Wedding Day

St. Timothy and St. Athanasius Coptic Church

Ceremony

Foxchase Manor

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Waterford at Springfield

Melse/Melsi

Our Wedding

Fana and Abyi’s story began on a chilly Sunday afternoon in January 2023. What started as a casual coffee date at a cozy café in Washington, D.C. turned into dinner—and something much more. From the moment they met, there was a mutual connection.&nbsp;Abyi was captivated by Fana’s beauty, kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit. Fana, in turn, was drawn to Abyi’s smile, humility, strong character, and calm presence.&nbsp;As the months passed, their bond deepened through shared joys: lingering over coffee, peaceful walks through Rock Creek Park, live jazz at the Kennedy Center, and laughs at the DC Improv. They explored together—near and far—from weekends in New York City to adventures in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Their Sundays soon included attending church together in Arlington, where their connection grew even stronger.&nbsp; Their relationship felt natural and effortless. Before long, Fana could clearly envision a future with Abyi. And Abyi, feeling the same way, began to plan the perfect proposal.&nbsp;In December 2024, what Fana thought was a simple evening out to enjoy the Christmas decorations turned into the most memorable night of their lives. Beneath a perfect sunset, Abyi dropped to one knee—and just like that, their next chapter began.

Our Story

Photos

Karie Mersha

Lissan Anfune

Maya Awoke

Avery Joshua

Jessica Pumphrey

Rebecca Taddesse

Isaias Yeshigeta

Sennay Tseggai 

Dan Meresie

Cory Diamond

Kenrick Joshua 

AJ Bolden 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Suggested Airports

This airport is most convenient for guests who plan to stay in Columbia, MD on the evening of Friday, October 17th and begin the wedding day at the bride’s parents’ home. Otherwise, we recommend flying into and out of IAD.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Dulles International Airport

Suggested Hotels in Columbia, MD

See booking link <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=BALCLHW&amp;groupCode=CHWFAW&amp;arrivaldate=2025-10-16&amp;departuredate=2025-10-20&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia

Suggested Hotels near Foxchase Manor

10-15 rooms at $179 per room per night plus 14% taxSee booking link <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=MNZGWRU&amp;arrivalDate=2025-10-17&amp;departureDate=2025-10-20&amp;groupCode=90E&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Tru by Hilton Manassas

15 rooms:Mix of doubles and queens at $169 plus 14% taxSuites at $189 plus 14% tax

Fana & Abyi

Fana & Abyi

Photos