Real Weddings: A love story for the ages

In a world where most Hinge matches fizzle out before the second date, Henna Ajvani and Dr Kunal Tibrewal struck pure, platinum-level gold. One swipe, one spark, and one Santorini proposal later, the London-based duo sealed their whirlwind romance with a dreamy wedding at the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, yes, that palace.

Their story begins in 2023 with a promising profile match and an even more promising first date in London. “We knew instantly that this was a special connection,” says Henna, a 30-year-old BABCP accredited psychotherapist.

Kunal, 32, and a dentist at Cedars Dental Practice, agrees. “After countless meaningful conversations and shared adventures, I just knew she was the one,” he says.

That “knowing” led to a surprise trip to Santorini for Henna’s milestone birthday in June 2024, where Kunal proposed with a dazzling Tiffany-inspired platinum ring crowned with a central diamond. “He designed the ring himself,” Henna beams. “It was perfect, just like the moment.”

Fast-forward to April 2025: one year after their engagement and a world away from London, the couple exchanged vows in the opulent surroundings of the Emirates Palace. “The venue was pure magic,” Henna says. “The palatial architecture, that seamless blend of tradition and modernity, it wasn’t just a location, it felt like the beginning of something unforgettable.”

And unforgettable it was, complete with couture, coordinated bridesmaids, and a violinist playing Ruelle’s I Get to Love You as the bride walked in. Henna, radiant in a series of elegant lehengas from a boutique in Birmingham, embraced a natural beauty approach. “No pre-wedding treatments,” she shares. “Just makeup magic on the day and a lot of heart.” Her accessories, a gold necklace with green stones, red latkans, and classic gold bangles, wove cultural meaning into her modern bridal look. Kunal, meanwhile, looked regal in his Roop’s Couture ensemble, perfectly complementing Henna’s style.

Even the bridal party brought their A-game, dressed in dusty pink multiway gowns that tied the whole aesthetic together, literally and figuratively.

The reception tablescape was another moment to remember. “U Events Global and Emirates Palace outdid themselves,” says Henna. “Each guest’s name was delicately tied onto ribbons on the table, it was personal and thoughtful.”

As for the food and drink? “We had custom cocktails designed to reflect each event. It added so much personality.”

The entire celebration was executed by wedding planning and management company Vivaah Weddings, making sure that every last detail, whether logistics or ambience, was handled with expert, unerring precision.

But what really set the celebration apart was the energy. “That entrance during the civil ceremony, with the violinist playing live… it still brings a smile every time we think of it,” Henna says.

Post-palace, the newlyweds jetted off to Sri Lanka and the Maldives for a blissful multi-stop honeymoon before returning to London to begin the rest of their lives together. “Happily ever after for us means building a life together, grounded, joyful, and always evolving,” Henna reflects.

Do they have a word of advice for other couples? “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she says. “Destination weddings come with surprises, but staying calm and present is everything.” Kunal adds, “Be with your partner as much as possible during the celebrations, it flies by.”