Beach Side Wedding|Anantara The Palm

Today we bring you a fabulous multicultural beach side wedding that took place at the amazing Anantara the Palm in April. Tom is American and his beautiful bride Rasha (who we think looks a little like actress Eva Mendes) is half Emirati and half Indian. The couple met whilst studying Architecture at university in the UK, and have known each other for eight years. Rasha’s family live in Dubai, and the bride and groom recently moved back here for work. 

This intimate wedding, which was planned in just three months, is certainly no exception. Beautifully captured by talented photographers and husband and wife team Bernie and Bindi Photography, this ceremony is the perfect blend of two families, several cultures and many traditions.

Below, radiant bride Rasha shares her and Tom’s special day with BCME readers. We absolutely adore Rasha’s floral inspired henna and how the venue looks so vibrant at night. Enjoy….

A Note From The Bride

Our vision for the wedding was for a small celebration by the beach. We were very fortunate to have our closest friends and family in attendance, many of whom had flown to Dubai from across the world. In total, we had over eighty guests from the USA, UK, India and Dubai.

The celebrations started with a mixed henna evening in my parents’ backyard. There was a lounge atmosphere with an Arabic barbecue and henna for the ladies. In keeping with Emirati tradition, we also decorated the house with fairy lights, which made for a magical evening.

The wedding day itself was at the Thai-inspired Anantara Resort on The Palm. We began the afternoon with a humanist blessing ceremony led by Tom’s Great-Uncle, and followed this with a cocktail reception at the Lotus Lounge whilst we took some beautiful photos. Dinner was on the terrace next to the beach. The food was delicious! We chose the Mediterranean menu with a live schwarma station, which we would highly recommend. Finally, we spent the rest of the night dancing under the full moon.

We  couldn’t have been happier with Bernie and Bindi’s services. They were very personable and professional and put our guests at ease. As you can see, the photos themselves are amazing! Planning the whole wedding in three months was pretty challenging, but we really felt that our special day was perfect. The best part was seeing our two families and all of our friends together, in one place, enjoying each other’s company. We wouldn’t have changed a thing. All in all, the whole thing went off with a hitch!

The Brides Little Pink Book

Venue: Anantara the Palm, Dubai / Photography: Bernie and Bindi Photography / Flowers: Alissar Flowers / Wedding Gown (Allure Bridal) purchased at: The Bridal Showroom JLT / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Veil: Crowning Glory Designs / Rings: Cara Jewellers, Gold & Diamond Park / Grooms suit: Made To Measure LLC / Groom’s Shoes: Valentino at the Level Shoe District / Bridesmaids dresses: Monsoon / Hair & Make-up: Ashleigh King / Gifts (candy): Papabubble, Mercato Mall / Invitations: Rawaan Alkhatib / Lighting: Crash In Castles / Henna: Rachna Salon / Lighting on house & majilis seating: Saif Al Mazooei Wedding Services

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