We had met Samineh and Reza a couple years ago at their friends wedding. When it came time for their engagement party they had remembered us and because we had all got along so well, they asked us to be their photographers for both their engagement party and this year their wedding.

Samineh really loves Spanish fashion designers and although her dress was found in a local Vancouver bridal boutique, this dress is much like a style of one of her favourite designers. As soon as both Justin and I saw her in her dress, we both said the same thing- that it was the utmost perfect dress for her!

I just love this moment with her sister helping her with her shoes.

Reza x 2! Family friend Reza, helping the groom Reza with his tie.

Final touches.

Reza looking up the stairs to catch his first glimpse of Samineh.

Their first look. It was such a lovely moment for the two of them and we’re so happy to have been there to capture it for them.

Heading out for their photo session. We had their photo session before their ceremony, since they chose to have an early evening ceremony that moved right into the reception shortly afterward. Photos were taken up at Simon Fraser University, which was en route to Westwood Plateau where their wedding ceremony was held.

While their guests sang excitedly to welcome them in, Samineh and Reza entered their ceremony together. Here they are lighting the two Candelabras with the mirror of fate at the side, representing the brightness in their future and fire, goodness and wisdom.

The Persian wedding spread is a luxurious fabric with beading and needlework often passed down from generation to generation and is the backdrop for the Sofreh. Traditionally the Sofreh is set on the floor facing east, the direction of sunrise (light). Consequently when bride and groom are seated at the head of Sofreh they will be facing “The Light”. The Sofreh has many meaningful items on it  that represent culture and traditions, there are so many, so we’ll just mention a few. A specially baked and decorated flatbread. This symbolizes prosperity for the couple’s life thereafter. A separate platter of this flat bread, feta cheese and fresh herbs are also present to be shared with their guests after the ceremony, to bring the new couple happiness and prosperity. A basket of decorated eggs and walnuts in the shell to symbolize fertility. A cup of rose water to perfume the air. A bowl made out of crystallized sugar to sweeten life of the newly wed. An assortment of sweets and pastries such as sugar coated almonds and baklava, which is shared with guests right after the ceremony. Two sugar cones made out of hardened sugar to be used during the ceremony.

Samineh and Reza exchange rings. Although their whole wedding day surrounded this moment, it happened so fleetingly and capturing it for them as it happened holds so much value for Samineh and Reza over time versus staging the shot later.

A shawl of fine fabric was held over their heads throughout the ceremony by various happily married female relatives. The two sugar cones are ground together above their heads (over the scarf held above their heads) throughout the ceremony to shower them in sugar symbolizing sweetness and happiness. Isn’t that a lovely tradition!?

Samineh’s sister presents them with a cup of honey to sweeten life. Immediately after they are married they each  dipped one pinky finger in the cup of honey and fed it to  each other.

Yellow florals are back on trend! Such a happy colour!  A beautiful and subtle yellow bouquet of roses and hydrangeas.

After their ceremony we took some time to create some family photographs and also capture some portraits of them now that they were married. A super-mini photo session with just the two of them on the property at Westwood Plateau.  It was really nice to slip away for a few moments which gave them a little time with each other before the party would begin.

The upstairs room at Westwood Plateau was beautifully decorated in subtle hues for an evening of fun for a few hundred guests.

Justin and I always love this part of a Persian wedding. The Persian Knife dance (Raghseh Chagoo) is for the couple to retrieve a knife from the dancers so they can cut the wedding cake.  The dance starts with one person dancing a typical Persian dance, with the knife and basically asking the couple for money. Once the dancer gets the money, the knife is passed on to the next dancer. The bride and groom continue to offer money to try and get the cake knife. A little back and forth, and a few dance moves later, the Samineh and Reza finally were given the knife and are able to cut their cake.

A lively Persian band brought everyone to the dance floor while Samineh and Reza had their first dance.

They seriously had an awesome party! Every single guest was on that dance floor and how could they not? The music and the atmosphere among their guests was amazing!

Samineh and Reza had such an amazing wedding day full of culture, traditions and so much love from all those that were there. Thanks for letting us capture and be a part of your day. Thanks for treating us like friends.

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Samineh’s Dress: Clara Couture
Ceremony Location: Westwood Plateau Golf Club
Hair/Make-up: Martin Armand
Florist: Flower by Jean
Cake: Sweet Art Bakery
Live Persian Band: Sohrab & Tahmineh Music Band 778-878-5454
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