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The wonderful world of weddings was unveiled at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Al Rifaa Ballroom with a weekend extravaganza attracting scores of brides and grooms-to-be, their families and friends.
The one-stop-shop for that very special day proved a lively affair as visitors were able to enjoy demonstrations from hair and make-up artists, snap pictures in a photo-booth and enjoy entertainment from the talented ‘Jihan’, all amongst the backdrop of romantic wedding themes.
The sophisticated event also featured evening gown fashion shows by MA collection and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as a bridal-wear set by MA collection and White Bride. Elie and Jean Salon gave live hairstyle demonstrations and a local pianist and DJ had the crowd swaying to the beat.
Vasken Vartanian, director of sales & marketing, said: “More than 2,000 weddings have been held at the hotel and to commemorate our 35th anniversary we decided to hold this special wedding fair.
“We wanted to offer a wedding journey experience from ‘A to Z’. We had around 300 people show up during the grand opening night on Friday.”
During the event if a couple booked and confirmed their wedding plans with the hotel they received a flight ticket to Vietnam and a three-night stay for their honeymoon package priced at BD1,800. Raffle draws were also held each day with a selection of prizes to be won from the event sponsors.
Visitors were entertained with DIY table set-ups by the wedding event company, Aseel Al Ansarri, and were shown various ways of wearing a scarf by a representative of Annada, a company which makes specialist scarfs.
On display were honeymoon scarf sets which featured romantic stories. For example, the collection ‘Women with the Black Eyes’ and ‘Me, Myself and I’ had enchanting messages behind the talented artist’s expressions. Unique matching sets included a full scarf for the bride and a handkerchief for the groom’s pocket.
Glamour make-up tutorials were also staged for future brides by Azhar Hubail. Women were also treated to that local favourite pastime of henna designs by Ruby, professional wedding planner advice from the hotel consultants and back and neck massages by the in-house spa team.
There was even a brother and sister duo checking out the wedding scene to gather information about a possible new venture called ‘Beeunique’ an extension of Adliya Furnishings, respected for its unique furniture products.
Owner Husain Bukanan said: “We have many wedding designers visiting our shop to order custom-built wedding furnishings such as stages, VIP sofas and chairs. We can customise the colour, material and design for them so we thought we might as well look at getting more involved in the industry.”
Al Zain Jewellers attended the event and worked with White Bride and Saks Fifth Avenue during the fashion show. Fatima Alarab, its senior marketing executive, said: “I think that these shows give great exposure to organisations and offer a perfect setting. Everything is under one roof with what a bride and groom may need to plan their wedding. Our jewellery bridal sets on display proved very popular and attracted a lot of attention.”
Al Hawaj displayed a range of Shiseido products, French fragrances from Diptique and gorgeous wedding jewellery from its various lines.
Organisers of the event were thrilled with the attendance numbers and enthusiasm from the visitors. Well, it is spring and love IS in the air!
