $5,000 in rental fees!
