Photo: RHCJO
From regional royals tying the knot in historic palaces, to international celebrities adding to bridal Pinterest boards, 2023 has been a year of extravagant weddings. Now, as the year comes to an end, we return once again to the romance and charm of people coming together till death do them part. Below, discover all the weddings that warmed our hearts this past year.
Princess Iman of Jordan and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis
Photo: RHCJO
On March 12, Princess Iman of Jordan married financier Jameel Alexander Thermiotis at Beit Al Urdon Palace on the outskirts of Amman. From the joyful pre-wedding celebrations hosted by Queen Rania to the ceremony itself, every detail was infused with elegance and the timeless allure one expects from royalty. The bride herself was radiant in a bespoke gown from Dior featuring an A-line skirt and long fitted sleeves. Delicate floral and lace detailing mirrored her gossamer veil, completing an enviable ensemble.
Lady Amelia Spencer and Greg Mallet
Photo: Instagram.com/ameliaspencer15
Days after the royal wedding in Jordan, Lady Amelia Spencer, daughter of the Earl of Spencer and niece of Princess Diana, tied the knot with her longtime partner Greg Mallet. Laced with provincial charm, the ceremony took place at Quoin Rock Manor House in Stellenboch, South Africa. With majestic mountains as a backdrop, this was certainly a wedding to remember. Of course, it helped that the bride had previously worked as a wedding planner and was thus able to ensure every detail was executed to perfection, especially the Atelier Versace ensembles for both the bride and the groom.
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
Photo: Instagram.con/simonebiles
“I think this is exactly how brides are supposed to feel,” said Olympic gymnast Simone Biles in a Vogue video from her final wedding dress fitting. “Luxurious, beautiful, kind of on top of the world.” If the smile on her face was anything to go by, Biles was certainly on top of the world as she exchanged vows with NFL football player Jonathan Owens in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The intimate destination celebration provided all the necessary inspiration for anyone hoping to fly out for their wedding.
Princess Rajwa Al Saif and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan
Photo: RHCJO
The nuptials of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Saudi national Rajwa Al Saif remain a highlight of this year. Royals, heads of state, and dignitaries from around the world flew in for the ceremony at Zahran Palace – where King Abdullah II and Queen Rania got married 30 years ago – followed by a reception at Al Huseinya Palace. Modern details merged with Islamic art, Jordanian handicrafts, and native flowers to create a magical ambiance. However, it was the bride who stole the show with her minimal Elie Saab wedding gown.
Maritta Hallani and Kamil Abi Khalil
Photo: Instagram.com/maritta
In June 2023, Lebanese actress and singer Maritta Hallami married Kamil Abi Khalil, head of production at Anghami, in a civil ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The union was followed by a grand celebration which saw the bride shine in a stunning gown from Elie Saab Bridal’s Fall 2023 collection. An abundance of foliage and lights decorated the open-air venue which, came alive with the sound of music as both the bride and her father took to the stage for separate performances.
Taylor Hill and Daniel Fryer
Photo: Instagram.com/taylor_hill
On June 10, the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies became witness to an intimate ceremony as former Victoria’s Secret angel Taylor Hill said ‘I do’ to Daniel Fryer, a private equity investor she had met four years prior. The occasion marked the first time that the Italian design house Etro created a custom wedding gown – a romantic off-the-shoulder number that perfectly embodied bohemian chic. Entrenched in a relaxed ambiance, the wedding served as the ideal inspiration for anyone hoping to keep it simple on their big day.
Nour AlTamimi and Christopher Maximilian Hertz
Photo: Felicia Sisco
There’s nothing quite like getting married at Lake Como, and Nour AlTamini had a romance worthy of the magical destination. After meeting her now-husband Christopher Maximilian Hertz by chance at a health spa in Austria, she quickly realized that he was the right man for her. The ceremony that followed was just as whimsical and romantic as them, as the couple chose to evoke the mysticism of astrology via the decor of their big day. With guests seated according to their star signs and a circular ceremony highlighting the planets, there was much to admire about this unique wedding.
Ayesha Al Fahim and Abdulla Al Gurg
Photo: Khaleeji Weddings
When hoteliers Ayesha Al Fahim and Abdulla Al Gurg tied the knot earlier this year, the pair went all-out with a beautiful ceremony at the iconic Dubai Opera. With breathtaking views of the city skyline, an Elie Saab bridal gown, and performances by the Saudi musician Abdul Majeed Abdullah and Lebanese artist Yara, this wedding the definition of an opulent affair. Details such as the extensive perfume station and a pop-up from Dubai-based patisserie Yann Couvreur seemed to uplift the event even more.
Rosemin Madhavji and Javed Opgenhaffen
Photo: Pervez Taufiq
Dubai-based presenter and entrepreneur Rosemin Madhavji knows how to make a statement, which is why it came as no surprise that her wedding was a grand week-long affair in Paris. Madhavji took the concept of the “big, fat Indian wedding” to new highs with her grand celebrations. The couple said ‘I do’ in front of 600 guests at Marie Antoinette’s private garden, the Jardin de Bagatelle. The ceremony was preceded by an opera-meets-Bollywood party at the Palais Garnier, and was followed by a stunning reception.
Celina Locks and Ronaldo Nazário
Photo: Instagram.com/germanlarkin
The wedding of Brazilian football player Ronaldo Nazário and model Celina Locks started with a private ceremony at a small church in the village of Es Cubells, Ibiza. For the occasion, the bride opted for an ivory silk off-the-shoulder dress by Jacquemus. However, it was her custom white silk organza dress by Armani Privé for the main ceremony that stole the show. Despite having 300 guests in attendance, the couple chose to have the wedding within their own home, the ideal choice for creating the most heartfelt memories.
Sahar Golestani and Sari Massari Abboud
Photo: Photo Glendale
Earlier this month, Lebanese-Canadian musician Sari Massari Abboud exchanged vows with his longtime partner Sahar Golestani in Los Angeles. With guests such as Wassim Sal Slaiby, Elyanna, and Issam Alnajjar in attendance, the wedding was a musical affair as one might expect from an artist. However, the highlight of the evening remained Abboud’s surprise performance of his latest song Jamalo, which he wrote for his bride.“When he told me this one was written for me, I couldn’t help but cry. It was a very emotional moment. Massari has the ability to make me fall in love with him every day,” shared the bride.
Read Next: Here’s Where You Can Watch Daily Fireworks Shows in Dubai for One Full Month
