From the very beginning, Rita Musoyan and Nicholas Zakarian’s love story unfolded with a sense of ease that would later define their wedding day. The Los Angeles-based couple first met by the beach through mutual friends, but what could have been a fleeting introduction quickly turned into something more meaningful.

“The very next day, I ran into him again completely by chance,” Rita recalls. “It felt so unexpected, yet so meant to be. From that moment on, everything just flowed naturally.” Nicholas felt the same certainty early on, so it wasn’t surprising that he was soon ready to propose to his beloved. “I knew from the first day we met that she was The One,” he admits.

After a year-and-a-half engagement, the couple set out to create a wedding that reflected both their shared vision and the importance of family and tradition. With 550 guests in attendance, the scale of the celebration required thoughtful coordination and a clear creative direction. To bring their vision to life, they partnered with wedding planner Edgar Hay of Edgar Hay Events, whose expertise ensured every detail felt seamless from start to finish.

The special day showcased many Armenian traditions throughout, including offering gifts to the bride’s family in the morning, as a sign of gratitude, respect, and honoring the joining of the two families.

Already bedecked in gilt details, the Greek sanctuary was a dazzling sight, so the altar needed minimal décor for the vow exchange. Three adorable flower girls and a dapper ring bearer preceded the bride down the aisle just before the bride made her appearance. Rita was a vision as she appeared on the arm of her father wearing a ball gown fit for royalty made of a shimmery luxe fabric.

The moment was equally significant for Nicholas, who shares, “The ceremony was the most important part for me… being there with her meant everything to me.” Music played a central role in setting the tone, with a violinist and harpist performing classical selections. “Walking down the aisle created such a beautiful and emotional moment I’ll always remember,” Rita says.

“The biggest advice is to work with a great event planner. It allowed us to enjoy the process and trust that every detail would come together beautifully.”

Following the ceremony, guests transitioned into an enchanting reception inspired by a romantic garden aesthetic and a design that blended soft neutrals with vibrant shades of pink and lavender. “We envisioned a romantic, whimsical setting with a touch of luxury… creating a rich, immersive atmosphere,” Rita describes.

With Edgar Hay overseeing production, the venue was transformed into a dreamy space where each detail – from the floral installations to the flow of the evening – felt elevated. Florals, in particular, became a defining feature of the celebration. “Floral design was one of the most important elements of our wedding,” Rita explains of the impactful concept that also included live swans and peacocks roaming.

The evening was rich in tradition and heartfelt moments. In addition to their first dance, Rita surprised her new husband with a traditional Armenian dance performance. “She looked incredible,” he revels. Once loved ones finished their dinner service, the evening evolved into a high-energy celebration. “It was amazing… everyone was on the dance floor and you felt everyone having fun,” says the groom.

Looking back, both Rita and Nicholas agree that the most meaningful part of their wedding was simply being present in the moment. “One of the most meaningful moments was standing in the church during our ceremony… it felt incredibly sacred and emotional,” Rita says.

As for what they would change, their answer is simple. “No, to us everything was perfect,” Rita confirms – a sentiment echoed by Nicholas: “It was a night we will never forget.”

For couples planning their own wedding, their advice reflects the experience they had. “The biggest advice is to work with a great event planner. It allowed us to enjoy the process and trust that every detail would come together beautifully,” Rita shares of the approach that proved invaluable in bringing their vision to life.

With thoughtful design, meaningful traditions, and expert guidance, Rita and Nicholas created a celebration that was not only visually stunning, but deeply personal.

This real wedding was originally published as a cover story in the Summer 2026 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Summer 2026 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings digital back issues available for purchase.

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