Weddings in Bahrain are a beautiful blend of heritage, culture and love. For Hetal Karani and Dishen Patel, it was about celebrating creating lasting memories with a stunning fusion of tradition and modern elegance.
Their wedding in the Kingdom allowed them to celebrate their routes – Hetal’s family has deep ties to Bahrain, dating back to the 1960s when her grandfather moved from Bombay to join the booming pearl industry. “Bahrain holds a special place in my family’s heart,” Hetal says. “It’s where my grandparents built lasting friendships and treasured memories, and the country has been part of our family’s journey ever since.”
Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage has always been a significant part of Hetal’s life and she and Dishen were determined to weave these elements into their wedding celebrations. The couple carefully chose Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, a property that blends traditional Bahraini architecture with modern luxury. “We wanted our guests to experience Bahrain’s cultural identity from the moment they arrived,” Hetal shares. “From the arched doorways to the courtyards and the intricate details influenced by the Dilmun Civilisation, every corner of the venue reflects the essence of the region.”
“Bahrain is known for its warmth and hospitality,” Hetal explains. “We wanted our wedding to embody this spirit.” At their Sangeet, they featured local Bahraini talent, including a perfumer, sketch artist and Gahwa (traditional coffee), alongside delicacies like Luqaimat and Um Ali, giving their guests a true taste of Bahraini flavours.
Choosing Dandy Salvino as their wedding planner was crucial for Hetal and Dishen. “From the moment we met Dandy, we knew she was the one,” Hetal recalls. “She understood our vision and brought it to life in ways we hadn’t imagined.” A standout feature was the creation of a unique Mandap, a Hindu pavilion for the ceremony, designed by Dandy. “It was an architectural challenge,” Hetal admits, “but Dandy approached it confidently and delivered a structure that had never been built before, perfectly complementing the resort’s architecture.”
Beyond the wedding day, Hetal and Dishen’s love story is also a celebration of their shared values and ambitions. Hailing from different backgrounds – Hetal from Dubai and Dishen from New Jersey, USA – the two met on a dating app and instantly clicked. “Our cultures may be different, but our values and ambitions align perfectly,” Hetal says. Their whirlwind romance culminated in a breathtaking proposal in Reykjavik, Iceland, where Dishen surprised Hetal with a helicopter ride to an active volcano site. “It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever,” Hetal says with a smile.
With their wedding now behind them, Hetal and Dishen are excited for the future, both personally and professionally, and are eager to continue making a difference through their shared philanthropic efforts. Their wedding in Bahrain, however, will always remain a beautiful and poignant reminder of the love, culture and heritage they’ve both embraced.
