Persian Wedding in Beverly Hills, California

Ahou and Scott hosted their wedding at a private residence in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Surrounded by family and close friends in a secluded backyard setting with lush palms, ferns, and florals, all beneath the warm summer California sun. This couple was not afraid to embrace their personal stye, including the wedding dress: a stunning strapless white mermaid wedding gown, while her bridesmaids wore chic sequined black dresses. The groom and his groomsmen chose sleek black tuxedos with pops of vibrant red.

Blending aspects of the bride’s Iranian heritage with Western wedding tradition, their ceremony (or aroosi) perfectly encapsulated the union of this wonderful, warm-hearted, and joyful couple. Ahou and Scott’s sofreh (or table) held offerings that symbolize good fortune for their nuptials, including a mirror and candles signifying light and eternity, eggs and nuts for fertility, and coins to bring wealth. Significant foods such as sacred fruit like the pomegranate and beautifully intricate decorative breads represented prosperity. All of these items were surrounded by a myriad of flowers representing life and beauty.

After proceeding down the aisle, the bride and groom were seated before the guests at their sofreh, where a canopy of fine lace fabric was held above their heads by the bride's wedding party. This canopy is meant to represent the union of the bride and groom under a single roof. As the ceremony took place, two sugar cones were rubbed together so that small sugar granules fall into the canopy above the heads of the couple, showering the couple in sweetness. Another tradition Ahou and Scott wanted to incorporate was the dipping of honey, meant to symbolize the couple nourishing one another throughout their new lives together.

After the wedding ceremony was the celebration! Ahou and Scott’s reception, held in Santa Monica, California, featured traditional Persian elements. Dancing and laughter carried this celebration through the night.