Lace & Ivy, Summer 2026
The current unsettling and tragic situation in Iran does not inspire creativity, especially when thinking about celebrations. However, life has to go on and weddings are taking place, albeit perhaps on a smaller scale. The symbolic elements of the Persian marriage sofreh are all about hope, prosperity, unity, peace and harmony. May Iran be blessed with all those virtues!
For almost ten years, during the wedding season, elaborate sofrehs were presented on this page. Given the current circumstances, this year a compact, simple and serene sofreh-ye aqd entitled “Lace & Ivy” has been created, aspiring to peace and harmony.
This is the overall view of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh. It comprises the essential symbolic elements of the sofreh-ye aqd with an emphasis on showcasing lengths of antique lace and variegated trailing ivy. In the Western tradition, ivy is a symbol of love and is often included in wedding bouquets, tiaras and decorations. The sofreh’s colour scheme is soft and subtle and the ruched ivory silk defining the sofreh adds a subtle elegance to the composition.
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This is the heart of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony. The mirror, with a gold-finish leaf motif frame, is flanked by two pairs of elegant tea light holders. The crystal sugar in the form of a bowl (kaseh nabat), which is embellished with a single leaf of variegated ivy, is partially reflected in the mirror, as are the trailing ivy plant and a few of the symbolic elements of the sofreh. In the Persian tradition, crystal sugar is a symbol of sweetness and harmony.
This is one of the pair of bouquets included in the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony. This soft bouquet is made of Arctic Flow spray roses, a single Moon Over Barrington peony, Uno Hypericums, Alchamilla mollis and Chasmanthium latifolium. The vase is elegantly draped in a length of antique lace and the bouquet is softly illuminated with the flames of two tea lights, placed in original holders. The reflection of the lower flame in the gold-rimmed glass holder is simply charming.
This is a section of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony. A small antique tray contains gold-tinted quail eggs and walnuts, which are both symbols of fertility. A similar tray holds a pair of sugarloaves (kalleh qand) embellished with lengths of antique lace and tied with fine gold tassels. Traditionally, during the aqd ceremony sugarloaves are ground above the heads of the newlyweds to shower them and their union with sweetness and harmony.
This is a section of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony. Here a small arrangement of attractive antique flasks of a single Moon Over Barrington peony and fragrant herbs has been created. Herbs, usually accompanied by Persian cheese, are included in the sofreh-ye aqd and augur happiness and good fortune to the newlyweds. In this image, draped antique lace, flask stoppers and branches of variegated trailing ivy add interest to the elegant display.
This is the front central section of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony. A pair of small antique trays is on display showcasing a pair of sculptured stylized birds, representing the married couple, and a container of honey and a miniature volume of the Qur’an. Traditionally, during the marriage ceremony the couple exchange a mouthful of honey, wishing for a sweet and harmonious married life. Branches of the trailing ivy gracefully adorn this section. The Qur’an and/or a book of verse are often included in the sofreh-ye aqd.
This is a section of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony. A delicate antique tray embellished with a fragment of antique lace showcases gilded coins (sekkeh), a symbol of prosperity, and Persian sugared almonds (noql), signifying sweetness and harmony. Another delicate tray contains seeds of rue in their pods (esfand), embellished with single gilded coins. Burning esfand gives off a pleasant aroma and is believed to have evil-averting powers. An antique mirrored flask of Persian rosewater (golab) perfumes the air.
This is a section of the “Lace & Ivy” sofreh, aspiring to peace and harmony, which creates a pleasant balance with the miniature arrangement of the peony and herbs. This charming and delicate composition is made of sheaves of subtly gold-tinted wheat, a symbol of blessing and abundance (barekat), and a single ample Moon Over Barrington peony and soft hanging foliage, all presented in attractive antique vessels. The stopper and the lid of the receptacles nicely complement this miniature composition.
