In Potomac, Maryland, as the sun came over the horizon the morning of M&A’s wedding day, puffy white clouds adorned the sky, as warm orange light shined through. It was clear it would be a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding ceremony… a beautiful day to match M&A. And when M.’s father escorted her to the end of the aisle, I was touched by the deep bow, hand on his chest, that A. made as a gesture of respect to M.’s father. Following the Korean Christian ceremony came a second wedding ceremony, this one Persian. For the Persian “Aghd” ceremony, the Bolger Center‘s stunning Stained Glass Hall hosted a “stage” on which was set a multitude of symbolic items. Light and fire were signified by the “mirror of fate” and candelabras; an opened Qu’ran on which lay a beautiful rose reminded the couple of the importance of prayer; the evil and eye and evil spirit were warded off by the colored seeds of an ancient plant; fertility was signified by nuts and eggs; wealth was represented by gold coins; a sweet life was indicated by an assortment of traditional sweets, to be shared with guests after the Persian wedding ceremony; among other items. After the Aghd ceremony, a night of dinner, dancing, and general merry-ness followed. At one point during the evening, M&A and I snuck outside for more bride & groom wedding photography against dusk’s dramatic clouds. Absolutely romantic! Congratulations to M&A!

(Did you miss seeing wedding photos of M&A’s Korean pre-wedding Paebaek? Don’t miss out here.)

Planning your own multi-cultural wedding?