Melisa Belinky and Justin Monempour’s love story began on a random Monday night, when they matched on the Bumble dating app in 2016. The two quickly started talking on the phone – and before they knew it, three hours had flown by.
On their first date, Melisa vividly remembers looking across the table, thinking and feeling what a good, kind, and genuine person Justin was. She was instantly smitten. Justin felt like he had known Melisa for years; she was such a sweetheart and so real, he immediately felt comfortable around her.
Miami is Melisa’s favorite spot for a weekend getaway, so Justin planned a Labor Day holiday for the two of them, knowing Melisa would have a great time. “On August 31, 2017, he proposed at my favorite restaurant in a very intimate setting,” Melisa describes. “It was just perfect.”
"EVERYTHING WAS SO BRIGHT AND AIRY.”
When planning their special day, the couple knew they wanted an extravagant, intimate wedding shared with family, friends, and surrounded by love. With Melisa being Argentinean and Justin being Persian, they also wanted to incorporate both cultures seamlessly – Latin music, Persian music, good food, and high energy were their top priorities.
The wedding took place at the historic Langham Hotel in Pasadena. After working closely with designers Ryan and Walter to create her dream wedding gown, the bride made her way down the aisle in a couture creation featuring French Chantilly lace, glass beads and pearls, a 10-foot train, and a 15-foot French lace scallop veil.
She felt like a princess as she approached an opulent chuppah with a dramatic orchid and rose flower wall positioned in the background. An emotional and heartfelt Jewish ceremony was held, and the bride and groom reveled in the warmth and love of the moment, surrounded by their loved ones.
“We were entirely overwhelmed by the magnitude and opulence of the ballroom,” the bride recalls. “The breathtaking floral ceiling was filled with creamy ivory and green foliage wisteria covering the entire ceiling above the dance floor. We danced all night beneath a sky of whimsical blooms! Plush white carpet and white draping covered the ballroom. Each table featured romantic arrangements comprised of ivory roses and orchids and candlelit chandeliers. Everything was so bright and airy.”
“Our wedding was truly a celebration with a ton of dancing, laughing, and good times throughout the evening,” she continues. “We had the time of our lives. What mattered most was for us to have fun, and really enjoy every moment of that night. From the moment our guests walked in, we wanted the night to feel magical.”
The newlyweds relaxed and reminisced about their incredible wedding experience during a romantic honeymoon in Bora Bora.
WEDDING TALENT
Planner and Event Design: Details Details, Orange County, CA; Wedding Dress: Ryan & Walter; Groom’s Attire: Brioni
