Piedmont Garden Tent Wedding | Atlanta, GA

Tess and Nick’s Piedmont Garden Tent Wedding is the highlight this week, just like I promised. If you missed their gorgeous engagement shoot, don’t forget to check it out as well. The October weather really showed out that day and the sky over the park was expansive and blue. Located in the heart of midtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park was full of people enjoying the immaculate weather. However, with the venue located on the edge of the park, it also felt like everyone was celebrating this beautiful couple! And when you see the photos of the ceremony, you’ll understand why they were captivated!

A Persian Wedding

Earlier in 2022, I had photographed weddings full of Mexican and Nigerian traditions. Tess and Nick were having a traditional Persian wedding to celebrate Tess’s heritage. There is nothing more beautiful to me than seeing traditions continue forward trough the years in the blending of families. At the heart of the wedding ceremony was the showstopper Sofreh Aghd table. The officiant explained the elements of the table in both Farsi and English. Down in the photos, I have included a description of the elements included because I know you’ll be as curious as I was! Another tradition, this one at the reception, was the Ragsheh Chagoo. You’ll learn more about that one if you find the photos with the knife!

Modern Meets Classic

When it comes to the details of this wedding, I’m obsessed with the blending of classic and modern. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more elegant than an all rose bouquet! Tess’s father passed away when she was a little girl, and his photo was included in her bouquet in a truly touching decision. Topher Mack splashing in orchids throughout the reception space was just the pop of modern floral work the wedding needed.

If you looked at Tess and Nick’s engagement photos, you know they’re obsessed with their dogs Hajji and Judge. So they had to be included in the wedding, too! While the cake front was traditional and gorgeous, if you slid around the back you saw little figures of their dogs eating away the icing. How fun!

The reception was one of the most fun I’ve photographed in some time. I think the candid shots really capture the magic and fun of the dance floor! Most importantly, the bride loved seeing all of her friends and family dancing and really cherishes them.

Don’t forget to scroll down to learn more about the Persian elements of the wedding alongside the stunning visuals.

Zooming In On The Details

A Bride Glowing in the Light

A Father’s First Look

While Tess’s father passed away when she was young, she was also blessed with a wonderful step-father who she did a first look with. They’re super close. I loved getting to capture this special moment for them.

First Look Before Forever

A Private Vow Ceremony To Never Forget

Evan Reece Media captured an absolutely beautiful private vow ceremony after their first look. Tess and Nick allowed him to share it in their larger wedding video and I cry every time I watch it!

Portraits of the Bride and Groom

piedmont park atlanta georgia wedding photography

The Wedding Party in the Park

A Persian Wedding Ceremony

piedmont garden tent wedding atlanta georgia

The Sofreh Agdh Table

Arabia Weddings explains that this table represents a ceremonial tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years. “Sofreh” means “spread” and aghd” means “ceremony.” This table is set so that “the Bride and Groom face” sunlight during the ceremony.

Sofreh Aghd wedding photography atlanta georgia

The mirror is “a symbol of purity, light, and brightness. The first thing which the Groom sees in the mirror […] is the reflection of his wife after she removes her veil.” The candelabras “symbolize energy and clarity in the couple’s life together.” The embroidered cloth, Termeh, is often a family heirloom that
symbolizes family and traditions.” The Holy Book, which changes depending on the faith of the couple, is “a symbol of God’s blessing for the couple.” The wild herb Espand “is burned as part of a ritual for purification.”

There is a tray of seven herbs and spices, the Sini-Ye Aatal-O-Baatel, that “guards the couple against the evil eye.” Another tray of decorative flatbread “symbolizes prosperity for the feast and the couple’s life together.” There are also decorative inclusions of eggs, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts to symbolize “fruitfulness, fertility, and abundance.” The crystalized sugar rock candy “symbolizes a sweetened life for the newlyweds” while the inclusion of honey “represents sweetness in the couple’s life.” Continuing this theme, the sugar cones and pastries also “symbolize sweetness and happiness for a good life together.”

There is also the Tureh Ghand, a piece of fabric or silk “to be held over the Bride and Groom’s heads throughout the ceremony by happily married female relatives and friends.”

A Piedmont Garden Tent Wedding Ceremony

Exquisite Details of the Reception

A Piedmont Garden Tent Wedding Reception

The Ragsheh Chagoo

The Ragsheh Chagoo is a Persian knife dance is an electric reception tradition. It takes place just before the Bride and Groom cut the cake. Members of their families and the bridal party take turns holding the cake knife while dancing around the groom. They tease him and keep the knife from him to extend the waiting. Once the groom retrieves the knife, they can finally cut the cake!