• Real Weddings

DC is a melting pot, with cultures from all over the world mixing to create one beautiful fusion, just like this wedding. Mahsau, the bride, is of Persian descent, so they knew they wanted to incorporate a lot of traditions from both her heritage and the American roots that she and Jordan are putting down together. At its heart, a wedding is the celebration of two families becoming one. It's important to acknowledge both sides so each feels important and recognized. This couple did such a wonderful job balancing the fusion between the two cultures and keeping the true meaning of the day first and foremost in their minds and hearts. 

Set at the Hotel Monaco in downtown DC, with the guests and bridal party all in black-tie dress it was quite the elegant affair. Allan Woods Flowers created these stunning floral arrangements including the cascading white and green bouquet and the garland on the welcome sign. Eric Carson was there to document this beautiful wedding and the epic dance party that ensued and Derek Smolka got it all on video. To see more from this fabulous fusion wedding, check out the full gallery. Read on to hear more from the bride, Mahsau, about how she and her new hubby balanced the stress of planning a wedding during COVID and focused on what really mattered. 

THEY MET ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Mahsau and Jordan's love story began on a typical summer day in DC, back in 2015 at La Boum Brunch. Mahsau had just moved from Dallas and wanted to explore the city, and Jordan was celebrating a friend's birthday. Champagne was flowing, dance moves were popping, and the rest is history! Over the last five years, Mahsau and Jordan have made amazing memories together exploring the world, renovating their home, and uniting their friends and families as one. While on a family vacation in Longboat Key, Florida in 2019, Jordan got down on one knee and asked Mahsu to spend forever with him, and Mahsau didn't hesitate to say, "Yes!".

A CHANGE OF PLANS

Mahsau and Jordan originally planned their wedding for May 16, 2020, when they were abruptly blindsided by the COVID-19 pandemic. They moved their wedding to August 2020 thinking the pandemic would be over by then. Little did they know, they'd have to postpone for a full year. The wait, anxiety, and stress were all worth it when they finally tied the knot on May 15th in the heart of the nation's capital at the vibrant Hotel Monaco, surrounded by friends and family. The American/Persian wedding ceremony was the perfect precursor to an unforgettable night on an electric dance floor!

THE FASHION

Mahsau wore a fit and flare wedding dress with lace and intricate beading from Ellie's Bridal Boutique. Jordan and the groomsmen wore tuxedos with mint green bow ties, while the bridesmaids wore black bridesmaid dresses from Lulu's. Mahsau held a cascading bouquet of calla lilies and snapdragons created by Allan Woods Flowers and had an amazing glam squad with Caitlyn Meyer, which was all captured by their Precious Pics photographers, Eric Carson and LeVar Charles. 

INCORPORATING TRADITIONS

Mahsau’s mom created a Sofreh Aghd with items sent from Iran, some she created herself, and others bought on Etsy. It was full of symbolic items to ensure the newlyweds have a sweet life together full of love and fertility. Mahsau created a real family tree that featured engagement and wedding photos of Mahsau and Jordan’s siblings, parents, and grandparents that hung from a mini tree surrounded by other generational family photos. Another sweet personal touch was the Zoom set up by their Precious Pics videographer, Derek Smolka,  that allowed several of Mahsau’s family members from all over the world, including Toronto, Stockholm, Paris, London, and various cities in Iran, to be a part of the night as well since they were still separated by the pandemic. 

During the reception, they also held a "raghseh chagoo", a traditional Persian dance that involves the groom bribing the bridal party who are dancing with the wedding cake knife. When the bride and groom are ready to cut the cake, they have to earn the knife by offering money to dancing friends who act coy and take the money, only to give the knife to another friend who continues dancing with it until one of the dancers ultimately decides they’ve been won over by the money and exchange it for the knife.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Mahsau and Jordan didn’t have a specific theme for the wedding, but they followed their gut and picked everything out based on what they felt best represented them, knowing it would all come together in the end. Mahsau and Jordan’s wedding cake was a white, three-tiered cake with two gold floral accents that was Ferraro Rocher flavored and baked by Classic Bakery. The couple’s advice for newlyweds is to not stress the small stuff! Pick 2-3 things you really care about and focus your energy on those.

A LOT TO BE GRATEFUL FOR

You could truly feel the love in the air! After such a challenging year for so many, Mahsau and Jordan were grateful that many of their loved ones could come together for their first real gathering in so long. While DJ Hesam and his emcee provided a club-like feeling in the ballroom with a mix of top American, Persian, and other international hits, it was clear everyone needed a night to let loose on the electric dance floor and celebrate love!

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

The budget for this wedding was $40,000. Please note that prices do change, and this budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much a wedding like this might cost you.

• Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu's
• Cakes & Catering: Classic Bakery
• DJs: DJ Hesam
• Flowers: Allan Woods Flowers
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Caitlyn Meyer
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Just Paper & Tea
• Photographers: Eric Carson
• Wedding Dresses: Ellie's Bridal Boutique
• Wedding Films: Derek Smolka