Kiro had no interest in meeting Christine. When introduced to the idea of being matched with his future bride, the strong-willed Veterinarian brushed it off uninterested. David, Christine’s cousin, was certain that the two were meant to be. With the help of his mother and Kiro’s sister-in-law, they became a relentless force that would push Kiro to give in. Blind to David’s Cupid attempts, Christine was surprised to receive a message from Kirollos Abdelmalek on Facebook. She’d been living in her hometown of New Orleans, many miles away from Kiro’s California residence, and had no idea he’d be reaching out. She noticed that they had a mutual friend in David and how cute he was so she responded to his witty message. And so it began.
Kiro wanted nothing more than to surprise his meddling bride-to-be, so when it came time for him to propose it was a covert affair. Keeping in mind that she’s always wanted her family present, he crafted a proposal he knew she’d love. Christine and her family had planned a trip to California in April 2014, but her parents would be heading out after her. The day Christine arrived in California she had dinner plans with Kiro at the Montage at Laguna Beach. After they’d placed their meal orders, the waiter suggested they go outside for a photo. While they posed for the pictures in the brisk Cali weather Kiro asked her if she heard a plane overhead. “I responded with yes, and he quickly turned me around and told me to look. There in the sky was a plane flying with a huge banner which read, Christine, will you marry me? I turned back to Kirollos squealing and said, “Oh look! There is a girl named Christine getting proposed to! That is so stinking cute!”. Kirollos gave me an, “Are you serious?” look and quickly spun me around again and firmly said, “LOOK!”. There in the wind, the banner flapped, and the full message was visible. Christine, will you marry me? Love, Kiro. I quickly turned back to Kirollos who was already waiting on bended knee.” When they went back to the hotel, Kiro ushered her into the lounge where all their friends and family were waiting to congratulate them.
The Egyptian couple officiated their love with a Coptic Orthodox Christian Crowning Ceremony, symbolic of the crowns that are placed on the heads of the bride and groom during the actual religious ceremony. The pair paid homage to Christine’s beloved city of New Orleans by incorporating a second line between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception. The absolutely stunning reception had the Midas touch. Gold covered the space through grand candelabras, vintage furnishings, and Egyptian inspired lanterns for soft lighting. Hanging crystals, opulent chandeliers, and soft flowers created an even more luxurious aesthetic.
“Our complete focus for the wedding was to create an experience for our guests that they would never forget,” Christine says.
Take a look at this drop-dead-gorgeous gold wedding planned and designed by Coterie member Wink Design and Events. This wedding is also featured in our Fall/Winter 2015 issue, available on select newsstands now! You can also grab your copy here.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on menu: crawfish risotto
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: bridesmaids received personalized monogrammed day robes and earrings for the wedding. groomsmen received personalized monogrammed travel kits.
First dance song: “She’s Everything” by Brad Paisley
Best Memory
“Our best memory from the wedding is the moment the church doors opened and Kirollos saw me for the first time. To make the moment even sweeter, my father gave Kirollos a huge high five before he handed me over. The entire church burst into laughter and cheers. That moment set the tone for the entire ceremony and is something we will never forget.” – Christine
Advice for future brides
Just relax. No matter what happens, don’t freak out. Nothing will go all right and nothing will go all wrong. What’s important is that when everything is said and done, you get to marry your best friend. Nothing can change that. So don’t waste your time panicking over every last detail, focus on the bigger picture, and enjoy everything! It’s your time to shine! Trust us!
Vendors
Bride’s dress: Eve of Milady
Bridal dress salon: Pearl’s Place
Bride’s shoes: Antonio Melani
Bridesmaids dresses: The Dessy Group
Cakes/Desserts: Pure Cake
Catering: Windsor Court Hotel
Ceremony: St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church
Event decor: Wink Design and Events
Event planner: Wink Design and Events
Entertainment: DJ Tamer Yehia; Free Agents Brass Band
Flowers: Bella Blooms Floral
Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss styled by Brandon Williams
Groomsmen attire: Black by Vera Wang
Bride’s hair: Aristocat Beauty (Cat Vo)
Bridesmaids hair: Aristocat Beauty (Cat Vo)
Photography: Dark Roux Photography
Reception venue: The Windsor Court
Stationery: Exquisite Events
Videography: Daniel Jones
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