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A union not only between two families but between two different cultures. Yes, we’re talking about when North meets South.

Our South Indian Bride fell in love with a Punjabi North Indian Man. The two families entrusted Vivaah Celebrations to ensure all was planned, managed, and executed to its best level for their celebrations. Rahul Kumar from Vivaah Celebrations, fused various aspects, traditions and rituals to this wedding celebration to ensure that both cultures were comfortable and enjoyed their events.

A memorable few days where both sides of the family could infuse their cultures was what the couple desired.

This was a three-day celebration hosted at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr- Abu Dhabi, facing the beautiful waters of the Grand Canal and the splendid grand Mosque.

As the guests started checking in, our Dhol waalas greeted them with a blast while 2 south Indian hostesses in beautiful sarees guided them to their check-in desk.

On the first evening, we hosted a serene Welcome Dinner at a gorgeous venue by the waters. Decorated with subtle fairy lights and an array of candles giving it a warm ambiance, the celebrations started on a lighter note.

As the guests entered the venue, they were welcomed with sumptuous arabian delicacies with mediterranean canapes being passed around and authentic live stations from the region.

The evening continued with a renowned duo who sang the night away as the guests enjoyed their dinner.

The following morning, guests made their way towards the Falcon Lawn for a colorful Mehendi and Haldi afternoon. This event was the pure description of North meets South. Subtly both cultures were infused through live station counters, floral selections, color schemes, and much more.

The venue was beautifully decorated with hanging tassels and other traditional ornaments. As the guests entered, they approached a cart with a variety of gifts to choose from. This included items like colorful bangles from the North to jasmine flowers for the guests’ hair from the South of India.

Our mixologists also added to the colors with their vibrant cocktails and coolers, giving flavors of India through their kalakhatta, paan, and other exciting cocktails.

There was a lot of dancing throughout this event while DJ Gautam- An internationally renowned DJ-was spinning at the decks. Soon after, our beautiful couple entered, adorned in the traditional South Indian attire, the women from both sides of the family performed on Sopana Sangeetham – an elegant form of classical music originating in the temples of Kerala. It was beautiful to see both cultures together.

The evening went on to an elevated disco-themed Sangeet. This evening featured silver mirrored disco balls and an opulent bar with a shiny glass body. Moreover, the guests were amazed by the photo booth built outside in the pre-function area of the ballroom. It all began when MC Punit took over the stage and interacted with the guests while they enjoyed their light bites and molecular drinks.

The couple made their entrance and went straight into a north and south dance-off, leading into the enthusiastic Sangeet dance performances by family and friends.

This was just the beginning of the evening; the night took a turn when our renowned international percussionist arrived and took over the floor. Walter Scalzone was the night’s highlight with his LED roaming drums on the dance floor, and his spectacular water drums show.

The evening ended with the famous paan wala serving paan to the guests, after which they danced the night away till the early morning hours.

The next morning commenced with our chirpy bride getting ready for her Big Day, the Wedding Day. The Wedding Ceremony took place at the Grand staircase with views of the iconic structure- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the backdrop of the royal fountains giving it a palatial feel.

After safa-tying for all the guests, our director Rahul Kumar got the Baraat Procession ready to begin; he led the Baraat along with our Groom in his Excalibur Vintage car. All the guests were amazed to see this rare vehicle as they danced away throughout the Baraat.

On the other hand, our COO Maggi Kewlani ensured the bride’s family was equipped and ready for the grand traditional South Indian welcome of the baraatis and Groom.

The Groom was welcomed in with the traditional brass lamps from the temples of Kerala along with pearl garlands, after which he entered the Mandap and eagerly awaited for his Maharani.

Our brides’ entry was nothing less; she looked breathtaking as she walked down the stairs holding her father’s arm alongside her bridesmaid showering rose petals. Was surreal to see this emotional sight on the Grand Staircase of Fairmont Bab al Bahr.

The rituals then began from the Jaimalas to the Wedding Pheras while colorful fruit pops were served to cool down the heat.

After the Wedding, guests made their way, enjoyed a traditional lunch, and prepared for the last event of the celebrations.

Finally, the much-awaited night arrived; the Grand Reception was a dreamy affair. Tania, our bride, was glowing in her opulent white gown as she walked in with Akash. The venue was decked up like none other, with fresh white rose arrangements giving the entire ballroom a mystical look.

The couple had their first dance, commemorated with their cake cutting and popped a bottle of champagne, and all the guests danced the night away with friends and family as DJ spun behind the decks.

All the themes, concepts, show flows, and artists were planned, conceptualized, and managed by Vivaah Celebrations.

Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar, who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally.

To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com #TheREALvivaahteam

Photography by Claude Loren 

Exotic Wedding Planning Conference 2023 – Ras Al Khaimah 

Connect – Collaborate – Celebrate 

The Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) by Exito is a premier conference with a B2B setup, panel discussions, keynote speeches, with a lot more engaging content and networking opportunities for wedding planners, hospitality groups, tourism boards, travel experts, and other wedding suppliers from around the world, enabling them to build new business connections across the globe.

Vivaah Celebrations was privileged and honoured to be a special guest at this year’s version in Ras Al Khaimah after having successfully played co-hosts at the 2022 version in Dubai. The event was attended by our CEO Rahul Kumar and our COO Maggi Kewlani.

It was a pleasure to see EWPC hosted in the beautiful emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, where the gorgeous sea facing resort, Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah played accommodation host. All the excursions, conferences and events took place around various venues in the emirate. 

EWPC 2023 brought together the world’s top wedding planners and event professionals. The 3-day sold-out event was an exclusive gathering of the industry’s best. EWPC 2022 brought together and connected over 200 wedding planners worldwide. 

The first day commenced with the world’s top 20 planners being spoiled with exclusive experiences courtesy Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

The morning started early before sunrise with a beautiful hot air balloon excursion overseeing the gorgeous emirate.

The day then continued with excursions in the emirate which concluded with a traditional dinner hosted by RAKTDA at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi in the middle of the dunes and desert with live entertainment and delicious delicacies. 

The next day was more relaxed while our friends were flying in from all around the world. The Welcome Cocktails was held in the unique bohemian venue, Ula at the Movenpick Ras Al Khaimah. Filled with fun entertainment and delicious food, we enjoyed the evening and were happy to see the industry come together once again.

The following day began with registrations and a welcome from Rishikesh Shetty, founder of Exito and EWPC. We saw our peers on panel discussions and keynote presentations throughout the day with B2B meetings and entertainment during the lunch hours. 

The evening then transpired into the Gala Dinner at the Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah where the APEX awards were also announced and presented honoring the excellence in different specialisations of weddings. The ambiance, food, and entertainment were all glamorous. We relished our meals on the table while mingling with our peers. 

The subsequent day, the conference resumed early. Keynote addresses, panelists, and much more took place on the final day of conferences, along with B2B meetings where planners connected with suppliers and hoteliers.  

This day saw a spectacular panel discussion with leaders of the Industry, Teddy Manuel, Nicolas Barelier, and Rahul Kumar. These individuals shared their inspirational journeys and how they reached where they are today. The audience enjoyed this panel and applauded as Rahul Kumar and others spoke about their lives and were able to engage with the crowd and ensure they could relate and be inspired by the same. 

That evening transported all attendees to the Sonara Camp for the Closing Dinner party at the Desert. Being welcomed with a refreshing towel a day champagne, the settings with the dunes was surreal while the oud player played his tunes.

During the cocktail hour, attendees mingled with each other and enjoyed the falcon show, camel experiences, and much more.

Breathtaking fire shows and traditional entertainment welcomed the guests as we headed to the main arena with delicacies stations curated by exceptional chefs and excellent hospitality.

The highlight of the evening was a spectacular performance by Kevin from a renowned band called FireandIce, bringing all the attendees to the dance floor with his phenomenal voice through.

EWPC 2023 was an exceptional experience in association with incredible partners, and every year; we look forward to the next exotic wedding planners conference. 

Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

#theREALvivaahteam

The First Mega Wedding of 2023

Almost 12 months in the making, over a 1000 guests, 6 days of celebrations at 6 unique venues, more than 100 international artists and a VIP guest list – Sania and Bilal’s wedding celebrations re-define the Big Fat Indian Wedding.

Touted as ‘The First Mega Wedding of 2023’, the wedding was planned and managed by the team at Vivaah Celebrations, led by Rahul Kumar – a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience conceptualising and creating unparalleled wedding experiences around the world.

The Fairytale wedding celebrations for Sania Mulk, daughter of Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk (Bride) with Bilal Khalid Ahmed (Groom), took shape over a 12-month detailed planning and conceptualizing. Shehzaadi Sania Mulk had a vision and a dream that Vivaah Celebrations helped her achieve and bring to life. 

The destination wedding saw guests fly in from all parts of the world; businessmen, celebrities, VIPs, Ministers, The Royal family, His Highness, and many more took part in the grand celebrations for Sania and Bilal.  

With over 40 operations executives, 50 fabricators, 12 florists, 30 chefs, 20 different menus, and many spectacular performing artists, this 6-day wedding celebration was indeed an extravaganza witnessed by over 1,000 guests attending from various parts of the world. 

To start with, the guests already fell in love with the Royal Invitation box sent to them. A turquoise box with an intricate gold design and an actual fairy tale book alongside local royal delicacies touched everyone’s hearts.  

It all began with the exquisite Chandni Raat-themed welcome dinner at their opulent residence. Guests were beautifully dressed in whites and silver to complement this bright evening. The Chandni Raat Dinner was held at The Mulk Residence in Al Barari, Dubai. A beautiful rose petal shower by our hostesses welcomed our Groom, Bilal Ahmed, and his family to commence the union of the two families.  

Our beautiful Bride, Sania, had a stunning entry with her loved ones, and bridesmaids walked in with countless gorgeous glimmering LED balloons representing the Chandni Raat theme. Our Bride made her way toward her Prince charming as the guests witnessed the spectacular dancing fountain show at their residence, which elevated the evening to the next level. MC Shobhna then continued the evening with interactive games and activities for the guests, followed by a renowned duo who sang the night away. 

The next morning, the Manjay Ceremony kickstarted the celebrations for the Bide’s side of the family. Hosted at The Mulk Residence at Al Barari, Dubai. This ‘Sheesh Mahal’ morning began as our astonishing Bride walked toward the lavish garden under her beautifully adorned flower chaadar in shades of oranges, yellows, and golds. Sania then proceeded with the Manjay rituals with her close family, where they adorned her with jewelry and showered her with tons of fresh flower petals.

The guests enjoyed using the rickshaw photo booth this morning to capture their memories. They interacted with the live clay bangle maker curating beautiful bangles by checking their wrist size and colors. The morning event ended with a Royal breakfast feast served to the guests. 

For their Sangeet evening, the venue at Madinat Jumeirah was transformed into a setting never seen before. The ‘Welcome to Agrabah’, Aladdin-themed event was one of the most exquisite events at this wedding. The Mehendi-Sangeet Bash at the gorgeous Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah was inspired by the 1001 Arabian Nights and was converted into an astonishing Ottoman Night. 

The guests were welcomed through a beautifully decorated walkway with Moroccan lamps and other local accessories. This path led them straight into the Souk Area, which was converted to Sania and Bilal’s Bazaar. Our hostesses, dressed in lavish white Moroccan gowns, greeted the guests and handed over a royal blue pouch filled with gold coins they could redeem at the Souk carts. There were several souk carts with beautiful handmade accessories, diaries, pens, pearl crafted jewellery boxes, and much more. To elevate the experience, we also had a gorgeous violinist at a height playing her beautiful tunes. On the other side, our famous Turkish Ice Cream cart had kids giggling to his tricks and parents enjoying this picture-perfect sight while having their ice cream. It definitely looked like the Agrabah Bazaar straight out of Aladdin.

After such a rich experience, the hostesses guided all the guests towards Fort Island, which was embellished with royal furniture with vibrant colors. The evening continued with DJ Gautam playing tunes to set the guests’ mood for the exciting evening ahead. Once all the guests settled in this beautiful venue with lanterns and Moroccan-themed centerpieces, their sight went straight to the stunning Menus and Agenda of the evening crafted by VC Creatives with intricate gold designs on a rich velvet print. We kickstarted the evening by introducing the star celebrity MCs of the Night. 

Celebrity Gauhar Khan, an Actress also known for her win in Big Boss, and Yasir Hussain, a star from Pakistan, got introduced to the crowd and made their Filmfare entry as they walked up the beautiful bridge of Fort Island. 

The Sangeet evening then officially began; after entertaining the audience, the lovely MCs welcomed the sisters from the Groom’s side to bring in the Mehendi Trays like pure Royalty. The women walked in and got introduced to the guests as they placed these rich gold thalis on the stage. Soon after this, our Prince Aladdin made his entry which was one of the numerous highlights of the evening. Our Prince walked in like Royalty with his LED Drum Band, SFX, and Parade of Groomsmen; no Prince walks in alone, right?

As our Groom, Bilal Ahmed, was interacting with our Celebrity MCs, a special announcement was made. Our Princess Sania was about to join us. 

As all guests were asked to make their way to all corners of Fort Island, surrounded by a beautiful water body, they witnessed a spectacular show. Our Princess Sania was arriving on an Abra (A Royal Boat) with a parade of 12 boats behind her with dancers in beautiful costumes, such a magical sight to see! 

Our Shehzaadi Sania Mulk looked stunning in her attire; she looked straight out of the movie. As she waved the guests a hello and got off the boat, we again witnessed another beautiful show by the DANS team choreographed by Satyen Babla. Sania then slowly made her way up the bridge as the sparklers rose and guests applauded and welcomed her. 

Our MCs then interacted with our beautiful couple and welcomed the entry of a famous Pakistani power couple who flew in to greet the couple and this magical evening. This glorious couple was none other than AYEZA KHAN and DANISH TAIMOORI, celebrities from Pakistan. 

This incredible evening did not stop surprising us; the upcoming act blew severyone’s mind away. Most talented Indian dancer Parvati opened the Royal Kishti performance, a Royal gift exchange between the two families. She was definitely one of the bright stars of the evening! 

The much-awaited Sangeet performances began with all the friends and family performing for the couple on various tracks, leaving everyone in a fun-filled mood as the guests picked up their Mocktails from the Royal Abrahbah Mocktail Bar decked in golds with the local tastes. 

The evening continued as guests relished some Royal Arabic culinary experiences put together by the talented food and beverage team at Madinat Jumeirah. The evening ended with the famous Laduree Cart alongside a range of vast desserts. 

Finally, the much-awaited Night arrived, The Royal Mughal Baraat Raat. Drawing inspiration from the Mughal times, the guests were welcomed by over 50 soldiers lined up on both sides of the driveway. They saluted the guests through the driveway as their car pulled up to the beautiful Asateer tent of Atlantis on the Palm where they were further greeted by native soldiers from Africa. As the guests walked in, beautiful hostesses adorned in ethnic outfits greeted them with a Salaam – a traditional gesture of respect and welcome to the guests.

The venue was decked up like none other; one could smell hundreds of fresh roses all around the beautiful arena giving a rich royal feel to the evening. The Decor was inspired by Royal Mughal Palaces with Golds and Reds and a grand stage with handcrafted beautiful water fountains on each side. This event also featured custom-made plush furniture and designer tableware representing the richness of the evening, with some of the finest culinary experiences brought straight to the table like Royalty. 

This evening saw more VIPs, as team Vivaah ensured that all protocols were implemented. Celebrities, VIP families, The Royal family, and High Highness  Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan attended this spectacular evening to congratulate Mr. Shahji Nawab Ul Mulk and the newly wedded beautiful couple Sania Mulk and Bilal Ahmed. 

Once all the guests settled in, our Celebrity MCs, Gauhar Khan, and Yasir Hussain announced the commencement of the Royal Baraat procession. Our Groom’s Baraat procession was power-packed, with his entourage dancing their way through a 120-meter-long stretch pathway along the entrance of Asateer. The one-hour-long Baraat saw talent from over the globe with shows, stunts, and different experiences for the guests to enjoy. These dancers led the Baraat as the procession followed. Finally, we could see our Shahenshah enter on his Royal Horse, along with his Kingsmen. Over a 100 performers mesmerised the crowd, and it was definitely a Baraat you wouldn’t want to miss! 

Once the groom was welcomed in, he waited eagerly for his princess to arrive. Our Shehzaadi Sania’s entrance was nothing less than a grand spectacle. Suddenly, the lights of this gorgeous venue slightly dimmed, and a soldier came running in to hand over a scroll to the MCs to announce the Royal Entrance of our Padmavat inspired Bride. Dancers entered, dancing their way in, and performed a lovely act before our Shehzaadi walked in with her Shamadaan Dancers with her 5-meter veil behind her. She looked absolutely stunning in her Mughal Wedding Dress. Her Shahenshah walked over to the centre of the floor, and they met in the middle, surrounded by alluring flowers which reflected their love for each other. He lifted her veil, and they said their vows. Bilal then took Sania up on stage to continue the evening. The sight was surreal. 

The Night had just begun, and we had breathtaking performances lined up to make this evening unforgettable. One of the most talented dancer from Pakistan, Sara Loren, gracefully performed while she took the stage and left everyone speechless which her elegance. Surrounded by background dancers complimenting her moves on Dewaani Mastani from Bajirao Mastani, it looked like a sight straight out of a movie. 

The evening continued with a beautiful ring ceremony as beautiful roses were showered on the couple as they exchanged their wedding rings. 

The Night’s finale star performer had finally arrived. A performance that everyone was eagerly waiting for. This renowned actor and singer, who is recognised not only in Pakistan but also in India, flew to Dubai to make this evening special. It was none other than the sensational singer Ali Zafar! Guests got goosebumps as he mesmerised everyone with his soulful voice. This magical night ended with the emotional Bidai ceremony of Sania. 

The next day guests gathered to Celebrate Sania and Bilal’s love at their Walima evening. Amidst detailed centerpieces, plush floral installations, and a blanket of fairy lights, the ‘Night under the Stars’ Walima Evening had the guests in awe of the surreal settings on a chilly evening at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. 

With the views to the Ain Dubai, the couple entered as the night sky shined bright and was filled with a show-stopping fireworks display as the celebrations came to an end. 

The couple had their first dance, cut their gorgeous wedding cake, and danced the Night away with friends and family as DJ Sash spun behind the decks. 

All the themes, concepts, show flows, and artists were planned, conceptualized, and managed by Vivaah Celebrations.

Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar, who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

#theREALvivaahteam

Photo Credits: Micheal J. Scott, Delhi Velvet & Linda K. 

Setup By: Stefanie Heller – JAM Events

This Royal Persian Wedding was an amazing event at the luxurious Raffles Palace on the Palm Jumeirah – Dubai. The couple was celebrated by a large group of friends and family who flew in from around the world to be a part of the Iranian Wedding Celebrations.

Rahul Kumar, the CEO of Vivaah Celebrations along with Maggi Kewlani and the entire team of Vivaah Celebrations successfully planned, managed and delivered this lovely Iranian Wedding. This marks the foray of Vivaah Celebrations as Iranian Wedding Planners in Dubai.

Vivaah Celebrations fulfilled the couple’s dreams through conceptualizing eloquent themes, artists, unique performers, immersive experiences and much more to keep the audience enthralled. The Wedding Celebrations had a personal touch to offer each guest a memorable experience that they could cherish and remember for a long time to come. Every detail of the wedding celebration was essential and tailored to the tastes and preferences of our lovely couple.

At the opulent Palazzo Versace, we hosted a Welcome Dinner for our guests on the first evening. Guests were greeted as royalty as soon as they arrived at the breathtaking Palazzo Versace by a scintillating performance put up by an Award-winning international pianist. As the evening progressed, hostesses led the guests to Enigma, a renowned Iranian fine dining experience, where they all enjoyed wine and dinner with Persian music and elegant dances as the evening continued.

The following morning, all guests woke up to a royal breakfast at Raffles Palm before they got ready for the traditional Persian Sofreh Aghd ceremony.

The ceremony took place on the lawns of Raffles Palm facing the serene waters with the beautiful palace sitting as the backdrop of the venue. In the midst of the venue stood a gorgeous dome made of pure exquisite crystals where elements and accessories of the Sofreh Aghd were kept for the rituals. Items such as rose petals, pistachios, saffron, crystal candles, mirrors, sugar cones and much more with its own symbolic meaning was adorned in the dome. This was by far, one of the most gorgeous Sofreh Aghd ceremony in Dubai which was planned by the team at Vivaah Celebrations.

As the sunset golden hour begins, our gorgeous violinist welcomed the guests with her soft music as they had their refreshments and rich delicacies catered specially from Ladurée. Once the guests settled down, the toastmaster thanked everyone for being a part of such an important day in the couple’s life. As the violinist played her beautiful tunes, the couple entered the venue with their bridesmaids, groomsmen and adorable flower girls.

The commemorative Sofreh Aghd Ceremony is a ceremony dating back thousands of years to ancient Persia. The bride and groom sat in front of a Sofreh which is a symbolic wedding spread representing love, prosperity health and fertility. During the blessing ceremony, the wedding party held a traditional silk cloth over the head of the couple and grinded sugar cones together symbolizing sweet blessings raining down on the bride and groom. The magnificent ceremony then came to an end after the couple said their vows, exchanged rings and sealed it with a kiss.

On the third day, the guests got ready for the Royal Persian Reception Evening which took place at the Raffles Ballroom. Team Vivaah Celebrations was at work with the decor and production overnight to ensure all details were attended to as planned. The ballroom was decked up with beautiful grand blush floral installations, overhead decor concepts above the dance floor and gorgeous centerpieces cascading down from the tables adorned with candles. It was like walking into a fairy-tale.

Each plate had the guest’s name on it beautifully placed for them along with the royal dinner menu. Accompanied was a customized luxurious wedding favour that was gifted to all guests in the form of a ceramic pomegranate with customized love poems to take back with them as a momento.

The guests entered the stunning ballroom as the gates to the venue opened and they all settled in while waiting for the couple’s fairy-tale entry. The newly married couple entered with the gorgeous saxophonist leading them and they commemorated the evening by popping open a bottle of premium champagne and poured it down a tall elegant champagne tower followed by the magical first dance. The sight was definitely unreal. This was followed by a Four-Course Imperial Dinner with guests conversing as the saxophonist played her delightful music. The cake cutting ceremony took place before soon after followed by an engaging session on the dance floor with the bride’s sister performing the traditional Persian Knife dance. The cake cutting ceremony then took place followed by an unforgettable high-energy performance by a band flown in specially from Iran. They kickstarted the party and kept everyone on the dance floor till the early hours of sunrise.

All the themes, concepts, show flows and artists were planned, conceptualized and managed by Vivaah Celebrations. Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

Maggi K. from Vivaah Celebrations had the pleasure of having a candid discussion with Walter and learning more about his opinions and insights into his industry.

1) When did you step into the world of music? What inspired you to pursue a career in the Music Industry? 

My first step into the world of music was when I was a child. When I was about 5 or 6 years old my mom used to bring me to the African community where she worked. The kids there were always entertained with  the African drums so that they could have contact with their culture. I was a little kid but already so fascinated by that sound of joy. Hence, I started joining them in, playing and following their rhythms. Since then I started to feel a true connection with this world and it opened my vision into my passion, something that was making me in line with myself and my dreams. My  life  into the music started  just with a drum with big dreams.

Drumming, playing music in general is more about feeling than technique for me and with the passing of time it motivated me to built my own style, to create unique drumming concepts in the Middle East and nowadays to develop a full music experience with a ONE MAN BAND, and a DJ set with some other extra music components to my drums. I started to pursue this carrier cause I had a a mission to give back to those African kids who sat with me and open my eyes and heart to my dreams. And today, all the people who believe in my music and its goals support my cause and I feel proud of what I have achieved so far.

2) Having performed around the world how do you connect with the crowd?

I believe the music is that univocal language in the world that if used with heart, it can reach everyone out there. When I play I am fully connected with my heart and I perceive that people feel it. I strongly believe this connects me to the crowd.

3) How do you keep evolving to keep your audiences engaged on social media ?

Since I started my live concept with the purpose to help WE AFRICA I realised how people travel through my shows and live experience via the videos I post on social media. I started to connect with people all over the world who wait for my next episodes, who follow  me in my dream in the daily gigs. I just feel I have a big family who supports my dream and I keep up on social media to stay connected with them and made them experience what maybe they can’t, as many of them are on the other part of the world.

4) What do you plan on achieving in the next few years of your career ?

I started playing the drums in a room of African kids and now I am playing in the best clubs and places in the world. I just wanna achieve to make more and more of my dreams come true.

I dream to play in so many other places in the world. I dream to help more with my music. And finally, the next step is to focus on music production and concerts. The best it yet to come.

When it comes to determining what the bride should wear on her wedding day,  the bridal attire has always been a hot topic. Bridal clothes have altered dramatically in recent years as new styles have entered the market and old practices have been adjusted. 

The bridal gown is vital not only for the bride to look beautiful, but because of changing trends, brides and designers have begun to design outfits which represent the bride’s individuality. This has been done with various add-ons that make the bridal outfit stand out and showcase her beauty event more. 

Vivaah Celebrations, recognised as one of the best wedding planners in Dubai, identifies thee trending styles for your outfit for the Big Day. 

PANTS & SUITS

In recent years, bridal trousers and suits have gained popularity in the West, and designers have begun to promote pants in their designs. This has had an impact on women since no woman normally considers wearing a pant and suit attire for her wedding day. However, with new trends emerging and brides eager to try new designs, brides are now seen wearing these for their wedding day, displaying bold fashion and strength.

BRIDAL OUTFIT WITH SNEAKERS

Sneakers are the most popular item this year, with an extraordinarily high growth rate all around the world. They have not only captured everyone’s attention, but they have also revolutionized people’s whole wardrobes. 

Brides are typically seen wearing heels on their wedding day or at other gatherings, but it is true that there must be a trendsetter, and we have seen a lot of brides experimenting with their appearances, clothing, and other aspects of their wedding day. The shoes are now tailored according to the bride’s preferences and event

CONTRASTING OUTFITS

Every event at a wedding is significant, and every outfit a bride wears is fashionable. However, brides and designers have begun to do things differently, and a trend has emerged in which it is no longer necessary to match the outfits to the theme of the event.

The contrast between the décor and the bridal attire is becoming increasingly visible nowadays, and it may be viewed in a variety of ways. Brides prefer being the limelight of the event, they choose to wear outfits in contract to the door but also the guests attending.

TRADITIONAL WITH A MODERN TWIST

There are many various traditional dresses that are worn by brides during weddings; every single bride has a particular way of doing things and a different traditional clothing which they wear for weddings, and there are certain customs that must be followed in order for the wedding to take place. 

As a result of current trends and diverse designs that include traditional design and the essential elements, brides and designers have come up with a distinct and unique concept in which a modern costume may incorporate traditional elements that are important to them.

COLORFUL HUES

Colorful hues are now back in style this year.  A variety of pastel hues, pops of colors and vibrant, vivid flower themes have now come back in trend with Brides adoring such outfits.

There is a broad variety of wedding styles that may be implemented for your big day, planning ahead and following the fashion trends is the key. 

 Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

A wedding favor is the most significant way for couples to express their appreciation to their guests for being a part of their celebrations. Wedding favors can be given in a number of different ways and on a variety of occasions during the wedding events.

A wedding favor not only allows the couple to express their gratitude to their guests, but it also allows the couple to communicate to their guests how much they value their presence on their special day. Vivaah Celebrations, recognised as one of the best wedding planners in Dubai, finds the perfect favors for their couple to amaze their guests.

PERSONALIZED FACE MASKS

Face masks are currently the most popular item everywhere, and what better way to keep everyone safe than to give the guests individual washable face masks that they can use after the wedding.

SCENTED CANDLES

Because aroma is linked to memories, and memories bring back happiness, giving the guests scented candles makes it very special since they will remember the memorable day every time they light it up.

COOKIES

Edible food products are a popular favor since they never fail to impress the guests, the possibility to customize the cookies and different edibles is endless and it’ll always touch their hearts.

TEABAGS

Teabags are a fantastic way to provide your guests with a pleasant, relaxing experience; several flavours can be chosen to make it unique. The tea bags can even be taken home by the visitors and enjoyed during their leisure time.

PERSONALISED BLANKETS

Personalized blankets are a unique option for a favor, but they will remind guests of your big day every time they use them. When it gets cold during the ritual, these blankets can be utilized to keep the guests warm.

Thank you bags are typically distributed at the end of the wedding’s last day. Thank you bags can be customized, and they can be filled with whatever you choose. Chocolates, thank you notes, personalized envelopes.

There is a broad variety of wedding favors that may be used, and overall, giving wedding favors to guests creates a positive impression and helps the attendees feel content, which in return creates a strong relationship with the couple.

 Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

Exotic Wedding Planning Conference 2022 – Dubai UAE

Connect – Collaborate – Celebrate 

The Exotic Wedding Planning Conference Dubai is the one-stop-shop for wedding planners, hospitality vendors, tourism boards, travel experts and other wedding suppliers from around the world which enables them to build new business connections across the globe.

We, Vivaah Celebrations were honoured to be the Official Event Partners to shape up EWPC 2022 to make it a larger & grander celebration post the COVID crisis. Taking place from the 1st to the 4th of March 2022. EWPC was hosted at Sofitel the Obelisk, with evening events held at exclusive venues such as Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, JA Resorts, and Address Beach Resort Fujairah. 

This conference was attended by the worlds top wedding planners and event professionals. The 3-day sold-out event was an exclusive gathering of the industry’s best. EWPC 2022 brought together and connected over 200 wedding planners from around the world. The conference was designed to give attendees the opportunity to network and form long-lasting relationships and explore business synergies.

The first day started with registration and a welcome from Rishikesh Shetty, founder of Exito and EWPC, in the Sofitel’s Obelisk Ballroom.  Following that, Dubai Tourism welcomed the delegates to the city and spoke about the UAE’s future. 

With his opening Key Note Speech, our Director and CEO Rahul Kumar had the honor of kicking off the conference. He presented his knowledge with the group by using numerous real-life situations and business strategies.

Throughout the day, we saw our peers on panel discussions and key note presentations.

The evening then transported visitors to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for the Mission Impossible-inspired ‘Welcome to Arabia’ cocktails evening. Dancers on the podiums in the center of the lobby welcomed guests as they entered the gorgeous site with a central bar and live stations curated by the exceptional chefs, and the wonderful hospitality of the Jumeirah group.

The highlight of the evening was a spectacular performance by Shweta Subhram bringing all the attendees on the dance floor with her phenomenal voice through her renowned song ‘Jalebi Baby’ and many more. The evening then led the attendees to the terrace for Shisha, as the night continued. 

The next morning, the conference at Sofitel the Obelisk resumed early. Keynote addresses, panelists, and much more took place on the final day of conferences along with B2B meetings where planners connected with suppliers and hoteliers.  

When the attendees broke into their lunch session, the doors opened to reveal an immersive tropical experience. The afternoon saw Walter the Percussionist on his drums, Hula Island girls grooving to his beats, and a huge range of exotic cuisine to choose from. This afternoon, the attendees enjoyed their lunch while sipping on refreshing cocktails. 

The evening then welcomed guests to JA Resorts’ Grand Gala Dinner. Timeless Events adorned the beachside site beautifully with mirrored tables and stunning red roses. Arthur, the UAE’s only crystal saxophone musician, greeted the guests with amazing music. The Exito crew then presented the Gala Awards, after which the stunning and talented Lina Ammor captivated the night with her phenomenal energy and talent. The guests had a wonderful time dancing the night away with her power-pact performance.

After the 2 days of conference, a select few top industry professionals were hosted for a retreat to unwind and relax at the Address Beach Resort Fujairah where friends united to create some unforgettable memories.

EWPC 2022 was an exceptional experience in association with wonderful partners that presented a shown never seen before. We’re now looking forward to EWPC 2023 which will be brought back in the UAE and held at Ras Al Khaimah. 

Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

#theREALvivaahteam

Meetha and Prashant’s wedding celebrations was no short of ‘A Dreamy Affair’, it was among the most anticipated weddings of 2022; the celebrations for our Sabyasachi Bride took shape over a nine – month detailed planning and conceptualizing journey managed by Vivaah Celebrations under the leadership of globally renowned wedding planner Rahul Kumar in Dubai. 

The Royal Habtoor Palace hosted the destination wedding over a three-day period, with guests enjoying a variety of events as part of the lavish celebrations. It all began with our energetic bride’s desire for a spectacular fairytale wedding. Every element and aspect of this wedding celebration was significant and personalized to our bride and groom’s likes and preferences.

The first event was the Puja and Behrana where there was spiritual singing by traditional folk artists to commence the auspicious occasion.

The following morning, guests went to Firefly Terrace for a colourful, classy and chic Mehendi Lunch. The immersive tunnel with hanging dreamcatchers and other traditional ornaments kicked off the guest experience. Before entering the colourful venue, attendees passed through this tunnel on their way to the Indian Kitsch Art Photo-booth. Interactive artists such as the bangle maker with cart and setup, the peanut maker, the paan waala and many others added to the overall experience. Our mixologists also added to the colour with their vibrant cocktails and coolers. Throughout the day, there was a lot of dancing while DJ Nitesh was spinning at the decks.

The evening went on to an elevated Bollywood Oscars themed extravaganza. This evening featured illuminated posters of the couple as well as a red carpet media wall with MC Abhijeet interviewing guests. The guests were amazed by the large trophy sculptures that were displayed throughout the pre-function area. 

Once guests entered the V Hotel’s Amazing room, they were astounded by the arrangement, which included a beautiful fairy light dance floor and a lit up stage with lightbulbs around it. Elegant centrepieces with trophies, clapboards, movie reels, and more portraying the theme of Bollywood and the Oscars were also a part of this elegant setup. Finally, at the end of the ballroom, a giant immersive gold bar counter with sparkles, shimmer, and #PrashuKuchMeethaHojaye, the hashtag of our gorgeous couple was incorporated. Our outstanding skilled mixologists had a lot of molecular activity going on at the bar and kept the guests entertained with their unique creations.

The evening began with the couple’s romantic reveal from the balcony while exchanging rings. The magnificent sight appeared to be straight out of a Bollywood movie. The duo then took came down and joined the audience for the high-energy sangeet performances choreographed by DANS.

Their engagement was commemorated by a spectacular cake and the popping of a champagne bottle. The dance floor party continued until sunrise, with interactive artists joining them on the dance floor.

The wedding day began with Pujas and ceremonies, followed by the Groom’s Procession along the Habtoor Palace’s pathway in his vintage vehicle. The Royal Brass Band led the procession along the route as he made his entrance like a Maharaja. 

Our Sabyasachi bride entered the lovely site with her flower chaadar, which was adorned with red flowers. As our bride stepped in dressed as a Maharani, it was yet another scenario straight out of a Bollywood film.

The Grand Reception was the most anticipated, magical, and dreamy affair. For this Ethereal affair, Cinderella was used as inspiration. Meetha, our bride, was dazzling in her opulent gleaming gown. Our groom found her shoe and slipped it on, knowing she was the one, and they wowed the guests with their white horse and carriage as they made their grand entry. For all of the guests, this was a surreal sight to see. 

As soon as Meetha and Prashant arrived at the venue, they cut the cake and popped the bottle, pouring champagne on the champagne tower with low fog, sparks, and other spectacular effects, followed by their first dance. As their first dance came closer to the end, they invited the remaining couples to join them on the dance floor to recreating the Cinderella scene on the romantic song.

While the night progressed into party mode, we had Walter Scalzone, a renowned percussionist, join us and provide an unforgettable experience for the guests by performing a champagne performance with water drums.

All the themes, concepts, show flows and artists were planned, conceptualized and managed by Vivaah Celebrations. Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

#theREALvivaahteam

Touted as the ‘Mega Wedding of the Year 2021’, the celebrations for Kashika and Anish took shape over a 10-months detailed planning and conceptualizing journey managed by Vivaah Celebrations under the leadership of globally renowned wedding planner in Dubai; Rahul Kumar. 

The destination wedding venue was the prestigious Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah where guests were accommodated for the entire week as they enjoyed multiple events as part of the elaborate celebrations.

With over 70 operations executives, 100 fabricators, 12 florists, 60 chefs, 40 different menus and above all, over 35 performing artists, this 7-day wedding celebration was truly a spectacle that was witnessed by 400 guests attending from various parts of the world

It all began with the auspicious Ganesh Puja at the Groom’s residence seeking blessings before embarking on a life-long journey of love and happiness. This event was attended by close family members and marked the beginning of the festivities to follow.  

The Chura Ceremony kickstarted the celebrations for the Bride’s side of the family. Hosted at The Address Montgomerie, this outdoor event saw the Bride being adorned with the traditional wedding ornaments and jewellery. The entertainment for the evening was provided by DJ Gautam.

The Family Sufi Dinner was held at AMALA – the top-rated Indian fine dining restaurant at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. With a limited number of guests in attendance, the traditional Indian culinary fare was much appreciated by the guests as they enjoyed a soulful Sufi performance by recognized local talent, Fahmil Khan.

A 24-hour French Patisserie was set up for all days of the wedding celebration. Active and operational all throughout the day, the pastry chefs constantly prepared and served authentic French delicacies for guests who would choose to enjoy a light bite in a truly French setting with ambience music serenading them. A special highlight contribution was brought in each day by renowned Cake & Confectionery Designer, 

The Venetian themed Welcome Dinner was held at The IMPERIUM at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. This event had all guests in attendance since many travelled in and checked-in to the hotel on the morning of. The guest experience began even before they got to the opulent venue as they entered an immersive experiential tunnel displaying Italian art, sculptures and paintings from the Renaissance Era. In addition to this, interactive artists such as trained actors, hostesses and emotional catering professionals elevated the multi-sensory experience for all. Entertaining the audience with their mesmerizing voice was local sensation Jin Flora.

The evening further continued into a high energy event inspired by the finest Parisian Night Clubs. The ‘Evening in Paris’ event was held at THE MUSIC HALL in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. This event featured custom-made plush furniture and designer bars that represented a VIP Night Club. With some of the finest cigars, cheese and wine offered on every table, this was a swanky affair! World-famous, award-winning group PARIS SELECT were the lead performers for this event. Having flown in specially for this performance, they put up a great show that had guests asking for more. Belting out top chart numbers they wowed the audience with their power packed performance. To top it all up, the audience went up in roars when the band performed two specially rehearsed Bollywood numbers LIVE for the audience. Elevating the experience further was DJ Bosco and the renowned percussionist Walter Scalzone.

One of the most vibrant events at this wedding was the Mehendi Bash where the venue of PLAJ at Zabeel Saray was converted into an Amazon Rainforest. With dense green forest entrance walkways, artificially created waterfalls and rivers, exotic birds, tree barks and raw earth elements, this Mehendi setting was unlike any seen before. The culinary offerings at this event were unique and based on easy portion sized bites. The beach was transformed into a games and chill zone where guests could feel the sand and sea at their feet. LIVE entertainment was provided by the very talented duo Hari & Sukhmani whose stylized version of folk numbers had everyone swaying to their tunes literally.

The much-awaited Sangeet took place at the open green lawns of Zabeel Saray with the backdrops of the beach. Drawing inspiration from Roberto Cavalli bling and opulence, this event saw a heavy use of crystal chandeliers, hand blown glass elements and deep mirror installations to truly define the theme of ‘Night Under the Stars’. The statement piece was the immersive entrance tunnels adorned with Swarovski crystals overhead as well as the floor. The couple commemorated the evening with a Champagne Tower standing 8 levels tall where they poured their favourite bottle of champagne to rejoice with their guests. Adding the entertainment quotient to the evening was MC Abhijeet who is one of the most recognized voices on the radio with a massive fan following. The family performances were choreographed by Satyen Babla of DANS.

The showcase of the week-long celebration was the afterparty on this evening. LIVE in performance was the living legend, the maestro RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN who mesmerized the guests in the Royal Mughal settings at THE MUSIC HALL of Zabeel Saray. The night continued into the early hours of the morning with DJ Bosco spinning at the decks.

The wedding day morning began with the Haldi ceremonies for the Bride and the Groom, each held separately in AL NAFOORAH and AMALA respectively. The themes of Orange Hues and Lemon Hues saw innovative use of oranges and lemons that formed part of the delicate décor to complement the event. 

The Wedding Lunch at The IMPERIUM was a typical Marwari-Rajasthani Thali with the use of traditional kitchenware and cutlery. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the specially crafted menus at every event, but this particular lunch took guests to the comfort of their meals at home, the traditional way. The culinary team at Zabeel Saray ensured that every event had the right match to their Food and Beverage offerings. The food styling, display and service concepts truly heightened the guest experience.

The Groom’s Baraat procession was power packed with his entourage dancing their way through a 400-meter long stretch pathway along the beach. The hour long Baraat had the Groom sat on a Horse Chariot while the 6-piece Brass Band provided for the traditional fanfare to hype up the Baraat. The Bride entered under a blanket of flowers leading up to the Jaimala stage where the couple exchanged garlands to commemorate the evening. 

Amidst detailed tablescapes, plush floral installations, an iconic floral sculpture bar and some of the finest spirits on offering, the Reception Evening had the guests in awe of the surreal settings on a chilly evening. As guests indulged in fine culinary offerings, the evening was set for Instrumental Traditional music being performed LIVE by a trio of musicians flown in from Jaipur.

Finally, the main event – the Wedding Pheras took place under a gorgeous floral Mandap with a glass aisle that made for the most beautiful Bride entry. Situated over the beach, the Mandap sat pretty with the backdrops of the Arabian Sea. The rituals and ceremonies ended late at night as the guests blessed the lovely couple for a happy married life ahead.

All the themes, concepts, show flows and artists were planned, conceptualized and managed by Vivaah Celebrations.

 Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally. To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com

#theREALvivaahteam