University club wedding with Persian traditions
Nika and Sam met at a frozen yogurt shop in Iowa City, Iowa. But we’d both be telling a little bit of a white lie, if we started the story there. We found each other on Tinder, the online dating app, and both swiped right. Nika cancelled their second date, blaming it on “tests” and “exams” for dental school. Sam, on the other hand, just assumed that it was over. Needless to say, it was false alarm and couple fell in love shortly after that.
To Sam, Nika was and is the most generous, caring, and supportive person he ever met. Also, as he grew to know her more, along with her family, Sam realized special they all were. After all, marriage isn’t just between two people- there’s a family and network of friends, too.
It’s a pleasure to be able to trust and hold someone, knowing you both have shared this commitment to take on life’s journey- together.
As Nika and Sam are approaching their first-year wedding, they think the biggest change is in comfort with each other. While couple felt close before, they’re feel even more now. Sam notes, that it’s a pleasure to be able to trust and hold someone, knowing he have shared this commitment to take on life’s journey- together.
For initial wedding consultation I’ve met Nika and Sam in my photography studio in Madison, Wisconsin. They left me with an impression of super relaxed, honest and very much down-to-earth couple. And down-to-earth they were.
Sam and Nika’s wedding day couple had two wedding ceremonies. First one in State Capitol’s second floor, overlooking rotunda. And a second one, Persian wedding ceremony, at The University Club later same day.
Ceremony in State Capitol was attended by just immediate family and a bridal party. And the rest of the wedding guests showed up for the Persian wedding ceremony in The University Club. And Persian wedding ceremony was the one that I was looking forward to the most.
Why? Just because photographing Persian wedding ceremony is something I’ve never done before. Also, because it had many exciting parts in it. Parts like Like Sofreh Aghd (centerpiece of a Persian wedding), Kaleh Ghadn (sugar shower), Asal (honey exchange), Raghshé Chaghoo (playful knife dance) etc. This video has some good explanations of Persian wedding traditions.
Sam’s article named “Loving in the time of Trump” was published in Isthmus magazine two days before the wedding day.
See full gallery from Nika’s and Sam’s University club Persian wedding >>HERE<<.
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Thanks a bunch for stopping by, reading Nika’s and Sam’s love story and checking out their University Club wedding images! I am an award-winning documentary wedding photographer.
If you’re planning your upcoming wedding and leaning towards wedding photojournalism, shoot me a message! I would love to be part of your adventure! I currently am based in Madison, Wisconsin, but available to travel nationwide/ worldwide if needed.
PERSIAN UNIVERSITY CLUB WEDDING VENDORS:
Wedding Ceremony 1: Wisconsin State Capitol
Ceremony 2/Reception: The University Club
Flowers/Boutonnieres: Bought at Metcalfe’s. designed by Nika’s dad
Bride’s Shoes: Nina Bridal Shoes
Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN And Watters
Groom’s and Groomsmen Suits: Bonobos
DJ: Komlan from C’est La Vie
Wedding Cake: Madison Sourdough Co.
Centerpieces: handmade by Nika’s dad
Hotel: Best Western Premier Park
Honeymoon: Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Portland)
Wedding Date: June 16, 2018
