A Persian-American wedding in San Antonio
Ghazal & Tim
San Antonio, TX
As wedding photographers and filmmakers, we often feel deeply connected to our clients even though we typically only get to work with them on their wedding day. But with Ghazal and Tim, we were fortunate enough to celebrate their union not once, but twice!
We had the pleasure of photographing their intimate elopement in Austin the previous year (check out their sweet images here). But this time, they planned a grand celebration in San Antonio to share their love with their families and closest friends. The blending of Persian and American traditions made for an unforgettable celebration.
First Look and Portraits at the Japanese Tea Gardens
Ghazal and Tim’s wedding day began with an intimate first look at the serene Japanese Tea Gardens of San Antonio, one of the city’s most picturesque locations. Instead of the typical getting-ready photos, they chose to have more time for portraits in this tranquil setting. The couple’s decision gave us the opportunity to capture both their love for each other and the natural beauty surrounding them.
We had two very special first look moments. The second one was a heartfelt reveal between Ghazal and Tim, where Tim saw his bride for the first time looking radiant in her gown. The first, however, was a complete surprise! Tim’s brother, known for his playful sense of humor, dressed up in a full T-Rex costume and staged a hilarious first look with Tim. It was a moment of pure laughter and joy—one that made for some unforgettable photos.
The Japanese Tea Gardens, with its lush greenery, stone bridges, and koi-filled ponds, offered an idyllic backdrop for portraits. We took advantage of the diverse scenery to create stunning images of Ghazal and Tim, as well as their wedding party. The bride had thoughtfully painted beautiful seashells as part of the wedding decor, which we photographed nestling their wedding jewelry in the natural beauty of the gardens.
Ceremony at the Old San Francisco
After their portraits, we made our way to the ceremony at the iconic Old San Francisco Steak House, a historic venue known for its classic charm and elegant atmosphere. Though the room was relatively modest in size and decor, its intimate setting allowed for the deep connection between Ghazal and Tim to truly shine. The ceremony was deeply emotional, highlighting not only their love for each other but also their profound appreciation for the family and friends who gathered to witness their union.
The ceremony took a humorous turn when a small water spill occurred right before the vows. In the midst of the beautiful and emotional ceremony, someone accidentally knocked over a decorative jar of water. Instead of panicking, Ghazal and Tim and the entire room burst into laughter! The venue personnel politely waited until they were pronounced husband and wife to jump in with a mop and made quick work of the spill. It was a lighthearted moment that made everyone feel even more connected, reminding us that even the smallest mishaps can turn into memories that bring a smile.
Reception at the Old San Francisco Ballroom
The reception ballroom, located on the main floor below the ceremony space, took our breath away. With its grand chandeliers hanging from an ornate ceiling, cascading waterfalls visible through the greenhouse-style windows, and elegant white decor, it felt like a dream. The space was sophisticated yet warm with personal touches everywhere—from the delicate hand-painted shells at every seat (a personal touch from Ghazal herself) to the whimsical groom’s cake (baked by his mother) which featured him as a scuba diver entangled by an octopus.
Ghazal and Tim made a grand entrance into the ballroom as newlyweds, and their first dance was a beautiful moment. It was followed by tender dances with their parents—Ghazal with her father, Tim with his mother, and another sweet moment with his grandmother. The emotional weight of these dances was palpable, and it was clear how much family meant to both of them.
The best man and maid of honor gave heartfelt speeches, with the couple sharing their own words of gratitude and love. The warmth in the room was felt by everyone, and there was a sense of community that transcended cultural boundaries.
A notable aspect of their reception was how the couple blended both Persian and American customs. Ghazal incorporated several traditional elements of a Persian wedding, such as the Sofreh Aghd (an elaborate spread of symbolic items such as honey, nuts, and candles, each representing aspects of marriage and prosperity), and much anticipated bellydance performances.
Dance Time and Persian Wedding Traditions
At a Persian wedding, the dance floor is just the beginning. There are traditional dances and rituals that add to the excitement of the evening. One of the most exciting moments was when a professional belly dancer took the stage. Not only did she perform her mesmerizing dances, but she also facilitated a limbo-like dance between the bride and groom and a knife dance, fun and symbolic traditions in Persian weddings.
In the knife dance, the belly dancer hands a knife to a female guest, who then dances her way across the room toward the groom. The goal is for the groom to pay money to the dancer as a gesture of appreciation and to ensure good fortune for the marriage. It’s a playful and lively tradition, full of laughter and energy, as the female guest and the groom engage in a dance-off to collect the “payment.” The guests loved the fun atmosphere that came with the ritual, which added a unique layer of entertainment to the evening. After enough money was collected, the knife was then bestowed upon the groom to use to cut their cake!
As the evening progressed, the dance floor filled with energy as both Persian and American wedding songs played, bringing everyone together to celebrate. The laughter, music, and vibrant energy of the dance floor made for an unforgettable celebration that truly reflected the union of these two beautiful cultures.
Wedding Film and Vendors
We wanted to conclude Ghazal and Tim’s wedding story by including some sweet words the bride shared about her experience working with us:
“Thank you so much for being a friend and going through this whole journey with Tim and I! You have been such a beautiful part of it and made both of us slow down and soak in the moments and celebrate them! When we hired a wedding photographer neither of us dreamt of how much that would become a significant and beautiful portion of our journey! We’ve always been the ones to hide. At home, behind a computer or our work. I think being in front of camera made us let our guards down and allow for vulnerability and celebration of ourselves, our bodies and our relationship and love. You played a huge part in making it feel safe for us!”
(Thank you so much Ghazal!)
We also wanted to credit the talented vendors who made this day unforgettable:
Wedding Venue: Old San Francisco Steakhouse
Wedding Photo & Video: Travel Weddings
Day of Coordinator: Bride on a Budget
Makeup Artist: Leslie Dayanna
And last but not least, we wanted to share the exciting wedding film we crafted for Ghazal and Tim!
Ghazal and Tim’s Persian-American wedding was an exceptional celebration of love, laughter, and culture. The way they brought together their traditions and families in such a heartfelt and joyous way was truly inspiring. From the serene Japanese Tea Gardens to the elegant San Francisco Steak House ballroom, every moment was a testament to their unique love and the deep connections they share with those around them.
As wedding photographers, we believe in the power of storytelling—preserving not just the beautiful moments but also the unexpected ones, like the water spill that became a laugh-out-loud memory. Whether it's a spontaneous surprise or a deeply meaningful ritual, every wedding has its own story to tell. We’re here to capture the moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
If you’re looking for a photo and video team who are not only creative but also genuinely invested in your love story, we’d be honored to work with you. Let us tell your once in a lifetime story with care, authenticity, and artistry—so you can relive your special memories forever.