Ashkan and Wendy celebrated a slightly different wedding day with family and friends on the Newcastle Harbour foreshore. It was different because they’d married a couple of months prior in a civil ceremony, but this day gave them the opportunity to gather everyone together and truly celebrate their marriage. And, importantly, it meant that Ashkan’s parents could attend from Iran, and his brother and fiancée from Italy.

Colin, their celebrant, mentioned that Wendy was the youngest person at his wedding many years prior, so it felt like a complete circle. It was a lovely detail amidst many of Wendy and Ashkan’s stories of finding each other and falling in love.

The start of the day was spent with Ashkan and his family. He got ready at home. His brother had brought over a new coffee pot from Italy, and they shared coffee before getting ready. Persian tea and sweet biscuits were shared. All the while, there were lots of translations being done through three languages as we were all finding out about each other’s lives, and working out what the cultural differences and similarities were.

Next stop was with Wendy and her side of the family at her parents’ house. Hair and make-up had been done, and Wendy’s hair was absolutely striking, and really meant to go with the softness of her dress. A stunning combination.

The afternoon and evening festivities all took place in one location at Hideout on the Harbour. The families met each other outside, and helped each other pin flowers, and do last minute checks.

An informal wedding ceremony took place in two languages. There was a nod to Persian weddings with the bride and groom sharing honey with each other (dip a finger in the pot and place it in the mouth of the other). It has lots of symbology, but in essence, it is an acknowledgement of the sweetness of life. There was also “kelling”, which is that powerful cheering sound that the women make (probably because they do it so much better than the men, it seems). Apparently, tradition says, the bride hesitates before saying “yes”, and then the kelling joyfully (and very loudly) rings out. Those not used to it tend to stagger back slightly, then laugh loudly and join in with their own clapping and cheering.

Family photographs were done right next to the foreshore, on a soft, landscaped area beside the Newcastle Harbour. A little later, right at sunset, Wendy and Ashkan spent a few minutes having some formal images taken as the sky quickly changed from orange to deep blue.

There was lots of dancing with the encouragement of the kelling, while at the same time, the extended families were getting to know each other. Weddings, after all, are great places to meet or catch up.

There had to be time for other important things, including lots of eating and drinking. And there was an endless supply of both – it’s the Hunter Valley hospitality. Not only did people not leave hungry, but at the end of the celebrations, they took boxes of Persian sweets with them. Always say yes to Persian sweets.

Dreaming of a Newcastle Harbour wedding filled with laughter, love, friends and family like Wendy and Ashkan’s special day? Please get in touch with us, we would love you to contact us.