A Valentine’s Day-Inspired Wedding At Vibiana in Los Angeles, California

Natalie Bogosian and Norvan Zarganan first met in February 2012 via an online dating site, and agreed to meet for sushi. “I was excited to meet the woman who had hooked me by telling me a week earlier that she was at a hockey game with her brother and dad,” says Norvan. “When I saw that beautiful smile of Natalie’s, there was something about her that gave me a weird feeling in my tummy. As time passed, she only confirmed what my insides were trying to tell me from day one.”

Two years later, in May of 2014, Norvan planned a special surprise for his then-girlfriend. The couple found themselves on a helicopter, flying over Los Angeles. After they landed on a downtown rooftop to take some photos of the view, the pilot brought out champagne and strawberries, and Norvan took out a ring box. “That’s when it hit me that he was proposing,” Natalie says. “I was in total shock!” They celebrated their engagement that night at Perch, where they went for their first date.

In June, the wedding planning process began and Natalie immediately selected Vibiana as the wedding venue. “Once we secured the venue, the rest came together easily,” she says. “I got my dream Berta gown, booked the best photographer, booked the best DJ, and hired the best wedding planner, Deanna Tat. I enjoyed every second of planning the wedding.”

Keeping with Armenian tradition, the big day started bright and early for the bride’s hair and makeup. After some Armenian pre-ceremony events with family and friends, the ceremony was held at Saint Sophia Cathedral Church in Los Angeles at 6pm. The cocktail hour took place in the Vibiana’s courtyard, where a wonderful guitarist performed and guests mixed and mingled.

For the reception, the newlyweds were blown away with the décor. “I remember walking in and getting goosebumps,” the bride says. “After months of planning, it was beyond my expectations.” A color combination of burgundy, taupe, and silver was used, and stunning floral arrangements were designed by Butterfly Floral & Event Design. The tables were accented by clear acrylic napoleon chairs and fine linens from La Tavola. Even the taupe dance floor tied in perfectly.

Cake Studio created a matching cake in two flavors–rose and hazelnut. In addition to chicken and steak entrees for dinner, a spread of Armenian food was also served, along with a delicious dessert table stocked with treats like salted caramel donuts.

Once the party started, the newlyweds had their first dance to Bob Marley’s “Is This Love,” and their guests spent the entire night dancing to a live DJ. The dance floor was never empty. The night was also documented by a fantastic videographer, who used a drone to capture footage from above.

By the end of the night, Natalie and Norvan were elated, having experienced such a wonderful celebration. “We had so much fun at the wedding, as well as the days leading up to it,” Natalie says. “We keep reminiscing about that day!”