A Cultural Celebration to Remember

Lelav and Hazar came to me through a mutual friend. Lelav and I were fast friends and I gushed over her description of her perfect wedding day. She spoke of lush florals, candlelight, lively music, and SO much dancing... and her wedding day was nothing short of her dream come true.

Lelav and Hazar met a couple of years before their wedding day and instantly had a connection. Hazar's wit charmed Lelav and their love for travel brought them close. It wasn't long after that Lelav started getting "wedding fever" and Hazar popped the question on a trip abroad. Lelav wasted no time in beginning the plans for their big day - April 19th, 2019 - starting with hiring a wedding planner!

Their planning process had its ups and downs but ultimately brought them closer together. Lelav wanted a luxurious and elegant setting and Hazar wanted the attire to be classic and sharp. Their vision culminated in an extravaganza that honored both their vision and multi-cultural backgrounds. They selected the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch to host their nuptials. Its modern architecture and spaces lent itself to an upscale affair and the location was impressive for their out-of-town guests.

That fateful April day came with loads of sunshine and a gentle breeze that created a perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony. The girls spent the morning pampering themselves and drinking champagne while the men had some of their own bonding time.

As ceremony time approached, dozens of beautifully-dressed guests arrived in lively spirits as a violinist played to set the mood. The space was set with a table of traditional items such as a mirror to view themselves as husband and wife, candles representing different wishes and wisdoms, sugar and salt to represent the bitterness and sweetness of marriage, and a cloth to cover them and unify them as one. Behind it stood a lush floral arch of white flowers set against a stage of green grass and palm trees.

The wedding party floated in, the girls looking elegant in various shades of beige and blush and the men looking classy in black. The bride was truly a vision as she walked down the aisle in her Demetrios gown to greet her smiling groom.

After the ceremony ended, guests proceeded to the cocktail hour where they enjoyed sipping drinks and eating delectable hors d'oeuvres under the setting sun while the wedding party had some time with Spotted Stills Photography.

When it was time for guests to be seated in the grand ballroom, they were stunned by the dramatic, tall centerpieces and endless candles that adorned the space, thanks to the incredible work of You Can't Beat This! Party Rentals. The newlyweds' sweetheart table sat atop a white stage covered in blush and white flowers and illuminated with candles. Guests were delighted by the Jordan almonds in organza bags that they would keep as favors.

The bride and groom's entrance was nothing short of jaw dropping as they were led in by traditional zorna musicians who played drums and flutes and created an electrifying energy. When the bride and groom passed through the doorway, they were surrounded by fountains of fireworks.

Dinner was followed by heartfelt toasts and traditional dancing. Lelav quickly changed into a form-fitting gown by Enzoani before the bride and groom shared their first dance as fog surrounded their feet. Guests took pictures as Lelav and Hazar cut their simple but stunning white cake embellished with a cascade of pink roses. Family members performed dances as the musicians continued to keep the energy alive before the DJ, M3 Worldwide Entertainment, took over for the evening. Later in the evening, Lelav was ceremoniously draped in gold jewelry by her mother, as is culturally customary.

As the event came to a close, guests bid the new couple farewell with a dazzling sparkler exit to end a perfectly magical day. However, it was only just the beginning to a long life of love and happiness for Lelav and Hazar.

With love, The Wedding Therapist

Venue: The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ

Florals and Rentals: You Can't Beat This! Party Rentals & Event Decor

Bridal Dresses: Enzoani and Demetrios

Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse

Photographer: Spotted Stills Photography

DJ: M3 Worldwide Entertainment

Invitations: Elegant Wedding Invites