Love was not on the agenda the day that Khadija and Nick met. It was the very first day of their second semester of grad school at American University, where they were each pursuing their Master of Public Administration. But the moment they met, they both knew the other was someone special. Shares Khadjia, “We both remember the very first day we met and included that in our vows. Although we met in that class, it wasn’t until our mutual best friend, Kim, played Cupid that we became a couple.”
In many ways, their love story is intertwined with their love of DC and Baltimore. Their relationship started in DC, and then they moved to Baltimore during COVID. Both cities hold a place in their hearts. They got engaged on the National Mall and married in Baltimore.
“We knew that we wanted an outdoor wedding—we both love the fall and know how beautiful the weather can be in early October. After checking a few venues, we were getting a bit overwhelmed with the entire planning process. I had scheduled a visit at Gertrude’s (our venue) weeks ago and even though we wanted to cancel, we decided to follow through since we already had it on the books. We are so glad we didn’t cancel that viewing. Although we had visited the Baltimore Museum of Art, we had no idea that Gertrude’s, a lovely restaurant with an outdoor sculpture garden that shares the building, even existed. When we arrived, it blew our socks off—the food, the ambiance, and the team was OUT OF THIS WORLD, and we knew that we found the place.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Arden gown via the Toronto flagship boutique | photographer: Phylicia Willis Media | scroll down for full vendor list
Though Khadija and Nick call Maryland home, our bride was born in Toronto, where her dad and sister still live. Her mom lives in North Carolina, so the dress-shopping logistics took some planning! Luckily, one weekend the entire family was in Toronto. “It was a weekend of laughs, tears and squeals of joy. On October 7th, 2022, exactly a year to the date of our wedding, I tried on the PERFECT dress at Lea Ann-Belter. Working with Vanessa at the flagship store was the best experience—the flexibility, care and kindness shown is something I’ll never forget.”
Read more about our sweet couple’s day—and how Khadija surprised her mom with a mother-daughter dance—from our bride below.
How did you two get engaged?
“After making a COVID-move to Baltimore, we had big plans to celebrate our 5th anniversary back in DC. As a gift to one another, we splurged on a Michelin-star restaurant and a weekend at the Hamilton Hotel. We planned to get into the city a bit early and head to the National Mall—a place we both missed dearly after leaving the city.
While Nick doesn’t believe it, I had an inkling the night before (sparked by a ‘this is a big anniversary, do you think he’ll propose?’ question at happy hour) and woke up at 5am giddy with anticipation. I didn’t want to spoil anything, so I kept my lips sealed even after Nick asked why I was up so early. Later that afternoon, we arrived at the Mall (on the coldest day of the year) and ‘ran into’ a photographer friend of Nick’s in front of the Lincoln Memorial. After a few poses and a ‘signal,’ Nick got down on one knee and the rest is history.”
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“We both knew we wanted an elegant, classic look for the wedding—timeless, fashionable, so we knew that tuxedos would be Nick’s look. I didn’t grow up imagining a wedding day and a dress, so had very little idea about what type of dress I wanted. I was totally open to trying anything and seeing what worked.
Although I currently live in Maryland, I was born in Toronto; my dad and sister live in the city, and my mom lives in North Carolina. With my family being so dispersed, we’d need to be creative with where we’d shop. In October of 2022, my entire family was in Toronto and decided to embark on the dress shopping journey. It was a weekend of laughs, tears and squeals of joy. On October 7th, 2022, exactly a year to the date of our wedding, I tried on the PERFECT dress at Lea Ann-Belter. Working with Vanessa at the flagship store was the best experience—the flexibility, care and kindness shown is something I’ll never forget.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“As soon as we got engaged, I told Nick that I had to be the first one to say my vows—I’m a crier and just knew that I would be a BLUBBERING MESS! We both worked on our vows and were ready to go on the same day. I opened by recalling the very first day I laid eyes on him and how our relationship grew from there. Then it was Nick’s turn—he chuckled a bit and I soon realized why. He started off his vows the exact same way. You honestly would have thought that we wrote them together. We thought it was hilarious and a true testament to our love.”
What was your first dance song?
“‘Still Dreaming’ by Raveena.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We’re having a delayed honeymoon when we hit our 1-year anniversary. We’ll be visiting Kenya which is where Khadija’s family is from.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Don’t forget that this is just the beginning of your lives together! Your wedding day is for you and it should be exactly how you want it to be!”
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Khadija + Nick’s Baltimore Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Arden gown via the Toronto flagship boutique | photographer: Phylicia Willis Media | planner: Tira Lynn Events | makeup: COCOTEA | hair: B. Evans Hair | venue: The Baltimore Museum of Art and Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen | groom’s Tux: Indochino | florals: Local Color Flowers | usic: Wroyal DJ Company
