Inside Rajwa Al-Saif’s Uber-Sophisticated Royal Henna Party

The highly-anticipated Jordanian royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al-Saif took place recently.

The women from the bride and groom’s families came together to celebrate the henna party of Al-Saif, which took place at the Madareb Bani Hashem, and with as much pomp and circumstance as is expected of royalty. Read also:Sheikha Moza Of Qatar Is The Perfect Wedding Guest With Two Elegant Outfit At Jordan’s Prince Hussein Royal Wedding

For the occasion, the Riyadh-born beauty was dressed in a bespoke dress from Saudi designer Honayda Serafi’s namesake label, with the traditional outfit combining shades of white and gold to reflect the bright and happy ambiance of the event.

Pictures from the special evening shared by the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan and HM Queen of Rania offer a glimpse into the buzz and excitement surrounding the henna party as the country’s future queen is seen next to her loved ones. Read also: 21 Latest Gele Styles That Will Suit Your Traditional Marriage

One, in particular, sees Al-Saif walking up a white aisle covered in flowers as women on either side hold up bukhoor and sprinkle rose water for a traditional welcome. Another sees her walking hand-in-hand with her mother-in-law-to-be, who was dressed in a light blue embroidered dress by Saiid Kobeisy, and also delivered a heartfelt speech that moved Al-Saif to tears.

Addressing the guests, the queen said, “I’m so happy that you could all be here to celebrate with us. Today is a special day for us, and to our entire Jordanian family: Our joy is one and the same… near or far, you are all in our hearts today.” She went on to share a few words about her future daughter-in-law, calling her “the sweetest and most beautiful bride-to-be” and saying that she is as precious to her as her own daughters. “I’ll never forget how happy His Majesty and I were when Al Hussein told us he wanted to marry Rajwa. She is the perfect answer to all my prayers for him,” she said. Assuring Al-Saif’s mother, Azza Al Sudairi, she added, “We and Al Hussein will take the very best care of Rajwa. This is her country, and she is among her family and her people.”

The party was also attended by sisters of the groom, including the newly-married Princess Iman herself who was dressed in a silk lilac number with lace detailing, while Princess Salma wore a deep red kaftan. Other moments captured from the event show women coming together for a celebratory dance with Al-Saif and Queen Rania in an open courtyard enclosed in lights. Performances were also delivered via traditional Jordanian and Saudi songs by local artists Nedaa Shrara, Diana Karazon, Zain Awad, Haleem Musical Group, Al Salt Girls Band, and the Misk Dance Company.

Photo Credit: Getty