The couple, living in the San Francisco Bay Area, was planning a Southern California destination wedding. The Groom is Persian and the Bride is Indian and to honor their families and cultures, they had two distinct ceremonies and weddings. Their first celebration was their Persian Wedding which took place on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which I had the privilege to be a part of from start to finish. The bride had a bold and eclectic vision for her wedding, wanting to pay tribute to the elegance of the ancient world and warmth of a traditional tea room. With the brides desire for a historic and architecturally intriguing setting, I knew the perfect outdoor venue to bring vintage charm and vibrancy to their vows and celebration would be the Darlington House in La Jolla.
The bride wore the iconic Thelma gown from Galia Lahav, first worn by Beyoncé at her vow renewal to husband Jay-Z. The bride customized her pearl and Swarovski crystal embellished wedding dress with a detachable train made from layers of soft pillowy tulle. Paired with the chainlink A$AP Rocky x Amina Muaddi collabs, the bride accessorized with two separate tiaras, a gold and pearl crown for her ceremony and a glitzy silver headpiece for her reception. The groom wore a custom black suit from Ralph Lauren, with a crisp white shirt and gold buttons.
The bride handmade the stationery throughout the wedding. Starting with papers in peach, soft pink and muted blush she used her Cricut to letter each item in gold and rose gold for her almost 100 guests. Pomegranates make an appearance throughout the wedding, including on the cover of the ceremony programs; tucked into the floral arch framing the couple; and in one of their signature cocktails.
The Sofreh Aghd is the most important element of a Persian Wedding and I had the honor of assembling and styling the elaborate ceremonial spread personally. The Sofreh Aghd has a rich history going back thousands of years.
The Sofreh Agdh:
Fragrant rose water “Golab” filled the air and pays homage to the ancient traditions of the Persian culture.
The Wedding Couple’s ceremony seating “Mokhaddeh” was an antique ruby red settee.
A reflection of light and their bright future, the mirror “Ayeeneh” was an oversized oval piece edged in silver floral carvings.
Bringing purity and clarity, a matching set of silver candelabras and candles “Shamdoon” towered over the seven teal and sandstone taper candles.
A family heirloom, an emerald covered Koran bejeweled with radiant fuschia and amber crystals was the holy book of choice to offer blessings to the couple and their marriage.
Rosettes of “Noone Sangak” an Iranian flatbread were delicately placed atop a gold hammered serving tray with handles depicting a slender branch and pomegranates.
Vases with artistic etchings held the bouquets of wheat “Gandom”, which waved gently in the soft coastal breeze.
An expression of the couples prosperity, gold coins “Sekkeh” adorned the Sofreh.
Another symbol of abundance, a bounty of assorted nuts including almonds “Badoom”; hazelnuts “Fandogh”; and walnuts “Gerdoo” were overflowing from their bronzed bowl and crystal canister.
Beautifully painted and ornate eggs “Tokhmeh Morgh” were included to signify the couples fertility.
A cheerful marriage is represented by a golden bowl of fruit “Meeveh” which included pomegranates “Anar” and apples “Seeb”.
Burning a wild rue incense “Esfand” is a purifying ritual and maintains a positive aura around the couple and their marriage.
To ward of evil energy, a colorful display of seven herbs and spices “Khoncheh” were intricately showcased in brass coupes: wild rice “Berenj”; black tea “Chai”; poppy seeds “Khash-khaash”; frankincense “Kondor”; salt “Namak”; nigella seeds “Raziyaneh”; and angelica “Sabzi Khoshk”.
There are a number of sugary items a part of the Sofreh Aghd display to represent the sweetness of the wedding couple’s marriage and love. Perhaps the sweetest of these items is the honey “Asal” and the romantic exchange between the couple as they share a taste.
The eye-catching pastries “Sheereeni” were shared with wedding guests after the ceremony.
A sparkling bundle of rock candy “Shahkh-eh-Nabaat” was a sweet momento for the newlyweds to enjoy.
Family and close friends took turns holding the sugar cloth “Torreh Ghand”, a finely spun fabric, above the couples heads while they gently grinded the sugar cones “Kaleh Ghand” to dust the couple in sweetness and share generational blessings.
The wedding cake was a piece of art decorated with edible wafer paper florals and stems. Enveloped in textured buttercream, the interior was fresh and decadent citrus olive oil cake with pastry cream, mascarpone and fresh raspberries.
A deliciously lavish presentation of Persian sweets, fruits, snacks and teas were enjoyed by guests throughout their Wedding celebration.
For entertainment, they treated guests to a performance by a belly dancer and the exquisite artform of henna.
Their menu was a proper Persian Feast with a grazing station of “Kuku Sabzi” a Persian style quiche, “Salad Oliveh” and “Kashke Bademjan” an eggplant dip. The mains of dinner included kebabs of “Koubideh” and “Jujeh Kababs”; stews of “Khoresh-e Gheymeh”, “Khoresh-E Ghormeh Sabzi” and “Fesenjoon”; with aromatic rices of “Sabzi Polow” and “Zereshk Polow” and of course White Fish, a Nowruz must-have to celebrate and represent life.
Crimson linens draped over the reception tables in the Rose Garden were a bold base for the lively jewel tone floral centerpieces. The place settings were styled with gem goblets in an oceanic blue, blush linen napkins and mismatched brass flatware, and ivory dinnerware rimmed with golden baroque details.
Captured by: Jessika Christine Photography