Mina and Jake are a very international couple, both hailing from and living in different countries around the world before finding each other in Australia. As you might expect for such a well-travelled pair, their wedding was a jet set affair, with a ceremony in Australia followed by a wedding reception and celebration in the UAE. Touches of lavender and purple shone at the reception, and the details included heartfelt and thoughtful touches carefully chosen and coordinated by Mina.
Mina + Jake | October 4, 2013 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Dress Listing: Elie Saab
The Ceremony
We had no ceremony as we had to get married in Australia and had to travel the next day to set up the wedding reception in Dubai. All my friends and family are overseas.
The Reception
Our venue was at an oasis of calm and tranquility in the middle of the glitzy city, just a stroll away from the Arabian desert mystique, at the Ritz Carlton in Dubai’s Marina. One of the things that we had in common is that we both love travelling and love Dubai, therefore, it was a no brainer for us. When we decided to get married it was our first choice for our wedding venue.
I wanted our wedding to be elegant with class and glamour. I planned most of the wedding from overseas myself and every piece was unique starting from the invitations, the centrepieces, menus cards and favours, music & entertainment, guest signing table and the the menu selection. I did hire a wedding planner to coordinate with the hotel and vendors for further details. I had my invitations designed by Lela New York, centrepieces shipped from the States, customised M&Ms favours in small silk boxes made in India with matching menu card holders, and the guest book from the UK. The party & entertainment was a celebration of the mix of culture between the east and the west and everyone had a great time.
Mina’s Dress Search
All I knew when I started my dress search was that I didn’t want to have a strapless dress. I walked into the Elie Saab boutique in Dubai when I was visiting, 10 months before my wedding. They showed me the catalogue for their exclusive bridal collection and I liked only one dress which they had in store, in my exact size. I tried it on but I wasn’t sure that this was it.
I returned to Australia and continued my search, however, after trying the Elie Saab dress it was very hard for me to compare it with any other. I did like the Monique Lhuillier Eternity skirt with Magical top and it was a very hard choice between the two. I finally decided to go for the Elie Saab dress, as the fabric was incomparable, the style was classic and elegant, and fitted my personality more. It just made me feel like a princess.
How Mina Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Royalty, graceful and beautiful.
Why Mina Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
It is a very pretty dress and in very good condition, I feel the dress deserves to be worn for more than four hours. I would love to see another girl that shares my idea of how a bride should look like. Also, I would like to pay some of those wedding debts.
