A Glamorous, Multicultural Wedding at Morais Vineyards & Winery in Bealeton, Virginia

Jasmine Knowles (26 and a social worker) and Christian Demeke (27 and a technical program manager) infused both of their cultural backgrounds into their wedding day for a one-of-a-kind Chinese-Ethiopian celebration. Before their ceremony and reception at Morais Vineyards & Winery in Bealeton, Virginia, the couple kicked off their wedding day with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at the hotel. “This was especially meaningful because it was just our immediate family, and it is something my parents did when they got married,” Jasmine says. After an outdoor ceremony, in which the couple incorporated hand-tying and wine-pouring rituals, guests enjoyed a celebratory alfresco cocktail hour. “We liked that there was space to spread out and explore,” Jasmine says. “We chose Morias because it was a beautiful venue and had so many great spaces within it.” The newlyweds honored Chris’s heritage by making their grand entrance wearing kabas, traditional Ethiopian wedding garb. Then they danced to K-Ci & JoJo’s “All My Life.” For wedding favors, guests enjoyed sipping tej, an Ethiopian mead made by Christian’s parents, and was labeled with a beautiful design created by the couple’s dear friend. “Food is so important to us, and we wanted everyone to enjoy themselves,” Jasmine says of their feast, which had an American and Ethiopian catering team. “Everyone tried a little bit of everything, and I don't think anyone went home hungry.” —Marissa Hermanson