Armenian Traditions & Modern Flair: Celebrating Oksanna & Sevak at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Love Story

Our journey with Oksanna and Sevak began through the digital realms of Instagram. Oksanna, residing in Moscow, and Sevak, in Los Angeles, bridged the distance with messages that blossomed into love. "After a few weeks of chatting, he flew to Moscow to meet me and our love story began from that moment," Oksanna recalls. For five years, they nurtured their long-distance relationship before Oksanna made the move to the USA.

“The proposal was organized in the traditional style in Armenia. Our parents and closest relatives were present. The groom's side comes to the bride's side and asks for her hand in marriage, after which the relatives congratulate the couple,” she shares.

Their wedding, held on 11th December 2022 in Los Angeles, was an exquisite blend of Armenian traditions and modern flair. Oksanna shared her vision, "I always knew that my wedding should be the happiest day of my life. And it eventually happened. That was the main point to me. For the look of the wedding I dreamed about something unique and we decided to transform a ballroom to a "crystal land". Our ceremony was by the ocean with the beautiful sunset."

"We wanted to keep our Armenian traditions but at the same time modify some details such as the outdoor ceremony, also we made our entrance a little bit different and unique," the couple shared. Throughout the planning, what inspired them most was the anticipation of new beginnings. "I was so excited about everything," Oksanna reflects.

Every moment of their wedding was special, but if there was one to single out, it would be their entrance. "Walking into the hall for the first time and being able to see the amazing decor was very memorable for me," Oksanna recalls.

Morning details

The wedding preparations were meticulously planned. The invitations, ordered from Europe, set the tone for elegance. Oksanna's wedding rings were specially designed by a jeweler, while Sevak chose his from Cartier. "My rings and my necklace. Wasim Capelli handmade crown,” were Oksanna’s special jewelry pieces.

Bride getting ready

Oksanna found her perfect Jimmy Choo dress in Beverly Hills' Panache boutique. " It was easier than I expected," she shares. Her getting ready photoshoot took place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, where she added final touches like Jimmy Choo shoes and the handmade crown.

Groom getting ready

Sevak, in his sleek Tom Ford tuxedo, also prepared at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. He looked every bit the part of a dashing groom, ready to meet his bride.

First Look

The first look unfolded at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "We were both very excited and couldn't believe it was finally happening," the couple shared.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Oksanna and Sevak chose diverse locations like Downtown LA, Big Bear, Palm Springs, and Malibu for their pre-ceremony photoshoot. "We loved the location and together with the photographer and videographer decided that we could make a beautiful video here," they said.

Ceremony

Their ceremony, held outdoors by the ocean at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, was a picturesque affair. Traditional Armenian elements like hiding the bride's shoe and handing out Tarosiks added a unique touch. "The moment when we walked back as a husband and wife” was a moment they’ll always treasure.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Post-ceremony, they captured more memories within the stunning grounds of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, both inside and outside.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The couple chose the Waldorf Astoria Resort and Spa for its beautiful ocean terrace and interior. The decor was a vision in white, accentuated with crystals and chandeliers. "Tarosiks - traditional Armenian souvenirs given to unmarried young people with a wish to get married soon” was a personalized touch they included.

Cocktail hour

Reception

Their reception was a celebration of love and culture. Their first dance was to an Armenian song by Arkadiy Dumikyan. The menu featured Armenian traditional dishes like kebab, chosen after a careful tasting session.