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There’s something undeniably magical about bending centuries-old customs with a modern aesthetic, especially in the South. The magic came to life at the wedding of Roxanne Kaiser and Antonio Mattei, where Persian heritage met Southern hospitality in a celebration that honored tradition while embracing the present. Blending modern touches with a tribute to the bride’s Persian heritage, the couple celebrated their wedding on October 26, 2024, in the picturesque town of Braselton, Georgia.

Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South diagram 2
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South tablescape

The couple knew they wanted to incorporate the traditional Persian ceremony setup, Sofreh Aghd, into their wedding. For generations, this sacred element has played a central role in Iranian weddings, telling stories of love, legacy, and unity through meaningful objects arranged with intention. Their vision was to honor this tradition while making it their own— infusing it with modern elegance and personal touches. The bride described the day as “Where Southern charm met centuries of Persian beauty.

Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South flowers
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South mirror
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South fruit 2
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South sugar

The Sofreh Aghd was the centerpiece of the ceremony, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Every element held deep significance—curated not just for beauty, but for what each item represents in Persian culture:

  • Candles—to symbolize light and positive energy
  • Mirror—reflected the couple’s first glimpse of their new life together
  • Flatbread—prosperity
  • Fruit and pastries—abundance and sweetness
  • Sugar cones (kalleh ghand)—ground over the couple’s heads to shower their marriage with sweetness
  • Wheat, nuts, and eggs—fertility and new beginnings
  • Rosewater—to cleanse and bless the space
  • Honey—the couple fed each other this to start their new life together with sweetness
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South wheat
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South candles
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South tea
Tradition Meets Southern Charm A Persian Wedding in the South honey

 

While the Sofreh Aghd honored the bride’s Persian heritage, the setting brought its own magic. Surrounded by the warmth of Southern charm, from the lush venue to the graciousness of their guests, the fusion of old and new was seamless. Roxanne and Antonio’s day was more than just a wedding—it was the meeting of worlds, where Southern elegance embraced Persian tradition. The couple created a space where they could honor where they came from while celebrating where they are.

 

Photography: Larissa Soroka Photo | Wedding Backdrop & Floral Design: Design House of FlowersDance Floor & Sofreh Cover: Atlanta Dance Floors | Sofreh Design: Sara with Atlas Weddings | Venue: Château Élan Winery & Resort 

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