A Classic Romantic Wedding at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, CA

Ani Artinian first met Michael Berberian at an Orange County art gallery during a fundraiser for a non-profit organization.

Both of them were in a relationship at the time, so nothing happened until they reconnected ten years later (both, single at that point), and Michael asked Ani out on a first date. “I knew from the moment I met him that there was a special connection between us and this was the man I was going to marry,” Ani says. “He had this aura that gravitated me towards him. I liked how he was very honest and forward, and didn’t beat around the bush about anything.”

The proposal took place during a trip to Saint Martin in the Caribbean, where Michael had the staff set up a cabana on the beach with candles and champagne for “pre-cocktails” before dinner. After spending some time in the cabana and enjoying the bubbly, Michael got down on one knee and proposed.

Ani already knew which wedding vendors she wanted to work with, making for an easy wedding planning process. She envisioned a romantic spring-themed wedding (very apropos for an April wedding date), and chose a color theme of coral/peach, white and green. Ani and Michael were also traveling between cities and looking for a house at the time, so Michael’s mother assisted in handling most of the details with the wedding planner.

On the day of the wedding, the groom was at his house with the groomsmen, getting ready to see the bride. Per Armenian tradition, the groom’s family visited the bride’s house before the wedding; but the couple organized a first look together so they could have a special moment to themselves. The bride was also prepping for the big day, spending time in hair and makeup with her bridal party and feeling completely relaxed.

On the day of the wedding, the groom was at his house with the groomsmen, getting ready to see the bride. Per Armenian tradition, the groom’s family visited the bride’s house before the wedding; but the couple organized a first look together so they could have a special moment to themselves. The bride was also prepping for the big day, spending time in hair and makeup with her bridal party and feeling completely relaxed.

“Everyone was making fun of me – my bridesmaids and the hair and makeup people – because I was such a calm bride and was serving everyone champagne and snacks in the morning,” she says.

Friends and family flew in from around the world to celebrate the nuptials; and after a cocktail party, which included a sushi chef, mini sliders and other hors d’oeuvres, the party began. One of the best wedding décor features of the night was a gorgeous flower wall behind the head table, which was decorated with roses and cascading orchids. The bride also wanted to make sure the room wasn’t too dark, so soft lighting was created throughout the event space with candlelit table tops, an amber lighting scheme, and a white dance floor. Guests were on the dance floor all night, enjoying a predominantly 80’s-style music set from a live band and DJ.

“At the end of the night we couldn’t believe it was over so quick,” says Ani. “You plan this whole day for over a year and then it finishes in a few hours; but then you realize you’re married to your soulmate – and that’s the best gift of all.”