In April, under Scottsdale’s perfect spring skies, I had the joy of documenting a stunning Iranian wedding at Mountain Shadows. Lily and Tyler’s celebration blends rich cultural traditions with modern Western elegance, all set against one of Arizona’s most stylish and versatile venues. The day unfolds with warmth from their families and a contagious energy from everyone. Guests arrive impeccably dressed—tailored suits, flowing gowns, vibrant accessories. The weather is that ideal Arizona spring combination: gentle sun, clear skies, and a comfortable breeze that makes being outdoors a dream.

The Venue: Modern Elegance Meets Endless Possibility

Mountain Shadows Resort is one of those rare places that seems made for every kind of wedding. It is one of my absolute favorites in the Valley. Its sleek, modern architecture is understated enough to let the natural desert backdrop shine. It’s also the perfect blank canvas for couples who want to create something extravagant.

The neutral tones, clean lines, and wide-open spaces mean you can keep décor minimal and refined—or layer in lush florals, dramatic lighting, and personalized details without overwhelming the setting. For photographers, the venue’s design is a dream. It has natural light that pours into every space, courtyards and terraces with stunning views of Camelback Mountain, and modern interiors create a polished, editorial-worthy backdrop.

For Lily and Tyler’s wedding at Mountain Shadows, the contemporary elegance pairs with the vibrancy of Iranian wedding traditions. You can see what the space looks like from anywhere with their Virtual Tour.

The Sofreh Aghd

One of the most breathtaking moments of the day is the Sofreh Aghd—the ceremonial wedding spread. The Sofreh is arranged with exquisite care. Each symbolic item—a mirror for reflection, candles for light, herbs for health, sweets for a sweet life—is beautifully displayed, catching the natural light in ways that make photographing the details a dream.

Guests gather close, their colorful attire forming a living frame around the scene. The air is filled with a quiet reverence as family and friends look on, creating an atmosphere both intimate and celebratory. The sensory experience is like nothing else. With Camelback Mountain as the backdrop, the ceremony takes center stage.

Western Influences & Blended Style

Alongside these rich Iranian traditions, Lily and Tyler include modern Western elements—a ring exchange, heartfelt vows, and a first kiss framed by the clean lines and desert landscape of Mountain Shadows.

The mix of styles feels effortless. The modern architecture gives the perfect backdrop for the ornate elements of the Iranian ceremony, while also complementing the sleek silhouettes and timeless style of the Western moments.

A Photogenic Couple & Joyful Guests

Lily is, without question, one of the sweetest brides I have ever had the pleasure to photograph. She radiates kindness and grace, and her natural ease in front of the camera makes every frame sing. Tyler is equally a dream to photograph. He is handsome, relaxed, and always ready with a genuine smile.

Their connection is effortless, and it shows in every candid moment—from quiet exchanges during the ceremony to bursts of laughter on the dance floor.

The guests are every photographer’s dream: joyful, engaged, and dressed to perfection. The variety of textures and colors in their clothing adds richness to group portraits and reception candids. Their energy is palpable from start to finish.

While I was working with the incredible team at Ashley Rae Photography for this event, I was floored later this year when this couple recognized me at another wedding. Tyler and Lily are friends with another couple of mine and so kindly said hello and gushed about me to everyone…not that I didn’t totally revel in the praise! This small example speaks praise to them as individuals and their sweet nature together.

Kelling & Ragsheh Chagoo

Cocktail hour and the reception are a lively blend of tradition and modern style. Guests toast the couple, share stories, and fill the dance floor with energy. The indoor-outdoor spaces of Mountain Shadows keep the celebration flowing seamlessly.

After the Sofreh Aghd, the ceremony flows seamlessly into Kelling and Ragsheh Chagoo. Kelling brings heartfelt blessings and symbolic gestures, moments where cultural heritage takes center stage. Then comes Ragsheh Chagoo—the knife dance before cutting the cake—full of laughter and playful energy. Guests sway and clap along, and it’s impossible not to smile behind the camera as the couple and their loved ones enjoy every second.

These traditions bring so much life to the day, and photographing them feels like capturing both the joy of the moment and the weight of generations of meaning behind them.

A Creative Team Effort

Lily and Tyler’s Iranian wedding at Mountain Shadows is a great example of what happens when you have an amazing creative team working together. The photo, video, and content teams move seamlessly through the day, capturing everything from ceremony shots to intimate, behind-the-scenes moments. This kind of collaboration makes all the difference. It allows everyone to do their respective job to provide couples with the absolute best we have to offer.

Why Mountain Shadows is Perfect for Cultural & Modern Weddings

Looking at Lily and Tyler’s day, it’s clear how perfectly Mountain Shadows suits their vision. The venue’s modern design provides a clean and elegant stage for the richly detailed Iranian traditions, while also seamlessly accommodating Western elements.

Whether you’re planning a minimalist celebration, an ornate cultural ceremony, or a blend of styles like this one, Mountain Shadows adapts beautifully. It offers the kind of light, space, and visual interest that make photography shine—and the flexibility to truly make the day your own.

Final Thoughts

This Iranian wedding at Mountain Shadows will stay with me for a long time. Not just because of the venue’s beauty or the traditions I have the honor to document, but because of the people—the kindness of Lily and Tyler, the joy of their families, and the shared celebration of love that transcends cultural lines.

It’s a day of elegance, warmth, and connection. And it’s a reminder that when tradition meets modern style in a place as thoughtfully designed as Mountain Shadows, the result is nothing short of magical.