Date: June 14
Her story: Marianne Mallouh, 30, was born in Syria and raised in Baltimore. She works as a pharmacist. Her parents, Hilda and Chris Mallouh, live in Baltimore.
His story: William Romanos, 37, grew up in Tartous, Syria. He works as a physician with the Beaumont Health System in Michigan. His parents, Marlene and Tannous Romanos, live in Tartous.
Their story: The couple met through a friend in February 2011 and started connecting online.
"We started speaking through Skype," Marianne said. "Then we went on our first date in April at the Rusty Scupper."
Marianne remembers how attractive William was when she finally met him in person.
"I said, 'Wow, he's better looking than the video Skyping,'" she said with a laugh.
The two also connected on an emotional level.
"It was very natural," she said. "We had a great first date talking. That awkwardness wasn't there. It was very, very natural. We had a lot of common backgrounds. We had a lot to talk about. We had a lot in common."
She added: "He's extremely down to earth, and he's very funny. I enjoy my time with him. We like to laugh together. In addition to our common interests, it's something that we really do love — to laugh."
The couple live in Troy, Mich.
The proposal: William proposed on July 23, 2014, at the Rusty Scupper — the site of their first date.
"He had everything planned out," Marianne recalled. "I didn't know anything about it. It was so nonchalant."
William waited for the rain to let up before taking Marianne to the waterfront after dinner.
"I could tell he was a little nervous for some reason," she said. "We walked around on the pier. That's when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him."
Marianne was overcome with emotion.
"I was very surprised," she said. "I cried."
Venue: Two hundred guests attended the ceremony at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church and the reception at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.
Flowers and decor: Marianne received inspiration for the flowers from Pinterest. She decided to go with all white flowers: hydrangeas and roses. Her bouquet was made of peonies. Flowers were provided by My Flower Box Events.
Bride's dress: Marianne purchased her ivory, beaded and ruffled gown from The Bridal Boutique.
Men's attire: William wore a tuxedo from Jos. A Bank. Groomsmen wore tuxedos from Men's Wearhouse.
Music: An Arabic band led by singer Yousef Shamoun provided the music. The couple's first dance was to "I Thought I Loved You Then" by Brad Paisley.
Food and dessert: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront catered the evening. Dinner consisted of heirloom tomato salad, seared filet mignon and chicken Provencal, and creamed leeks with porcini potato gratin. Patisserie Poupon made the Fraisier-style wedding cake.
Favors: Guests received a jewelry box.
Special touches: William, who plays the keyboard, played an Arabic song with the singer and band during the reception. Arabic sword dancers came from Michigan and performed during the reception.
Marianne's sister, Rita, sang "At Last" by Etta James at the reception. The couple Skyped with William's sister, Pauline, during the reception. Pauline, who was in Syria, was unable to attend the wedding.
The couple honeymooned in Secrets Maroma Beach Resort in Riviera Cancun, Mexico.
