Nestled in the breathtaking Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, Nour and Samer’s wedding was a seamless fusion of their unique personalities – an intimate, picnic-inspired celebration in nature intertwined with the electrifying energy of a lively party. Their non-traditional ceremony was filled with heart and laughter, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests gathered around a dance floor for a stunning dinner, where personal touches and creative details made every moment feel even more special. And, of course, Nour’s bespoke wedding dress was a vision of effortless style and individuality. Are you ready to dive into this wedding – where romance meets adventure, and every moment is pure magic?
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
We actually met years before we started dating and even tried going out back then. He slid into my DMs, invited me backstage at a party, and—well, it was the most awkward five minutes of both our lives. We spent the next few years cringing at the memory of it. Fast forward about four years, and we gave it another shot—this time, a real date. We talked for hours, completely lost in conversation. And when we finally kissed at the end of the night, the waiters gave us a standing ovation.
The Proposal
Samer booked a staycation at my favorite spot in Lebanon, and by chance, we got the same room as our first weekend together. I was sick, on strong meds, and thought we were just celebrating a friend’s birthday. From our friend’s perspective, he was ready with the camera for the big moment—until I suddenly ran off. He panicked, thinking I’d said no. In reality, I had just forgotten to take my antibiotics. When I came back, Samer finished his speech and held up a poster that said, “Will you Mar—” with a picture of our cat, Remi. I was so shocked that my friend had to remind me to answer. Of course, I said yes. My best friends and sister showed up with flowers, and we had an amazingly wholesome dinner together.
The Engagement Ring
Samer couldn’t have chosen a more perfect ring. He proposed with a stunning custom Imad Baadarani yellow-gold band, featuring a round diamond at its center, elegantly framed with a hidden diamond halo on the side for some peek-a-boo sparkle. He knows me so well, and this ring is a reflection of that—simple, timeless, and understated—exactly my style.
Our Wedding
The Vision
Samer and I are complete opposites, and our wedding day perfectly captured that balance—meeting in the middle. I envisioned a picnic-inspired celebration, surrounded by nature and animals, with a focus on everything wholesome and serene. Samer, on the other hand, dreamed of a big, lively party with all the excitement of a grand event. So, we found the perfect compromise—a day-to-night wedding that seamlessly blended both our visions. From a peaceful afternoon immersed in nature to an unforgettable evening filled with dancing and celebration, our wedding was truly a reflection of us coming together.
Our Team of Vendors
We couldn’t have had such an incredible day without our amazing team of vendors, most of whom we consider friends. Our wedding planner, Jennifer Tawil, brought our vision to life perfectly. Lens Tales and Yasmina Hilal captured stunning, vintage-inspired moments, while Andrea Najarian and Remah Jammoul made me feel beautiful and comfortable with my look. Melissa Haddad nailed all the graphic designs, and Chantale Fahmi created beautiful, unique floral arrangements with a veggie twist.
The DJs—Jean Nassif, Wassim Bou Malham, Nesta, Sarah, and Saad—kept the energy high from start to finish. Tailor Kit Catering was a hit—everyone kept asking about them, and The Tipplers created delicious custom drinks for us. We’re so grateful for the talented team that made our day unforgettable.
The Location
We got married in Karm El Joz, a true slice of heaven in Taanayel, Bekaa, where we first exchanged our “I love you”s six years ago. I truly consider it heaven on Earth—one of the largest walnut orchards in the country. Surrounded by endless trees and lush greenery, it was the perfect setting for a sunlit daytime celebration on the grass and an unforgettable after-party among the trees. To top it off, we had stunning projections by Flying Submarine in the dinner and dance floor area, with a special set of visuals for the after-party—blending our love of nature with a touch of whimsy.
The Ceremony
I was so excited for this part of the wedding—our non-traditional ceremony. Since we come from different religions (and, unfortunately, you can’t legally marry across religions in Lebanon yet), we had already signed our civil marriage in Cyprus. For the ceremony, our best friend Hamza officiated, wearing the most ridiculously oversized hat—just as promised.
He even included a nod to my love of astrology, asking, “Do you, Samer, take Nour—Virgo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising—to be your lawfully wedded wife?” We ended the ceremony by removing our rings and putting them back on, sealing the moment. It was perfect—full of heart and laughter. To top it off, we had four wholesome and funny speeches from our siblings and close friends, each bringing their own unique charm to the day. It was such a beautiful and personal touch that made the ceremony even more memorable.
The Reception
After the ceremony, our guests enjoyed great music, drinks, bites, and some quality time with adorable animals. It was the perfect moment for everyone to relax before being invited to the dinner area. The tables were arranged in two semi-circles around the burnt-orange dance floor, with a large screen showcasing the projections I mentioned earlier. As guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, fun videos—like cartoon characters eating—played in the background, adding a playful touch to the evening.
The Special Touches
Sam and I both added our own special touches to the wedding. I had recently started exploring digital illustration, so I created unique messages for each table, all tied to the wedding’s theme or music. Some of them included: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are floating in space,”“Life is immersive theatre,” and thought-provoking ones like “Date the person, not the potential.” Samer, on the other hand, had a song written for him and performed live by his friend Wassim—one of the most hilarious moments of the night, especially when Sam’s face was projected behind us. It was a perfect blend of personal, creative touches that made the day even more special.
Our Favorite Moment
Honestly, the whole day was my favorite—not because I had always dreamed of getting married (it was never really my thing), but because, as an introvert, I was nervous about being the center of attention. Instead, I found myself floating, completely swept up in love. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true.
From huge smiles to family members having the time of their lives, to friends telling us they couldn’t contain their love, I felt zero anxiety or stress. I just let the vendors do their thing and soaked it all in. It truly was the best day—and Samer agrees.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I was incredibly lucky to design my dress with one of my favorite Lebanese designers, Yassmin Saleh. We started with a mood board that quickly turned into a sketch—one that needed hardly any changes. That sketch became my wedding dress. Yassmin has an amazing ability to capture the essence of a woman, and she created something that felt like it was made just for me. My after-party outfit is one of my favorite looks of all time, and I can’t wait to wear it again.
The Groom Looks
As for Samer’s suit, we knew right away that Jeux de Mains was the perfect choice. It’s one of our favorite brands—full of color and creativity. Salim, the designer behind the brand, crafted a stunning green suit for the occasion, complete with a beautiful Krikor Jabotian brooch. He also designed the perfect gradient shirt, striking a balance between stylish and breezy—ideal for the after-party.
Our Bridesmaid’s & Groomsmen’s Looks
The bridesmaids and groomsmen chose and designed their own looks, unknowingly following a specific color palette without any guidance. Even our parents did the same. It all came together effortlessly!
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
The most important thing is to create a day that’s truly for you—not for family, society, or anyone else. This day is about celebrating your love, so focus on what will make you happy. What do you want to eat? What music do you want to dance to? What do you want to see? Everything else is just a detail. As a perfectionist myself, I’ll also say this: let go. Trust your wedding planner—they’ve got everything covered. Focus on what truly matters to you. And one more thing: no amount of anxiety will change anything, so breathe deeply, trust the process, and enjoy the moment as much as you can.
For On The Day
Honestly, everything they say is true: you’ll be high on love, and the day will fly by. My advice? Forget your phone exists, let go, and trust the vendors to do their thing. Start the day with intention, be grateful for everything around you, and truly take it all in. It’s a privilege to celebrate a day like this and to be surrounded by so much love. Don’t take it for granted!
For Post-Wedding
Book a massage. Take some time off work—even if you’re not going on a honeymoon right away. Take care of yourself. You’ll need a moment to land, reflect, and realize that all those months of planning led to this day. Give yourself the space to relax and soak it all in.
Vendors
Photographer & Videographer: Lens Tales
Planner: Jennifer Tawil
Venue: Karm El Joz
Florist: Fauve
Stationery: Melissa Haddad
Makeup: Faces By Andrea
Hair: Remah Jammoul
Projections: Flying Submarine
Cake & Catering: Tailor Kit Catering
Drinks: The Tipplers
Music: Jean Nassif, Wassim Bou Malham, Nabih Esta, Sarah Hardan, Saad Naamani
Style
Bridal Dress & Boutique: Yassmin Saleh, Yassmin Saleh Bridal
Stylists: Yasmine Saliba, Yara Ghauch, Laetitia Mourad, Melissa Haddad
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom: Jeux de Mains
Wedding & Engagement Rings: Imad Baadarani Fine Jewelry
