A Persian and Catholic Celebration at Laguna Gloria in Austin, Texas

After their Catholic mass, Sara and Francis  had a Persian ceremony to honor Sara’s mom’s roots. “It was important to us to have a traditional marriage ceremony, which my uncle led,” Sara says. The service included the sofreh aghd (wedding table), set with items symbolizing their new life together, and classic Persian poems read by Sara’s brother and cousin.  Sara’s family held a canopy over the couple’s heads, representing unity under the same roof. Married family members then rubbed sugar cones together to “shower the couple in sweetness.”

“We had only a best man and a maid of honor,” Sara says. “But we invited women in our families and close friends to wear gowns in spring colors.”
The dinner table overlooked Lake Austin. “We wanted our guests, who traveled from 20 states, to feel like this was a close family gathering,” Sara says. The seasonal dinner was served family style. After dark, Edison lights created a romantic glow.