After a romantic proposal on the beach, Nichole Telalyan and Levon Baghdasaryan began planning for their magical wedding celebration. Their love story began when the pair met through mutual friends in their late teens and were quickly enamored.

Further cementing his commitment, during their first year together, Levon asked Nichole when she was interested in getting married. Three years later, he found himself on the beach, on bended knee presenting a custom engagement ring, featuring an elongated radiant-cut diamond, to his beloved.

When planning for their dream day, the groom found it most important to secure an Armenian church that was as warm and inviting as it was beautiful. Second, Levon wanted the same out of the post-ceremony party site, also ensuring that the reception venue felt large enough and was comfortable for their hefty guest list.

After happily settling on both locations, the groom worked on finalizing the entertainment for the evening: a traditional Armenian singer, a live band, and a DJ who showcased a playlist of pop and rap. It was sure to be an incredible evening of love and merriment!

Prior to the ceremony, the couple participated in an Armenian tradition where the groom visits the bride’s home while she waits with her family for the “presentation of the bride.” The home was beautifully decorated with florals and an array of food was prepared for guests, as well as dancing and much fanfare.

Levon presented Nichole with a tray covered in gifts, including chocolate, perfume, and cognac. “It was such a memorable moment seeing my beautiful bride-to-be in her gown for the first time,” remembers Levon.

The betrothed made the smart decision of hiring professional wedding planner and designer Edgar Hay of Edgar Hay Events for their elaborate nuptials. “We had to rent the hall for two days to complete the task of decorating and having everything ready on time,” shares Nichole of the magnificent feat.

Though an Armenian church ceremony typically maintains the standard look of the sanctuary, Nichole and Levon requested permission to add frothy collections of white baby’s breath along the aisle. “The vision was to embody beauty and purity,” explains the bride.

Spiritual Armenian musical melodies played during the procession, albeit the bride’s entrance where a pianist played “Here Comes the Bride.” Nichole was a vision wearing a crystal-embellished ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, and she carried a snowy bouquet of peonies. Levon was equally dashing in a classic black tuxedo.

“The décor, design, the aesthetic… Our wedding was a pure dream.”

Following a traditional Armenian service, the newly married couple was introduced to loved ones at their reception. They walked onto the dance floor and waited for the groom’s mother to approach them with lavash (Armenian bread) and place it on their shoulders to symbolize prosperity and abundance, followed by her feeding the couple honey, representing the sweetness of a happy and joyful marriage, and completing the custom by placing two plates on the floor that are then broken by the couple. This final step manifests good luck and wards off evil spirits.

Gorgeous displays of florals were dotted along long-winding serpentine tables, surrounded by paneled plush chairs. Round tables highlighted live trees in the center of each, as well as dazzling crystals suspended from branches. Chandeliers glistened, candlelight from candelabras glowed, and conversation, laughter, and dancing ensued, creating the loving ambience the couple had wished to create.

As attendees took their seats for supper, they found classic crystal charger plates and bullion flatware that had been meticulously arranged at each place setting. Following the dinner service, slices of the towering seven-tier white wedding cake featuring vanilla frosting, berries, and sugar-ribbon detailing that inched up each layer were tray passed. The impressive confection was presented on a table framed by a grand arch crafted entirely of white roses.

The newlyweds are thrilled with the way their celebration turned out and credit their planner for its success – from his service, time management, knowing the bride’s needs, and overall production. “The décor, design, the aesthetic… Our wedding was a pure dream,” confirms Nichole.

This real wedding was originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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