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aloha! in case you were wondering, ohana means family. our ohana is made up of david, kim, april, rain, and kona the dog. welcome to our blog! we are san diego wedding photographers, but we put everything in here. san diego weddings, orange county weddings, hawaii weddings, destination weddings, road trips, and even friends with beach balls. come on in and share a little aloha. please leave comments as often as possible. we love hearing from our extended ohana. mahalo for stopping by!
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Monday, August 24, 2009

kamran and leila's persian wedding at the fairbanks ranch clubhouse in rancho santa fe


kamran and leila's persian wedding at the Fairbanks Ranch Clubhouse in Rancho Santa Fe was both a beautiful ceremony and a learning experience for us. it was our first persian wedding, so we had a lot to learn. kamran and leila, in their grace, answered all of our questions with a smile and walked us through everything. we also had help from kamran and leila's wonderful wedding coordinator Nahid at Wedding Elegance. it was an incredible experience that we will always remember. we feel so blessed and honored that kamran and leila chose us to record their amazing day.
it began with us going to meet leila. when we arrived at the residence where she was getting ready the door opened just a crack. once our identity was confirmed not to be kamran the door slowly swung open...




on the other side stood leila in her jaw-droppingly beautiful wedding dress by Pronovias of Spain and super cute shoes by Alfani. makeup artist Itzel Ceballos (itzel_ceballos@msn.com) did amazing work once again.
to sum up, leila looked absolutely stunning. kamran was definitely going to be in for a treat when he arrived.
















as we were taking photos of leila and her dear friends, a classic white 1969 rolls royce silver shadow limousine from Rolls Livery arrived and a very handsome and striking gentleman in a tuxedo appeared with a gift of flowers in his hand.
hint, it was kamran.
when he walked into the courtyard where leila was standing he paused and covered his mouth with his hand. seeing his bride-to-be took his breath away.




after regaining his breath, kamran walked up to leila, grasped her hands, and gently kissed her.
i LOVE when couples do a "first look" on their wedding day before they walk down the aisle. without a crowd of people watching, the emotions and expressions the couple feel comfortable enough to show are amazing. as an added bonus the bride and groom get some time, if only a few minutes, to just enjoy each others company without all the distractions of the day.







moments later kamran escorted leila to the car and the couple was whisked away to the Fairbanks Ranch Clubhouse in Rancho Santa Fe where they would be united in marriage in front of their families and friends.




before the ceremony began leila and kamran went behind the clubhouse for a little fun. no, not that kind of fun. remember, this was before the ceremony :)










hey, uh, kamran. leila. you probably can't hear us right now but the, um, ceremony, it's going to be starting soon. guys? ok then. we'll just leave you two alone and head on over to the ceremony site. see you in a bit. :)




as leila took her seat next to kamran under a beautiful silk they saw before them on their Sofreh-ye Aghd, that was made by leila's aunt sarvy, a multitude of symbols to help them in their new life together.
the mirror of fate, or Aayeneh-ye Bakht, and two candelabras (representing leila and kamran and brightness in their future), one on either side of the mirror. these are symbols of light and fire, two very important elements.
as the ceremony began, leila removed her veil. the first thing kamran saw in the mirror was the reflection of his beautiful wife-to-be.




family members and friends rubbed sugar cones, or Kalleh Ghand, together above leila and kamran and showered them with sweetness as they sat beneath the beautiful silk during their ceremony.




also on leila and kamrans Sofreh-ye Aghd were:
a copy of the Holy Qur'an, representing the blessing of Allah (God) for the couple.
a Jaa-Namaaz, spread in the middle of the Sofreh-ye Aghd to remind the couple of the importance of prayer, both at blissful times and times of hardship. it includes a small rug, or Sajjaadeh, a small cube of molded clay with prayers written on it, Mohr, and a strand of prayer beads, or Tasbih.
a Sini-ye Aatel-O-Baatel, or tray of multi-colored herbs and spices, to guard the couple and their life together against evil.
Esphand, wild rue, to keep the evil eye away and bring plenty of health.
a specially baked and decorated flatbread, noon-e sangak, held a blessing of Mobaarak-Baad for the couple.
Gol-e Mohammadi, rosewater, to perfume the air.
decorated eggs, along with almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts in the shell, to symbolize fertility.
gold coins, representing wealth and prosperity.
silk bags containing sweets such as sugar coated almonds, Noghl, for the guests.




leila's aunt sarvy did an awesome job molding the esphand into flowers and painting them.







leila and kamran dipped their fingers in honey and fed it to each other, to sweeten life.




rings and kisses to seal the deal. CONGRATULATIONS KAMRAN AND LEILA!




i don't know who makes these shoes, but they are RAD!
i snapped this while everyone was enjoying some of the awesome food from Amir's Catering.




the floral arrangements by Ana at Floral Works and Decor Inc. were simply gorgeous. Their classic elegance brightened up the whole reception area.




and now is the time on sprocket's when we dance. heeeerrrrre's kamran and leila!







leila has one of the most amazing smiles i have ever seen. love it times infinity!




leila's cousin Kamiar, and his band KamyR, were incredible! they kept the dancefloor PACKED all night long. i didn't even know what they were singing and i still loved it! if you want your party to be awesome, hire these guys.







during a brief pause in the festivities kamran grabbed the microphone and said some very touching words to leila. it was such an amazing moment.




everyone at kamran and leila's wedding was beautiful. true story.




when it came time to cut the delicious cake, from The French Gourmet in La Jolla, we were in for another treat.







just as kamran was ready to cut a slice of cake for his bride someone snatched the knife away and began the Raghseh Chagoo, or knife dance. it was passed to several members of the crowd, excluding kamran and leila of course.
everyone, and i mean everyone, did an amazing job dancing. it was so much fun to watch.
this beautiful woman had some seriously hot knife dancing skills. i don't think this was her first time dancing with a sharp object :)




several benjamin bribes by kamran later, the knife was finally given back and the cake was enjoyed.
kamran and leila, thank you so so much. we had such an amazing time at your wedding. it was Fun with a capital F!
everyone at your wedding was awesome, especially you two. we are so grateful that you gave us the opportunity to be your photographers, and entrusted us to photograph our first Persian wedding. if every Persian wedding is even half as good as yours I hope we get to do many many more.
have a sweet life together with endless years of happiness.





just in case you missed kamran and leila's engagement session at balboa park and harbor island click here to go back in time and see the spot on harbor island overlooking the beautiful san diego skyline where kamran proposed to leila. at this point we all know how that turned out for him. it's kind of like watching a dvr recording of the last game your favorite team played after you've already heard that they won :)

on a side note, we'd also like to thank alyssa and simeon for lending a hand.





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contact us by phone at 858.663.3283 or email david@ohanaphotographers.com



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76 comments:

*Lissa* said...

What amazing, FUN shots! LOVE!

Josh said...

Dude. Awesome. Nuff. Said.

Rachael Earl said...

Holy SMOKES-I can't believe those shots of the bride! Amazing!

erica said...

she is gorgeous!! that first shot is killer. seriously, needs to be on your website!!!!

melissa o said...

Ooooo wow. Her dress is gorgeous! I love how you captured all the Persian Wedding details - so cool! The honey thing is so sweet!

Paige said...

And I thought their engagement session was hot! Wow!!! Everything about this wedding is gorgeous, the couple, the dress, the shoes, the...ok you get the picture [: You guys once again did amazing!

Peggy said...

I love how elegant everything is at this wedding!
My favorite shots are the first look, love reading your commentary about the couples and I cannot get over how cute and fun the golf flags shot is! That is so fun, but I never expect any less with Ohana!

Malia said...

Oh my those are hundred dollar bills!? I need to get invited to a wedding that has that ;) I love the black and white dancing shots, so hollywood!

Zak said...

I'm all out of witty, funny things to say...so I'll just drop this on ya...these are tight! The b+w's are just yummy and the bride and groom are hot!

Cathy Crawley said...

Leila's dress is amazing, but even more amazing than that are these photos! Wow wow wow. That's all I can say!

Jen said...

Wow, Ohana's you did it again!!! An amazing Wedding Shoot. Dang I LOVED all the angles you shot here...these two are VERY lucky to have you captured their Wedding Day!!! Just beautiful!!

Alice Hu said...

This wedding belongs in a magazine!

Alisa said...

just gorgeous!! her dress is hot man!

Will Parris said...

hot - as always! That first shot is freakin' amazing! all good party people, amazing again!!

Pam said...

I'm in la la land over these! Her dress is amazing! What a stunning couple and what nice words you have written about them. I love the green flag one, and all the details are to die for!
Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

Gretchen Edwards said...

WOW that DRESS!!!! amazing images as always!

Aaina said...

I can't get over that dress! Beautiful pictures as usual! I love the capture of the bride crying after hearing perfect words from her perfect groom. I'm getting teary just looking at the picture. Bravo to such a wonderful capture.

P.S. I really loved reading about the culture and meaning of all the trinkets for a Persian wedding. So awesome!

J. Castro Photography said...

Dude and Dudette! 2 and 14... love em. I'm addicted to your narratives.

scejka said...

All I have to say is SweeeeeeeeeeeeeeT with a capitol T. That is all...

Pamela Telgenhoff said...

As usual...amazing!

Anonymous said...

Leila, your pix are amazing and we all love them !!!!
OHANA did a great job, and hope to have them to my own wedding !

Rana

Anonymous said...

AMAZING shots! Beautiful wedding. Enjoyed all the pics :)

Hybrid Photography said...

Thanks again for having me dudes! It was awesome :)

jenny said...

That first shot is my absolute fav! It looks like such a fun day I wish I was there!!!

Anonymous said...

too too gorgeous!!! I can't get over how beautiful everything was!

Toula said...

Good gracious #14 is my pic for a canvas print! They're all amazing!

Images by JaNae said...

oh my gorgeousness! brilliant mad talent

Cindy Schultz said...

WOW!! these are amazing as always! The brides dress is freaking amazing!

barbara mock said...

whoa! is it hot ever! sumptuously hot, great couple, gorgeous shots, love the engagement shots too!

Becka @Studio222 Photography said...

GORGEOUS (and sidenote: those heels are AMAZING)

Tiffany said...

STUNNING AS ALWAYS!

smittengreta said...

what a sweet wedding! my favs are..... 4th, 6th, and 7th from the recep-shee-own....

Candy said...

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I adore the one showing the bride's emotions. Amazing work as always!

Raycroft Art said...

This rocks.. there is such a style captured here... Like a style tailor made to fit each client. Amazing work.

An3i Studio said...

BEAUTIFUL, i like a lot the b&w is my favourite.

Christopher said...

Love the honey. What a cool idea!

Noelani said...

Such a beautiful couple and touching photographs. The details are exquisite. The picture of the bride in the arches should be made into a canvas, it's just stunning. I love the b&w's pictures also. Wonderful job here.

Ashley Smith said...

OMG! Awesome wedding. Her dress is to die for. I started tearing with the shot of her tearing. That's my favorite photo. It caused me to get emotional! Good job:)

Maya Laurent said...

I want that dress!!!! AWESOME! Love the details during the ceremony, how cool are some of those traditions?!

.E. said...

These are just awesome.. I really like them ALL

Adrienne Gunde said...

Amazing images! Congrats on your first Persian wedding and knocking it completely and totally out of the park!! Love them all!

kymberli q. said...

As always, beautiful! And I love all of the emotions you all captured in this one!! I LOVE the car shot and I love the shot of the top of her wedding dress and flowers and the cake shot is to die for! AWESOME as usual!!

Vida Carson said...

WOW! You are such a great story teller! I feel like I went to the wedding after this post! Such gorgeous talent :)

Dawn Malone said...

LUV EM! But I always do!

Onada - Fashion and Photography said...

wow wow wow absolutely stunning! I love that first shot! You guys inspire me!!!

amanda thiessen said...

these are amazing!!!

Staja Studios said...

Great job as usual guys! I love 1,2,5,and 6. I hope all is going well!

Angel said...

I adore these pictures! The 14th shot belongs on canvas, it's so romantical!

Enoch Photography said...

stunning shots you guys. Fantastic job on all of these. And your processing of them... awesome. //e

Kristen said...

How AMAZING are those dresses!

Nejla said...

Wow wow double Wow wow! What an amazing couple, beautiful, sweet and lovely moments you captured! Bride and Groom are just Perfect with a capital P ;) You did a fantastic job capturing their beautiful love in the air ;)

Nejla said...

Oh and sweet capturing of her beautiful smile :)

Rima said...

Wow, your images look like they came straight out of the pages of Vogue!

gina&tony said...

ok, THAT is a wedding dress. i kind of want to get married again so i can wear it. :P awesome photos as usual! bravo!

Elizabeth said...

So, this is my first time visiting your blog and seeing your work in general, consciously, at least, and I am sitting here, stunned, and all I can think to say is "OMG, you are SO being favourited!"

Eric Foley said...

Awesome reception shots guys! I love the B&W feel. Great moments.

Nat said...

Beautiful shots! I agree, these photos look like they should be in a magazine!

Wai Reyes Photography said...

These are so gorgeous! Love the tones. Amazing work, you guys!

Blair Van Bussel said...

WOW! LOVE that first shot, and all the details are amazing, you guys totally showed this wedding who was boss!!

maria lang said...

YAAA!! geniousss! love em

Chelsea Nicole said...

Beautiful work guys! My favorites are #5 of Leila looking all gorgeous in the archway and the fun B&W of them getting down on the dancefloor. Love it! Looks like you guys were having a blast. :)

Chelsea Nicole said...

Btw, shoes look like they might be Irregular Choice.... love their shoes!

Sylvia Borgo said...

wow! This wedding looks amazing.There is so much emotion in these images! I absolutely, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her stunning dress. Perfect for someone so gorgeous!

Erika McCauley said...

Your photos are perfect and capture so much emotion! I feel like I was there!

Stephen Grant said...

Crazy beautiful, man! I always feel like I'm in the moment with your pictures. LOVE that mirror shot, the golf flags, the low angle kiss, the.... awh, heck, just a darn good set always always!

Felicia said...

Incredible shots! Your pictures always look like they should be in magazines and these are no exception. I'm so jealous of this couple! I want to get married again to hire you guys as my wedding photographers! Maybe I can talk my hubs into renewing our vows [= It could happen.

Beth Morgan said...

Her dress makes me SWOON!!! My fave is the BW shot of half of her. OMG... LOVE!

Denise Karis said...

you guys are so good. and so creative. wow. Every time i look thru a wedding of yours i feel like I was there - so good. Can you please tell us all how to do an image like that first one? I LOVE photos like that and can never figure out how they're taken!

Jamie Burnett said...

WOW!!!! That dress is amazing, and so are all of these images!!

Aaron Shintaku said...

freshness

Susie B said...

The amazing story these pictures tell, you guys really can capture the emotion. If I get married again I'm hiring you :)

amber dawn said...

Wow. I'm speechless. Those shots of the bride are beyond amazing...the first two...forget that, all of the black and whites are a-freakin-mazing. You guys rock!

Nadia said...

This couple is incredibly gorgeous! I am in LOVE with the first glance series! The groom's expression is absolutely priceless! It made my heart just melt! The moments you all captured here are perfect. The black and white photos are like photos of movie stars in a magazine from the 40's, so glamorous!

Afolabi - Fotos by Fola said...

You guys are amazing...you never seize to amaze me. Love your work. All the pictures are astonishing..

Michelle Guzman said...

I especially love the portraits at the beginning. Dramatic and creative bridal images. And the golf course is too cute!!

Kenzie Miller said...

I stalk your blog daily and absolutely LOVE your work, and your writing! It is obvious that you care for your couples to take the time to write so eloquently about their stories! The information on the Persian details was very interesting. This couple and the pictures are phenomenal! I was in love with their engagement session photos as well! Don't get me started on the bridal portraits, they are stunning! I hope they print one up big on a canvas or billboard :) I was going to say that I am speechless, but obviously couldn't contain myself. Brava! Brava!
Congratulations to the beautiful couple!