Mandana Novin & Kirk Bedrossian

Kirk and Mandana met during a chance encounter. Mandana and a girlfriend decided to try something outside of their normal routine, and ventured to a new city for the evening. They ended up at an Italian restaurant in Pasadena, where Mandana was approached by her unsuspecting future husband. A week later, they had their first date.

Five years into their relationship, while vacationing in Tokyo, Kirk was ready to propose. The couple went to New York Bar, where Kirk asked the live jazz band to perform “Besa Me” – a song that always seemed to play during their travels, whether in Central America or the Caribbean. Being the spontaneous type, Kirk popped the question, even though he didn’t have an engagement ring with him; but with such amazing views and the perfect setting, the moment was unforgettable.

After spending two years toying between a traditional wedding or an elopement, Kirk and Mandana decided to have a weekend wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, with a handpicked guest list of 150 friends and family. The wedding planning process only lasted six months, but the special day they created was just what they had envisioned.

Starting the weekend with a welcome reception on the property’s poolside cliffs, guests got to know each other over food and drinks before the big day. When it was time for the wedding, the bride and groom spent the day with their best friends and family members in their respective suites. After they were finished getting ready, they drove Kirk’s Aston Martin convertible to the windmills in the desert to have their first look photo session.

The wedding ceremony began at 7pm, finishing just in time for a gorgeous sunset cocktail hour. A color palette of gold and white was chosen for the décor, and guests were awestruck when the ballroom doors to the reception opened, and they were met by the music of a live band. The Ritz ballroom was completely transformed with custom drapery, flooring, and furniture brought in from outside vendors. White florals dripped from every corner, and candlelight cast a warm and romantic glow over the entire space. With the décor exuding timeless sophistication and modern elegance, everyone said they “felt like they walked into the doors of heaven.”

For dinner, guests dined on a surf and turf duo, as well as an elaborate sweets display. The cake was a showstopper as well, with Mandana having dreamt up a custom seven-tier creation with an uneven design, gold accents, and a cascade of white sugar peonies. To complete the table, a beautiful wraparound flower arch was added along with hundreds of candles.

The party continued into the wee hours of the morning with one last surprise – a late-night treat of In-N-Out burgers. It was the perfect end to an evening filled with love.