Ethereal Arabic Platinum Wedding Feature: {Myriam + Ashraf}

When I walked into Myriam’s bridal suite to check up on her I noticed a radiant glow upon her (keep in mind this was before the makeup artist arrived).  To be quite honest, I’ve never seen a bride this radiant in my life.  I knew her wedding day was going to be filled with love and beauty.  I remember taking a look at her right before she walked down the aisle and thinking how unbelievably striking she was.  The ceremony took place at dusk in the grand ballroom of the historic Casa del Mar in Santa Monica.  We had one hour to transform the ballroom into a breathtaking and heavenly reception filled with crystal chandeliers and blush pink orchids with crystals hanging on manzanita branches made to look as if they were floating in air.  A delicious four-course meal consisting of crab cakes, lobster, filet mignon, and two wedding cakes were served.  Guests were entertained by an amazing performance by belly dancers, a live Arabic band, and a fantastic DJ.  Butler-passed snacks of mini cheeseburgers, mini pizzas, French fries served in cones, and chocolate & vanilla milkshake shooters were served at midnight to satisfy the guests’ late night cravings.  One word describes this extraordinary platinum wedding, which is one of the best weddings I’ve ever coordinated and designed to date, ETHEREAL.  A special thanks to Tauran Woo for sharing the amazing photos and Dodie Sy of Brassavolas Floral Couture for the fabulous floral designs.  Scroll down after the pictures for more info on the Dream Team that made this wedding possible.

{All photos by Tauran Woo}

{THE DREAM TEAM}

Ceremony and Reception:  Casa del Mar in Santa Monica; Wedding Planner/Coordinator:  Majell del Castillo Events; Hair/Makeup:  Amy Sparks; Bridal Gown Designer:  Stephen Yearick from Mon Amie; Groom's Tux:  Hugo Boss from Nordstrom; Event Lighting/Rentals:  Royal Events Inc; Flowers:  Brassavolas Floral Couture; Photography:  Tauran Woo; Videographer:  Today's the Day; Cake:  Vanilla Bake Shop; Croquembouche:  Caprice Fine French Pasteries; Harpist:  Shawna Lynn Selline; Entertainment:  Layla and the Lotus Dancers; Live Arabic Band:  Shadi Sayegh; DJ:  DJ Samy of Samy's Entertainment; Invitation Ensemble:  Papyrus; Guest Book; MyPublisher.com

Myriam + Ashraf {E-Session}

I first met Myriam and Ash last year through my good friend and new bride, Katerina.  I remember my first phone conversation with Myriam.  We clicked instantly.  And when she told me where they booked their venue I knew I just had to be their planner!  At my first meeting with Myriam and Ash, I was amazed.  You can feel the love they had for each other radiating through their eyes.  They are such a warm, loving and funny couple I knew right away that we were going to have such a blast planning their nuptials.  When I asked how they met I was in for an even bigger shock!  Only 3 months after meeting online, Ash proposed to Myriam on New Year's Eve 2008 in Santa Barbara.  Did your mouth drop?  Did your eyes just get bigger?  I know!  That's the same reaction I got!  They are my first whirlwind couple.  And my mouth dropped even more when I caught a glimpse of her HUGE engagement ring!  OMG!  It's so big and gorgeous it knocked me out.  (Ash, you really did a fabulous job picking that ring out.)  Honestly, this couple deserves nothing but THE BEST for their wedding.  And I made sure they got it!

Their e-session was photographed by Tauran Woo.  It was taken at Santa Monica pier because that was where they met face-to-face for the very first time.  Myriam and Ash will wed at the luxurious five-star Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica in 1.5 weeks.  This wedding is something I've been looking forward to since the day I spoke to Myriam over the phone.  They are such an amazing couple and I feel honored I got to share the ride with them.  Their wedding will have platinum written all over it.  So many yummy details...I wish I can tell you all how we plan to WOW their guests!  You must stay tuned!!!  Until then please enjoy the gorgeous e-session.  Thanks again Tauran for sharing these photos with my readers!  You did an amazing job and I can't wait until you share Myriam and Ash's wedding photos to my readers.

{All photos by Tauran Woo}

Look at the size of her BLING!  Gorgeous!

Below is one of my favorites!

{LOVE}