Fabulous Persian Sugar Rubbing Ceremony at Hatfield House!

This weekend I travelled up to Hertfordshire to work with the fabulous Natalie (and Jo!) from Love to Plan (www.lovetoplan.co.uk), on a gorgeous Irish/Iranian wedding at the stunning Hatfield House.  This venue is a fabulous example of 17th Century Jacobean craftsmanship and the ceremony took place in the Old Palace within the extensive grounds of the house.

(The image below is one that I took from the upper floor of the Old Palace and shows the fabulous gardens and fountain too.)

Hatfield House

The venue has played host to many famous people (and events) over the years and I caught sight of a few paintings of visitors that I recognised!

historical people

Having had lots of contact with my couple, and loads of lovely input from them about the script and the rituals, we created a lovely, warm and personal ceremony, with readings from both dads, and with participation from the bridesmaids and the brides mother too.

My bride is Iranian and her family traditions and culture were acknowledged within their service with a Persian Sugar Rubbing Ritual. Beside the couple was a table beautifully adorned with lots of traditional items relating to their heritage, and the whole ceremony was an absolute visual treat for their guests.  

sugar rubbing ritual

We asked the bridesmaids to come up to hold the 'cloth of unity' over the couple's heads whilst the bride's mother rubbed sugar cones over the top, to symbolise the spreading of sweetness over their union. 

She spoke a quiet prayer as the bride and groom read a passage from a religious book, and then concluded the ritual by offering the couple some honey which they fed to one another as acceptance of their sweetened partnership.

reception trees

After the ceremony the guests moved into the converted riding stables for a drinks reception and then returned to a stunning wedding breakfast and reception back in the Old Palace.  Just look at the gorgeous centrepiece 'trees' that they had!!  Simply beautiful.

It was a joy to work with the couple, and their planner and assistant, and the images show the results of all of our efforts to bring about an unforgettable day for them and their family and friends.

Congrats to Maddy & Peter!!

maddy & peter

(all images taken by me during set up.  I look forward to sharing the official images soon!)

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Celebrant - http://www.KnightCeremonies.co.uk

Venuehttp://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/

Planner - http://www.lovetoplan.co.uk

 

 

 

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