Location: Paris • Île-de-France • North of France
Shay and Bryan began worlds apart, then built a life within a few miles of each other before a proposal at home beside a Christmas tree. One year later they gathered in Paris for a winter celebration at the Shangri-La Paris hotel, set in the 16th arrondissement with easy access for international arrivals. Families and friends from 18 countries entered warm salons out of the December air, voices softening as coats were checked and greetings exchanged. The city’s festive season shaped the mood, with evening light pooling on polished floors and glasses lifting as relatives met across languages. Paris, in the North of France, held everyone close for a single holiday week.
A Dual Ceremony with Sofreh Aghd, Envelopes, and Sugar Ritual
The ceremony honored both American and Persian traditions in two parts. At the Sofreh Aghd, guests found thoughtful envelopes prepared by Shay’s aunt that explained the symbolism of each element, helping first-time attendees follow the sequence. Shay’s brother-in-law led the proceedings, and a traditional sugar ceremony brought relatives forward, the sound of fabric rubbing faintly above quiet music. Bright pink florals, chosen for the day, added color against blue walls and tall windows. The room felt considered rather than formal, with clear sightlines and a steady pace that kept attention on vows. The flow moved easily from explanation to exchange, then into family embraces and portraits.
Advice, Good Humor, and Images that Hold the Day
Shay and Bryan advised future couples to stay flexible and enjoy every minute, whether walking by the Seine or solving a hiccup like a missing cake. Central Paris supported that mindset, keeping transfers short and options close if plans changed. Guests slipped between salons for conversation before a candlelit dinner, where speeches ran unhurried and the evening settled into a calm rhythm. The day was recorded by wedding Photographer Sylvain, whose friendly presence and attentive timing kept portraits natural and moments honest. His work favored movement and expression over staging, a fit for a celebration built on family, tradition, and winter city light.
