An explosion of cultures, a celebration of love, and a day to be remembered forever. That's exactly what took place at Hacienda Siesta Alegre, Puerto Rico’s stunning outdoor wedding venue. The wedding was a fusion of Persian and Latino cultures, as an bride of Iranian ascent and a groom with Latino background exchanged vows and started their journey together as one. The blending of traditions and customs created a unique and unforgettable experience for the couple, their guests, and us wedding vendors. The wedding was a true testament to the power of love and the beauty of diversity.

Stay with me as we look deeper at this beautiful Persian-Latino fusion wedding in Puerto Rico.

Persian Fusion Wedding Traditions

Persian weddings are diverse, with Muslim and Jewish religious practices seen most often in the US. Sometimes they focus on the cultural aspects, especially in fusion weddings.

The wedding ceremony is composed by readings, affirmation of consent by each member of the couple, readings by family members, and the millenary tradition of the Sofreh Aghd.

A Sofreh Aghd is a table spread with various symbols of good fortune for the couple. The following are the common elements found on a Persian wedding table:

• Mirror: A mirror is placed on the table to symbolize light and brightness in the couple's life together.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are included on the table to represent fertility.
• Rose Water: Rose water is used to perfume the air and spread a sweet fragrance throughout the ceremony.
• Sugar Cones: Sugar cones are sprinkled over the couple by other women, symbolizing a wish for a sweet life and marriage.
• Herbs: herbs are placed on the table, believed to protect against the evil eye.
• Fruit: Pomegranates, grapes, and apples are usually included, but any seasonal fruit can be used. They symbolize a joyful future for the newlyweds.
• Candles and Candelabras: Candles and candelabras are symbols of purity and represent energy and clarity of mind in the couple's new life as newlyweds.
• Sweets and Pastries: Sweets and pastries, such as baklava and Iranian marzipan, are placed on the table to symbolize the sweetness of life.
• Honey: Each partner dips their pinky finger in a glass of honey and feeds it to the other before the first kiss. This exchange symbolizes the sweetness of their life together.

Fusion Wedding at Hacienda Siesta Alegre

I met Athena and Anthony at their wedding day. When I arrived to their gorgeous venue, both were almost finished getting ready, so we got right into individual portraits.

Then we moved into their first look session and couple portraits. They wanted most portraits to happen before the ceremony, freeing up time to enjoy with their guests later.

The ceremony was beautiful and lively: one of Athena's family members explained the intricacies of Persian tradition for those of us who weren't familiar with it. After they were declared married, we quickly went on to couple portraits, followed by the reception and party.

Dinnertime had a yummy authentic Puerto Rican menu, and after dances and toasts, we moved on to a great party with the greatest music mix, paying homage to every culture represented in their guest list.

To encourage people about dancing Persian music, they brought coin scarfs, and guests showered the couple with petals, symbolizing blessings.

An invitation to enrich modern weddings with ancestral wisdom and culture

I love how modern couples are going back to their roots, incorporating ancestral traditions into modern weddings. It connects them and their guests to their mutual cultural heritage and identity. By opening a space for learning, we grow in empathy and belonging. It becomes an enriching experience for everyone present, including the photographer.

Thank you for inviting me into such a special and intimate occasion. I hope every day of your life together is as full of happiness and tenderness as the first one.

xo,

Cami