As Mahdieh Lashgari walked down the aisle to enchanting music performed in person by the Seattle String Quartet, guests were transported into a world of rich Persian culture and beauty. The air was filled with excitement as the bride, clad in a full-length veil handmade by her mother, met her groom, Armand Mauro, and the romantic melody “Soltane Ghalbha” played. The ceremony at the luxurious Fairmont Olympic Hotel took place in a floral heaven, with abundant white and blush blooms adorning every inch of the space. As guests took their seats, they were welcomed by arrangements lining the aisles and leading to a statement floral arch at the altar. Following the ceremony, Mahdieh and Armand made a grand entrance into the reception, accompanied by the Jafra Dabke Team; the dance troupe performed a traditional Palestinian dabke with drums, which set the tone for the festivities to come. As the anticipated act of cake cutting approached, the bride’s and groom’s loved ones prepared for another Persian tradition, the raghseh chagoo, which translates to “knife dance,’ a tradition that is performed before the cake cutting. In this custom, the newlyweds must “earn” the right to cut their cake by offering money to the dancers, who have the knife. Once Mahdieh and Armand successfully earned the knife, the celebration truly began. The dance floor came alive with energetic moves, while dollar bills decorated the space. As guests began their farewells, they were pleasantly surprised to receive saffron all the way from Iran as a favor from the bride’s grandmother. The gesture was not only a token of gratitude but also a symbol of the family’s heritage, making it a truly unique and prized gift.
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