Suman Desai and Sami Belbase, Fort Island, Dubai
Giving traditional grandeur a modern twist, this couple’s destination wedding featured the bride’s favorite bloom and a hydraulic wedding mandap.
Entrepreneurs Suman Desai and Sami Belbase, founders of FlyBLACK Jets, celebrated their love with a destination wedding in Dubai. Planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Events By Saniya, each event at this union sported different themes and explored local flavors while ensuring the guests experienced the best of hospitality.
Wedding Planning
Saniya Wahi from Events by Saniya shares, “The couple’s wedding preparations began almost one and half years ago when we met the bride’s mom. The brief was quite simple – it had to be a fairytale wedding. Both Suman and Sami are based in the states, so a lot of the coordination took place remotely. However, it was quite smooth as the couple was quite clear on what they wanted. Suman, especially, was keen on including her favorite lotus blooms at each event.”
Weddings Functions
Vidhi
Saniya shares, “The celebrations began with a Vidhi ceremony and the theme was ‘hues of yellow and pink’. A DJ kept the guests on their feet while a graceful dance performance kept them entranced as they enjoyed the rituals. We also had dholwalas who had everyone doing the bhangra to their spirited beats.”
Welcome Dinner
“With a ‘black beauty’ theme, the welcome dinner was elegant and glamorous. A violinist played heart-touching tunes as the guests walked in. The couple made a dashing entry with fireworks welcoming them and a vast stage ensured everyone was entertained throughout the evening with stunning musical performances”, shares Saniya.
Mehndi
The following day, a Mehndi event was on the cards. Saniya shares, “This event was high on entertainment with a santoor and tabla artist who played melodious tunes. Plus, we also had a belly dancer who added a desert safari-like vibe to the event. It was quite a magical experience as we were surrounded by the desert sand under the stars with earthy decor.”
Haldi
Decorated in hues of yellow, pastel pink and white which contrasted delightfully with the cloudless blue sky. Seated under a canopy adorned with bright marigolds, the couple had a fun time as they were slathered with haldi. Plus, they also shook a leg surrounded by dholis under the bright sun.
Wedding and Reception
Saniya shares, “The theme of the wedding was ‘Golden Lotus’. A hydraulic mandap sported a chrome gold floor which reflected the sky above while larger-than-life lotus-shaped installations symbolized the bride’s love for the bloom. The phere took place under the open sky and Suman made a regal and graceful entry that left everyone awed.
The reception also followed the same theme and started with a cocktail hour followed by a formal dinner. A live saxophonist played jazz tunes as everyone enjoyed their drinks. Later the dancefloor was graced by the couple’s first dance after which roasts were raised for the couple resulting in a few emotional moments.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Jumeirah Beach Hotel (Vidhi, Welcome Dinner); Sonara Camp (Mehndi); Fort Island (Wedding); Johara Ballroom (Reception)
Wedding Planning & Decor: Events by Saniya
Makeup: Diana and Carolina
Hairstyling: Diana Dodic
Entertainment: Angel Performing Arts (Vidhi, Welcome Dinner, Mehndi, Haldi, Wedding and Reception), Yurii Saxophonist (Reception)
DJ: DJ Gautam (Vidhi), DJ Shadow (Welcome Dinner, Mehndi), DJ Lemon (Reception)
Emcee: Vishaal Rasquinha (Vidhi, Welcome Dinner, Mehndi, Haldi, Wedding and Reception)
Bartenders: The Project Liquid
Photography: Motion Magic Media, Suresh Gordon, Shareif, Alexandra Alva
