Riyad Bassam Charkas’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the Arab world’s most influential luxury wedding and events designers is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Lebanon in the late 1970s, he grew up with modest means but big dreams, always carrying a vision to create breathtaking moments that would leave guests in awe.
Graduating from the Lebanese University with a degree in Interior Design and Decoration, Riyad laid the foundation for a career built on precision, refined taste, and artistic daring. In 1998, he launched his first brand, Stars Weddings, introducing a groundbreaking wedding concept that merged Lebanese elegance with Gulf opulence. Stars Weddings quickly became synonymous with bespoke perfection in the Lebanese and Gulf markets, producing landmark celebrations that set new industry standards.
Building a Family of Luxury Brands
Over the years, Riyad expanded his vision into a portfolio of distinguished brands, each with its own signature style:
- @de_gala_events – The crown jewel of his portfolio, specializing in royal and high-profile weddings with grand, theatrical productions. Known for transforming vast spaces into immersive dreamscapes, De Gala has delivered events for Gulf royalty, international celebrities, and elite dignitaries.
- Stars Weddings – The pioneering brand that set the benchmark for bespoke wedding design in Lebanon and the Gulf, renowned for dramatic stage concepts, meticulous details, and luxurious materials.
- @art.by.r.lebanon – A platform for decorative arts and bespoke interior design.
- @eclat_lumiere – Merging luxurious lighting with immersive decorative experiences.
Notable Projects & Career Highlights
Riyad’s creative rise began with no industry connections. He worked odd jobs to save for his first event, using innovative ideas and sheer determination to stand out. His first standout project—a garden wedding in Lebanon—drew rave reviews for its elegant, personal touches and set the tone for his design philosophy.
A major breakthrough came when he orchestrated a Beirut gala fundraiser that earned lifestyle media coverage and international praise. This propelled him onto the global stage, opening doors to high-profile collaborations.
Today, Riyad has orchestrated over 1,000 exceptional events across Lebanon, the Gulf, and Europe. His portfolio includes royal weddings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, celebrity celebrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and landmark transformations of unconventional venues. Under De Gala Events, he has produced multi-million-dollar productions, while Stars Weddings remains celebrated for intimate yet extravagant celebrations.
His global footprint extends to destination weddings in Paris, Rome, Athens, and Istanbul, where he masterfully blends Arab heritage with international trends to create culturally rich, universally appealing experiences.
Awards, Recognition & Media
Riyad’s work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Vogue Arabia, and Dubai Magazine. He has been honored by royal households and invited to design for state and cultural occasions. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram (@riyad.charkas), he offers an intimate look behind the scenes of his grand productions and uses his platform to inspire aspiring designers.
He is also a sought-after speaker at international design and hospitality conferences, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of luxury event creators.
Design Philosophy
For Riyad, “A wedding is a visual art performance”—an emotional and sensory journey that should reflect each couple’s unique identity. His style favors timeless over trendy, integrating elements such as marble, gold, crystal, couture floral arrangements, and innovative lighting. Every event is designed to evoke awe, blending luxury with personal storytelling.
The Man Behind the Glamour
Living between Beirut and Dubai, Riyad balances creativity, business leadership, and personal life. His days often begin with sketching concepts or sourcing materials and end with testing prototypes for upcoming productions. Despite his demanding schedule, he makes time for family, travel, and exploring new cultures—drawing inspiration from local artisans, architecture, and design trends.
Beyond his opulent productions, Riyad dedicates time to philanthropy, contributing his creativity to charity galas and cultural fundraisers that support children’s welfare and heritage preservation. He also mentors aspiring event designers in Beirut, sharing insights on storytelling, technical execution, and business development.
Legacy of a Visionary
Riyad Bassam Charkas is more than a wedding designer—he is a creator of visual poetry and emotional beauty, leaving an indelible mark on every venue he transforms. His story is proof that vision, resilience, and passion can break through the most competitive markets.
For anyone dreaming of turning passion into purpose, Riyad’s career shines as a reminder that attention to detail, empathy, and cultural pride can elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary—crafting experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.
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