LOOKING FORWARD TO WALKING DOWN THE AISLE IN STYLE ZEIN AL QUTAMI

SHARES HER JOY AT HER ENGAGEMENT TO ELIE SAAB'S SON CELIO AND HAVING THE STAR DESIGNER CREATE HER WEDDING DRESS -

- WARD MOHAMMAD

When your soon-to-be father isn't a topic we discuss or a question in-law is part of fashion aristocracy - and one of the world's most recognised bridal couture designers your wedding dress is one less thing to worry about.

And so it is for Zein AI Qutami, who will walk down the aisle to marry Celio Saab wearing an exquisite gown created by Elie, the Lebanese designer beloved by famous faces from Emma Stone and Halle Berry to the Princess of Wales and Jordan's royal family.

In fact, his autumn/winter haute couture show closed in a haze of cream lace and shimmering gold as an ethereal bride floated down the catwalk in a showstopping lace and sequin gown.

Jordanian-born Zein, 28, is likely to make an equally stunning appearance at her wedding to 33-year-old Celio, who announced their engagement a few days after his father's show in Paris.

The couple first met in June 2021 and now live in Abu Dhabi, where Zein works with a marketing agency and Celio is a portfolio manager in a hedge fund.

Here, we talk to the bride-to-be about the romantic proposal, falling in love and how it feels to marry into a famous family.

Zein, tell us about your relationship with Celio...

"Our relationship began in 2021.

It was love at first sight - my heart felt something entirely new. We went on our first date on 25 June in Dubai and it was magical, to say the least. We enjoyed it so much we went on a second date the very next day.

"Coincidentally, we both had the same dates booked for Beirut that summer and during that time there, our bond grew stronger and we built a solid foundation that has brought us to where we are today.