Beauty entrepreneur and social media star Youmi celebrates love and la dolce vita in Lake Como, with a stunning wedding full of surprises
The enduring romance of Italy’s Lake Como played host to one of this year’s most extravagant celebrations – the wedding of Youmna Sami Khoury and Gurhan Kiziloz. Given that the bride is the founder of mega haircare brand Youmi Beauty, with a social media following of over 10 million, it stands to reason that her nuptials would be suitably spectacular.
The worlds of Youmna – better known by her nickname Youmi – and Turkish businessman Gurhan first collided in Dubai at the start of 2025. “We were introduced by mutual friends and what became a simple meeting quickly unfolded into a beautiful connection,” recalls Youmi. “It was one of those rare moments when you instantly feel you’ve met someone who will change your life forever.” And change it did. Because on May 10, just four months after that first introduction, Gurhan proposed during an intimate family gathering.
“From the very beginning we felt deeply connected – our values, our outlook, our mentality and characters so perfectly aligned,” the Lebanese beauty influencer explains. “It felt natural and certain, so we asked ourselves, why wait? The moment was heartfelt, genuine and exactly how we wanted to begin this new chapter.”
The diamond ring, she laughs, caused quite a stir on social media due to its size, but says that it’s incredibly special for a different reason – “because it came from the most important person in my life. Its true value lies in the love and meaning behind it.”
From an eye-watering engagement ring to the couple’s intimate nikkah ceremony in May where they officially became husband and wife, it was then the turn of Lake Como to celebrate the couple’s love. “Italy has always held my heart, and I imagined my wedding unfolding like a grand love story,” Youmi explains of their decision to host a destination wedding. “Lake Como, with its shimmering waters and timeless charm, was the dream backdrop.” Lake Como has been courting high-profile holidaymakers and residents for years (think Clooney, Aniston and the Obamas), its beauty unsurpassed, and it was at Villa Erba that Youmi’s dream wedding unfolded. “It just embodied the royal elegance I longed for – a setting where I could step into my own Disney-inspired fairy tale,” she explains. “In that moment, surrounded by beauty and love, my childhood dream became a reality.”
Following a Dolce&Gabbana-inspired celebration at Hotel Tremezzo the day before, on August 7 Villa Erba was turned into a magical setting with acrobats, spinning floral sculptures with aerial dancers, flower arches, performers and, of course, an ultra-stylish wedding party. Just before sunset, with Gurhan waiting at the end of the aisle framed by a sea of white roses, Youmi emerged in an off-the-shoulder, mermaid-cut Dolce&Gabbana gown. “With our wedding in Italy, it felt only natural to choose an iconic Italian house,” says Youmi. “Dolce&Gabbana has always been a part of my husband’s and my everyday style, so it was a deeply personal choice as well.”
The process wasn’t easy, she says, especially as Youmi reached out to the house only a month before the wedding, “But once the team saw our story and connection to the brand, they embraced the vision and brought it to life.” Silhouetting her frame beautifully, the dress was a lesson in modern elegance – a train to bring the drama, a low neckline to let Youmi’s Nsouli diamond necklace bask in the spotlight, customised Dolce&Gabbana heels to match the dress, and a lace veil – embroidered with the couple’s initials – a talking point in itself.
Personalised details were touchpoints throughout the celebrations – from a balloon imprinted with their initials suspended over proceedings to performances by Lebanese icon Elissa, Haifa Wehbe and Turkish singer Ibrahim Tatlises. “Every detail was crafted to feel uniquely personal – from the bespoke decorations and vibrant balloons to the spectacular fireworks,” Youmi says. “One of my favourite touches was surprising our guests with performances by some of their favourite, world-renowned singers, making the day unforgettable for everyone.”
When asked what kind of bride she was, Youmi smiles: “My philosophy is to immerse yourself in every laugh, every dance, every glance, because a wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime symphony of love and joy, meant to be lived in the moment.”
Living in the moment also meant sharing the wedding with her million followers. “They feel like my second family, and I know many of them had been anticipating this moment for a long time,” Youmi explains. “It meant so much to share this day with them – especially knowing I’ve found the right person and the love of my life. It was a celebration not just for us, but for everyone who has been part of my journey.”
As newlyweds, their first port is, of course, the honeymoon, with Youmi dialling into the interview from one of Italy’s infinitely inviting islands. “Our honeymoon is a romantic journey through Italy, with stops in Sardinia, Capri, Portofino and more. Italy has always been a favourite destination for us, so it felt only natural to continue the celebration in the places we love most.”
As Youmi’s honeymoon beckons, I squeeze in one last question: what does it mean to be married? “For me, marrying the right person is an incomparable feeling – one of safety, trust and deep certainty. Knowing I’ve chosen the partner who truly complements me is the heart of it all. Marriage, at its core, is about building something real and lasting together – a foundation for a lifetime of love and the family we dream of creating.”
Lead Image Supplied
Photography @philippjelenska and @vlasta.weddings. Creative Director: @by.tamim. Gown: @dolcegabbana. Jewels: @nsoulijewelry Stylist: @styletripadvisor. Make-Up Artist: @bassamfattouh. Hair Stylist: @wassimmorkos. Production: @didiiab.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride Autumn/Winter 2025 Issue.