When it comes to love stories that transcend borders and cultures, this one is truly special. Planned to perfection by Dubai-based destination wedding planners Vivaah Celebrations, this three-day extravaganza at the iconic Raffles The Palm Dubai was a breathtaking fusion of Persian elegance and Indian tradition.

Blending opulent details with heartfelt moments, “The Silk Route” wedding brought together two vibrant cultures in a celebration that was both deeply personal and visually spectacular. Below, the Vivaah Celebrations team walk us through the highlights of their clients’ unforgettable celebration of love.

A Love Story Rooted in Diversity

Karun Advani, of Indian and Thai descent, and Sarvnaz Amidi, hailing from Iran, share a beautiful love story of cultural convergence. Their wedding brought that story to life in a way which was both intimate and grand.

From the outset, the families embraced each other’s customs. In a touching gesture of unity, Sarvnaz’s family welcomed Karun with Indian rites, including a teeka, garlands, and mithai, an act that spoke volumes about mutual respect.

Sarvnaz herself walked the aisle in a crimson Indian lehenga, regal and radiant, as she joined Karun beneath a floral mandap where they exchanged jaimalas in a ceremony steeped in spiritual symbolism.

The Venue

Set along the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, Raffles The Palm offered the perfect backdrop for an occasion of this scale and spirit. With its European palace-inspired architecture, gilded interiors, and sweeping views, the venue provided the ideal setting. From sun-drenched garden soirees to ballroom spectacles beneath crystal chandeliers, each chapter of the wedding radiated grandeur.

Welcome Soiree

The festivities began against a dusky skyline, where guests arrived to a palette of pastels and live saxophone melodies floating through the air, creating a whimsical evening that offered everyone the opportunity to gather and mingle. Flowing fabrics and floral accents added to the dreamlike atmosphere, setting the tone for a weekend.

The venue was transformed with bursts of colour, featuring vivid yellows, fuchsia, and saffron tones, accompanied by regional Indian music and dance.

Two Cultures, One Commitment

The Indian wedding rites took place under a Mandap inspired by the intricate architecture of a Thai Temple, where the couple exchanged vows in the form of pheras, seven symbolic oaths taken by the bride and groom as they circled the ceremonial fire.

Each round represents a promise: from mutual respect and lifelong companionship to unity and shared purpose. Flower petals showered the couple as their union was sealed amongst echoes of ancient Sanskrit verses.

The following day, the Persian Sofreh Aghd, one of the most beautiful and meaningful representations of Iranian culture, unfolded on the verdant lawns of Raffles The Palm, which had been transformed into an enchanting garden setting. Delicate pastel florals lined the aisle, while soft melodies drifting from stilted flautists brought a sense of enchantment to the open-air ceremony.

At the heart of it all stood the Sofreh Aghd itself, a beautifully composed spread of symbolic elements reflecting light, fortune, enlightenment and unity. A mirror and candles stood for clarity and brightness in the couple’s future; rose water, honey, fruits, nuts, and crystallised sugar offered blessings of sweetness and abundance. A holy book provided spiritual grounding and a reverence for the written word.

The Reception

The final evening culminated in a spectacular reception held in the luxurious Raffles Ballroom. Guests were first welcomed into a jazz-themed pre-function lounge. The atmosphere brimmed with anticipation and champagne flowed freely as a live musical duo performed timeless classics.

Once the ballroom doors opened, the night truly came to life. Guided by the magnetic presence of MC Abhijeet, the evening unfolded with energy and poise. Beneath glittering chandeliers, guests were ushered into a space bathed in gold, ivory, and candlelight.

The bride and groom made their entrance to resounding applause and proceeded to perform the Persian Knife Dance, further adding to the depth and charm of the union. What followed was a heartwarming sequence of speeches, emotional tributes, and the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

Dinner was an artfully curated feast, paying homage to the couple’s heritage with a blend of Indian, Iranian, and Thai cuisine. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared to honour the diverse roots of both families.

Then came the crescendo. The celebrated Iranian band Danial took the stage, infusing the ballroom with electrifying energy. Guests swayed, sang, clapped along and celebrated late into the night.

Design and Direction

The wedding was brought to life by Vivaah Celebrations and masterfully orchestrated to ensure every detail reflected the couple’s identity while respecting the cultural significance of each ritual. From synchronising multilingual ceremonies to curating a menu that spanned both Indian and Persian culinary traditions, the team brought together aesthetics and emotion with seamless precision. The result was a wedding that felt not just beautifully executed, but deeply meaningful.

Above: Rahul Kumar and Maggi Kewlani of Vivaah Celebrations

The Little Pink Book (Vendors used) 

Wedding Planning: Vivaah Celebrations // Venue: Raffles The Palm Dubai // Photography: Inna Nova Photography

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