Step into the enchanting love story of Elena and Shukhrat, founders of photo and video production company, SHUGA FILMS, nestled in the vibrant heart of Dubai. Originally hailing from Russia and Uzbekistan respectively, their paths converged in the dazzling desert landscape of the UAE.

Their story unfolds like a modern-day fairytale, sparked by a chance encounter on social media. Elena, in search of picturesque vistas for her shoots, stumbled upon Shukhrat’s captivating work. A message led to a meeting, and though love didn’t blossom immediately, fate had more in store.

It was amidst the golden sands of the desert, during a joint shoot for a clothing brand, that their connection ignited. As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving hues of crimson in its wake, the chemistry between them became palpable. A momentary setback – a stalled car in the vast expanse of dunes – became the catalyst for their relationship. Underneath the star-studded sky, Elena found solace in resting her head upon Shukhrat’s shoulder, and in that simple gesture, their journey together began.

And then, while on holiday with family, amidst the enchanting winter wonderland of Georgia, amid laughter and snowflakes dancing in the air, Shukhrat chose the perfect moment to kneel before Elena, offering her not just a ring, but a promise of forever. With her mother as a witness to this magical moment, their love story was sealed with a kiss beneath the softly falling snow, marking the beginning of their shared adventure.

Join us as we unravel the enchanting tale behind Elena and Shukhrat’s unforgettable day, where love and style intertwine in perfect harmony. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bab Al Shams and Platinum Heritage within a unique and chic setting, fit to feature as a centerpiece in Vogue!

Why Dubai? What made you choose Dubai as your wedding destination?

Dubai holds a special place in our hearts as it’s where we call home. Given the short notice, it was the most convenient location to gather all our loved ones.

Let’s talk venues. Can you describe the unique aspects of each venue – Platinum Heritage and Bab Al Shams – that made them ideal choices for your wedding?

Bab Al Shams captivated us with its distinctive architecture, exuding a timeless charm that perfectly complemented our vision. The intimate and cozy ambiance of the hotel aligned seamlessly with our plans for an unforgettable celebration.

As for Platinum Heritage, our familiarity with the venue and their exceptional service made it an obvious choice. However, what truly set it apart was their willingness to embrace our unconventional ideas. We sought to avoid the cliché desert wedding among the dunes, and Platinum Heritage enthusiastically embraced our vision, helping us turn it into a reality.

What were some of the most memorable moments from each venue during your wedding festivities?

We were incredibly fortunate with every aspect of our wedding, from the weather to the venues and the dedicated staff. Everything fell into place seamlessly.

A remarkable coincidence added to the magic of the evening – our wedding date, 24.02.2024, matched the number of guests we invited. Furthermore, it happened to be a full moon night, setting the stage for an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Dancing our first dance beneath the moonlight was a moment we’ll cherish forever.

Let’s talk about the theme! Your wedding was very chic! What inspired the aesthetic, look, and feel of your wedding events?

I already knew exactly which photographer I wanted for the wedding: Alexa Curly. She helped assemble a highly professional and creative team for our special day. During our discussions, the team proposed an aesthetic they had long wanted to explore, which resonated perfectly with our vision and the essence of our creative partnership. Without hesitation, we dove into crafting the perfect wedding.

The dress! Your gown was simply divine. We are in love. Tell us more?

The dress turned out exquisitely beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier. Initially, I envisioned a more classic gown, but during discussions about the wedding aesthetic, stylist Catherine Bonne suggested we take a risk and opt for something more unique that would reflect my personality, taste, and physique. Inspired by a design from the Patarasiri brand, we collaborated with Russian designer Nesty Odina, who happened to be visiting Dubai. Within just two weeks, she brought to life this incredible dress, along with another one for our love story shoot.

What advice would you give to other couples considering a multi-venue wedding experience in Dubai like yours?

Dubai offers an array of options for weddings, catering to every taste imaginable. Whether you envision a classic beach affair, a grand hotel celebration, or something more creatively inclined like ours in the desert, Dubai delivers. Its accessibility for guests from around the globe makes it an ideal choice. While the service industry here continues to evolve and diversify, it’s worth noting that Dubai can be quite expensive for such events. Therefore, negotiation, exploration of alternatives, and careful selection are key to finding the perfect fit for your dream wedding.

And lastly, let’s show your vendors some love. Please list all the vendors below who made your wedding as special as it was.

Venues: Platinum Heritage & Bab Al Shams / Planner: @choicewedding / Decor: @_nefeda / Main photographer: @alexa.curly / Second photographer: @vereschagin_wedding / Video: @kurbanovvideo / MUAH stylist: @rimmayar / Stylist: @catherine.bonne.wedding / Dresses: @nestyodina / Accessories: @resobjects / Cake: @pauline_cake_dubai / Backstage: @vera.bojarinzew.

Thank you, Elena and Shukhrat, for sharing your real wedding journey with our readers. Their multi-venue wedding journey embodied elegance, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of this dynamic city. From the rustic charm of Bab Al Shams to the untamed beauty of Platinum Heritage, every moment was a testament to their unique love story. Planning your own wedding? Searching for your ideal venue and vendors? Check out our vendor club directory here. Happy planning!