Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2013 - (Page 63)

Bride & Groom: Alia Al-Shamsi and Abdulla Aljallaf Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre PhotoGraPher: Dweddings (d-weddings.net) Alia Al-Shamsi and Abdulla Aljallaf, who first met through their families, knew they wanted a wedding celebration that was unique. They chose the ritz-carlton, dubai international Financial centre for its beautiful terrace and connecting indoor space. “Outdoor weddings rarely happen in Dubai,” says Alia. “This is because of the hot weather and lack of private outdoor venues.” Since the couple opted to have part of their wedding on the terrace, they kept the setting simple and elegant, letting the white flowers, greenery and soft, romantic candlelight set the stage. Personal touches prevailed, from the peonies in the bride’s bouquet to the screens around the celebration that streamed a live feed of the wedding so no one would miss a thing. But perhaps the most heartwarming detail: When Alia entered the ceremony, a very special song played in the background. “The words were written about me and for me by my mother in classical Arabic,” says Alia. “My uncle then had the song composed and sung by an artist who specializes in classical Arabic music; it was a beautiful tune and very touching.” Be feaTured in a fuTure issue Visit ritzcarlton.com/weddings and learn how you can have your celebration featured in a future issue of Weddings by The ritz-Carlton magazine. Opposite page: Alia’s Marchesa gown features layers and layers of fluffy tulle. “I loved the gown because it was whimsical and dreamy; when I would sit down, it appeared as though I were on a beautiful cloud,” says Alia. This page (clockwise from top left): Abdulla asked Alia to design the perfect ring, which she sketched and he had sent to a jeweler in Italy to be custom made. Tables have elaborate displays of candles at varying heights along with white hydrangeas and roses. White acrylic butterflies flutter from the canopies Alia walked under as she entered the ceremony. “They were hung so the wind would make them appear to fly, further complementing the whimsical garden theme I wanted,” says Alia. Built-in table lighting lends a warm glow to the night sky. The three-tiered pink velvet cake was iced in French vanilla frosting and decorated with white flowers. Guests had a choice of dessert, including a lychee and rose panna cotta. http://www.d-weddings.net http://www.ritzcarlton.com/weddings

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2013

Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2013
Contents
Expert Advice
Celebrations
Trends
Gold Rush
Perfect Pairings
All Lit Up
From “Friend Request” to Forever
Dreamy Dubai
Modern Romance
Honeymoons
Traditions

Ritz-Carlton Weddings - July 2013