Ghazal, a physician from Florida fell in love with engineer, Amer. After saying “YES” to Amer’s sweet proposal, they decided that on April 28th, 2018, amongst their dearest family and friends, they would vow to love and cherish one another forever.
The setting was intimate, charming and iconic. Perched above the La Jolla Cove cliffs along the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the La Valencia Hotel in San Diego, was a picture of romance. With its distinctive Mediterranean silhouette, including a pink exterior, lush foliage, and idyllic ocean views, it is no wonder the couple chose La Valencia to host such a special occasion.
The morning began with the bride, Ghazal, and her ladies getting ready together at the Hotel. Renowned, and highly sought after Makeup Artist and Wedding Planner, Haleh, began the brides natural yet glamorous makeup, which was accompanied by a soft pulled back head of loose curls. A few strands curled in front, gently shaped her face and added to the overall soft and classic look.
As the bridesmaids got ready in their matching floral robes, slippers and earrings, the bride gave each as special gift - a custom made candle and sweet note to cherish. The girls all shared in a champagne toast to their bride-to-be, for her happiness and a long and loving marriage.
While the ladies celebrated, the gentlemen were also toasting with their custom gifted flasks from the groom, as they began to dress in their matching navy blue two button suits, white shirts and white ties. The groom, Amer, donned a lighter navy blue suit with a single white rose boutonniere and light brown Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.
The bridesmaids all dresses in their floor length cream chiffon dresses, then began to escort the bride into her gown. A gorgeous white satin dress with a soft sheer embroidered overlay, which swept gently over her hips and flowed into a beautiful scalloped edge train. With a delicate silver beaded belt and elegant embroidered cap sleeves which completed the sweetheart bodice. The dress was perfectly complemented, with a long sheer veil, diamond earrings, bracelet and necklace set gifted and adorned by her loving mother, who was her everything.
Slipping into her peep-toe Badgley Mischka heels beaded with silver stones, Ghazal was ready to see her groom for the first time. Ghazal walked into the room holding her bouquet of peonies and spray roses, past her wedding party and her mother who could hardly contain her tears of joy. Then the couple shared in a special first look, where the groom stood breathless in front of his vision of a bride. A few short moments they stood admiring one another for the first time, while their family and friends watched lovingly. Their wedding party then gathered with smiles to share in a few photos with the couple before they began their intimate wedding portraits.
Portraits began with the couple walking hand-in-hand down the European-style streets, around the Hotel and along the picturesque beach, lined with palm trees stretching up to the sky. Then the couple came across some old curled trees to create the most magical photos. Back to the hotel they strolled to get ready for the moment the had both been awaiting, the ceremony.
Set on the balcony overlooking lush foliage and the expanse of the ocean and sky, sat a perfectly placed round Sofreh Aghd, designed by none other than Details by Haleh. The bride and groom chairs placed in front of the magnificent spread of traditional Persian Ceremony items, that were symbolic and placed to represent elements of the couples new life and marriage together. The aisle, lined with rows of white chairs, was intricately decorated with white petals, and white pillars held lavish arrangements of white hydrangeas, spray roses and wax flower from Beautiful Savage Flowers.
As the music began to play, the groom made his way down the aisle, followed by the bridal party who each stood on either side of the Sofreh. Then came two tiny flower girls in exquisite gold and fuchsia dresses, and with a high five from the groom they found their seats and waited to see the Bride. Guests rose from their seats as the breathtaking bride walked hand in hand with her elegant mother. With a hug for her new son-in-law and a final kiss for her daughter, the brides' mother took her seat in the front row. The ceremony readings began and the bridesmaids held a beaded cloth over the couple as the brides' mother preformed the sugar ceremony, a blessing of sweetness for life, and happiness to the couple. Next was the ring exchange, and then a dip of honey to feed each other and promise that they will be each others' happiness. Vows read and performed by the couple, followed by a kiss to seal the deal, then a joyful walk back down the aisle as husband and wife completed this beautiful ceremony.
Guests made their way into a sunlit room with round white tables lavishly decorated with florals and candles, paired with clear chiavari chairs that gave the room an elegant sparkle. While the DJ played soft music in the background, guests began to find their seats. Meanwhile, an exquisite meal awaited to be served. Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb, Local Pan Roasted Sea Bass and Handmade Bucatini Pasta, along with a vast selection of pastries, appetizers and fruits that were enjoyed during the cocktail hour prior.
As the bride and groom made their grand entrance for the first time as man and wife into the reception, friends and family joined them happily on the dance floor to celebrate. Afterwards it was all smiles and a few tears as their loved ones shared some fond memories and a toast to the happy couple.
Once the delicious meal had finished, the traditional Persian Knife Dance began. The guests all cheered as each dancer, in good humor, expected the couple to give money in exchange for the knife to cut the cake. A beautiful three-tiered confection, iced delicately to give the a natural look, was shared by the couple, and then cut to enjoy by all of the guests. With a champagne toast and a sweet kiss, Ghazal and Amer took to the dance floor with family and friends, as the DJ filled the space with song and everybody joined in the celebrations.
Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
XOXO