logo
A Perfect Parisian Wedding To Remember In Château de Ferrières

A Perfect Parisian Wedding To Remember In Château de Ferrières

A grand 19th-century château in Paris allowed a sumptuous ceremony full of surprises to come to life
New bride Mariam Boustani Chehab admits to taking 'zero' photos when her fiancé, Lebanese entrepreneur Karim, proposed to her in London last year. 'He knows I don't like proposals, so it was very casual on the side of the road after dinner,' she laughs. 'I loved how it was such a private and intimate moment, but I regret now not taking any pictures.'
The couple first met in Dubai through Mariam's cousin, and it was her now-husband's thoughtfulness that immediately drew Mariam to him. 'I've always loved how he remembers the smallest details about me from the first day we met.' After dating for 18 months, followed by a six-month engagement, the couple tied the knot in May this year at a beautiful ceremony in the City of Light. 'The wedding was at Château de Ferrières in Seine-et-Marne, Paris. We wanted to celebrate aboard due to the unstable situation in Lebanon,' Lebanese-American marketing specialist says. 'We wanted do something different, surrounded by our family and friends.'
The 19th-century Italian Renaissance château set the scene perfectly for the couple's 200-guest wedding. Hiring Lebanese wedding planner Robert Hykl allowed the duo to dream up something fantastical that became reality. The venue was strewn with floral decorations of peonies, hortensia and roses in a soft pink palette, complemented by golden fruits inspired by the château's mouldings, that really brought their vision to life. Inside, a showstopping centrepiece created a fantastical element of surprise – a hot air balloon set against the opulent interiors, frescos and decorative artwork of the château, and surrounded by fuchsias and pink and orange sofas.
As per tradition, Karim made his entrance to a Dabke song, decked out in an Amer Ejjeh tuxedo, followed by Mariam who walked down the aisle in a high-neck, beaded Tony Ward Couture gown. 'It was the first dress I tried on, and the last,' Mariam smiles – with the evocative Now We Are Free by Hans Zimmer playing in the background. Gianvito Rossi platform heels ('The most comfortable shoes ever!') and emerald-cut drop earrings by Lebanese jeweller Yasser Younes, completed the look, with Mariam explaining: 'I wanted to keep my jewellery very simple.'
Having already celebrated their Katb Kteb (religious ceremony) in Beirut, the Paris wedding eschewed the more formal traditions of readings and vows. 'This wedding was more a party for the young,' Mariam says, evidenced by music that segued from Young and Beautiful by Lana del Rey for the slow dance, into a live band, followed by R'n'B and deep house.
Looking back at the day, Mariam learned that it's not worth stressing about the small stuff when planning a wedding. 'It's important to be picky, but if I could go back, I would definitely try to stress less.'
As for the most magical moment? 'Seeing it come to life, just as I dreamed, and sharing every moment with my closest family and friends,' the bride attests. 'Also meeting Robert Hykl, too – he and his team became like family.'
All imagery supplied
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and France's Manufactures nationales sign MoU to advance cultural exchange and enable artistic progress
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and France's Manufactures nationales sign MoU to advance cultural exchange and enable artistic progress

Zawya

time17 hours ago

  • Zawya

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and France's Manufactures nationales sign MoU to advance cultural exchange and enable artistic progress

Landmark agreement to advance artistic creation and innovation, support talent and preserve heritage crafts by building bridges between tradition and modernity 'Inspiration Residency' in France for UAE designers marks first initiative of the collaboration Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In a strategic agreement to strengthen cultural exchange between the United Arab Emirates and France, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national – operating under France's Ministry of Culture – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster deeper artistic and cultural dialogue through joint collaboration, innovation and educational initiatives. The partnership aims to support emerging talent, advance expertise among established artists and help preserve and evolve heritage crafts. The agreement was signed on 21 July 2025 by Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival, and Mr. Hervé Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales, witnessed by Minister Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture at the Ministry of Culture in Paris. Her Excellency Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of France, said: 'I am particularly pleased with the signing, at the Ministry of Culture in Paris, of this partnership between the Manufactures nationales and ADMAF, a major foundation in the cultural scene of the United Arab Emirates. This agreement marks a new stage in the relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates, where culture plays a key role. It also fits perfectly with the international outreach objective of the Manufactures nationales: a public center of expertise that is absolutely unique in the world. Thanks to this partnership, the arts and crafts enrich the strategic cultural partnership that unites France with the United Arab Emirates, and Abu Dhabi in particular.' Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said: 'Through this partnership between ADMAF and Manufactures nationales, we are establishing the foundations of a long-term collaboration, built around three pillars: creation, innovation, and transmission. This commitment to upholding our roots while embracing modernity is shared by the United Arab Emirates and France.' H.E. added: 'Together, we believe that the past is our bond, and the future our calling. Through this historic MoU, may our collective efforts support young talents, broaden their horizons, and advance excellence in craftsmanship.' H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, said: 'I am truly thrilled by the signing of this ambitious agreement in Paris between ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national, a partnership rooted in shared values of creation, innovation and transmission. This marks a meaningful new chapter in the deep and vibrant relationship between the UAE and France, where culture and education continue to play a vital role.' H.E. added: 'Thanks to this agreement, artisans, designers, and institutions from both countries will have the opportunity to share their knowledge, celebrate their expertise, and champion excellence, sustainability and creativity in craftsmanship. ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national will proudly help nurture an ecosystem where tradition meets modernity, and where new ideas can flourish. Together with the UAE, we are planting the seeds that will inspire a new generation of artists, makers, and cultural leaders.' Hervé Lemoine, President of Manufactures nationales said: 'Through this unprecedented dialogue between our two institutions, we affirm that the future of the decorative arts lies at the intersection of tradition and bold innovation. This partnership with ADMAF opens a fertile ground for experimentation, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary imagination. Together, we seek to invent new narratives, woven through innovation, transmission, and shared creation.' France and the United Arab Emirates share a rich tradition of creativity and craftsmanship in ceramics, textiles and design. This landmark partnership between ADMAF and the Manufactures nationales aims to build on that legacy by fostering cultural dialogue and connecting heritage with modernity through residencies, exhibitions and educational programmes that promote innovation and sustainability. Already, the collaboration has launched with an open call for the inaugural Inspiration Residency in Paris, giving UAE designers the opportunity to immerse themselves in France's creative ecosystem through access to workshops and design archives. A jury will convene in August 2025 to select a winner, with the first residency taking place in September to coincide with Paris Design Week. Beyond artistic exchange, the partnership will explore new approaches to craftsmanship that integrate technology and sustainable practices, while co-developing educational resources to inspire young audiences and ensure the vitality of the decorative arts for generations to come. This collaboration builds on ADMAF's longstanding mission to promote access to arts education and foster the UAE's creative industries while providing a global platform to showcase the excellence of French decorative arts. About the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF): Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the first cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world. Often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, it delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round youth platforms and community programmes. About Manufactures nationales: Resulting from the merger between the Mobilier national and the Cité de la Céramique – Sèvres & Limoges, the National Manufactures were established on January 1, 2025, to promote the excellence of French craftsmanship and highlight the richness of both tangible and intangible heritage through more than 53 artistic crafts practiced within its manufactures and workshops. Unique worldwide, this new public entity dedicated to decorative arts, crafts, and design combines heritage and creation to play a central role in implementing the national strategy in support of artistic crafts. Its mission is structured around six key priorities: education and training; research; creation; support for the fragile ecosystem of artistic crafts; heritage promotion; and the international outreach of craftsmanship.

Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama's Egypt concerts suspended following accusation of inappropriate conduct
Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama's Egypt concerts suspended following accusation of inappropriate conduct

The National

time21 hours ago

  • The National

Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama's Egypt concerts suspended following accusation of inappropriate conduct

Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama has been suspended from performing in Egypt for 'violating the country's customs, traditions and societal values' after being kissed on stage by a fan. The decision made by the Musicians Syndicate in Egypt came after the circulation of a video of the incident at his recent concert on the North Coast. Alama, 63, has been summoned to the Musicians Syndicate headquarters for an investigation into what has been described as a 'deliberate violation of Egyptian norms, customs and traditions.' His work permit in Egypt has been suspended pending his appearance. Alama said he plans to attend, and holds the concert organisers responsible for the incident. 'For two days, I have been following shameful behaviour that violates all Egyptian customs, traditions and societal values,' said Mostafa Kamel, head of the Musicians Syndicate in Egypt. 'We have never been accustomed to this in our country before and we will not allow it to be repeated. 'Egypt's stages have been graced by some of the greatest artists in Egypt and the Arab world, both artistically and in value. They have never been, and never will be, a breeding ground for kisses, undisciplined gestures and disgusting hugs. He added: 'With my sincere respect and appreciation to Mr Farid Bou Said, the head of the Musicians Syndicate in our sister country, Lebanon, and to all our brothers and sisters in the beloved Lebanese people.' The syndicate has also contacted officials from the Chamber of Tourism Establishments to arrange a meeting with them or their representatives, with the aim of making a joint decision to summon the owner of the tourist venue that hosted the concert. Alama said in a phone call with Al-Nahar TV: 'What happened was that the girl grabbed me in her joy as I was coming off the stage and kissed me. The kiss wasn't on my mouth. I swear to God, that didn't happen.' He added: 'I hold the organisers responsible because people were going to the theatre. I respect the audience and I am well aware that tourism in Egypt is a great responsibility. 'I contacted the head of the syndicate and I respect the syndicate's decision and place myself at its disposal. God willing, I will visit the syndicate next week.'

Eight reasons why Nancy Ajram still matters in 2025
Eight reasons why Nancy Ajram still matters in 2025

The National

timea day ago

  • The National

Eight reasons why Nancy Ajram still matters in 2025

The sound and image are familiar: Nancy Ajram walking down a sunlit street in a coastal town, waving to neighbours with an effortless smile that has charmed the region for more than two decades. Her latest single, Warana Eh, doesn't break new ground, but its breezy mix of Arabic pop and Mediterranean rhythms fits the season well. It's the kind of summer release we've come to expect from Ajram – light, catchy and anchored by a casual phrase that loosely translates to 'what do we have to lose?', used here to suggest a sense of freedom and letting go. The track is part of Ajram's new album, Nancy 11, and while it doesn't aim for reinvention, it continues a pattern that has quietly defined her career. Ajram's catalogue may not be as shape-shifting as that of some of her peers, but it has consistently delivered enough to stay afloat in the region's musical and cultural backdrop. Here are eight reasons why she's remained relevant for so long. 1. She has never disappeared Consistency breeds success – a motto Ajram has followed throughout her career. Without any definitive peaks or periods in the wilderness, she has remained visible on record, on screen and commercially for over two decades. Even the relative public absences, when she retreated to the studio or stepped back for a time, felt like part of a calculated rhythm. At the same time, it rarely felt like she was overexposed. 2. She knows when to pivot Given Ajram's evergreen appeal, it's easy to forget she first made a splash as a young pop provocateur. Her 2003 breakout Akhasmak Ah was full of lyrical innuendo and came with a suggestive video clip that caused controversy even as it thrilled fans. To be fair, Ajram wasn't the only one testing boundaries at the time. Fellow Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe's 2006 hit El Wawa, with its sultry visuals, drew censorship and bans from conservative broadcasters, while Ruby's Leih Beydary Keda, released in 2005, faced similar scrutiny. Ajram, however, showed marketing instinct by adjusting course and opting for safer waters since then. 3. She pioneered the family-friendly star Ajram's foray into children's music was more than a side project. Albums such as Shakhbat Shakhabit (2007) and Super Nancy (2012) gave her permanent place in the lives of Arab families. The music was technically not a far cry from her pop formula. While it was simple and unsophisticated, it still retained those earworm melodies that made it a commercial success. More importantly, Ajram became the first fully-fledged Arabic pop star to take the children's market seriously, releasing albums and performing child-friendly shows. Others such as Tamer Hosny and Kadim Al Sahir only released sporadic singles. It was a move that led her to become a judge on the inaugural season of The Voice Kids: Ahla Sawt in 2016, an Arabic version of the talent quest, and performing a children-themed concert at Dubai's Modhesh World in 2015. 'I love performing for children and, you know, it's not just a fun thing to do, it is very important for me both as a person and artist,' she told The National ahead of that show. 'For me, I think it's the purest kind of love when a child loves you. That's because they have no barriers, they say what they feel and they are very brave.' 4. She owns formats and genres Ajram's cross-generational appeal is finely curated. As a television judge on Arab Idol, she presented herself as aspirational and slightly distant. On The Voice Kids: Ahla Sawt, she adopted a warmer, more maternal presence resonating with younger contestants and their families. This subtle shape-shifting is also heard in her musical choices. Classy ballads such as Akhasmak Ah (2003) and Ehsas Jdeed (2008) appeal to adult listeners, while fizzy pop works such as Ah W Noss (2004) and Maakoul El Gharam (2017) are geared towards younger audiences. This is all done without biting the latest music trends or compromising her evergreen persona. The result is fanbase spanning multiple generations. Some fans began as children listening to the 2012 hit Ya Banat (from the album Super Nancy), which surpassed 100 million YouTube views, and continued as adults singing along to later releases such as the latest single Warana Eh. By all measures, this represents a masterclass in audience development and brand longevity within the Arabic pop landscape. 5. She does things on 'Nancy time' Ajram's catalogue has rarely chased trends. There are no viral campaigns, no TikTok dances, no hashtags attached to her releases. Even Nancy 11 arrived with minimal fanfare – just the occasional teaser announcing a new single. While the Arabic pop industry increasingly measures success in streams and virality, Ajram works according to her own tried-and-tested timeline. Her albums are uniform, for better or worse, with few tracks standing out beyond the selected singles. Even the occasional experiment, such as the 2022 dance-pop track Sah Sah with Marshmello, stayed within her register. The blazing synths didn't override her steady, melodic tone. This measured pace isn't designed to beat the algorithm. With Ajram, you get what you expect. 6. She keeps her feelings in check An interesting aspect of Ajram's work is the emotional restraint throughout her lyrics. Unlike some of her peers, she rarely sounds desperate to confess or exorcise pain. The songs are romantic but never raw, heartfelt but never truly melancholic. In a pop music scene where emotional visibility is often equated with authenticity – consider Elissa and Carole Samaha – Ajram's restraint is a notable contrast. Whether it's an artistic or commercial decision, or simply a reflection of her peppy persona, Ajram's music has remained a consistent and familiar reference point for fans. 7. She is vibe, not a brand What defines Ajram's sound and career is not sonic innovation but emotional consistency. Like Amr Diab, she builds a world of feeling rather than genre exploration. But their methods differ. Where Diab raised production standards for recording and what it means to be a mega pop star, with all its ego and controversies, Ajram's influence has been rooted in something more domestic across the decades. Her brand is built on warmth, familiarity and low-stakes intimacy. You can hear her in the car, at home, at a wedding or during a Ramadan television campaign, and she never feels out of place. That ubiquity isn't just popularity, it's the kind of trust that virality can't buy. 8. She holds her ground Ajram's role in Arabic pop isn't measured by her influence. Few younger Arab artists name her as a direct influence – a reflection, perhaps, of changing tastes and a more fragmented industry. But her relevance comes from consistency rather than pioneering a new path forward. Her voice, image and tone remain steady in a scene shaped by churn and generational shift. Instead of reinventing or launching into era-like cycles, she simply remains on point. And for her generation of fans, they wouldn't want it any other way.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store