Denver Botanic Gardens Persian Wedding

Denver, Colorado

Layla + Saman

colorado wedding photographer denver botanic gardens persian wedding

I know every photographer says they love their clients but in this case I REALLY mean it. Layla and Saman were a dream to work with. They both have such special hearts that I feel I understand and, in turn, they understand me.

We were blessed with some amazing weather for their engagement session and I got to witness how much love this man has for his wife.

Layla and Saman really wanted to have a Denver Botanic Gardens wedding and wanted to have some Persian wedding traditions into their ceremony and make it their own. They exchanged honey for hopes of a sweet life and had a Sofreh Aghd. The Sofreh Aghd (table of wedding) has many items placed on it that each carry a significance. These items include: The Mirror (Ayaneh), The Candelabra (Shamdoon), The Holy Book/s (or Poetry Book), Matching Floral Arrangements (Laleh), Yogurt (Mast), Silk Cloth (Termeh), Rosewater (Gol-ab ), Rock Candy (Nabaat), Bread – Cheese – Green Herbs (Naan-o-Paneer-o-Sabzi), Fruit (Miveh), Bread with “Mobarak Baad”, 7 Spices: Tea, Wild rice, Angelica, Nigella Seeds, Frankincense, Poppy seeds, and Salt. 7 Colors of Espand (Wild Rue), Gold Coins (Talla Sekkeh), Honey (Asal), Nuts (pecans, almonds), A Needle with 7 Colors of Thread, A beautiful piece of sheer fabric, to be held over the bride and groom during the ceremony, A beautiful piece of fabric as your base to the Sofreh Aghd wedding table– generally white in color, Noghl (white candy), Eggs (Tokhm-e-morgh), Sweets (Shirini – these can be baklava or other sweets), dry sweets, etc., Sugar Loaf (Kaleh Ghand), Chairs for the Couple (Sandely).

Needless to say it was very special and I felt very fortunate that I was able to photograph it for them, not knowing any of these awesome traditions. One of my favorite moments what during the toasts when Layla's sister mentioned, "Who knew you would end up marrying the crazy kid from the Persian dances?" I think my wife can relate to that. Me being the nutty one.

I had some great help in capturing this gorgeous wedding. Reverend Kim Tavendale officiated the ceremony, and the entire day was planned by Adrienne and her team at Gardner Effect Event Planning. The music at the reception was played by a live band (always fun) called Diamond Empire and Cake design by The Makery.