Persian Wedding at Hawkstone Hall
Part One: Sofreh Aghd Ceremony
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
