I was honoured enough to be the wedding photographer in Monaco for two high end Iranian weddings and I was glad that the mother of the bride from one of these Persian weddings was satisfied with my work and commissioned me to do be the event photographer in London for the Iranian Heritage Foundation which organized the Iranian New Year celebration in March. From my experience the decorations at Persian celebrations have a lot of meaning and I was in for a treat when I saw the beautiful settings. It was not surprising that everything was more glamorous than I expected as this luxury event to celebrate the Persian New Year took place in the famous Dorchester hotel in Central London. It was very interesting for me to read about all the different symbols in the arrangements and I’m glad to share with you what I read.
The Persian New Year is called Nowrūz which means The New Day. Nowruz is celebrated and observed principally in Iran but has spread in many other parts of the world. Originally being a Zoroastrian festival, and the holiest of them all, Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar. It usually occurs on March 21 - the day the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day, signifying the Spring Equinox.
There were several lavish arrangements in the rooms and each had its own significance. These displays were originally called Haft Chin and included seven items but nowadays various items are displayed and they are all full of symbolism. There was a small pond with golden fish which represents the animals but also has the meaning of life within life and is connected with the fact that the Sun leaves the sign of Pisces. In the pond there were golden coins representing wealth. The pond was surrounded with grass which was decorated with garlic representing the medicine, dates and nuts. There was a big display of various bowls of fruits and vegetables. Among them apples seemed to have the most meaning as representing the Earth or according to other interpretation symbolising beauty. There was another display of various nuts, sweets and bags of wheat which symbolises the plants but also carries the meaning of rebirth. Other items that carried symbolism were candles symbolising the fire or according to other interpretation enlightenment, mirrors symbolising the sky but also had the meaning of cleanness and honesty, golab (the rose water) represented the water but is also believed to have magical cleansing powers. And everywhere there were beautiful flower arrangements.
The table decorations in the ball room were equally impressive in their glamour but what else can one expect for a high end event in the Dorchester hotel for such an important celebration like a New Year party?
When the guests started arriving I was dazzled by the beautiful outfits and the beautiful women wearing the beautiful dresses. Unfortunately due to the confidentiality agreement with the client I’m not allowed to show photos of the guests of this event photography in the Dorchester hotel but each guest looked stunning. I’ve read that like for any high end event the Iranian people often buy new clothes for a celebration like the Nowruz New Year.
To be the event photographer in the Dorchester hotel in London was not only a privilege but also a very interesting experience as it was London event photography that I can say I haven’t done before. It was an amazing experience to see and photograph new traditions. I love doing wedding photography in London but London event photography has its highlights and interesting sides.
For further information about event photography in London and to view our portfolio of bar mitzvah photography, birthday photography, children party photography and corporate photography please visit www.NeliPrahova.com or contact Neli on nprahova@gmail.com.
