Brass Bells and a Spice-Inspired Color Palette Brought This San Diego, California, Wedding to Life
When Haleh Nourani (29 and works in real estate) and Adam Goldblatt (30 and a financial analyst) set about meshing their shared Baha’i, Persian, Jewish and Protestant backgrounds into their wedding, they felt less like they were breaking any one tradition and more as though they were creating customs all their own. A 10-word Baha’i vow exchange and Jewish glass breaking were paired with music from Pride & Prejudice, a longtime favorite of Haleh’s, at the ceremony. The personalization also carried into the reception. Guided by seating assignments calligraphed onto brass bells that doubled as favors, guests entered a colorful, velvet-filled tent to discover a Persian tea display curated by Haleh’s mother and a canopy of chandeliers that warmed the space as the sun set. Haleh’s one wedding request “was that it be outdoors so we could feel connected to nature.”
A bold juxtaposition to the day’s color palette, each bridesmaid selected her own floor-length black dress to wear. The pair exchanged vows under towering palm trees and took part in a candle lighting ritual that Adam’s parents had at their wedding. Gold dinnerware and fringed napkins imparted an extra dose of personality, which complemented the earth-tone centerpieces. In addition to the view, guests enjoyed kebabs and fresh caprese bites. Beaded chandeliers and pendants, plus a hanging floral installation in the day’s romantic palette, brought extra attention to the head table.
For guests who didn’t want to dance all night, a relaxing velvety lounge area welcomed them to kick up their feet, and a fun photo booth provided entertainment. “At our reception, my mom’s main request was that we have Persian tea available for guests,” Haleh said. “She found the most beautiful way to arrange the tea display with an array of exotic fruits. Everyone absolutely loved it.” The impact of the customized bells continued even after their use as a seating chart. As guests departed for the after-party, the bells they carried echoed a pleasant chime in the evening air. Confections in complementary maroon, raisin and taupe colors were served up later in the evening.
To demarcate each attendee’s seat, mini glass canisters were calligraphed in white and served as place “cards.” The containers were filled with saffron, cumin, cinnamon and turmeric. Not only did the spices keep with the day’s color palette, they further enhanced the blending of cultures and modern-meets-rustic aesthetic woven throughout the celebration. "We wanted the design to be a beautiful marriage of past, present and future—embracing traditions that have come before while nodding to the dreams of what is to come through our blended cultures."