As VP at Kirk Kara and daughter of Kirk himself, it’s only natural that Angela Karaguezian’s wedding to Raffi Kassabian would be an enchanting affair brimming with lavish details and classic, glamorous style. Angela’s unique perspective on romantic, vintage-inspired design paved the way for a stunning and forever captivating night on May 14, 2016.
The bridal party’s sparkling lace, silk, ivory and blush attire embodied all things vintage romance. Because of her role at Kirk Kara and the timeless design influences that have shaped her personal style, Angela had a clear vision for her wedding party as well as her own stunning wedding day look. The bride wore a vintage-style embroidered Monique Lhuillier gown in white and blush silk. The tulle and horsehair mermaid-style skirt was customized with dazzling Swarovski crystal, and lovely floral appliques were added to the elongated sweetheart bodice. Her flower girls wore angelic, full-skirted white lace and tulle dresses with darling floral crowns in their free-flowing hair. Angela’s sister, Matron of Honor and Kirk Kara Creative Director, Grace, wore a beautifully intricate pink gown made by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy. All carried small, hand-tied bouquets that coordinated with the bride’s free-flowing floral creation of peonies and draping phalaenopsis orchids.
The couple chose St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church in the San Fernando Valley for their traditional Armenian wedding ceremony. This venue perfectly captured the essence of Angela and Raffi’s passion for their shared Armenian culture, as well as Angela’s family legacy and role at Kirk Kara, a heritage-inspired brand that draws influence from old world Armenian design. The classic architectural elements of the grand church — detailed carvings, sculptures, and frescoes — created the perfect backdrop for a beautiful vintage-inspired Armenian wedding.
The reception was held at the esteemed Langham Huntington Hotel, which is situated in a quiet enclave of Pasadena. This enchanting venue captures the essence of classic California glamour. It’s fitting that Angela would choose such a lovely spot for her modern vintage affair, because like Kirk Kara, the Langham has a storied past and features breathtaking architecture inspired by iconic historical design. The Viennese Ballroom featured 25-foot vaulted ceilings dripping with glittering crystal chandeliers. Beneath them, tables were abundantly adorned in romantic free-form centerpieces featuring fragrant roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and draping phalaenopsis orchids.
Each guest in attendance received a unique gift: a gold, ornately beaded vintage jewelry box wrapped in a bow and filled with dragées, or sugar-coated almonds. The bitterness of the fresh almonds represents the hardships of life, but the sugar symbolizes hope that the newlyweds’ union will be more sweet than bitter. This gift was a lovely representation of Angela’s family legacy of design and detail, combined with time-honored symbolism and traditions.
The night was truly an affair to remember: a beautifully traditional ceremony in a breathtaking church, followed by an elegant evening of dining and dancing under a sea of chandeliers. With her inspiration as Kirk Kara’s daughter, her own modern vintage style and keen eye for glamorous design, Angela truly created a night that was forever captivating!
