Persian Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles

Traditions of a Persian Wedding

Ketubah Signing

The Ketubah signing is a traditional part of Jewish weddings incorporated into Persian Jewish wedding ceremonies. Just like a marriage contract, it is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each spouse in the marriage. This tradition is accomplished before the wedding ceremony in a private setting with the couple's family and close friends present. The Ketubah is read carefully and signed by the couple and their witnesses, making it legally binding. After the wedding, the couples usually display the Ketubah in their home as a symbol of their commitment to each other and their union.

Sofreh Aghd Ceremony

The sofreh aghd is one of the highlights of a Persian wedding ceremony rich in symbolism and significance. It involves the preparation of a ceremonial table or sofreh. A sofreh is decorated with symbolic items such as a mirror, candles, and herbs. During the ceremony, the bride and groom sit at the Sofreh and exchange vows and gifts. This customary ceremony is a meaningful and beautiful part of Persian wedding traditions and reflects the importance of family, community, and cultural heritage in Iranian culture.

Kelling 

In Persian wedding tradition, the kelling is a joyful part of the wedding ceremony where guests cheer and clap as the couple consent to enter into a marriage contract. The officiant will first ask the groom, to which he responds with "balé" or "yes." After that, the officiant will then ask the bride for her consent, and this part of the ceremony is filled with jest as the bride may withhold her answer for a moment, making her partner nervous. Once the bride does respond with her consent, the wedding guests will start kelling, cheering with a lee-lee-lee sound, in celebration of the couple's union.

Asal 

The Asal, which means honey in Persian, is a sweet tradition at Persian weddings. During the ceremony, the bride and groom dip their pinky fingers into the honey jar and then feed it to each other, symbolizing their commitment. Tasting the honey represents sweetness and nourishment throughout their marriage and the hope for a sweet and happy life together. The Asal tradition is a meaningful and romantic part of Persian wedding customs, reflecting the importance of love, affection, and sweetness in Iranian culture.

Tala or Gifts of Gold

In Persian wedding tradition, Tala refers to giving gifts of gold to the bride. During the wedding ceremony, the groom presents the bride with gold jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet, as a symbol of his love and commitment. The gold represents the value and preciousness of the bride to the groom and is also a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. 

Kaleh Ghand 

The Kaleh Ghand is another unique tradition performed at Persian weddings. It is a ritual where family members grind sugar cones over a piece of fabric held by people on the bride and groom's heads. The ground sugar is then sprinkled over the couple's heads by happily married female family members, symbolizing sweetness and happiness in the couple's life. It also shows the passing of blessings from one generation to another. 

Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour is a popular part of Persian wedding receptions, usually following the wedding ceremony. The caterer serves drinks and light refreshments before dinner. During this time, the couple and their families take photos or prepare for the reception. This dedicated time exudes a relaxed ambiance for guests to meet each other and catch up with friends and family. In Persian wedding tradition, the Cocktail Hour is a time to share in the joy and happiness of the newlyweds.

Knife Dance

The knife dance, also known as "raghse chaghoo," is a traditional Persian wedding dance. During this tradition, a guest holds a knife and dances around the groom. To get the knife, the groom offers money to the guest. However, another guest will grab the knife before the groom acquires it. This pattern repeats until the groom gains success. A DJ plays upbeat Persian music in the background while the people chant. The dance is believed to have originated as a way for men to show their bravery and honor and is now a beloved tradition that adds to the festive and lively atmosphere of Persian wedding receptions.

Bandari Dance

The bandari dance originates from the southern coastal region of Iran. It is a lively and energetic dance performed by both men and women with the tune of traditional music. Bandari dance involves fast footwork, hip movements, and rhythmic clapping in a circle formation.

Chuppah

As a traditional Jewish wedding canopy, a chuppah symbolizes the couple's new home. It is crafted from a piece of cloth supported by four poles or held by loving family and friends. The bride and groom stand under the Chuppah while the officiant performs the traditional Jewish wedding rituals. The Chuppah is a cherished and significant element of Persian Jewish wedding traditions, representing the importance of family, community, and the couple's unwavering commitment to each other. With its ornate and exquisite design, the Chuppah is a stunning addition to any Persian Jewish wedding ceremony.

Challah 

In Persian Jewish wedding traditions, the challah is a braided bread serving as the central element of the wedding ceremony. The Challah bread is typically made with wheat flour and is braided with six strands, symbolizing the six days of the week and the holiness of the Sabbath day. During the wedding ceremony, the rabbi or officiant blesses the challah bread before it is broken and shared among the bride, groom, and their families. The braided bread is a sacred part of Persian Jewish wedding customs, reflecting the deep cultural roots of Persian Jewish heritage.

Los Angeles is home to the largest Persian community outside Iran, and we photograph Persian weddings across the city’s estates, ballrooms, and gardens. From the honey exchange and the sugar-grinding over the couple beneath the lace canopy to the Raghs-e Chaghoo knife dance and a celebration that fills the dance floor until the last song, we know what each moment means and where to stand to capture it without ever interrupting the ceremony’s flow. As a Persian wedding photographer in Los Angeles, we pair documentary coverage of your Sofreh Aghd with editorial portraits your family will treasure.