Anna & Mamad | Seattle, WA

I’m still not over how beautiful this blended cultural wedding at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture was! After an incredible engagement photoshoot with the couple the previous summer, I knew it would be a day to remember. Anna and Mamad’s wedding was overflowing with gorgeous details, bright colors, loved ones, special moments, and laughter. It was an amazing wedding experience from start to finish. A wedding at this venue is surrounded by incredible gardens, gorgeous trees, warm summer Pacific Northwest sunshine, and wonderful vendors working to create a magical experience. And this wedding blended timeless elegance, bold color, and meaningful cultural traditions.

Anna and Mamad’s ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt, blending their cultures in a seamless way. It began with a trio of Anna’s friends performing a special song for the couple. This was followed by two members of the wedding party reading the tradition of the Sofreh Aghd table. Anna and Mamad were seated behind the table which was filled with items of Persian tradition and meaning. Then, a white veil was held over the bride and groom while Kaleh Ghand (sugar cones) were rubbed together over their heads by members of the wedding party. This is to create a “shower of sweetness” for the couple’s union. I loved this special tradition and it’s meaning.

Officiated by Anna’s childhood best friend, the couple exchanged vows they had written for each other. After exchanging rings, the officiant introduced a small jar of honey for the Persian sealing of the marriage. The bride and groom each dipped a pinkie in the honey to feed to each other. It was another incredibly sweet detail of this ceremony.

The couple’s ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour in the garden and a buffet dinner in the grove. The light filtering through the trees was spectacular, the speeches were emotional and heartfelt, and guests enjoyed socializing while the bride and groom chatted at the head table. For dessert, guests strolled back to the garden for dancing, a traditional Persian knife dance, cutting of the cake, and more laughter and celebration.

As a Seattle wedding photographer, I love venues that offer a variety of stunning backdrops. The UW Center for Urban Horticulture is one of those rare places where every corner feels like a hidden gem, making it the perfect setting for romantic portraits and candid moments. This wedding was a masterpiece of blended tradition, joy, bold color, and lively celebration.

Photographer: Janelle Barrow Photography

Venue: UW Center for Urban Horticulture

Coordinator: Victoria Martens of VEvents

Day of Coordinator: Mary Gerrity of Finn Events

Florals: Jessica Gring of Odd Flowers

Hair & Makeup: OffWhite Makeup and Beauty

Dress: I Do Bridal

DJ: Marc Matsui of Integral DJs

Videographer: Dylan Mander of Pixeldust Weddings

Desserts: Persian pastries & treats from Aria Food & Bakery

Catering: Pyramid Catering

Rentals: Grand Event Rentals