A spectacular three-day celebration saw Celio Saab, son of acclaimed designer Elie Saab, marry his beautiful bride Zein Qutami in the heart of Lebanon, blending fairytale romance with the pinnacle of high fashion.
Over a thousand distinguished guests, including Lebanon’s First Lady Nehmat Aoun and Spanish supermodel Nieves Álvarez, gathered to witness the highly anticipated nuptials on July 18, cementing its status as a significant high society event.
Zein Qutami, the 28-year-old Jordanian bride, radiated elegance in a custom-made Elie Saab wedding gown, exquisitely embroidered with 1,500 iridescent sequins and adorned with Chopard jewels, a testament to the luxury fashion house’s artistry. Elie Saab himself described designing the gown, which took approximately 800 hours, as a process inspired by Zein’s personal style, creating a look that truly suited her.
Celio, dashing in a bespoke Zegna suit, recounted the emotional moment he first saw his bride, describing a “quiet wave of calm excitement” as the room faded around them, a truly intimate experience amidst the grand scale of the designer wedding. Zein expressed profound honor at wearing a creation by her admired father-in-law, emphasizing the deep thought, care, and love imbued in every stitch of her exquisite bridal attire.
The couple chose the historic Antioch Patriarchate church in Bkerke, overlooking Jounieh Bay, for their sunset ceremony, officiated by His Beatitude, Cardinal Béchara Boutros al‑Rai. This sacred setting for their Lebanese nuptials provided a spiritual foundation to their union, reflecting the profound significance of love and marriage.
The evening reception at the exclusive Faqra Club showcased Zein in her second breathtaking Elie Saab creation, a more dramatic gown contrasting with her traditional church attire. Embellished with over 300,000 Swarovski crystals and crafted from sand-pink tulle, this luxury fashion masterpiece complemented the impressive ten-tier wedding cake, a marvel designed by Neiman Azzi and Wissam Gemayel.
Zein shared her heartfelt joy in joining the renowned Saab family, describing an immediate sense of belonging and warmth. The multi-day celebration included a vibrant cultural welcome, featuring a traditional Lebanese show, where Zein captivated guests in another stunning rose-coloured Elie Saab gown, further solidifying the high society grandeur.
The festivities culminated with “Electric Aura” at Elie Saab’s private residence, a retro-futuristic club experience complete with holograms and immersive lighting, providing a spectacular send-off. The newlyweds then embarked on a luxurious honeymoon along the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast before returning to their home in Abu Dhabi.
Looking ahead, Celio and Zein plan to start a family, envisioning a vibrant yet comfortable life together. Elie Saab shared his timeless wisdom on lasting relationships, emphasizing harmony, respect, closeness, and transparency, values he credits his wife Claudine for embodying and bringing stability to his own life, wishing the same enduring happiness for the new couple.
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