Persian Wedding Photography

Farah & Hossein had been together for a few years before they got engaged, but from the outset they’d decided they wanted to do things the right way which meant paying respect to their families, traditions and ancient marriage customs when they got married. Traditionally the Iranian religious marriage ceremony happens at the Bride’s family home with both families present. They were keen for a documentary photography approach for their Persian wedding and having shot quite a few muslim weddings, I was really looking forward to the day.

The traditional wedding table

The formal proposal had been a couple of weeks before the wedding, and a few weeks later, their families and closest friends gathered again for the ceremony. Just before then we’d made a bit of time to go out to a local wood to take a few photos of the two of them – we literally had 4 minutes before the rain started and we hurried back inside for the wedding ceremony. They’d opted for the traditional segregation to start the wedding proceedings off – Farah was getting ready as they waited for the Imam to arrive, and as soon as he’d made his way in, Farah came downstairs and joined the ladies whilst the Imam started the ceremony next door. Farah’s parents had prepared the most beautiful wedding table where the legal marriage and traditions were to take place. Each item on the table had been chosen and placed for its symbolic significance – prosperity, abundance, joy, light, sweetness, fertility, unity, future just some the things they represented.

Soon the late winter ceremony was underway – with rosebuds between her toes Farah’s feet were washed and dried, passages from the Quran read in both rooms as the Imam led the ceremony. Then the request and agreement to marry, followed by the formal signing of the marriage contract before the marriage was finally announced! With cheers all around, everyone came together again as drinks were served with stuffed dates and other sweet things, a traditional offering at Persian weddings.

Marquee Garden Reception

Wedding celebrations continued in the garden marquee that had been decorated in a gorgeous woodlands theme. Mocktail hour was followed by a luscious feast, a jazz trio strummed away in the background whilst guests  had dinner. Speeches and cake cutting next and it wasn’t long before it was time for the first dance. The newly weds did a few twirls around the dance floor and guests were soon invited to join them. Then the volume went up and the real dancing started – young and old hit the dance floor as the old songs were being played. Dancing is very much part of the wedding tradition and you could see the energy and enthusiasm in their faces as guests danced the night away. Thanks Farah & Hossein for choosing me to cover your wonderful wedding celebrations. Contact me here if you’d like to discuss your wedding plans with me!