Jul
29
Mina and George first met during an Argentine Tango class. Music has followed them through their relationship and I honestly felt as if I heard a soundtrack accompanying their wedding day. So this post is primarily a tribute to that element of their day.
Starting with the birdsong backdrop during their portrait session.
During their first dance, guests enjoyed watching our couple show off their moves.
While they were visiting tables, a Persian game between the bride and groom and their guests turned into a spontaneous dance party.
Mina and George are not the only ones who felt the inspiration to dance. Almost instantly everyone was on the dance floor.
Mina and George took center stage.
Taking a break from the music, for a few toasts.
A sweet slow song.
Girls just want to have fun… with the bouquet toss. This one taken by our associate, Brian Lee. The ladies had such a good time.
Boys! Boys! Boys! The garter toss. Mina giving George a little instruction about what to do and not to do.
One boy getting psyched up for the garter.
Closing the evening out with a lullaby, my favorite by Brian. This young lady was pooped from all the fun.
What a pleasure it was photographing Mina and George and their families, such fun spirits. Thank you for including us.
And much gratitude to the team of professionals who made their day so lovely:
Getting Ready Venue: San Ramon Marriott
Ceremony and Reception Site: Canyon View
Cake: City of D’lights
Floral design: San Francisco Florist
DJ: Aykut
Hair and Make-up: Victoria’s Salon
Wedding gown: Jenny Packham at Nouvelle Vogue
Invitations and other products: Lovebirds Stationary
Can’t get enough of this musical duo? I don’t blame you. For more of Mina and George, check out their engagement session, sneak preview, and slideshow.
Jul
21
For Mina and George’s Northern California destination wedding, they brought together both of their cultural traditions and treated their guests to some really fabulous experiences. From the traditional Persian ceremony, complete with the Sofreh-ye Aghd (or spread), and Persian dancing to the Chinese tea ceremony and Dim Sum for Sunday brunch, their East meets Far East wedding was a perfect blend.
Guests traveled from near and far. Even Mina and George came all the way from Chattanooga, Tennesee. One of the other exciting elements for everyone was the fabulous Tri Valley view. Mina and George chose the Canyon View because the terrace offered 270 degree views of the gorgeous California hills.
Mina and George both got ready at the nearby Marriott hotel. Dave hung out with George as he prepped.
Loving the detail on Mina’s shoes and best of all George did all of the crafty work to add the bling. Seriously. He put on all of the crystals. Pretty amazing, no?
When Mina arrived from the hair salon, it was time to get into her dress.
Mina and George didn’t have a traditional bridal party, but Mina’s best friend Sarah was the best unofficial maid of honor ever. She helped Mina get all gussied up, and kept the whole day running smoothly.
Loving all the details of Mina’s look, from her sparkly earrings…
To the stunning back of her dress. And everything in between.
As soon as Mina was ready, we brought George to the hotel garden where they would see each other for the first time. Check out the big smile on his face as Mina walks towards him.
We took a few portraits of our bride and groom before heading to Canyon View for the ceremony.
The ceremony was held on the terrace.
I was particularly taken with the officiant’s use of the iPad. Never would have thought of that, especially given how bright out it was, but it seemed to work great for him.
Part of the tradition is for family friends to hold a canopy above the couple during the ceremony.
When the officiant asks the bride for her hand on behalf of the groom, she doesn’t speak at first. He asks 3 times and finally she says "Baleh." This moment is full of joy and laughter. Here it was captured by our associate Brian.
And one of my personal favorite moments from the ceremony. Mina and George give each other a taste of the honey from the sofreh. Sweet and sexy.
And just a hint of what’s to come, here’s one from their portrait session.
More soon from their fabulous party.
But if you want to see more of Mina and George now, check out their engagement session PicFlick.
