Sofreh Aghd

A super intimate Iranian Ceremony at Didsbury House, Manchester

Last summer I was chuffed when Elham asked me to photograph her Iranian Engagement Ceremony on the patio of the super cute boutique Hotel, Number Eleven Didsbury Park.

I might refer to this as an Engagement, or a ceremony, Sounds a bit confusing? is it an engagement party? Or is it a wedding? So with many Arab and Persian cultures, the Engagement ceremony actually means the religious ceremony, when they’re officially married. Most couples then plan the big wedding scheduled a few months later, with a white dress and the works.

With lockdown though I can see a lot of couples being happy with just a small intimate ceremony, even after Elham and Ehsan’s engagement, I actually said to Elham, why are you even planning a wedding, when today was just so perfect? And it really was, with Elham and Ehsan’s nearest and dearest with them to celebrate, with around twenty guests.

Elham and her mum decorated the super cute Garden Lounge with shades of peach and ivory. The whole look gave the event a very Mediterranean feel. Despite the August showers (yes, it often rains a lot in August), we managed to get some gorgeous portraits in the private garden.

Elham is super stylish, the kindest heart and a genuinely amazing person. However, she also has a super cheeky streak, and walking in with her dad in a gorgeous Needles and Thread Dress, took her seat next to Ehsan, and said ‘Baba’, look- she lifted her dress to reveal a pair of converse trainers to match Ehsan’s. Her dad just laughed and said ‘You crazy girl Elham’.

Just like with traditional Persian ceremonies, Elham had a gorgeous Sofreh Aghd laid out (to read more about Sofrehs, click here. Elham hates honey so when it came to getting Ehsan to taste the honey, she hadn’t told him she switched honey out for Golden Syrup lol!

One of the highlights from the day was Ehsan’s ring falling into the decking right at the time the couple were exchanging rings (awks!!). Luckily Ehsan’s best friend Dave came to the rescue with his wedding band and not long after, came the hotel handyman to the rescue with his tools, and actually lifted half the decking up to retrieve Ehsan’s new ring from amongst the debris lying beneath!

Although I love photographing big weddings, I equally love photographing intimate events as they have a very different vibe. I almost always need tissues in my bag because I’m crying at all the emotions flowing through.

A special mention to Elham, and brides like her, she got her white converse and her dress dirty from walking in the rain, it rained, and then some but despite elements not being ‘perfect’, everything actually was perfect, because she held her head up high and enjoyed every single moment. It’s a bride’s positive attitude that makes her wedding the perfect dream one. A girl might have the most perfect Pinterest wedding but if she’s nitpicking on stuff that really isn’t that important, that is actually what she’ll remember of her wedding.

Here are some of my faves from the day.
Elham and Ehsan
Dress Needles and Thread, London
Makeup Make up by YSR
Florals, Elham and family
Venue and food Number Eleven Didsbury Park
Violin Keyvan Moasser

Good Times

Celebrating good times gone, and moments to come.

I was so honoured when Rebecca and Basil booked me to to photograph their wedding at Tatton Park. Being well organised, Rebecca had booked almost a year in advance for her wedding set for summer 2020.

As we approach the summer, Rebecca and Basil have had to postpone their wedding until next year. I’m deeply saddened for them, and all the couples that are in this position. There is still good to come out of this… the wedding is still something amazing to look forward to even though it’s further away, and a longer Engagement period (it’s totally the best time for any couple!)…and….more time to plan the wedding! What’s life without a few hurdles and having to switch our thinking up to making the best of a situation and counting our blessings.

Whilst I might not be shooting many weddings this year and spending time with couples, I’m thinking of every single one of you brides and grooms…

I thought I’d try to share more of my work, weddings and beyond whilst I reminisce over weddings past and present…starting with Rebecca and Basil!

With Rebecca and Basil getting married at Tatton Park they were given exclusive permission to use the grounds and out houses for their Engagement session (super cool as you can’t just turn up and shoot at National Trust Sites).

Rebecca chose a summery white broderie dress, some comfy tan heels and classic Swarovski pieces to finish the look off. Basil had some cool suede shoes that matched Rebecca’s outfit.

I love Engagement sessions as they’re a great way for a couple to enjoy some time together in a relaxed environment, away from the hustle and bustle of wedding prep.

Heck, most of my couples aren’t used to posing, and for many, the wedding will be the first time they’ll be having a ‘formal’ set of portraits taken. Just the thought can be so daunting!

An engagement shoot is a good way to get a practise run for posing and getting used to being in front of the camera. You get to spend time with me too which means I get to know your little quirks and traits before the big day. Oh and you get to leave with a beautiful set of images from the day, giving you content for your save the date, Guest book and memories that live on forever from a fun day.

Here are some of my faves from Basil and Rebecca’s Engagement session at Tatton Park, Cheshire.

Anniversary Owen House

Owen House Wedding Barn, Cheshire Anniversary themed photography

In a secluded rural area in Cheshire sits Owen House Wedding Barn, the perfect venue for a romantic anniversary shoot.

Although it was the start of autumn and an unlucky day with heavy rain grey skies (hey, it's England!), we managed to find a window of dry weather and started shooting Iqra and Faizan on the courtyard amongst the autumn coloured foliage. I especially loved the archway with festoon bulbs leading the pathway. 

Iqra designed the sari herself, with the blouse from Coast, and she sourced the fabric and lace separately. Faizan sported a blue suit from Reiss, with coordinating accessories. Iqra's look was quite natural, with soft lashes, and her long brown hair had been styled into soft curls.

The second part of the celebration was inside the barn, an airy yet cosy space, where Sadauf from The Wedding Fairy had worked her magic (along with her associates Mohsen and Aziz).  Sadauf had chosen a a beaut palette of corals, blues, peaches and whites to complement Iqra's blush coloured sari. 

I can't explain how much in awe I was of this setup- it was absolutely mind blowing, no really, it was. I totally love fresh florals and intricate details, so after we finished shooting this set, I was like hang on, it took around 2 hours to setup, we can't take it down, it has to stay, it looks just to pretty to bring down!!! 

If you're getting married next year, and you're reading this, take note of the colour palette, speak to Sadauf, she has a true eye for whats in next season!!

Quite skilfully, the canopy framework was constructed on site, with fresh floral arrangements taking place.  The table setting featured white and grey candlesticks against a champagne coloured tablecloth.

Wedgewood blue napkins were knotted along with grey name cards with 22ct gold foiled edges, calligraphed by Claire at Moon and Tide which were placed on gold beaded charger plates. The cool blues and greys were offset by the warmth of the gold glass votives, against a backdrop of roses and dahlias.  The unusually coloured lilac martini glasses and dark grey flutes really complemented the setup.

Above the table setting was a fresh floral hanging chandelier, suspended by sailors rope. This was simply the cherry on top, for what was already an extraordinary setting.

Let me tell you, this room, smelt divine. With all the David Austin roses, ranunculus and delphiniums, I just needed a cup of Earl Grey some shortbread, and I was quite close to being in heaven!

Thank you to all the vendors that collaborated on this elaborate setup. My sincerest thanks to Kris and co at Owen House Wedding Barn for all your hospitality.

Model couple: Iqra and Faizan
Florist and Decor: Sadauf, The Wedding Fairy
Venue: Owen House Wedding Barn, Cheshire
Hair and Makeup: Safira Ismail
Calligraphy: Clair Gould, Moon and Tide
Cinematography: Ben Davis