From Subway Sparks to Community Pillars: The Riddick Family's Journey of Love, Service, and Success
Photo by Karen Presecan
A chance encounter on a New York City subway laid the foundation for a family legacy that has transformed Stafford County's event-planning landscape and strengthened community bonds across the region.
The couple, Michelle and Saeed Riddick, still remember that fateful day on the subway, where Michelle had "her discman playing and a book in her hands” after a day of errands and shopping. Saeed Riddick was heading home from work when their eyes met. "Something about her presence drew me in," Saeed recalls, and he started a conversation that neither of them could have imagined would change their lives forever. "That chance meeting turned into dates, laughter, and a love that only grew stronger with time," Michelle adds.
Today, more than three decades later, that subway romance has blossomed into both a thriving marriage and a successful business partnership. The Riddicks, who will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day, are the powerhouse duo behind Riddick Entertainment, Inc. The lovebirds founded this full-service event planning and travel firm in 2002, the same year they settled into the Stafford neighborhood they still call home.
Building an Empire Together
Before launching their award-winning company, both Saeed and Michelle built impressive professional foundations. Saeed studied business and worked as an office manager for a foster agency before joining Amtrak as a chef on the Auto Train, where he served until his retirement in 2021. Michelle, meanwhile, gained invaluable experience working with several Fortune 500 companies, developing the corporate expertise and leadership skills that would become crucial to their entrepreneurial journey.
Their decision to start Riddick Entertainment stemmed from a shared vision and complementary skill sets. With Saeed's organizational strengths and Michelle's creative vision as CEO and certified event planner, the company has grown into a trusted brand recognized as Stafford County's Best of the Best Travel Agency for four consecutive years.
Their portfolio reads like a celebration of life's most precious moments: weddings, baby showers, galas, social celebrations, conferences, expos, and destination events spanning the globe. In addition to their event and travel services, the couple also manages The Beehive Event Center in Fredericksburg, which has become a premier community venue for gatherings of all kinds.
Rooted in Community
The Riddicks' commitment to Stafford runs deep. In 1999, they relocated to Stafford "to be closer to family" and because they "believed it would be a wonderful place to raise our children," Michelle explains. That decision has proven wise; their three now-adult children– two sons and one daughter– were raised here, and the couple now dotes on six grandchildren ranging in age from 1 to 18.
"We love our community and the strong village we have built here, surrounded by family, friends, and lasting connections," Michelle says. That village mentality extends beyond words into tangible action. The Riddicks have become neighborhood fixtures, beloved for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
"We have lived in our neighborhood since 2002 and absolutely love it here," Michelle shares. "One of our favorite traditions is celebrating the neighborhood children by putting up yard signs on the first day of school so they can take pictures." This is just one small way and a kind gesture the couple provides to "share in the joy of their milestones."
A Life of Service and Adventure
When they're not orchestrating unforgettable events for clients or celebrating neighborhood milestones, the Riddicks pursue their individual passions while maintaining shared interests. Saeed enjoys watching sports, traveling, and reading. "He is an avid learner," Michelle shares, "always seeking out opportunities to study and explore different subjects." Michelle enjoys her travel and literature as well, but also dedicates significant time to community service, volunteering with several nonprofit organizations, including the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, Community Palooza, and Loisann's Hope House.
Travel remains a cornerstone of their relationship, just as it is for their business. "We love the Caribbean and travel often." But perhaps their most memorable adventure was their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. "For our 25th wedding anniversary, we decided to celebrate in a big way with a 25-day vacation that took us to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Barbados, and Miami"—a fitting tribute to a love story that began with a simple conversation on a train.
Looking Forward
The Riddicks remain optimistic about Stafford's future. "We are excited about the continued growth in this area and are especially looking forward to the opening of the new Kalahari Resort," Michelle notes, already envisioning the possibilities for both their business and the community.
As they continue building their legacy through Riddick Entertainment and The Beehive Event Center, the Riddicks exemplify what it means to be true community entrepreneurs, creating memories, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in the fabric of Stafford County.
From that chance subway meeting to building a business empire and raising a family, Saeed and Michelle Riddick have proven that the best partnerships are built on love, mutual respect, and a commitment to serving others. Their story reminds us that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with the simplest moments—and that success is sweetest when shared with the community you call home.
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In need of event services? “RElax let us curate your next event.” Send an email to michelle@riddickent.com and let Riddick Entertainment take the stress out of your next celebration.
