When Mandana Novin first locked eyes with Kirk Bedrossian, she knew chance had brought the two together. Six days later, the pair had their first date and would eventually travel the world together. After four years of dating, Kirk popped the question at a sushi dinner in Tokyo featuring a beautiful view of the Japanese city as the band played their favorite song, “Besa Me.”

With a two-year engagement and six months of planning, the lovebirds pursued a weekend wedding that was unique but local enough for their Los Angeles and Orange County guests. They decided to host their nuptials at a stunning resort in Rancho Mirage, California, starting with an intercultural alfresco ceremony. It began with the Sofreh Aghd (Table of Wedding) to honor Mandana’s Persian roots, and an Armenian priest officiated the rest of the ceremony with respect to Kirk’s background.

Their theme showcased timeless sophistication with a palette of white and gold and a heavy emphasis on florals. “We wanted to look back years from now and still see that timeless class and elegance through the years,” describes the bride. The ceremony décor combined large floral arrangements with lower flower boxes and white petals along the aisle. Mandana and Kirk also stood underneath a gorgeous floral arch while saying their "I dos."

For the reception, the sweetheart and cake table were extravagantly adorned with white blooms. The seven-tiered cake featuring white and gold elements, as well as cascading sugar flowers, was placed beneath a fresh-flower arch similar to that of the ceremony. The centerpieces, both high and low, were also composed of florals and elegantly complemented with candles for a classic touch. “There were flowers everywhere!” Mandana confides.

Guests received welcome bags upon their arrival to the wedding weekend, which included snacks, toiletries, sunscreen, croissants, and the mother of the bride's homemade jam. “We’re a fun couple and love to travel and live life! The destination aspect and a whole weekend of fun activities really describe who we are,” says Mandana. Wedding favors included sugar cookies with a custom monogram that matched the one seen on the dance floor.

The couple shared their first dance to “When a Man Loves a Woman” and everyone rocked the night away as a live 10-piece orchestra played music from all over the world, including popular American, Persian, and Armenian tunes.

Mandana loved everything about her special day and is glad that she and her husband finalized the details together. She suggests other couples incorporate timeliness and stay true to their taste when planning the perfect wedding. “Don’t give yourself too much time to plan, you’ll just keep changing your mind,” she says. “Go with your gut, pick what you love, and enjoy the process.”