When Julia Sarafyan and Vartan Artinian first met, they both admit they connected right away. “We drank, danced, and spoke like we were friends for decades,” remembers Julia. Four years later, Vartan proposed at their new home. “When I walked up our porch and opened our house door, he was standing there in our home filled with roses,” remembers Julia of the special day. 

As they planned their celebration, the couple relied heavily on their floral and event designer to give them advice throughout the process. “Eddie Zaratsian was my angel,” affirms the bride, also adding that their wedding date was selected based on the availability of their floral designer, photographer, and DJ. “Whichever weekend all three were available was chosen,” she smiles. 

Following a customary Armenian celebration with their families before the wedding, which the pair modernized by having both families gather in one place in lieu of a separate bride’s house and groom’s house, Julia and Vartan – dressed respectively in a strapless gown with a frothy overskirt and an alabaster tuxedo jacket – exchanged vows during a traditional church ceremony. The sanctuary was filled with florals in peach, blush, and apricot hues, accented with greenery. 

“It was a fairy tale. We still do not have words to describe what we were feeling. We were in a state of awe.”

Since they originally wanted to get married in Lake Como, Italy, the couple selected an “Italian garden” theme for their fairy-tale nuptials. “Eddie [took] my idea of an Italian garden and transformed our reception into exactly what I envisioned,” Julia affirms, noting the moment they walked into the space for their “first look” as their most memorable moment. “It was a fairy tale. We still do not have words to describe what we were feeling. We were in a state of awe.” 

The reception was decorated with vibrant florals and lush greenery throughout the stunning space. Guests found their seats atop golden chairs surrounding tables with reflective mirror tops or green velvet linens, and centerpieces were comprised of verdure and romantic blooms in bright orange tones inspired by Julia. “Everyone always says that my hair color, copper, makes me who I am. It’s my whole personality,” she says of the inspiration for the extraordinary décor. 

The newlyweds celebrated into the early hours of the next morning with their loved ones on what became the best day of their lives. “My advice to future brides and grooms is do what both of you want… Do not make decisions for others, and make ones that make you happy,” shares the groom. “We made every decision with pure confidence. Our choices were mutual, and that is why we loved every aspect of our wedding day.”