Negeen ad Ben were married on September 18th, 2021, at Lairmont Manor, a gorgeous Italian Renaissance-style home in Bellingham, WA. Due to the pandemic, it was the couple’s fourth rescheduled date and even a different venue from the one they initially chose. But as Negeen said, “When we went to look at the venue in person, we instantly fell in love. It was kismet! I knew our wedding would be the first for many since pre-COVID, and I wanted them to be transported to a magical place once they arrived. We decided to go with a secret garden theme since the venue had such a beautiful garden in the back”. Nargess of Fleur De Li Events had worked very closely with the couple to create a design that would enhance the venue’s beauty without taking over its unique charm. They drew inspiration from every corner of the Manor. The green vines and light pink roses Country Bouquet included throughout the entire wedding’s decor added just the right touch of color to the reception and ceremony space, making the decore blend in seamlessly with the lush gardens planted around the venue.

The bride and groom got ready with their wedding parties at the venue. Most of Ben’s wedding party and family had traveled from Hawaii to attend the wedding, and it was extra special for him to spend the morning of his wedding day surrounded by his loved ones. As a little Hawwaian token, Ben wore Shaka-shaped cufflinks that were a fun little addition to his otherwise classy attire. Negeen had a fun and relaxing morning with her girls. They toasted champagne to celebrate the beginning of the long-awaited day and got dressed at one of the sun-filled rooms of the Manor.

Once Negeen and Ben were ready, they exchanged their first look in front of the manor house. Three stressful years of wedding planning were finally over, and I could hear them both sigh with excitement and relief at their big day being here at long last!

Negeen & Ben truly wanted to honor their heritage and the families they come from through their wedding. The bride has a Middle Eastern background and wanted to share her culture and traditions with the guests. And so to create a cross-cultural experience and celebrate both families, it was decided to have two ceremonies – a traditional American ceremony and a Persian ceremony called “Aghd”! The first ceremony took place in the garden amid lush flowers. Ben said, “watching Negeen walk down the aisle was my favorite part of the day. At that moment, everything became real.” Ben’s sister Bailey officiated the ceremony, making it even more special. I loved hearing the story of the couple’s love from Bailey’s perspective. It was funny and sweet, and I could tell the guest enjoyed it too. Negeen and Ben wrote their personal vows and exchanged them in the company of their closest friends and family. Negeen said, “Ben’s vows captured me perfectly. They felt so true to who I am, how I love, and our relationship as a whole. I truly felt that Ben knows me in ways better than I know myself. That connection to your person is magical.” After the garden ceremony, everyone moved inside for the Aghd ceremony that took place on a specially prepared pedestal with a beautiful spread called “sofreh.” The space was explicitly designed for this wedding by the bride’s mom. It included all the elements that symbolize the importance of life and a happy, successful marriage, such as health, prosperity, fertility, and a joyous future. Negeen mentioned that their guests raved about the experience of the Persian ceremony afterward. She said, “It was so amazing to share that with everyone and for them to enjoy it so!”

Once both ceremonies and a short cocktail hour were finished, the guests moved to the reception tent. Country Bouquet and Fleur De Li had beautifully decorated the tent with the greenery vines hanging from the chandeliers and green/blush/gold accents on the tables, continuing the garden theme. My favorite reception moments were the couple’s dances with their parents and the Knife Dance. The cake knife dance is a Persian wedding tradition that begins the cake cutting. When the bride and groom are ready to cut the cake, they have to earn the knife. One of the women guests would dance with a knife around the couple. The dancer would act timid and pretend to be ready to pass the knife to the couple, only to give the knife to another woman to continue the dance. The dance would only be over when the last woman wanting to participate gives the knife to the couple so they can cut the cake.

I loved how Negeen & Ben included so many personal touches in their celebration while keeping it classy and honoring their backgrounds, as well as the feel and the look of the venue. It was indeed a celebration for the books!

As seen on Style Me Pretty.

Photography: Tetiana Photography // Venue: Lairmont Manor // Floral design: Country Bouquet // Bridal Makeup: Bridal Beauty Agency // Cake: Lady Grey Seattle //  Planning: Fleur de Lis Events //Gown: Pronovias // Rentals: Grand Event Rentals // Classical Music: Bellingham Harp // Film lab: Richard Photo Lab