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  7. A Bohemian-Themed Afternoon Wedding Celebration in Dubai
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Bohemian-Themed Afternoon Wedding Celebration in Dubai

Sara Dickinson, Freelance Writer
By Sara Dickinson June 02, 2020
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wedding couple hand in hand outdoor Dubai
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

One couple invited 250 guests to Dubai to join them for a pre-nuptial party—the reception took place a full six months before the actual wedding!—with a bohemian lawn party full of drinks, dancing, and a buffet-style dinner.

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wedding couple hand in hand outdoor Dubai
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Dona and Firas met through mutual friends on March 14, 2016—and nearly three years to the date, Firas was down on one knee. The groom-to-be decided to propose to Dona on a trip to Greece, where they spent the days under the Mediterranean sun—surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Firas, anticipating Dona would want to share the moment with her loved ones, had invited their friends and families to join them there, which added another layer to the happy surprise.

The couple took a nontraditional approach to their nuptials and decided to host a celebratory reception on December 27, 2019, at Address Montgomerie, in Dubai, before their actual wedding day (which took place on June 26, 2020). Gathering RSVPs was the most difficult part of the planning process, they say—their guest list spanned the globe—so they relied on technology to make sure that each and every one of their 250 guests, near and far, received an invite.

Dona leaned on her own experience as an event planner and teamed up with a coordinator from The Purple Chair to pull off all the bohemian-inspired details, from pouf seating and textured chandeliers to plenty of jute and rattan table accents, she had envisioned. "It was extremely smooth, and my planner just knew my vision better than I did," the bride says. "We enjoyed the entire process from A-Z without any doubts or worry." The couple asked guests to wear whatever they wanted to the afternoon event, as long as it fit the "bohemian chic" theme.

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Entirely Bespoke

outdoor portrait bride holding bouquet
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Dona worked with Lebanese designer Raymond Daou to create her wedding dress—a process made difficult due to the distance between them. Dona sent him her measurements and a picture of the A-line gown she had in mind—including the materials she wanted him to use, from blush tulle to floral appliqué. She took a quick four-day trip to Lebanon for two dress fittings and was finally able to solidify the details.

On the big day, she held an organic bouquet by Le Marche Des Fleurs featuring pampas, white berries, ranunculus, O'Hara roses, palm leaves, and anthurium. The arrangement, which was tied with an orange ribbon, spoke to the event's color palette, which included beige, mustard, pastel pink, white, and burgundy.

  • From Start to Finish: Here's How Wedding Dresses Are Made

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Favorite Accessories

wedding couple pre-kiss portrait outdoors
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

She wore several simple stud earrings, as well as a statement pair with fringe detailing. She also donned a Rolex watch and Tiffany & Co. bracelets that she never takes off, each a gift from a loved one.

Her best accessory? Her groom! Firas wore a tan suit with a two-button closure and notch lapels. He wore a floral patterned bow tie and matching pocket square, and finished his look with brown suspenders and shoes.

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Something Blue

bride's blue wedding shoes with gold stud accents
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Dona's finishing touch? Blue Valentino patent leather pumps with stud detailing and a slender heel.

  • From Start to Finish: Here's How Wedding Dresses Are Made

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The First Look

couples outdoor first look
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Originally, the couple didn't plan on having a first look—but their photographer convinced them to take advantage of the alone time before the festivities began. "We both really appreciate that he did that because when we look back, we have amazing pictures and portraits!" Dona says. Although they were nervous leading up to the moment, having their photographer there made them much more comfortable, they say—and the photoshoot ended up being one of their favorite moments from the entire day.

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A Wedding with a View

aerial shot of reception area in Dubai
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Dona and Firas chose Address Montgomerie in Dubai for their celebration; the resort offered tons of space for their guests and allowed them to divide the area into two lawns—one for the kids and one for the adults. Plus, it offered views of both the city and the surrounding lake. "The lake was gorgeous, especially during sunset, so it added a really special touch," Dona says. "It is a very unique venue with beautiful scenery!"

  • 12 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Wedding Venue

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A Welcoming Entrance

And so it begins archway
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Patterned rugs were scattered at the entrance, where guests walked underneath rows of arches that read, "And so it begins." Organic flower arrangements, composed of white, cream, and peach flowers with pampas grass for texture, were placed in an assortment of gold vessels at either side.

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Bohemian Theme

white outdoor bar decorated with floral mirrors
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

As the couple took photos, their guests enjoyed a DJ and a jazz singer during cocktail hour. The pair offered an open bar; they decorated this station with unique mirror artwork emblazoned with on-theme phrases, like, "Good Vibes Only" and "What's Your Poison?"

To keep with the bohemian theme, the couple's planning team scattered macramé wall hangings, textured lanterns, and tons of pampas grass in oversized white clay pots throughout the space.

  • 11 Cool Wedding Bars That Served It Up Big

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Bite to Eat

server holding wooden platter of food on sticks
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Passed apps—for both the kids and the adults—made the rounds during this interlude.

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Lounging Around

outdoor wedding lounge with couches and chairs
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The couple created lounge vignettes, where attendees could unwind lakeside. Couches were covered in plenty of throw pillows and gold-rimmed glass coffee tables were placed on top of area rugs; console tables, holding various monochrome flower arrangements, separated the spaces.

  • 32 Wedding Lounge Ideas Your Guests Can Cozy Up To

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Take a Hat

basket of white hats
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Dona and Firas also offered hats—displayed on a colorful wall—to their loved ones, to help keep them cool under the Dubai sun.

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The Upper Lawn

reception tables under large teepee structures
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Originally, the couple planned to set up two separate spaces for dining; one for the kids and one for adults. Guests, however, ended up mingling and enjoying both areas.

On the Upper Lawn, two pole structures were decorated with pampas grass, palm leaves, O'Hara roses, and anthurium. Beaded chandeliers hung from the center of each for a bohemian feel.

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Cozy Seating

poufs for seating at reception tables
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Four low-bearing tables were placed underneath the structures. Bohemian poufs and cushions in varying colors added a cozy, casual vibe to the space.

  • 20 Unique Reception Seating Ideas That Will Surprise and Delight Your Guests

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Textural Details

wedding place settings with maraca
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The wooden tables were left sans linens, but held candles on tall candle sticks; garlands that incorporated larkspur and anthurium ran the length of each. Place settings included woven gray chargers, pale yellow linen napkins, and silver cutlery.

The couple decided to include a fun maraca for each guest, along with a thank-you note. For dinner, the celebrants enjoyed several buffet stations, including ones for pizza, pasta, and burgers.

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The Lower Lawn

outdoor reception tables with overhead floral decor
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The Lower Lawn was also set up with four long tables—but these stations upped the formality factor. They were positioned underneath a structure embellished with more palm leaves, pampas grass, and dried florals.

Tables also held tons of tall candles, but unlike those on the Upper Lawn, tablescapes also featured several centerpieces in various vases and vessels. Basketweave pendant lights hung from the structure in varying heights.

  • Boho-Chic Wedding Ideas for Free-Spirited Brides and Grooms

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Almost Too Pretty to Eat

hexagon shaped 2-tier wedding cake on outdoor table
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

A chocolate wedding cake was displayed on a table on the Upper Lawn, and backed by a triangular arch loaded with on-palette flowers. The cake itself was hexagonal in shape and incorporated the color scheme of the day; white, mustard, and burgundy patterns adorned the fondant, as did a few floral embellishments and a small dreamcatcher.

  • 39 Amazing Dessert Tables from Real Weddings

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On the Floor

guest dancing on outdoor dance floor with drink
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The couple hired a caricature artist—along with a jazz singer and a DJ—to entertain the crowd all night long. Later in the evening, Dona and Firas shared their first spin to Frank Sinatra's "I Love You Baby" before the rest of the guests joined them the dance floor.

  • Are Action Stations Worth the Additional Cost?

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The Last Word

wedding couple pre-kiss in outdoor reception area
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

To couples currently planning their weddings, Dona recommends hiring vendors you fully trust. "Once you pick your planner, you need to relax and enjoy the planning process—everything will work out in the end!" she says.

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Sources

wedding couple walking hand-in-hand across lawn
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Photography, Elias Kordelakos
Venue and Catering, Address Montgomerie
Event Planning and Design, The Purple Chair
Flowers, Le Marche Des Fleurs
Bride's Jewelry, Rolex; Tiffany & Co.
Bride's Shoes, Valentino
Hair and Makeup, Monica MHG Beauty
Music, DJ Elios Coucha; Ciaran Fox
Cake, Cakes by Zoya
Rentals, Innovative Hiring
Lighting, MRamez Events

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    1 of 19
    2 of 19 Entirely Bespoke
    3 of 19 Favorite Accessories
    4 of 19 Something Blue
    5 of 19 The First Look
    6 of 19 A Wedding with a View
    7 of 19 A Welcoming Entrance
    8 of 19 Bohemian Theme
    9 of 19 Bite to Eat
    10 of 19 Lounging Around
    11 of 19 Take a Hat
    12 of 19 The Upper Lawn
    13 of 19 Cozy Seating
    14 of 19 Textural Details
    15 of 19 The Lower Lawn
    16 of 19 Almost Too Pretty to Eat
    17 of 19 On the Floor
    18 of 19 The Last Word
    19 of 19 Sources

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    A Bohemian-Themed Afternoon Wedding Celebration in Dubai
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