Vivaah Celebrations – Destination Wedding Planners, wrapped up a spectacular three-day wedding celebration, lovingly titled “The Silk Route,” inspired by the timeless elegance and rich traditions of Persia, Thailand, and India. Held at the breathtaking Raffles The Palm, Dubai, this wedding wasn’t just a union of two individuals, but a seamless tapestry of heritage, emotion, and global charm curated by CEO of Vivaah Celebrations – Rahul Kumar and COO – Maggi Kewlani.
This was no ordinary love story. Karun Advani, the charming groom of Indo-Thai descent—his mother from Thailand, his father Indian—married his radiant bride Sarvnaz Amidi, a vision of grace and strength from Iran. Together, they created a magical celebration that honoured their roots and embraced the diversity that brought their worlds together.
Indian Wedding Pheras – A Sunset of Vows
The festivities commenced with the vibrant Indian Wedding Pheras, a spectacle of colour, music, and emotion. The Baraat began at the grand entrance of Raffles The Palm, with guests from around the world dancing joyously to the heart-thumping beats of traditional Indian Dhol music. Custom cocktails flowed freely and the energy was electric as the groom made his way to meet his bride.
The Mandap, inspired by the intricate architecture of a Thai Temple, stood majestically against the beautiful dome with the Dubai skyline on one side and the waters on the other. Hues of saffron, peach, and gold bathed the setting as the sun dipped low, casting a golden glow that seemed to bless the couple’s new beginning.
In a touching gesture of cultural respect and unity, the bride’s Iranian family warmly welcomed Karun with traditional Indian rituals—teeka, mithai, and garlands. It was a moment that beautifully captured the essence of their celebration: cultures blending, hearts opening.
Sarvnaz made her entrance in a resplendent red Indian bridal lehenga, exuding timeless elegance. She walked down the aisle to meet Karun, and together they exchanged jaimalas in a ceremony that resonated with deep spiritual significance. With each phera, their bond deepened, watched by loved ones moved to tears.
After the ceremony, guests explored curated experiences reflecting all three cultures. From a Thai candy artist crafting honey treats in the couple’s logo and symbolic designs, to custom Persian-Indian-Thai fusion mocktails and a live sitar and tabla duo, every detail was thoughtfully executed. Dinner was served under the iconic dome of Raffles with the city skyline twinkling in the distance.
The Iranian Odyssey – Sofreh Aghd at Sunset
The next day unfolded with the romantic beauty of the Persian Sofreh Aghd ceremony. But before the official events began, the bridesmaids and groomsmen kicked off the day with laughter, bubbly, and joyful chaos in their private suites—posing for fun photos, sharing inside jokes, and toasting to the couple’s big day.
The Sofreh Aghd was set on the lush Raffles Palm lawn, transformed into a dreamlike garden complete with fluttering fairies, floral arrangements in soft pastels, and elegant entertainers like a stilted flutist weaving music through the breeze.
At the centre stood the grand Sofreh Aghd spread—a beautifully curated table holding items symbolic of prosperity, purity, and unity.
A mirror and candles for reflection and light, honey to sweeten life together, fruits, nuts, sugar cones, rose water, and the sacred holy book—all lovingly arranged by Vivaah Celebrations.
As the sun painted the sky in soft amber, the ceremony began. Entrances were made with grace and poise, the air full of anticipation. Guests sipped from the open bar, enjoyed passed canapés, and watched the emotional and symbolic union unfold—a moment of heritage, meaning, and poetry.
The Grand Reception – Glamour, Jazz, and a Night to Remember
The final evening was a grand reception held in the luxurious Raffles Ballroom. Guests were welcomed into a jazz-themed pre-function lounge where champagne bubbled over, and a talented duo serenaded them with classic tunes, creating a refined yet celebratory atmosphere.
As the ballroom doors opened, the festivities moved into high gear. The dashing MC Abhijeet, known for his charisma, took the mic and masterfully guided the evening with elegance and energy.
The bride and groom made a regal entrance, followed by the Persian Knife Dance—a delightful traditional performance symbolizing the couple’s playful dynamic and cultural flair. Heartfelt speeches, emotional moments, and the cake-cutting ceremony added to the evening’s joy. Dinner was a gourmet affair, featuring a beautifully balanced menu of Iranian, Indian, and Thai cuisine, celebrating the roots of both families. The highlight of the night? An exhilarating live performance by the celebrated Iranian band Danial, who kept guests swaying and singing along.
But the night wasn’t over yet.
As the clock neared midnight, the couple re-entered for the afterparty, this time to the beats of an energetic saxophonist and DJ Buddha, as trays of celebratory shots made the rounds. The dance floor pulsed with joy and unity as cultures collided on the dance floor. Guests partied till dawn, hearts full and feet sore from a celebration they’ll never forget.
The Legacy of The Silk Route
Weddings like this remind us why we do what we do. “The Silk Route” wasn’t just a wedding; it was a journey. A journey across countries, cultures, and centuries of tradition, brought to life in one perfect weekend. It was about family, unity, and honouring heritage while forging something beautifully new.
Here’s to love without borders.
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
Venue: Raffles Palm
Photography: @innanovaphotography
