17 Nov Le Bristol Hotel Wedding Photography | Beirut, Lebanon | Caroline + Malik

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of photographing Chantal’s wedding. This time, I was honored to capture another special moment in their family—her sister Caroline’s wedding. Chantal and Caroline have a Hungarian mother and an Arab father who reside in Hungary, while Caroline’s fiancé, Malik, hails from Beirut, Lebanon. The couple chose Beirut as the setting for their celebration, and I was thrilled to be invited to document their special day. Beirut, a vibrant city rich in culture and history, offered an unforgettable backdrop, so I gladly accepted.
The day before the wedding, we visited Malik’s family home, where both families gathered to sign the wedding contract under the guidance of an imam. This intimate moment was followed by a dinner featuring an abundance of mouthwatering, traditional Lebanese dishes—a feast to remember.
On the wedding day, preparations began at the sleek and modern Staybridge Suites Hotel, known for its rooftop pool offering breathtaking panoramic views of Beirut. Though makeup and hairstyling ran behind schedule, we managed to start the portrait session just before sunset. The stunning view of Beirut’s glass and steel skyline provided a striking and contemporary backdrop for the couple’s portraits.
Next, we moved to Villa Linda Sursock, one of Beirut’s historic treasures, where we captured more wedding and family portraits. The villa, an exquisite example of traditional Arabian architecture, features intricately designed interiors that added an enchanting touch to the photographs. Since the villa’s ambiance was quite dim, I utilized my flashes to bring out the details in this charming setting.
Following the portrait session, we proceeded to Le Bristol Hotel for the wedding reception. This iconic hotel, renowned for its timeless elegance and storied history, has been a landmark in Beirut since 1951. Its grand ballroom was beautifully decorated and illuminated, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
As the guests settled at their tables, the parents of the newlyweds entered the ballroom, followed by a spirited performance by traditional dancers, accompanied by the pulsating rhythms of Arab music. Malik made a grand entrance, joining the dancers in a lively display, before walking to the entrance where Caroline awaited with her father. Malik escorted his bride to the dance floor, where they shared an energetic dance surrounded by the dancers. This was soon followed by their official first dance, enhanced by dramatic fireworks and smoke effects.
The joyful atmosphere carried on as guests joined the dance floor, and heartfelt speeches were delivered by Rida, the father of the bride, and Chantal, her sister. The evening culminated in the cutting of a magnificent wedding cake and the exchange of rings by the couple. The dancing continued late into the night, as laughter and celebration filled the air.
This exceptional event was masterfully organized by Badawi Naamani of Spotlight Vision, ensuring every detail was flawless.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your celebration in Beirut or anywhere in Lebanon, feel free to get in touch – I’d be delighted to capture your special moments!