Sevana Zetlian & Leo Ohanian tie the knot at their beautiful beach ceremony in Malibu.
Wedding Date: June 27, 2009
Location: Los Angeles, California
THEIR STORY
After graduating from Law School in Malibu, California in March 2006, Sevana Zetlian decided to take a well-earned break with her good friend Isabel Ohanian. Together they jetted off to Dubai for a long anticipated holiday, and to also see Isabel’s brother Leo Ohanian, who had recently moved to the UAE from Albany, New York to establish a Middle East office of his pharmaceutical business.
After a memorable trip, the couple became friends. Sevana moved to the States but she still kept in touch with Leo as their long-distance relationship started to develop into something more serious. After two years Leo popped the question with a three-carat diamond solitaire ring.
The proposal was incredibly romantic. Leo surprised Sevana with a weekend getaway, which began with a private helicopter trip from Los Angeles to Newport Beach, California. After an elaborate dinner at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach he got down on one knee. The next day the couple were joined in an intimate gathering with friends and family surrounded by dozens of roses and lots of bubbly.
A month after the proposal, the couple held a formal engagement ceremony and reception in Yerevan, Armenia – the couple are American-Armenian. After this celebration the wedding preparations began, centring around uniting friends and family from across the globe.
THE WEDDING
Venue: The couple had a church ceremony at St Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood, California; the same place where the bride was baptised.
Dinner Reception: The Crystal Ballroom at The Beverly Hills Hotel, California.
Number of guests: 325 of the couple’s closest family and friends.
Theme: A traditional white wedding, just as the bride had envisioned since she was a child.
Dress: Platinum Collection, Monique Lhuillier – French lace with Swarovski crystals.
Veil: Monique Lhuillier.
Shoes: Chanel.
Wedding rings: Platinum wedding bands by Tiffany & Co.
Groom: Leo wore a tailored tuxedo from Parmar Custom Tailors, Dubai, UAE.
Flowers: The couple decorated their reception with flowers from Luna Gardens, Los Angeles, California. Varieties included orchids, roses, hydrangeas, peonies and lily of the valley.
Music: Famous Armenian singer Vatche and his band provided live entertainment.
First dance: Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx. This was a song the couple felt related to their relationship together.
Food: The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a four-course dinner featuring the couple’s favourite dishes. Caprese, tiger prawns and crab cakes were served for the first and second courses; filet mignon and sea bass for main and for dessert it was chocolate fondant cake, followed by wedding cake and a buffet of assorted sweets.
Favours: Custom made by Patchi – crystal votive candle holders nestled in a custom design box topped with a silk flower and crystal details featuring couple’s monogram.
Cake: Five-tier white chocolate mousse and vanilla sponge cake custom designed by Panos Pastry.
Honeymoon: Four nights at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, followed by seven nights at the W Retreat and Spa, Maldives.
SERENA’S TOP TIPS
• Try not to get caught up in the stress of planning a party; getting married is ultimately the most important thing, everything else is secondary.
• Invite those family and friends closest to you.
• Pick vendors you trust. Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from people you know.
LITTLE BLACK BRIDAL BOOK
Cakes and pastries: Panos Pastry here
Photographer: Kevin Lubera here
Bridal Jewellery: Estate Jewelry Collection here
Wedding Invitations: Hyegraph Invitations and Calligraphy here
Floral Arrangements: Luna Gardens here
