Inside: A Fairytale Wedding In Abu Dhabi

From connecting on Hinge to their proposal on a surprise trip to Santorini, step inside Henna and Kunal’s fairytale wedding in Abu Dhabi.

The story so far

Our profiles matched on Hinge in March 2023, and within a week, we found ourselves on our first date in London. It was the start of something truly special. After a whirlwind romance marked by meaningful conversations, shared adventures, and unbreakable support, Kunal knew he had found the one. In June 2024, he got down on one knee and proposed to Henna on a surprise trip to Santorini for her 30th birthday, sealing their love with a resounding ‘yes.’ The platinum ring with 1 central diamond, inspired by Tiffany’s design was picked & designed by Kunal himself. Just under a year later, in April 2025, the two exchanged vows, promising to walk hand in hand through every chapter of life.

Venue

For our wedding, we chose the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE. We were captivated by its grandeur—the opulent architecture, the palatial surroundings, and the seamless blend of tradition and modernity. To us, it wasn’t just a venue; it was the perfect setting to begin our fairytale. The high-quality service, stunning event spaces, and timeless elegance made it the dream location for our union.

The day before the wedding was filled with excitement and final preparations. I (Henna) was getting my Mehendi done in my suite, surrounded by close friends and family, while Kunal practiced his dance moves, perfecting his performance for the Sangeet. We also took time to rehearse with the planners, ensuring that every detail of the upcoming events was well-coordinated. After the wedding, we dedicated the day to expressing our gratitude, spending time with loved ones who had traveled from around the world to celebrate our union. It was a day filled with heartfelt goodbyes and sincere appreciation, marking the end of a truly unforgettable celebration.

Fashion

My outfits were carefully chosen from a boutique in Birmingham, reflecting elegance and tradition, while Kunal looked dashing in his attire from Roop’s Couture in Stapleford Abbotts.

Jewellery

The jewellery was a stunning blend of pieces from Birmingham and India, including a gold necklace adorned with green stones, classic gold bangles, and red Latkans to add a traditional touch of red.

Bridal party

The bridal party complemented the our style perfectly, wearing matching dusty pink multiway dresses that harmonized beautifully with the overall aesthetic.

Transportation

Guest experience was at the heart of our wedding planning. We wanted to ensure that every guest felt truly valued and well taken care of. To achieve this, we chose to hire Indus Chauffeurs, providing seamless transfers to and from the wedding celebrations.

For the baraat, Kunal wanted to add a touch of elegance and opted for a white Rolls Royce to make a grand entrance as part of his procession.

Tablescape

The reception tablescape was an absolute vision, crafted by Emirates Palace in collaboration with U Events Global. Each table was adorned with elegant ribbons featuring guests’ names, creating a personal and welcoming atmosphere.

Food & drink

The food and drinks were curated with care, featuring personalised cocktails inspired by each event, adding a unique flavour to the celebrations.

Entertainment

Entertainment played a significant role throughout the wedding events. During the civil ceremony, we entered to the touching melody of ‘I Get to Love You’ by Ruelle, performed by a talented violinist. At the Mehndi, the saxophonist captivated guests with his performance, while the wedding reception featured a dynamic percussionist and a talented pianist who added an air of sophistication to the evening. Two DJs (Jas Johal & Amxn were flown in from the UK for the wedding, who added a fun element to all the events and supported all other artists who were a part of the festivities. Our first dance to John Legend’s ‘You and I’ was a moment to cherish, filled with love and joy.

Beauty regime & wellness

For my beauty regimen, Ayesha Farooq worked her magic with makeup, ensuring I looked radiant. There were no pre-wedding treatments, embracing a natural and effortless beauty approach.

Honeymoon

Following the wedding, we embarked on a romantic honeymoon to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, where we celebrated our new journey together.

Advice

Reflecting on our experience, we would love to share some invaluable advice for future brides and grooms. First, remember that everything eventually falls into place. Second, make sure to spend as much time as possible with your partner during the events, as the moments pass quickly. Finally, don’t stress if things don’t go precisely according to plan. Destination weddings often involve many moving parts, and slight delays are normal. Staying relaxed and embracing the joyful energy of the day is far more important than sticking to a rigid schedule. Our wedding in Abu Dhabi was a true celebration of love, blending traditional and modern elements, and leaving lasting memories for everyone involved.