NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Pre-Wedding Welcome Reception

Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Post-Wedding Recovery & Beach Day

Spring

Hello -- marhaba and welcome to our wedding website! Join us in April 16 - 19, 2026 to celebrate together in the U.A.E.! We hope our wedding will bring together everyone we love for an amazing weekend in one of the most beautiful places in the world. As two people deeply connected to our Syrian and Lebanese roots, our wedding will be a mix of our cultures and faith, with food, drinks, and music to fill your hearts (and your plates). Think sunset views, zaffe drums, and an unforgettable party. Speaking to Lauren's type A heart, this site will have everything in one place — travel and visa tips (you do want to get into the country, right?), where to stay, where to be and when, what to wear, and how to RSVP. We’ll keep updating it as we get closer to the big day. Thanks for being an important part of our lives, and for coming along into this exciting new phase with us. We’re counting down the days until we can eat, drink, laugh, dance, and party with you under the stars. Get your passports ready. — Lauren &amp; Elias

Our Wedding

We met on Hinge (the dating app, not the door joint), and somehow, despite Lauren’s slow texting and Elias’ relentless use of “I like turtles” (the GIF and the phrase), here we are.

Like all great modern love stories, ours began on Hinge—but only because Lauren’s friend Natalie finally wore her down one fateful weeknight while sitting in Eli's Late Shift and comiserating over the New York City dating scene one too many times. Nothing like wine and peer pressure to launch a dating profile by the time they were done with girl dinner. Elias, meanwhile, had been in the trenches—months of swiping, strategic "boosting", and wondering if this was really how people found love now. (“Great success?” Not yet.)We didn’t text much (Lauren is notorious for ignoring her phone and being a slow responder), but Elias didn’t waste time. He made a move, made a plan, and we met in person without dragging things out. Our first date was July 11, 2023, at Excuse My French in NYC. It was easy, warm, and instantly different. We both showed up knowing what we wanted—something real—and we weren’t afraid to say it. In fact, we talked so much that we probably gave the server a workout, seeing him return repeatedly to the table to take our order while we continuously asked for "a few more minutes". Date two was at Harriet’s Rooftop in Brooklyn. Sunset. Light rain. A glowing skyline. Elias has taken full credit for the ambiance, but it only earned him a kiss goodnight—and a third date. In August, Elias proudly showed off his Google office under the guise of a lunch date -- including introducing Lauren to his personal trainer, and to Elias's detriment, the game room. Lauren is not a shy competitor, and after beating him in ping pong, Elias became acutely aware of what it means to challenge her in any game/sport/event... and has been regretting it ever since. From bowling to billards, volleyball to ax-throwing, nothing kicks a relationship into high gear like (mostly) friendly competition. By October, we had road-tripped to Lake George—taking turns behind the wheel, DJ’ing for each other, and rapping (expertly, and loudly) to Eminem whenever the mood hit. It felt like we’d been doing this forever, and a few hours in a car passed like merely a few memorable minutes together. Thanksgiving 2023, Lauren met Elias’s extended family. She bonded over wine with his aunt, who casually asked (in Arabic) when the babies were coming. Lauren didn’t need a translator for the universal sounds of Middle Eastern relatives. But the humor, happiness, and love was pervasive, and she instantly felt like part of the family. That same weekend, after turkey and tabbouleh, we told each other “I love you” for the first time. Might as well make it official with family plans hanging in the balance. In December, Elias met Lauren’s mom, Camille. She loved him. Honestly, too much. Lauren was hoping for an interrogation, cutting remarks, or some subtle threats at the very least. Instead, Elias got almost instant approval from Camille -- who could have gone to every dinner with him that weekend with or without Lauren present. In the intervening months, we introduced each other to our friend groups (REALLY making it official), went skiing in Vermont (Elias conquered the bunny hill for Lauren), sun-soaking in Anguilla, and spent late nights in Paris for our one-year anniversary in July 2024. After Elias met more of Lauren's family in Dallas, we traveled to Dubai for Christmas where Lauren met Elias’s parents, sister, and childhood friends. Every moment felt easy and natural. We explored, hung out, worked out, and spent days and nights all over the city. Lauren even got to cook with Elias’s mom—an Arab mother’s kitchen is sacred territory, so this was one of the highest honors imaginable. The family made Lauren feel beyond welcome, and she found herself thinking over and over again how incredibly natural it all felt, as if she could turn a corner and see her own mother or siblings celebrating the holidays in those same moments, and in the same ways. For our families to be so similar, even though we are so different, is truly a blessing (not a curse, we swear). We’ve traveled the world, cooked countless meals together, tackled workouts with the buddy system, watched movies and countless episodes of Jeopardy, tried new things, and built a life full of laughter, love, and GIFs—because if you haven't heard, Elias really likes turtles. On July 1, 2025, with an upside down ring box in hand and down on one knee, Elias proposed in Lebanon—Lauren’s heart home. And she said yes. Now we’re planning a wedding in Dubai, a ceremony to bless our future together, and a party to top all others. We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Our Story

Wedding Events

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Hotels

AIRPORT

We suggest flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB). It's Dubai's main international airport and one of the busiest in the world. It has extensive international connections, especially from the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Emirates Airlines (Dubai’s flagship airline) operates primarily from DXB with excellent service and direct flights.

VISA INFO

Please check if you need advance visa arrangements to enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE). You can find more information <a href="https://www.emirates.com/us/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you’re traveling from the Canada, UK, USA, Jordan, Lebanon, or Syria, read below.

Canada, United Kingdom, United States

🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇺🇸Visa: Not required in advanceType: Visa on Arrival (30 days)Requirements:Passport valid for 6+ monthsReturn flight confirmation

Jordan

🇯🇴Visa: Required in advanceType: E-Visa (apply online or via airline)Requirements:Passport valid for 6+ monthsHotel booking or invitation letter is recommended

Lebanon

🇱🇧Visa: E-Visa or pre-arranged visa via airline or hotel sponsorType: Pre-arranged VisaRequirements:Apply online or through Emirates/EtihadMay be eligible for simplified visa if holding valid US/UK/Schengen visaPassport valid for 6+ months

Syria

🇸🇾Visa: Required in advanceType: Pre-arranged via UAE sponsor or airlineRequirements:Apply through Emirates/Etihad or authorized UAE sponsorPassport valid for 6+ months

Travel & Visas

Dubai is incredible — we hope you take some time to explore while you’re here! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a frequent flyer, there’s something exciting for everyone. Below are some of our favorite iconic and local experiences to help you make the most of your trip.

Head to the top of the world’s tallest building — book “At the Top” tickets in advance.

Burj Khalifa

Walk through traditional wind towers, art galleries, and museums, take an abra boat ride across Dubai Creek, and visit the Textile Souk and sip tea at the Arabian Tea House.

Old Dubai & Al Fahidi Historical District

Explore the massive mall with shopping, restaurants, and the aquarium is a must-see! You can also catch the Dubai Fountain show (every 30 minutes in the evening).

Dubai Mall

Hit the slopes indoors or just enjoy a coffee in an alpine lodge. There is also great shopping and casual dining all under one roof.

Mall of the Emirates & Ski Dubai

Experience the magic of Dubai's desert with a guided evening tour, including dune bashing, camel rides, a falcon show, and an authentic Emirati buffet under the stars. We recommend two trusted operators:<a href="https://www.arabian-adventures.com/ae/english/desert-safaris/aa-evening-desert-safari-dubai.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Arabian Adventures</a> — this is the official desert-safari provider by Emirates / dnata. Their Evening Desert Safari includes hotel pick-up, a thrilling 4×4 dune drive, camel ride, sandboarding, sunset camp experience, cultural entertainment, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Great for groups and wallet-friendly!<a href="https://uae.platinum-heritage.com/luxury-desert-safaris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Platinum Heritage Desert Safari</a> — this is Dubai’s award-winning safari operator.&nbsp;They provide a beautifully curated and eco-conscious desert experience, offering an exclusive evening under the stars complete with hotel pickup, cultural storytelling, conservation insights, and gourmet food in a vintage setting.

Desert Safari Adventure

Desert & Adventure Experiences

Things to Do

We hope we've anticipated your questions and provided the answers you're looking for here. If you can't find what you need, please feel free to reach out.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, here are a few things to keep in mind: Cultural Respect &amp; Dress Code:While Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, it is a Muslim country with a culture that values modesty. We encourage all of our guests to be mindful of this, particularly in public spaces.When you are at the hotel, on the beach, or by the pool, feel free to wear regular swimwear and beach attire.When venturing out to malls, restaurants, or sightseeing, Dubai is modern but modest -- please dress respectfully in public areas. This generally means covering your shoulders and knees.Please avoid public displays of affection, as this can be considered offensive. Alcohol/Drinking Culture: Alcohol is permitted in licensed venues -- hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. (including at our wedding 🎉). General Safety: The city is known for its excellent public services and a strong sense of security. You can feel comfortable walking around during the day and at night. As with any international city, we advise you to be aware of your surroundings, but rest assured that Dubai is a place where safety is a top priority. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We can't wait to share this amazing city with you!

Lauren & Elias