They say sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected way. For Sahar and Navid, it began with “Salaam.” A swipe. A message. And then… a connection.

In the summer of 2023, Sahar was participating in the six-month Writers Guild strike while Navid was finishing his master’s in engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. Neither expected a dating app match to change their lives, but one coffee date turned into hours of conversation, and a second date stretched into a full day exploring Los Angeles. “Could I last a whole day with this person and not be annoyed?” Sahar asked herself. The answer was, astonishingly, yes.

Within a month, they knew their love was real. When Navid said “I love you,” Sahar realized he meant every word. Fast forward to December 21, 2024, just one day shy of Sahar’s parents’ 40th anniversary, the couple celebrated their Los Angeles Arboretum wedding, blending Persian traditions with American touches.

What We Love About This Los Angeles Arboretum Wedding

• The blend of Persian and American rituals in a timeless garden setting
• A Sofreh Aghd reimagined as a round altar, with invitations designed by Sahar’s sister
• Guest experiences like a coffee cart, tea station, Persian ice cream cart, and keepsake tea cup favors
• Sahar’s modest yet elegant gown and custom veil, tailored over five months
• A rainy reception that turned into a symbol of good luck

How They Brought Cultures Together Through Wedding Planning

Sahar and Navid wanted a Los Angeles Arboretum wedding that honored Persian heritage while still feeling simple and elegant. Their color palette—neutrals with pink, orange, and sage undertones—was designed to feel airy and timeless.

For Sahar, the Arboretum also carried personal meaning. “It reminded me of the time I spent with my late father in gardens. The first time I visited, it felt like home.”

With only eight months to plan, she leaned on her college friend and planner, Naaila Mohammad of Happy Day Studio, who vetted every vendor and coordinated the cultural details. “We wanted to work with kind, creative, and gentle souls who aligned with our energy. That was very important to us.”

A Ceremony That Blended Heritage and Heart

The couple carefully wove in Persian symbolism throughout their day. The Sofreh Aghd, typically arranged on a square table, was redesigned into a round altar with help from Sahar’s sister, an architect who also created the invitations, programs, and visual details. Tea cup favors, a Persian tea station, and a traditional ice cream cart gave guests a cultural experience they’d remember long after the wedding.

For Sahar, a television writer, the ceremony was more than vows. It was storytelling. Their friend, actor Arian Moayed, officiated with humor and heart, weaving their journey into a bilingual narrative in both English and Farsi. They paid tribute to their families, cultures, and the story that brought them together.

“It felt important to share our love in a way that entertained and honored everyone there,” Sahar explained.

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How Sahar and Navid Reflected Tradition Through Their Attire

Fashion also reflected Sahar’s identity. She bought a gown that required months of alterations to make it modest yet elegant. Working with her seamstress, Kimberly, she designed a custom veil that provided hijab coverage, incorporating appliqués from her dress for a cohesive and elegant look. “I’m obsessed with it,” Sahar said. “It was exactly what I envisioned.”

Navid, true to his straightforward style, found his tuxedo in a week. He chose a classic fitted black suit with a white tie—sharp, timeless, and perfect for the occasion.

Romantic Garden Details With a Guest-First Focus

The reception featured long banquet tables draped in soft blush linens, paired with wooden chairs and pastel-toned centerpieces accented by tall glass candleholders. String lights cast a warm glow across the lawn, while the sweetheart table stood out as the focal point, set against the Arboretum’s fountain backdrop.

As beautiful as the setting was, outdoor weddings can be unpredictable. Light drizzle soon turned into rain, yet guests embraced it with joy. “They danced and ate despite being wet,” Sahar recalled. “We just kept reminding ourselves that rain means good luck.” Their focus on guest experience shone through, with details like coffee carts, Persian desserts, and thoughtful tea cup favors ensuring everyone felt cared for and included in the celebration.

Practical Wedding Planning Advice From Sahar and Navid

Looking back, Sahar encourages couples to enjoy the planning process and not get lost in the small details. “Things are bound to go wrong, but that’s okay. The key is to be prepared while trusting your team, family, and vendors to handle what they do best.”

She also emphasizes prioritizing what matters most. For her and Navid, that meant investing in guest experience. Splurging on food, cultural touches, and little treats, rather than chasing perfection.

From a round Sofreh Aghd to custom attire, from dancing in the rain to heartfelt bilingual vows, every moment reflected resilience, heritage, and joy. As Sahar beautifully put it: “God is the best of planners.”