This year, like many others, has been a year for opulent royal and celebrity weddings.
Particularly in this region, we have seen a multitude of celebrations marking the beginning of new chapters for many couples tying the knot. From Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein to the UAE’s Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, GRAZIA looks back at some of the most notable weddings from 2023.
Princess Iman of Jordan and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis
Princess Iman of Jordan wed Jameel Alexander Thermiotis on March 12, 2023 at the Amman Beit Al Urdon Palace. In true royal fashion, the wedding exuded charm and elegance, from the pre-wedding festivities by Queen Rania to the ceremony. The bride looked stunning in a custom Dior gown with long, fitted sleeves and an A-line skirt. The show-stopping attire was completed with delicate flower and lace embellishments, complimenting her veil.
Princess Rajwa Al Saif and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan
The wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa (formerly Rajwa Al Saif) was one for the books. International luminaries, including heads of state and royalty, flocked to Zahran Palace, the site of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania’s wedding 30 years prior, for the ceremony. The bride stunned in a custom Elie Saab wedding gown. A lavish reception was then hosted by King Abdullah and Queen Rania at Al Husseiniya Palace, which saw 1,700 in attendance. The blushing bride showcased her second gown – a custom Dolce & Gabbana dress.
Sheikha Mahra & Sheikh Mana
The year of 2023 has marked a new union in the Dubai royal family between Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum. Following Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana’s Katb Al-Kitab in May, the pair had a lavish wedding reception in Dubai in June 2023. On her wedding day, the bride was dressed in an ethereal white embroidered ballgown by Dubai-based designer Ezra Couture. For jewellery, she wore a diamond bracelet, diamond rings, and a diamond watch by Chopard.
Maritta Hallani and Kamil Abi Khalil
Maritta Hallami, an actress and singer from Lebanon, wed Kamil Abi Khalil, the chief of production of Anghami, in a civil ceremony held in Abu Dhabi in June 2023. Following the marriage, there was a lavish celebration. The bride looked gorgeous in a gown from the Fall 2023 Elie Saab Bridal collection. The outdoor site was beautifully decorated with lights and an abundance of foliage, as well as a musical performance by the bride and her father.
