What happens when the Irish and the Persians make a pact?  A beautiful wedding full of tradition, ritual, and many ways to ward off evil spirits!

The Irish, like the Persians have many beliefs rooted in their rich cultural heritage and Sanam and Liam wanted to incorporate several into their celebration.  The first and most prominent was the addition of a horseshoe, for good luck, to the Sofreh (Persian ceremony spread).  On the Sofreh was also a “Child of Prague” statue, which had been left out the night before the ceremony, and had a broken head, which is a sign of a good omen.  At the end of the ceremony, all guests rang little bells to drive away any negative spirits in the air! 

All of these symbolic objects, though not part of the Persian tradition, were welcomed and embraced by Sanam’s family and friends.  Just as the Persian rituals of rubbing sugar and tasting honey to bring sweetness, and burning espand (wild rue) to ward off negative spirits were well received by the Irish guests.  Of course, both the Irish and the Persians know how to party, and the festivities continued into the night with drink, dance and merriment!