“Aladdin” Star Mena Massoud Marries Emily Shah in Breathtaking Italian Ceremonies
Florence, Italy – “Aladdin” star Mena Massoud, 33, and actress Emily Shah, 30, exchanged vows in a breathtaking series of two distinct wedding ceremonies held across picturesque Italy in July, culminating a love story that began years ago in Los Angeles. The couple, celebrated for their vibrant cultural blend, orchestrated an unforgettable celebration infused with romance, heritage, and deeply personal touches for their closest family and friends.
The elaborate wedding festivities kicked off with an intimate welcome dinner at the charming Tenuta Di Sticciano in Certaldo. The following day, the couple honored Shah’s heritage with a vibrant Hindu wedding ceremony amidst the lush gardens overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills, a scene beautifully captured for Vogue India. The celebrations continued the day after with a solemn Coptic Christian ceremony, reflecting Massoud’s background.
“We really wanted our wedding to be an experience for our guests and a weekend we would all remember forever,” the couple shared with PEOPLE, emphasizing their vision for a celebration that was both “intimate and grand.” Tuscany served as their idyllic canvas, allowing them to weave together traditions, profound meaning, and pure joy into every detail, from the carefully curated music and exquisite meals to the elaborate florals and stunning fashion choices. “Our goal was to create a celebration that felt timeless and unforgettable, layered with romance and heritage,” they added.
A Fusion of Cultures and Exquisite Fashion
For her Hindu ceremony, Emily Shah donned a bespoke red Arpita Mehta sari, complemented by a matching corset blouse and elegant silver Dolce Vita kitten heels. A special touch was her veil, intricately embroidered with their horoscope symbols, and her mehendi by Suhenna Creations, which featured their zodiac signs and constellations. Massoud, equally dapper, chose an ivory and silver Manish Malhotra outfit, accessorized with a striking Sanzany necklace, Marc Nolan shoes, and a classic Rolex Hulk. The couple then transitioned into different, equally glamorous ensembles for their lively “sangeet-style” reception.
The second ceremony saw Massoud in a custom Zegna tuxedo paired with Christian Louboutin shoes. Shah walked down the aisle in a bespoke Lihi Hod gown, accompanied by Louboutin lace bridal heels, later changing into a custom Marquise Bridal dress for the evening reception.
“More than anything, we wanted our guests to feel transported,” Massoud and Shah reiterated. “Not just to a beautiful place in Italy, but into the heart of our love story. It was important to us that they left with memories that felt magical and deeply personal.” The multi-day event, they explained, was designed not as a single occasion, but as “a series of moments throughout the weekend that captured what love and unity mean to us.”
From Los Angeles to an Italian Engagement
The couple’s journey to matrimony began in Los Angeles in 2018 when they first crossed paths on a dating app. Though the timing wasn’t initially right, destiny intervened, and they began dating nearly a year later. Their engagement came during a romantic trip to Japan in December 2023, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.
Honeymoon Adventures: Rest, Romance, and Jellyfish Stings
Following their elaborate nuptials, the newlyweds embarked on a “romantic, restorative and adventurous” honeymoon. Their initial stop was a serene wellness resort in Pistoia, just outside Florence. This proved to be a “blessing” as Shah had unfortunately sprained her ankle amidst the wedding celebrations. “Our honeymoon was a little bit of everything,” Shah recounted, “Rest, adventure and the kind of magic you can’t plan.”
Their adventure continued to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily, where they stayed at the luxurious Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina. Despite exploring the stunning beaches and charming town, Shah faced another minor mishap. “We had an unforgettable boat day off Giardini Naxos — where I got stung by a jellyfish,” she revealed, adding, “A very mild sting thankfully. Mena and I laughed our way through it with Sicilian wine, exploring and remarkable food.”
Their favorite leg of the journey took them to Portugal’s enchanting Douro Valley. At the Octant Hotel, they enjoyed a private villa complete with its own pool, savored exquisite meals at its Michelin-star restaurant, and indulged in leisurely days filled with spa treatments, tranquil boat rides down the river, and “endless glasses of Portuguese wine.”
Building a Future Together
Looking to the future, the newly married couple expressed their excitement for achieving “big dreams” together. “We’re excited about waking up every morning knowing that we get to be on each other’s team,” they shared. Whether it’s providing support during long days on set, collaboratively brainstorming new ideas, or meticulously planning their next global adventure, their bond is their compass. “The thought of traveling as husband and wife, and one day showing our future children the world through our eyes, feels really beautiful.”
Their ultimate aspiration, they concluded, is to build a life uniquely their own: “a blend of our cultures, traditions, our passions and our sense of humor. The wedding was the beginning, but the future — the quiet moments at home, the bold dreams we chase, and the family we’ll grow together. That is what we’re really looking forward to.”
