Rustic-Eclectic Wes Anderson-Inspired Beach Wedding at The Ritz Carlton in Dubai
Elis Bechir and Raffy Etyemezian’s love story began in the heart of Dubai, where the two first met at a rooftop lounge overlooking the Arabian Gulf. What started as a few chance meetings quickly evolved into something deeper. The pair found joy in each other’s company, often sharing lighthearted moments that strengthened their bond. “Fueled by Tiki Puka Pukas at Trader Vic’s, our bond deepened, solidifying our belief in a future together,” the bride says, hinting at the fun and playful side of their relationship. That future became a reality one sunny afternoon in Central Park, where Raffy surprised Elis with a heartfelt proposal.
From the outset, the couple knew they didn’t want to settle for anything traditional for their wedding. Inspired by their shared love of Wes Anderson’s distinctive cinematic style, they embarked on a wedding-planning adventure, expertly guided by their planner. As Elis puts it, “Planning our wedding was an adventure, and luckily we had Reham to guide us in the right direction.”
The couple envisioned a day bursting with color, fun and whimsy, and there was no better muse than Wes Anderson. His signature symmetry, quirky details and vibrant palettes laid the foundation for their theme. Coral, aqua green, mustard, azure and beige became the colors of the day, threading through every detail from the decor to the bridal party outfits.
“Reflecting our love for the outdoors and a laid-back vibe, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai offered the perfect setting,” Elis says, perfectly capturing the union of the city’s stunning skyline views and the serene beachfront atmosphere. It was sophisticated yet effortlessly casual, just like them. And because no wedding is complete without a surprise, they added a majestic camel to the day’s festivities, delighting and shocking their guests.
As the big day approached, the fashion decisions took center stage. “Raffy ditched the traditional groom’s look for a custom-made green suit, a bold choice that perfectly captured his personality,” Elis explains. He added an extra twist with classic Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, blending style and comfort seamlessly. The groomsmen followed suit with beige suspenders and pants, while their little one was the perfect miniature version of his father, sporting a green suit and white sneakers.
Elis, on the other hand, channeled old Hollywood glamor with a modern twist. She floated down the aisle in an A-line silk satin gown by Vanila Studio, its sleek silhouette exuding timeless elegance. Her look was punctuated by a floral embroidered veil, while green Manolo Blahnik pumps provided a pop of color, tying her ensemble perfectly to Raffy’s suit. The bridesmaids reflected the day’s vibrant aesthetic with mismatched dresses in a rainbow of colors, while the flower girls wore white frocks adorned with wildflowers and eucalyptus.
As guests gathered for the ceremony, they were greeted with canapés and cocktails, setting the tone for a day full of fun and surprises. The decor was nothing short of cinematic. High and low centerpieces featuring yellow roses, Bunnytail, Craspedia, Gerbera daisies and lush greenery in gold vases played off the colorful glass goblets and the eclectic mix of wooden chairs. Wes Anderson-inspired movie posters welcomed guests, and cocktail tables were adorned with signage bearing memorable lines from his films. The scene was set for a day that would be whimsical, elegant and unique.
As Elis made her grand entrance, accompanied by the soft strains of a classical cello, the ceremony space took on a magical quality. A breathtaking floral structure framed the backdrop, with the iconic Ain Dubai Ferris wheel glistening in the distance. The couple exchanged vows, surrounded by the love of family and friends against the picturesque Dubai skyline. “Walking down the aisle toward Raffy was an experience I’ll never forget. It was a moment of pure joy and connection,” the bride recalls.
With the vows sealed, it was time to celebrate. The cocktail hour was nothing short of a sensory feast. Guests were treated to a variety of signature cocktails and mocktails, while a fun photo booth complete with vintage Wes Anderson-inspired props kept the energy light. Of course, the camel made its grand entrance again, delighting guests with playful photo ops that perfectly captured the day’s spirit.
As day turned to night, the reception began in full swing. Dinner, served family-style, featured a sumptuous menu of zucchini carpaccio, roasted chicken and a showstopping French apple tart. Live food stations serving popcorn and shawarma added a playful twist to the proceedings. Meanwhile, the dance floor, set under a canopy of spring green linens, beckoned everyone to let loose. The couple’s first dance was one of the day’s standout moments. “We hadn’t rehearsed a single step, but as the music started, it felt like everything just clicked,” Elis shares.
Later, the couple cut into their three-tier lemon pound cake, adorned with vanilla cream, strawberries and delicate floral details. It was the perfect sweet ending to a day full of love. For couples searching for sage advice amid wedding planning, Elis offers some insight. “Your wedding day is a celebration of your love story. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or traditions that don’t resonate with you. Instead, incorporate elements that reflect your and your partner's personalities and backgrounds. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun! Don’t sweat the small stuff, and prioritize what truly matters to you both.”