Bazaar Bride: A Fairytale Wedding At Four Seasons Resort Dubai
A mirrored aisle, clouds of roses and a love nearly a decade in the making marked this stunning Dubai celebration
Kristina Bråteng first met Armando Gómez in Marbella in 2014, fresh from her architecture degree and interviewing for her first role. He was the CEO of a growing development firm, she was the first candidate through the door – and, as he likes to joke, the last. Hired on the spot, their early conversations were all business, until a long client site visit led to hours of talking. “From that moment, we realised our bond was far more than a work collaboration,” says Kristina.
After six and a half years together, Armando proposed on Christmas Eve 2021 in their Dubai penthouse. Hidden among the branches of the Christmas tree was a small box containing her engagement ring. “I was overwhelmed with emotion. Saying yes that night felt like the most natural, beautiful promise. We didn’t need fireworks – just a quiet embrace and a future we believed in,” she recalls.
Planning began in July 2023, when Kristina found her Jessica Couture gown on the same day she began looking. Securing the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach – specifically its fireball garden, where the couple had spent countless sunsets – was next. “Before moving to Dubai, it was where we always stayed. It felt like our second home, and nothing else could come close.” With wedding planner Zainab Alsalih of Carousel Weddings, she shaped a celebration of three events: a rehearsal dinner at Summersalt, a white-rose ceremony, and an electric-blue after-party.
Over a hundred guests from across the world flew in for the Spanish couple’s three-day celebrations. On the wedding day, rain forced a last-minute schedule change. “We moved the entire wedding from March 9 to March 10!” says Kristina. “But it made everything even more special.” Walking the mirrored aisle lined with clouds of white roses, she carried a bouquet of white roses and baby’s breath, and met Armando at a circular altar, her royal blue-clad bridesmaids framing the scene. Vows were emotional – Kristina’s written in secret, and Armando’s spoken spontaneously. “There was barely a dry eye among us, including him, who cried more than I did. It made the moment so human, so raw, so real.”
Dinner in Dana Garden was a vision of white florals, crystal accents and monogrammed details, before guests stepped into Dana Ballroom for a neon-lit party. The cake – an eight-tier creation by The Caketress echoing her gown’s embroidery – shimmered under crystal drops. Thoughtful touches extended to the favours – rose-scented candles in silver-foiled boxes, personalised with the couple’s monogram and wedding date – a keepsake of the day. “Our bespoke AK8 monogram, along with the botanical pattern inspired by my wedding dress embroidery, became the visual thread connecting every moment of the celebration.” Among her most treasured memories is the speech from her stepson, who called her “mom” for the first time. “It sealed our bond in the most beautiful way.”
Bride’s Black Book
Dress: Jessica Couture. Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Aquazzura; Nike, nike-by-you.com. Wedding ring: Tiffany &Co. Groom’s suit: Stallion Bespoke. Groom’s shoes: Berluti. Venue: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Wedding planner: Zainab Al Salih at Carousel. Photographer: Daniella Baptista. Cake: The Cake Tress. Hair and make-up: Rabih Haidar. Music: DJ Chabz; Fire&Ice.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride Autumn/Winter 2025 Issue.