“If you’re planning a multicultural wedding, my biggest piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to blend things,” says Niky. “We stayed true to the Persian traditions I grew up with, but we also adapted certain parts to fit our story and relationship.”
For instance, the ceremony was “incredibly personal,” she notes. “We wanted it to reflect both of our cultures, so we held it in three languages: English, French and Farsi. Two of my cousins officiated, and we wrote our own vows, which we shared while standing in front of the Sofreh Aghd, which is actually not traditional but it felt right for us.
“We included all the Persian rituals I grew up loving: Married women in our families ground sugar over our heads to bless our marriage and Gabriel and I fed each other honey as our first sweet act as husband and wife. Our families also came up one by one to present symbolic gifts during the ceremony. It was emotional, beautiful and so personal.”
And though it’s not part of Persian tradition to be walked down the aisle or to have a processional, these two chose to blend cultural elements in a personal way. Gabriel first walked with both his parents, then Niky entered the Laurier Room alone. “I wanted to enter by myself as the woman I have grown to be and have those few seconds up the aisle to look at my future husband before being joined by my parents.
“Having both of my parents walk me down the aisle was something I knew I wanted from the very beginning.” Noting that in Persian culture, “family is everything,” she says, “It was symbolic for me, stepping into this new chapter of life with the two people who’ve always been my foundation and walking towards my future with Gabriel. It was perfect.”
The Sofreh Aghd—Persian wedding ceremony spread that symbolizes the couple’s new life and marriage—was another meaningful highlight. “I grew up seeing it at family weddings, so getting to stand in front of one for my own marriage was incredibly special,” says Niky. “My mom and my aunts set it up themselves very early that same day, and every item on that table had symbolic meaning: sugar cones for sweetness, herbs for health, honey to share between us as a symbol of our sweet future and so many other details that represent love, abundance and light.”
It meant a lot to this bride that her husband embraced her Persian culture. In this way, the cultural heart of their day was more than just lovely to see: “It really reflected both of us and the life we’re building together.”
The Details:
Venue: Fairmont Château Laurier — ceremony in the Laurier Room, with reception in the Ballroom
Planner: Erica Irwin Weddings & Events
Photographer: Age of Indie
Videographer: Up North Wedding Films
Sofreh Setup: Created by the bride’s mother and aunts
Music: Alireza Firoozi (electric violinist), DJ Adrenaline
Bride’s Gown: Atelier NüStyle
Groom’s Attire: Surmesur
Rings: Philippe and Co
Flowers and Decor: Sage Designs
Chairs: Pearl Décor & Events
Makeup: Hannah Dodenhoff
