GOLDEN Grand and Dorna and Akil’s fairytale wedding at the Kimpton Fitzroy blended culture, luxury and personal touches Images courtesy of The Wed Memories These lovebirds met through mutual friends on social media. What started as a few casual messages quickly grew into long chats, shared jokes and an effortless connection. Even though they were in different places at the time, the bond felt real from the start. “When we finally met in person, it just confirmed everything,” Dorna says. “It wasn’t dramatic, just a calm knowing that we’d found something real. We’ve supported one another through everything and built a life filled with love, meaning and joy.” Akil proposed in Dubai, turning what was meant to be an ordinary evening into something unforgettable. He led Dorna to a private suite overlooking The Palm at sunset, where a violinist played and the balcony glowed with candles, petals and a heart of roses. “It was surreal,” Dorna recalls. “He told me to get ready for dinner but instead surprised me with the most breathtaking setting. When he got down on one knee, I was completely overwhelmed.” After she said “yes”, the celebrations continued with a private balcony dinner of her favourite dishes, cocktails and desserts, plus two cakes reading “She said yes” and “Forever”. “Just when I thought it couldn’t get more emotional, he played a 20-minute film of our memories together. We spent the next five days celebrating in Dubai — it felt like pure magic.” SETTING THE SCENE From their first visit, the Kimpton Fitzroy in London captured their hearts. “The ballroom felt like a fairytale with soaring ceilings, breathtaking architecture and romantic touches. It just felt like the place we were meant to say ‘I do’,” Dorna says. The Palm Court, filled with natural light and marble, offered an elegant contrast. “The two spaces created a perfect balance of drama and softness,” she adds. With their shared love of art and architecture, the venue felt like a modern castle in the heart of the city. “When we left after the first visit, I burst into happy tears as I just knew it was perfect.” The couple embraced the ballroom’s gold and white interiors with a palette of white, gold and nude. “We wanted something timeless, luxurious and romantic, enhancing the beauty of the space rather than competing with it.” Flowers were kept white with minimal greenery for a refined REAL WEDDINGS 21
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