An Egyptian Wedding Extravaganza: Ankur Jain Weds Erika Hammond in Front of The Giza Pyramids
From safari trips to a ceremony night under the pyramid tops, the couple pulled out all the stops when celebrating their nuptials
It’s not every day that someone gets married in front of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. When Ankur Jain and Erika Hammond decided to tie the knot against the Pyramids of Giza, they made sure the wedding party was one for the ages.
The newlyweds’ love story began with a chance meeting at Rumble Boxing gym, where Erika was a fitness trainer and Ankur was a regular and from then onwards, a whirlwind romance bloomed. The couple were engaged in November 2022 and began planning the details of their extravagant wedding.
An Egyptian Wedding Extravaganza: Ankur Jain Weds Erika Hammond in Front of The Giza Pyramids
Sparing no expense, the grand nuptials bash included a seven day trip across two countries for the happy couple and their guests. Starting with a three-day trip in Johannesburg with safari tours and dinner shows, the 130+ wedding party-goers was flown out in the tech billionaire’s private jet for the final celebrations in Egypt.
Enamoured and inspired by the beauty of the country during previous trips, Ankur had decided for the events of his destination wedding to conclude in Egypt with archaeologist, Dr. Zahi Hawass, officiating the ceremony.
The festivities in Egypt included an unforgettable night at the museum with a welcome party in Prince Mohammed Ali’s Palace and the luxurious ceremony in front of the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
Guests were pampered with elite wedding gifts including a hieroglyphics pajama set and Nike Air Forces branded with the couple’s initials. The wedding after-party kicked off with performances by American singer Robin Thicke, DJ Gryffin, and a serenading musical show by violinist Lindsey Stirling.
Another major highlight from the wedding was the bride-to-be’s lavish wardrobe. Styled by Cairo-based celebrity stylist Yasmine Kenawi, the former WWE diva star’s outfits were a sight for sore eyes.
Kicking off with the safari theme, Erika donned a glimmering purple gown with a cheetah print from Elias Riga for the South African portion of the trip.
For the Bazaar Night-themed welcome party in Egypt, Erika stunned in Elio Abou Fayssal’s bedazzled bridal couture white gown. As for the second night, she showed up in a Cleopatra-inspired couture look, with a bead body fitting look.
As for the main ceremony, Erika looked absolutely radiant in Rahul Mishra’s gold accented sheer gown embellished with golden flowers on the bodice and a grand peacock-like train.
As the couple enters the new chapter of their lives together, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia extends our warmest wishes to the newlyweds.
Bride’s Black Book
Stylist: Yasmine Kenawi @yasminekenawi
Wedding Ceremony Dress: Rahul Mishra @rahulmishra_7
Jewellery: Customized by Ajour Consultancy @ajourconsultancy and Louis Diamonds @louisdiamondsofficial
Hair: Jackie Seabrooke @jaxseabrooke
Makeup: Kelly Dawn Mitchell @lifeofkellydawn
Event Planning, Design, Production: Vertex Events @vertex.events
Photographer: Piermarco Rinaldi @bottega53
Lead image credits: @bottega53