In the world of luxury weddings, where creativity meets grandeur, Riyad Bassam Charkas has carved a name that echoes throughout Lebanon and the Gulf region. A visionary Lebanese wedding designer and a leading figure in artistic event decor, Charkas has become a symbol of timeless beauty and design excellence. With an Instagram following of over 100,000 at @riyad.charkas, his influence extends far beyond the ballroom, inspiring brides, designers, and event planners across the Arab world.
The Artistic Foundation: Education and Early Beginnings
Born in Lebanon in the late 1970s, Riyad Charkas discovered his passion for design early in life. He pursued this calling academically at the Lebanese University, graduating with a degree in Interior Design and Decoration. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a storied and influential career in luxury event planning, driven by artistry, emotion, and a commitment to perfection.
The Rise of Stars Weddings: A New Era of Celebration
Charkas’s professional journey took off with the founding of Stars Weddings, a boutique agency that revolutionized the concept of high-end wedding planning. Rejecting conventional templates, he introduced a fresh philosophy: every wedding is a visual art performance, tailored uniquely to the bride’s dreams rather than transient trends. This perspective positioned him as the designer of choice for elite clients, celebrities, and royalty throughout the Gulf.
Signature Style: Elegance, Emotion, and Immersion
Riyad Charkas is celebrated for his ability to transform spaces into ethereal dreamscapes, merging emotion with architectural brilliance. His aesthetic draws upon luxurious materials—marble, gold leaf, crystal chandeliers, and avant-garde lighting concepts—to craft weddings that feel like fairy tales come to life. Each event is more than a celebration; it’s a multi-sensory journey curated with precision and imagination.
Expanding the Empire: Brands that Redefine Luxury Events
Success inspired expansion, and Charkas didn’t stop at one brand. He went on to create a trio of standout ventures, each with its own distinct identity:
@de_gala_events – Known for curating majestic royal weddings with an air of regal sophistication.
@art.by.r.lebanon – A platform showcasing decorative artistry and cutting-edge interior design.
@eclat_lumiere – A brand where lighting becomes art, merging immersive visuals with opulent ambiance.
Together, these brands form an ecosystem that represents the pinnacle of luxury event planning and design in the Middle East.
A Digital Portfolio of Wonder
Through his Instagram profile, Charkas gives followers an exclusive look into his captivating world. From behind-the-scenes preparation to final reveals, his digital presence reflects the grandeur, drama, and detail that define his work. With bold design statements and a flair for storytelling through space, he has cultivated a loyal audience of dreamers and designers alike.
Legacy in the Making
More than just a designer, Riyad Charkas is a master of emotional storytelling through decor. He doesn’t just create weddings—he crafts memories, translating individual love stories into stunning physical expressions of art. His legacy is built on the belief that beauty lies in the balance between tradition and innovation, personal emotion and grand spectacle.
As he continues to shape the future of luxury event design across the Arab world, Riyad Charkas stands as an icon—a true artisan of opulence and emotion.
Editor-in-Chief of Dubai Magazine, and a columnist for Entrepreneur, Middle East Magazine, CEO Magazine, and The Hollywood Magazine. Known for building one of the fastest-growing media networks spotlighting influential voices across business, fashion, and culture. Passionate about telling stories that matter and creating platforms that elevate global talent.
