Vida + Ed

I've known Vida and her family for as long as I can remember, so when she asked me to help with planning her wedding to Ed, I was incredibly honored. With a venue like the Portland Art Museum, our possibilities were endless. Vida and Ed really wanted to showcase Vida's Iranian heritage and we definitely kept that in mind during the planning process.

Their ceremony was performed by an Iranian-American officiant, Nilou Nouri (who also happens to be my talented cousin) who married the couple using not only Farsi, but also translated the ceremony in English as well. Vida & Ed said their vows in front of the Sofreh, designed by yours truly, using pieces that Vida's grandmother had brought back from Iran specifically for the wedding as well as other items each symbolizing well wishes to the couple.

For the reception, guests made their way upstairs into the Kridel Ballroom, finding their seats with gold potted succulents which also acted as favors. Tables were set with lush navy linens, gold beaded chargers and gold chivaris. The room was uplit with amber lighting and a navy paisley gobo flanking the stage. A combination of tall and short floral arrangements by Amanda Karam Floral, included garden roses, hydrangeas, greenery and tons of candles. Devil's Food provided a delicious Persian influenced dinner, everything from lamb kabobs, traditional wedding rice dishes, to salads and more. (SO GOOD!)

Vida really wanted to have a surprise element to her wedding and really give her guests something you don't typically see at a wedding, and she did not disappoint. With the talented crew from AWOL dance who performed two separate acts during dinner, one on a silk and the other on the ring --both so outstanding, leaving everyone in awe. The most vivid memory of all was the look of pure joy on both Vida & Ed's face all evening, I have never seen a couple truly enjoy every single moment of their wedding day the way the two of them did. It was so great to witness. It was an incredible evening and one for the books!

“As a recent Persian bride I sincerely and whole-heartedly recommend Katy Haley from Bridal Bliss as a wedding planner!!! She’s very experienced and well skilled as a general wedding planner, but she really excels in providing support to those of us that come from all corners of the world. My wedding was a blended cultural wedding, a blend between my Persian family and my husband’s Protestant American family. Katy is sensitive to fulfilling your personalized cultural needs as a bride and groom, she’s also adept at supporting all family involved. She was willing, at all times, to be in contact with the mother and father of the bride (me). She understands that your wedding involves many important and influential family and friends, and she won’t hesitate in addressing their needs and desires, if needed too. With that said, she keeps the bride and groom’s desires, wishes, and dreams her top most priority. I was so relieved as a bride that Katy could take over, and dialogue with my family and please them, so that my husband and I could enjoy our wedding day fully and completely. You don’t need to listen to me tell you she’s wonderful; just listen to our wedding guests. Every Persian and non-Persian wedding guest said, “Our wedding was the best wedding they’ve been to in all their lives!!!” It felt simply wonderful that our wedding day was emotionally fulfilling for everyone: our family, our friends, and us, as bride and groom. Thank you sooo much Katy, we couldn’t have asked for a better wedding planner and better wedding day!!! ”

— Vida + Ed, via Wedding Wire

Portland Art MuseumNora SheilsAugust 6, 2018portland wedding, Persian WeddingComment