We are getting married

Raouf & Lea

The 14th of November, 2026

Cairo, Egypt

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A Story Worth Celebrating

Two people. One shared love for life, for warmth, for the places and moments that make time feel suspended. Raouf and Lea chose Cairo, its timeless pyramids, its golden light on the Nile, its generous tables, as the setting where their forever begins. We cannot imagine a more fitting backdrop.

To every friend and family member travelling from near and far to be here, your presence is the greatest gift. This guide is for you.

The Day

The Ceremony

Time 1:00 in the afternoon

Church St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church · Zamalek

Guests are invited to be seated
fifteen minutes before the hour.

The Reception

Time Dinner & dancing to follow

Venue Marriott Mena House

An evening beneath the Pyramids —
food, music & dancing.

Discovering Cairo

Cairo is timeless and electric, a city where pharaonic wonders, Coptic and Islamic heritage, and a generous table all meet on the banks of the Nile. Below is a curated guide for guests arriving from abroad, covering four of the most rewarding corners of the city.

01

Giza & the Pyramids

Pyramids · History · Mena House

Home of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and your reception at Mena House. Wake to the most iconic skyline on earth and step straight into the celebration.

Where to Stay

  • Marriott Mena House At the foot of the Pyramids, the reception venue itself, historic gardens and direct Pyramid views
  • Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Polished modern comfort moments from the Giza plateau
  • Le Méridien Pyramids Reliable full-service hotel with pool and Pyramid-view rooms
  • Pyramids-View Boutiques Small rooftop guesthouses in Nazlet El Semman · unbeatable views at a friendly price

What to Do

  • Great Pyramids & the Sphinx The last surviving wonder of the ancient world · go early to beat the heat and the crowds
  • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) The world's largest archaeological museum, Tutankhamun's full collection beside the plateau, allowing a half day
  • Sound & Light Show The Pyramids and Sphinx illuminated after dark, offering an unforgettable evening hour
  • Sunset on the Plateau A horse or camel ride along the desert ridge as the sky turns gold

Where to Eat

  • El Prince Immensely popular, high-energy traditional Egyptian liver and street meats institution
  • Khufu's Restaurant Directly on the Giza Plateau, beautiful elevated dining overlooking the Pyramids
  • 139 Pavilion — Mena House All-day dining with the Pyramids framed through the windows
  • 9 Pyramids Lounge On the plateau itself, a relaxed terrace lunch with all nine pyramids in view
To the Church ~35 mins by car
To Mena House ~5 mins by car

Stay here to wake beside the Pyramids and remain moments away from the reception venue.

02

Zamalek

Island · Galleries · The Church

A leafy island in the middle of the Nile and Cairo's most elegant quarter, home to the ceremony church, tree-lined streets, galleries, and the city's best dining.

Where to Stay

  • Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah On the island's southern tip · panoramic Nile views from every room
  • Cairo Marriott Hotel A 19th-century khedival palace with gardens, in the heart of Zamalek
  • Hotel Longchamps Beloved boutique hideaway · leafy terraces and old-Cairo charm
  • Novotel Cairo El Borg Comfortable mid-range on the island, walkable to the church

What to Do

  • Cairo Tower The city's lattice landmark · the finest panorama over the Nile and rooftops
  • Aquarium Grotto Garden A quiet, romantic garden of grottoes and palms in the middle of the island
  • Zamalek Galleries Safarkhan, Picasso, and the Gezira Art Center · the heart of Cairo's contemporary art scene
  • Sunset Felucca on the Nile Hire a traditional sail boat from the Zamalek bank · the classic Cairo golden hour

Where to Eat

  • Crimson Bar & Grill Chic rooftop terrace offering spectacular Nile views and great grills, perfect for a sunset cocktail
  • Zooba Modern Egyptian street food, koshary, taameya, and the best casual lunch
  • Pier 88 Stylish Nile-side dining aboard a moored boat, lively in the evening
To the Church ~5 mins by car
To Mena House ~35 mins by car
03

Downtown & Garden City

Belle Époque · Nile · Museums

The historic heart of the city, featuring Belle Époque boulevards, the Egyptian Museum, and grand Nile-side hotels, all within an easy stroll of the river.

Where to Stay

  • The Nile Ritz-Carlton Beside Tahrir and the Egyptian Museum · polished luxury with river views
  • Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza Garden City · the city's most refined address, impeccable service
  • Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City · intimate and elegant, right on the corniche
  • Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Comfortable mid-range steps from Downtown's grand streets

What to Do

  • The Egyptian Museum — Tahrir The historic home of antiquities · mummies, treasures, and a century of discovery
  • Downtown Architecture Khedival boulevards, Talaat Harb Square, and the faded grandeur of belle-époque Cairo
  • Café Riche A literary landmark since 1908 · coffee where the city's writers once gathered
  • Nile Corniche Walk A riverside stroll at dusk as the feluccas drift and the bridges light up

Where to Eat

  • Mazeej Balad Rooftop Sophisticated traditional Egyptian dining with scenic views over Downtown atop the beautiful Mazeej hotel
  • Felfela A Downtown institution · classic Egyptian mezze, taameya, and grills since 1959
  • Abou Tarek The temple of koshary · Egypt's national dish at its very best
To the Church ~15 mins by car
To Mena House ~35 mins by car
04

Coptic & Islamic Cairo

Heritage · Souks · Sacred Sites

The ancient soul of the city, showing the churches of Coptic Cairo, the medieval souks and mosques of Islamic Cairo, and the Citadel crowning the skyline.

Where to Stay

  • Le Riad Hotel de Charme On Al-Muizz Street · a boutique gem amid the medieval monuments
  • The Nile Ritz-Carlton A short drive away · the most comfortable base for exploring the old city
  • Central Boutique Stays Most guests base themselves in Zamalek or Downtown and visit for the day

What to Do

  • Coptic Cairo The Hanging Church, Abu Serga, the Coptic Museum, and Ben Ezra Synagogue · the cradle of Christian Egypt
  • Khan el-Khalili The great medieval bazaar · lanterns, spices, copperware, and centuries of trade
  • The Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque Saladin's fortress crowned by the alabaster mosque · sweeping views over the whole city
  • Al-Muizz Street & Al-Azhar Park An open-air museum of Islamic architecture, then a green hilltop at sunset

Where to Eat & Drink

  • Naguib Mahfouz Café Tucked inside Khan el-Khalili · mezze and mint tea in a jewel-box setting
  • El Fishawy The oldest café in the bazaar · mint tea and shisha amid mirrors and bustle
To the Church ~25 mins by car
To Mena House ~40 mins by car
Nothing is more beautiful than celebrating love surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.

Practical Notes

Restaurants

Reservations are strongly recommended for popular Nile-side and Zamalek tables, especially Thursday–Saturday evenings. Your hotel concierge can book ahead for you.

Transport

Ride-hailing (Uber and Careem) is plentiful and inexpensive, and a private driver for the day is easily arranged through your hotel. Allow extra time for Cairo traffic, as the airport is roughly an hour from most hotels.

Weather

Mid-November in Cairo is mild and dry, bringing low-to-mid-20s°C by day and cooler evenings. Comfortable layers during the day; a jacket or wrap for the evening.

Currency

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and major restaurants; carry some cash for markets, cafés, and taxis. ATMs are plentiful across the city.

Will You Join Us?

We would be honoured to have you celebrate with us. Please let us know whether you will be joining for the celebration.

Gift Registry

Your presence at our celebration is the greatest gift of all. Should you wish to contribute to our new chapter together, we are grateful for any gesture, big or small.

Venmo

@Raouf-Tawfik

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Zelle

+1 (267) 629-1140

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InstaPay

+20 100 010 8789

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To send a gift by bank transfer or another method, please reach out directly and we will share the details with you personally. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.