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Syrian Ballroom Wedding

Syrian Ballroom Wedding

The flowers from this Pasadena wedding shot by Alders Photography are sending us completely over the moon. No matter how many stunning boutonnieres, arrangements, and centerpieces we see here at Ruffled, sometimes you just can’t beat a fluffy pink bouquet. Make sure you read on to find out how this gorgeous couple met — talk about one serious love connection. It’s one of those love stories you would only think it existed in movies.


vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography

From the bride, Mouna: Zak is from Ohio, I am from California. One day, late 2006, Zak searched his last name on Facebook to see if there were any other Salahiehs living in the US and my name showed up. At first, our instinct was to trace back whether we were related. After all, Salahieh is not a common name in the US. It turns out, Salahieh was common in Syria, our home country. Same last name, both from Syria, but not related! After a few months of e-mails, and sleepless AIM chats, we realized that our relationship was more than just “Hello.” Zak flew out to California to see if our relationship would take off upon meeting. Lo & behold, it did!

vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photographyvintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography
vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography

vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photographyvintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography
vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography

After visits back & forth, Zak moved to California. A few months later we got engaged, & a year later we got married. Old Town Pasadena is a special place for us where we’d often go on dates. Cafe Santorini was one of those dates! The food is amazing! We later learned about the reception hall The Rococo Room. We felt it was a perfect fit for our wedding. Our most vivid memory from the wedding day was our entrance. We walked in to The Cinematic Orchestra’s “That Home.”


vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photographyvintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography
vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography

Any advice for future brides? Biggest advice is to just go out there and have a good time. Don’t get too caught up with the details. Your wedding day goes by so fast so try to take it easy & enjoy every moment. Keep in mind that you are celebrating with your closest friends & family so there’s no reason to be nervous. Even if something goes wrong, just make the best out of it, let loose & dance!

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vintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photographyvintage traditional syrian california wedding from alders photography

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Vendors (Pasadena, CA):

Reception Venue: The Rococo Room of Cafe Santorini / Wedding Photographer: Alders Photography / Wedding Dress: Karoza Designs / Wedding Flowers: Jabe’s Events and Party Rentals / Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bakeshop / Bride’s Hair: Aline Dera / DJ: DJ Nedal

View Comments (17)
  • So pretty! Lovely bouquet and such a sweet “how-we-met” story!:)

  • I am a wedding planner and designer and I love your weddings on here! They are so creative and unique! I know all of the hard work and planning that goes into every one of these!

  • Just beautiful! I love all the sweet details, especially the little heart stickers in the shoes. It is such a small detail that no one may have even seen. Yet, I love the idea of having something that is personal, and almost like your own little secret between you and your special person. So lovely!

  • Thank you all for your sweet comments! To answer Tara’s question…the shoes are Rocket Dog (believe it or not!). I purchased them from Macy’s.

  • Oops! I forgot to mention…the embellishments on the shoe were added by me. They are actually broches that I pinned on.

  • Such a beautiful bride! Your wedding = gorgeous!!! I love your added personal touch, those small details are priceless! 🙂

  • Thanks Jennifer! I’m sure yours is going to be gorgeous, too! I know you totally get the “personal touch” aspect…you’re insanely creative! If you need any leads, referrals, or have any questions–please let me know!

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