A wedding party with the bridesmaids in silk green dresses stands in front of a half-arch of white roses

A Persian-American Wedding at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie

As an Indiana wedding photographer, I love capturing cultural and familial traditions. Madelyn and Amir were high school sweethearts, and recently got married at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie! Their wedding blended Persian and American wedding traditions and included so many interesting details. My personal favorites were the Sofreh Aghd, a spread of items symbolizing the couple’s future, and napkins with illustrations of the couple’s dog, Bonnie. Madelyn and Amir’s wedding was full of intention, and it was an honor to photograph it!

Persian-American Wedding Ceremony Traditions

Sitting on the banks of the White River, The Bluffs at Conner Prairie was the perfect location for Madelyn and Amir’s wedding. Urban Contessa Florals created a beautiful white rose semi-arch, beneath which a table was set. The table was covered with the Sofreh Aghd, a spread of symbolic items representing the couple’s future. The table also held a decorated basket of eggs, representing fertility.

During the Persian part of the ceremony, Madelyn and Amir sat behind the table. First, married women rubbed two sugar cones against each other, allowing the sugar grains to fall over Madelyn and Amir, showering their lives with sweetness. Next, they dipped their pinky fingers in honey and fed it to each other. This symbolized how they would sweeten each other’s lives. Lastly, the couple held a holy book, signifying the importance of prayer and representing a lifelong blessing from God.

After the Persian traditions, Madelyn and Amir said their vows and exchanged rings. Then, of course, they shared thier first kiss as husband and wife! The ceremony was overflowing with joy and love, and the couple smiled the whole way back up the aisle.

Reception in the Eli Lily Chinese House at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie

The wedding guests then made their way into the Eli Lily Chinese House for the wedding reception. Once built as a family retreat, the house now serves as a gorgeous reception space. With three walls made up of windows, the main room invites the nature of the Bluffs at Conner Prairie to take center stage.

After the speeches and cake cutting, the dance floor was full! Amir’s family is truly young at heart and took advantage of the occasion to dance the night away. The DJ played a mix of Persian and American pop songs, ensuring everyone had something they would love to dance to. Madelyn and Amir exited the reception beneath a shower of bubbles to begin the next chapter of their lives!

An Indiana Wedding Photographer

Madelyn and Amir’s wedding at the Bluffs at Conner Prairie was truly memorable. The way they blended Persian and American traditions spoke deeply of their love for one another. Their wedding was full of laughter, and it was such a joy to photograph!

No matter what traditions you want to incorporate into your wedding day, I would be honored to be your Indiana wedding photographer. At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner, and you can make it whatever you want! Explore my wedding photography packages to learn more, or contact me to secure your wedding date!