Combining Armenian traditions with a Modern Renaissance theme, Lama and Anthony’s wedding day unfolded across two iconic Venetian locations: the Armenian Church on San Lazzaro degli Armeni Island for the religious ceremony and the historic Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort for a grand reception. Their journey to the altar and the celebration that followed were as unique and vibrant as the city itself.
Location: Venice, Italy
Style: Romantic, eclectic, chic
Time of planning: 15 months
Number of guests: 180
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – hotel
Season: Summer
Lama, who works for a private equity fund, and Anthony, a consultant, met in New York City during a biking trip. Their love story included a proposal that spanned two continents—Anthony initially suggested they get engaged in Paris on a rooftop overlooking the Eiffel Tower. However, the official proposal came later, on a picturesque morning run along the Beirut waterfront, set against the Lebanese mountains and the holy site of Harissa.
Location & Planning
Their wedding vision blended romance, simplicity, and chic eclecticism with the grandeur of Renaissance-inspired design. The couple’s desire for elegance and artistic touches, along with their focus on harmonizing traditional elements with modern details, set the tone for the entire event. Notably, Venice holds a significant place in Renaissance history, making it the perfect location for their celebration. With the masterful guidance of Valentina Kera Event Design Boutique, their vision was brought to life in every exquisite detail, creating a celebration that was as meaningful as it was breathtaking.
“The couple liked the period of the Renaissance because of its significance to art and music. For them, it was a great period—the rebirth of ideas, thought leadership, art, creativity, and new beginnings.”
Bridal Morning
Lama’s wedding morning was a heartwarming start to the day. She spent quality time with her mother, creating joyful and lively moments that made the preparation even more special. She wore a timeless gown from Robes de Mariée, styled with a delicate tiara, soft waves cascading down her shoulders, and subtle makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. The room buzzed with excitement as everyone prepared for the celebration.
Lama later joined her bridesmaids, who brought even more energy and enthusiasm to the morning. They shared laughter and final words of encouragement before leaving for the ceremony. Lama’s bouquet of pristine white roses, accented with a pearl rosary, added a meaningful touch to her elegant ensemble, perfectly reflecting the love and anticipation of the day.
"For the Lebanese tradition, when a groom's mother gives a gift to the bride before the ceremony, we've prepared stunning space with a sea view."
Groom's Fashion
Anthony’s wedding morning brought together all generations of his family, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere. Surrounded by his father, relatives, and younger family members, he prepared for the day in a tailored black tuxedo from Dubai, paired with a classic bow tie and white boutonniere. The morning concluded with a picturesque boat ride to the ceremony, offering stunning views of Venice’s charm.
"According to tradition, there had to be chocolate in the rooms, which we had chosen for the wedding in advance. This detail was very important for our couple."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the historic Armenian Church on San Lazzaro degli Armeni Island, a location steeped in cultural and spiritual significance. Guests were greeted by the church’s stunning architecture, with its colorful stained-glass windows and intricate details.
The aisle, lined with delicate arrangements of blush roses and candles, created a romantic and serene setting. As Lama walked down the aisle with her father, Anthony’s emotion was noticeable, his smile radiating pure joy. The couple exchanged their vows amidst traditional Armenian rituals, including the ceremonial crowns that symbolized their union.
The atmosphere inside the church was deeply moving, as the couple was surrounded by loved ones who shared in the sacred moment. The priest’s blessings and the live Armenian church songs added a spiritual depth that resonated with everyone present. After the ceremony, guests celebrated the newlyweds with a cheerful petal toss as they exited the church, marking the beginning of their new chapter.
“This ceremony was more traditional, with all Armenian live church songs and blessings. They felt very happy that day because their dream came true among all their beloved relatives and friends.”
Private Moment
After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a serene and romantic private moment, thoughtfully planned by their wedding team. Lama and Anthony went for a picturesque boat ride, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Venice while capturing stunning photos.
“We created a beautiful program for the whole wedding day.”
Meanwhile, guests were welcomed at the reception venue with an enchanting cocktail hour. Performers dressed in unique costumes adorned with oversized floral headpieces greeted attendees, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Three violinists, dressed in custom-designed outfits that perfectly matched the wedding’s color palette, added elegance and charm to the celebration. As the couple arrived at the hotel, guests eagerly awaited their entrance, marking the transition to an unforgettable evening.
Decor & Setting
The reception at the historic hotel showcased an exceptional blend of elegance and creativity, masterfully curated by the planning team. The venue’s opulent chandeliers, arched windows, and intricate ceiling details were perfectly complemented by the pastel floral arrangements of dahlias and roses. Green accents on the chairs and table settings added a fresh, sophisticated touch, harmonizing with the blush tones of the centerpieces. Each table featured unique floral sculptures and soft pink candles, creating an atmosphere of romance and refinement.
Custom-designed elements, such as the seating chart adorned with blooms and personalized favors, added thoughtful touches that made the evening unforgettable. The meticulous attention to detail was a testament to the planner’s dedication to bringing Lama and Anthony’s vision to life. “We expressed the extravagance of this style by adding artistic touches to textiles and details, following a modern direction,” Valentina Kera explained.
“The couple wanted to include LOVE in the project, so we named the tables with what love means for them.”
Reception
The reception began with an explosion of energy as guests lifted napkins and cheered, setting a lively tone for the evening. The atmosphere was electrifying, with joyful dances and celebratory traditions filling the grand ballroom. Lama and Anthony had their first dance to the song from Aladdin – A Whole New World, a beautifully choreographed moment they had prepared at a dance school in New York City. Their elegant movements were a highlight, capturing the attention of everyone in the room and symbolizing their deep connection.
Dinner was an immersive experience, with performances from talented singers and dancers. They wore custom-made outfits, perfectly aligned with the wedding’s color palette, adding a touch of theatrical elegance to the evening. Their captivating performances, paired with romantic melodies, created an unforgettable atmosphere.
“We prepared cards with lyrics of "Can you feel the love tonight" for singing all together. It was very emotional and touching; everyone got goosbumps when all 180 people sang together.”
Cake
The five-tier wedding cake was an exquisite masterpiece, elegantly adorned with a minimalistic yet sophisticated design. It featured the couple’s initials in a sleek metallic accent, surrounded by cascading arrangements of blush roses and baby’s breath. Lama and Anthony shared a sweet moment cutting the cake, their laughter and joy mirrored by the cheering of their guests.
The day concluded with lively celebrations, as performers and singers kept the energy high, entertaining guests throughout the evening. Joyful dances filled the ballroom, creating a vibrant and artful atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the day. It was a fitting end to a wedding that celebrated love, tradition, and artistry in every detail.
“If the couple is happy, everyone will be happy.”
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy every single moment. The time will pass by really, really fast.
PLANNER, DESIGNER & PRODUCER Valentina Kera Event Design Boutique | PHOTOGRAPHER Chiara Liebes | VIDEOGRAPHER Carlo Zanetti | VENUE Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort | FLORALS Centrofiori | MUAH Raisa Galante | STATIONERY Alfiero Creative | CAKE Sweetie Pie | LIGHT & AUDIO Rava Service | ENTERTAINMENT Elisa Marai | DJ Alessandro Vigneri | SINGERS Dvoe Music
