Karen Zaatari & Mohamad Al Sawan

“Sisters are always checking out their brother’s friends, and that is how Karen Zaatari, first spotted her future husband. It was several years later, however, before their first “official” meeting. 

Mohamad Al Sawan, spotted Karen at a local lounge and abandoned his friends. “He asked so many questions that night,” says Karen, who jokes that she passed his test.

Three years later, Moe accompanied Karen to Dubai for work, booking the presidential suite at The Ritz-Carlton. On their last day, she was eager to go shopping, while he wanted to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.  

As she hurried to get dressed, he nervously gave her a hug while fumbling the ring box. “When it was finally open, I was so confused,” says Karen. Then he went down on one knee and proposed, and she said, “Yes.”

The traditional formal Muslim wedding ceremony was followed by a reception under the stars. With fireworks overhead, Karen felt as if she was floating in the skies. A cool vibe was created with polished ice bars, ice angels, blue lighting, crystal tables and white furniture. “Mohamad and I never wanted the night to end,” says Karen.

During their honeymoon in Southern Italy, they took in the picture postcard scenery, cruised to hidden grottos, sampled sumptuous fare and explored the local shops.