When Laura Somma began shaping the foundation of The Wedding Privé, the world’s first association dedicated to multi-destination, ultra-luxury celebrations, one of the first people she wanted beside her was Ani Afrikyan. Years of shared respect, aligned vision, and a deep understanding of global cultural nuance made Ani a natural executive founding member of this new chapter in the industry.
Ani’s story begins long before The Wedding Privé. Her path into hospitality started with a bold decision to shift her academic focus and pursue a world where people, emotions, and experiences became the center of her work. Moving to Dubai as a young student exposed her to the fast-paced, multicultural world of high-end events, a place where she quickly realized that personalization was often missing. This is what led her to establish Palmary Events, a company built around her belief that every celebration should reflect the client’s identity, culture, and emotional landscape. Over the years, that same philosophy has shaped her journey, her reputation, and her role today as an executive founding member of The Wedding Privé.
This belief became the foundation of her approach.
And over the years, it took her across continents.
Ani’s expertise is anchored in her ability to honor the culture of every destination she works in. Whether blending Armenian wedding traditions into the heart of Dubai or recreating a distinctly Italian aesthetic for a private celebration in Milan, Ani has always treated culture as something to be elevated, not simplified. The result has been celebrations that feel both refined and deeply rooted in place.
Her experience spans the Gulf, Europe, and emerging luxury destinations, often working in locations long before they became widely recognized by the industry. She was among the earliest to produce an Armenian celebration at Atlantis The Royal shortly after its opening, and she was also one of the first to bring an Armenian-hosted event to AlUla shortly after Saudi Arabia began expanding entry opportunities. These moments, for her, were not just professional milestones, they were symbols of possibility.
What defines Ani’s leadership is her belief that excellence is always a collective achievement. She sees every event as the result of hundreds of decisions made by dozens of people, all aligned under a single vision. Lighting, décor, logistics, artistry, culture, it all matters. And when each element connects effortlessly, the experience becomes something truly lasting.
Today, Ani brings this same philosophy into her role at The Wedding Privé.
Her background, her global insights, and her deep respect for culture enrich the association’s mission to create celebrations that are not limited by borders, timelines, or traditions. Together with Laura Somma and the founding team, she contributes to shaping a new global standard, one where destinations become emotions, and where every celebration is approached with intention, intelligence, and the quiet precision of true mastery.
Ani’s journey continues to evolve, but one thing has remained constant: her commitment to shaping experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. And within The Wedding Privé, her voice, vision, and global sensibility help guide a movement that is transforming how the world thinks about celebrations.
Explore more about The Wedding Privé:
Visit Website: theweddingprive.com
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