Hawkstone Hall in rural Shresbury has recently been renovated to accommodate weddings, with some gorgeous interior elements. With wedding planner Abigail, a styled shoot was planned to showcase goregoues florals, two stunning dresses from The White Closet, with a traditional Iranian Wedding Ceremony with the Sofreh Aghd (loosely translated as wedding table spread).
As I walked into the Winter Garden Room at Hawkstone Hall, I had to hold my breath for a moment, to take in the detailing of such a stunning summer room. High ornate ceilings with floor to ceiling windows with light softened by voile curtains floating gently with the breeze. I’d highly recommend a trip here for a night’s stay and Afternoon Tea.
Mat from Red Floral had created insanely huge and beautiful floral structures. If you’ve seen Mat’s work, you’ll know he doesn’t do things by halves, everything is big, bold, creative and fun. The injection of colour with big blooms from coral and purples to soft pinks and yellows with soft green foliage was unbelievably stunning.
The Sofreh is found across the Persian land and Arabian states with the custom dating back centuries. The table consists of items to represent different elements to a marriage, from the Ayeeneh va Shamdoon (mirror and candles) to represent light, clarity and love, Shakheh Nabat (sugar) symbolising a sweetened life for the newlyweds, to the Tokhmeh Murgh, Badom va Gerdom (Eggs, Almonds, Walnuts) to represent fertility for the couple. The Divan (Holy book), is placed on the Sofreh to symbolize a blessing for the couple.
During the ceremony, the Kalleh Ghand (sugar blocks) are rubbed over a traditional cloth canopying the bride and groom to shower the couple with sweetness, After exchanging rings, the couple dip their pinky fingers into Asal (honey) to represent sweetness in their marriage. I’ve only mentioned a few elements, but each table is personalised for the couple with some beautifully decorated items.
Our gorgeous bride wore the low backed cowl dress by Charlie Brear from the Iconic Collection, a bold draped look, with a loose low bun and barely there elegant makeup whilst the groom sported a classic black tuxedo.
It was a pleasure to shoot this set with some amazingly talented vendors, here are some of my fave images from the first set (set two features a to-die-for Jesus Peiro dress eek!!)
Photographer Zehra Jagani Wedding Planner Abigail Lucy Events Cinematographer Dwiko Arie Venue Hawkstone Hall Florals Red Floral Architecture Dress The White Closet , Didsbury Cake Rosalind Miller Makeup Made up by Cathryn Hair JustJasleen Fabrics, ribbon Lancaster and Cornish Accessories Botias Accessories, Watch JaegerLecoultre Shoes Jimmy Choo and Hugo Boss Stationary Lily Anna Rose Tableware White House Crockery Sofreh accessories John Lewis