Giavonna Futia and Markar Agakanian’s love story began on a serendipitous night at the tender age of 17. At a high school dance, the bride spotted the groom and confided to a friend that she thought he was cute. Her friend wasted no time and passed the information on to Markar, sparking the beginning of their romance. Fast forward to 2021, on their 8-year dating anniversary, Markar proposed in an over-the-top, romantic fashion at Hotel Bel-Air with a room filled with red roses and candles.
When it came to planning their wedding, Giavonna and Markar knew they wanted to blend sophistication with meaningful cultural traditions. “If I had two words that would describe my wedding vision, it was timeless and elegant. I wanted to be able to look back on my wedding 50 years from now and still love all my design choices,” Giavonna shares. Choosing Vibiana as their venue was a no-brainer, as its rich history held personal significance for Giavonna’s family.
Giavonna’s search for the perfect wedding gown led her to Monique Lhuillier, where she found her dream dress, the Helena gown, and customized it to her taste. Her accessories included a tennis bracelet gifted by her mother-in-law and sapphire and diamond earrings from her mother, which she had also worn to prom with Markar – “truly a full circle moment!” For the groom and his groomsmen, custom tuxedos from JB Clothiers with navy accents provided a classic, cohesive look.
As guests gathered for the wedding, they were treated to the timeless beauty of Armenian traditions, including a prayer in Armenian and traditional dancers during the cocktail hour. During the reception, the couple’s thoughtful planning shone through, from a video projection of their journey together to a meticulously curated menu. The evening flowed seamlessly, thanks to their planner Tessa, culminating in a dance floor filled with joy.
Reflecting on their experience, Giavonna’s advice to other couples is simple but profound: “Hire a wedding planner!!!! You want the process to be fun and enjoyable, and a wedding planner makes that possible. So many of our guests complimented us on the service, organization, and flow of the night.”
