Persian Dover Hall Wedding in Manakin-Sabot | DC Wedding Photographers

Dover Hall Wedding | Nekki + Jon

Dover Hall Wedding Photos | DC Wedding Photographers

Dover Hall Wedding | Virginia Wedding Photographers

Nekki and Jon’s Dover Hall wedding in Manakin-Sabot was out of this world! The two had plans to incorporate many cultural traditions, and I was so excited to photograph their Persian spring wedding at this beautiful Richmond wedding venue.

Jon and Nekki both attended college at Virginia Commonwealth University here in Richmond. While at school, their mutual friends set them up on a date. Once these two met, they knew it was meant to be. When it came time for Jon to propose, he did it in the most romantic way! They were on a weekend vacation in Arizona, and he knew this would be the perfect time to pop the question. As they were on a hot air balloon ride, at the highest altitude of the ride, Jon proposed, and of course, Nekki said, “Yes!”

Dover Hall estate is just a short drive from Richmond and sits on 55 rolling acres. Dover Hall wedding venue is an ivy-covered Tudor-inspired estate that truly does look like a castle you would find in the English countryside.

I love experiencing my different couples’ cultures on the wedding day and seeing how they incorporate their traditions. The lavish Sofreh table laid out under the fireplace at the end of the ballroom was a feast for the eyes, and each item on the table stands for meaningful wishes for the couple’s future. There is a mirror facing the couple that symbolizes eternity, the candles represent light, and coins for wealth and prosperity.

Their ceremony was a blend of a ‘traditional’ American wedding and a Persian ceremony, which was officiated by the bride’s beautiful cousin. I loved seeing the women in Nekki’s life step up to stand behind the Torreh Ghand (sugar cloth) that was held to drape over the couple’s heads during that portion of the ceremony.

And their reception was just plain FUN! As soon as Nekki and Jon made their entrance into the reception down the grand staircase, the family and friends encircled the couple and a joyous dance party broke out. At one point, Jon was lifted over the dancers’ heads, and soon after, the knives came out!

Before the cake-cutting, several women participated in the knife dance. Each woman danced across the ballroom floor carrying a knife which she presented for money. Once the money was given, each passed off the knife to the next dancer. The last dancer presents the knife to the couple to use to cut the wedding cake.

Nekki & Jon, you two are so incredible together, and I love seeing how much fun you two have and how you soak joy from every minute! It was an absolute pleasure getting to know you and capture this next chapter in your love story.

Enjoy a few of my favorite images from this Persian Dover Hall Wedding in Richmond, VA!