Established by brothers Xaid and Yaxan Chehadeh, Xaya Events is an extension of the hugely popular Jordan based interior design company. The enterprise is known to channel their idiosyncratic ideas, influences and visions from widespread travels across the world; reflective in their all-encompassing variety of sensational and inspiring events. Xaya Events offers a continuum event planning services that embrace exclusive modern and contemporary designs, where the timeless magic of classicalism is never far behind. The reputable firm embraces a bespoke company culture that arises from an unparalleled passion for design and a committed devotion to delivering exceptional lifestyles and experiences.
This quirky Casino Royale themed wedding inspired by the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas was truly one of a kind! The couple hailing from Saudi Arabia and Jordan respectively, tied the knot in Amman, Jordan and their marriage swiftly took the social media world by storm. Creating a frenzy amongst people from all over the world, this magnificent wedding had a chic modern allure to it. We got in touch with the co-owner, Yaxan Chehadeh who gave us all the details on what transpired behind the scenes at this much talked about lavish wedding ceremony.
How did you incorporate the lively Vegas theme where the venue is concerned?
The outdoor area at first was the venue for the guest’s arrival and the cocktail reception. We wanted to mimic the feel of the Las Vegas strip with the extensive use of lights, and neon signs, such as the famous Cowboy neon sign in Vegas. Later on, this space became where the buffet was served and catered to the guests in order for them to mingle and have a couple of drinks during dinner time. Once we exited the outdoor area, we proceeded to the indoor location which is the Casino Royale, as if you’re stepping into one of the famous Vegas casinos from the strip. We also created an arched pathway decked with decorative illuminations and filled with filament bulbs, inspired from grand casino entrances in Las Vegas.
Why did you specifically choose a red and black colour scheme?
We derived the colour scheme from playing cards and wanted it to reflect it throughout the event hence the red and black combination was consciously chosen to resemble the five suits in a deck of cards.
What inspired the jazzy lighting and decorative floral arrangements?
All the beaming lights were inspired from the abundance of lights in casinos that create the sense of movement. We selected an ombré floral décor, from red to pink to white as a way to generate a feeling of harmony among the different design elements of the wedding. An exclusive giveaway was also organised for all the guests. We had a professional florist on duty who created small floral bouquets for the invitees and presented them with a giveaway box from The Giveaway Company, so that they could reminisce on all the ostentatious festivities they attended. The gift boxes included aromatic, scented oil diffusers.
How did the majestic stage setup compliment the couple’s vision?
The couple had a very unique and eclectic taste that was accompanied with great love and passion for extravagance and lavishness, which was successfully met by the setup created.
How did the use of mirrors and bejewelled chandeliers help in creating the strikingly exuberant ambiance?
Mirrors always craft a wonderful sense of illusion in the space, everything is multiplied in number, the venue looks larger and more extravagant. You can never wrong with using Baccarat chandeliers as they provide any space with an abundance of profligacy and luxury, with the subdued filtered light that emphasises upon all the centerpieces and accentuates the vibrant colours of the setup.
Can you divulge any details about the extremely elegant bridal attire?
The bride opted for a timeless, graceful gown that was custom-made exclusively for her by world renowned couturier, Oscar De La Renta. As for the groom, he preferred to go with the refinement of Tom Ford, the iconic fashion mogul.
What was the concept behind the sensational, awe-inspiring cake?
How did you implement the idea of the opulent dessert table selection?
We wanted to have a floral ombré coloured cake with a gradient from red to pink to white, in line with the same idea and colour scheme that is presented by the centerpieces and the floral arrangements. Handmade sugar flowers adorned the pink champagne flavoured tiered cake which took approximately a month to create. Consequently, for the entire cake, we went for a sumptuous glittery glaze to give it a contemporary chic look and added a bit of sparkle to enhance its grandeur. The delectable flavours of the ornate cake varied between layers of extreme chocolate, red velvet, piña colada and french vanilla. The dessert table was prearranged by The Cakery and comprised of small bite sized sweets, inspired by the shapes and colours from the casino elements, such as playing cards, dice and poker chips.
What assortment of delicacies were served to the guests?
The gourmet buffet was divided into four culturally diverse cuisines. American, French, Italian and Asian. Regarding the decoration of the buffet, each corner was named after a famous hotel, monument or restaurant located in Las Vegas’s, The Strip (the main road that consists of all the popular hotels and casinos). For example, New York New York, for the American corner, Paris for the French, Caesar’s Palace for Italian and Hakkasan for Asian. Each corner had an oversized screen dedicated to displaying visuals of these celebrated luxurious hotels in Vegas.
What was the main source of inspiration behind the execution of this regal wedding ceremony?
The inspiration for choosing the Las Vegas and Casino Royale theme came from the bride and groom’s lively personalities and eclectic taste. We wanted to create something classy and extravagant along with a blend of styles, breaking the tradition of a conventional white wedding by fabricating revelries, inspired from the swanky casinos of Las Vegas.
Vendor List:
Wedding Planner: Xaya Design Atelier
Destination & Venue: Amman, Jordan at the Four Seasons Hotel
Light & Sound- RB Events
Chandeliers- Kosha Design
Florist: Said Jamil
Visuals: Fuzzevents
Photography: Nabil Quteineh
Catering: Four Seasons Hotel
Desserts: The Cakery