A New Zealand Clifftop Wedding Infused with Persian Traditions

Location: West Coast, Auckland, New Zealand
Setting: Farm
Wedding season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 90
Wedding theme/style: Coastal, glam, modern.

Ghazal, a lawyer with Persian heritage, and Tom, a builder and commercial pilot, met in 2016. Despite their different backgrounds, they quickly discovered a strong connection, bound by their outgoing natures and love for adventure. Together, they enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and sharing new experiences both in New Zealand and abroad.

Pia Bacino’s photos vividly capture moments like the joyous clinking of glasses at a crowded table or the heartfelt embrace between friends, showcasing her talent for seizing the perfect instant when emotions run high. She uses angles and perspectives that bring out each scene’s depth and dynamic energy, whether it’s a quiet, intimate portrait or the expansive beauty of a scenic wedding backdrop.

Ghazal opted for a simple look, allowing her true self to shine through. Tom started the day in a classic black suit, later changing into a crisp white blazer as the festivities kicked off. “These style choices reflected our desire for authenticity and comfort as we celebrated the merging of our two cultures and the beginning of our life together,” shared the bride.

“We aimed to blend Ghazal’s Persian cultures throughout our wedding festivities,” says the groom. They incorporated a Persian sugar ceremony, a beautiful tradition symbolizing the sweetness of life together as a couple. This unique ritual involves the rubbing together of two sugar cones, creating a delicate haze of sugar dust.

The European ceremony was set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tasman Sea. With her father by her side, the bride walked down the aisle. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by close friends and family. “Thankfully, the day turned out to be clear and warm, easing our worries,” recalled Ghazal.

Alone along the cliffs, with the endless expanse of the sea beside them and the sound of waves, Ghazal and Tom shared a quiet moment, wrapped in each other’s presence away from the celebration’s bustle.

In a heartfelt nod to the proposal, the couple treated their guests to limoncello shots upon their arrival at the ceremony. They also stationed a lively tuktuk bar, offering refreshing drinks to start the celebrations. Throughout the evening, guests indulged in the festivities, with the evening margarita bar proving to be a particular hit. “Tom and I, being enthusiasts of drinking, made certain that there were various bars conveniently placed around the venue,” explained the bride.

“In addition to the sugar ceremony, we included the lively and spirited Persian knife dance tradition,” shared Ghazal. Typically performed by the bride’s girlfriends, this dance added an element of fun to the celebration. As part of the tradition, the newlyweds exchanged money in return for the knife, symbolizing the unity of their partnership as they cut the cake together. Adding a personal touch, newlyweds crafted individual poems for each attendee to enjoy during the reception. “It was so memorable seeing the Persian culture celebrated and embraced by all our friends and family,” concluded the bride.