“Love is a verb, not a feeling. It’s an action, and a doing. And if you can find someone to bloom with – to share a day that will be carved in the essence of your being as one of the most beautiful and symbolic days of your life, it is all worth it.” Bride Azadeh put words to what we thought there were no words to describe. She married the love of her life, Scott, at The Mansion at Oyster Bay in a wedding almost as beautiful as how eloquently she speaks.
This amazing couple met on J-Swipe, a Jewish dating app, although they never intended to marry someone of the same faith. But, as fate would have it, Scott saw Azadeh and decided to message her in December 2017. Azadeh, a college professor, was in the middle of grading papers when she received his message so she told him she might see him next year. However, something inside of her knew this was different. So, she decided to meet him. The two talked for hours and hours feeling a sense of comfort that is unmatched. From there, the relationship carried on seamlessly.
When Scott finally proposed, he and Azadeh were in the Poconos. Scott had planned to pop the question on a hot-air balloon but that was not scheduled until the third day. His nerves got the best of him (and Azadeh, she knew it was coming), so he decided to move it up and propose at a restaurant called Frogtown Chophouse. He asked her to marry him in American Sign Language (she teaches ASL). He practiced for weeks before so he could ask her in the best way he knew how. Azadeh was blown away by his consideration and started to cry. Everyone in the restaurant applauded for the newly engaged.
Since this couple had a summer wedding, they were lucky enough to have their ceremony outside The Mansion at Oyster Bay. They participated in a Jewish ceremony but added their own personal flair. Azadeh and Scott said their vows, something that is not traditional for a Jewish wedding.
When the two signed the Ketubah, they were wrapped in Azadeh’s mother’s veil that came with her from Iran when the family immigrated to the United States. Additionally, during the ceremony, Scott wore his father’s talit, the same one he wore to his bar mitzvah. Not to state the obvious, but this talit was extraordinarily special to this family. Later, the rabbi wrapped Azadeh and Scott in her late father’s talis.
As the cherry on top, the couple had a sign language interpreter for all their deaf guests.
The couple added their personal touches to the reception as well. For starters, they played Persian music, an homage to Azadeh’s background. She loved getting all of Scott’s American family dancing to Persian music. Of course, they played American music later on. It was so special seeing so many languages come together- English, Farsi, ASL.
Azadeh and Scott had choreographed a dance to the song “500 Miles” for their slow dance. Later, Scott surprised Azadeh and sang her a song. She has always told him what a great voice he has so seeing him sing in front of all their family and friends was the most beautiful gesture.
During the father-daughter dance, Azadeh’s brother stepped in on behalf of their deceased father. By the end of the dance, Scott’s father swapped in, leaving no one with a dry eye.
Let’s not forget about the wardrobes! Azadeh was never the type of girl who dreamed about what her wedding dress would look like. But, she was the type of girl who knew herself and what she wants. She wanted something simple, yet elegant with a bohemian and romantic touch. She found a gown designed by Essense of Australia and knew immediately that this was her dress. It had lots of lace, was free-flowing and looked as though it was made just for her. She added on lace straps to make it just right. The bride completed her look with little to no jewelry, her hair down to the side, and Kate Spade sparkling white sneakers.
Scott wore a navy blue suit with a french pressed shirt and pearl colored cuff links. His groomsmen wore darker navy suits, allowing the groom to stand out. He finished off his ensemble with mahogany shoes and a silk white bowtie.
By late into the evening, the couple cut into their wedding cake and were showered with flower petals. This is a Persian tradition symbolizing love, life, and hope. Speeches were made, expressing an immense amount of love for the bride and groom. “There were so many elements I could praise. Not because everything was perfect, but because it was expressed with love. What more can you ask on your wedding day?”
Azadeh’s advice for future couples? “Wedding planning is inherently stressful – and at times, can contain much overwhelm. Our advice is to remember why you’re doing it – your reason, your partner, love. Don’t let it consume you – and remember that attaining perfection in every detail is impossible — in life, and in wedding planning.”
We couldn’t agree more! Congrats to the amazing couple! This wedding at The Mansion at Oyster Bay was certainly one for the books!
Venue: The Mansion at Oyster Bay
Cake: Lederman Caterers
Florist: Flowers By Brian
Music: Party Train DJ
Officiant: Rabbi Ari Saks (Huntington Jewish Center)
Rentals: The Black Tux
Wedding Rings: Frassanito Jewelers
Gown Boutique: Max Bridal
Gown Designer: Essense of Australia
Makeup: Randi Ellen Makeup
Hair: Affair Hair by Jessica
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Groom’s Suit: Woodbury Men’s Shop