For Eden and Babak’s wedding, it was important to the couple to incorporate elements from both of their cultures into the ceremony and the after party. With Babak being Persian and Eden Jewish, they made sure to include nods into their big day such as the honey kiss, Sofreh Aghd, breaking the glass, and Hora dance all in a gorgeous southwestern hacienda!
Photographer Jaclyn Dodge notes that the love and excitement of this day was so obvious and all the details were so beautiful and inspiring. The couple are both actors – Babak Tafti has been in Super Pumped, Succession and Legacies and Eden Malyn is in theater and has appeared in Orange is the New Black – and live in both NYC and LA. They decided to have their wedding in New Mexico, where Babak was born and raised, after Eden fell in love with it while visiting Babak’s family! So sweet! With event design by the talented Amanda Wallace and major DIY help from the bride’s friends…this day was everything the couple could’ve dreamed of and we cannot wait to share!
Step Inside the Hacienda
Makeup and hairstylist Cara Hartley created the most beautiful half-up half-down hairstyle adorned with the sweetest floral accents!
The groom looks dapper in his attire from Hugo Boss!
The Outdoor Ceremony
Get this! All the gorgeous floral arrangements seen throughout this wedding were crafted by the bride’s incredible group of friends who worked tirelessly for 3 days to do all of the amazing flower arrangements!! Better yet… they were all from Trader Joe’s! We love a DIY moment and they couldn’t have been more beautiful.Â
Processional: I Saw Her For the First Time by Dr. Dog
Recessional: Like A Ship by Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir
First Dance: I'll Always Remember Us This Way performed live by Amanda Wallace and Aaron Beaumont
This Persian ritual is called the honey kiss! Where the bride and groom each dip their fingertips into honey and feed it to each other! Supposedly, the sweetness level of the honey stands for a life and future together that is… you guessed it… sweet!
These two are married!!
The Reception
These gents are looking sharp! 😎
Babak grew up in New Mexico, and in the 5 years they spent together they have spent a lot of time there. Eden was instantly taken with the natural beauty of the Southwest and the holiness of the land. When the two decided to tie the knot, it was the only place that felt right for them to do it and they chose the gorgeous Hacienda doña Andrea de Santa Fe.
It’s clear that these two are no strangers to the cameras because they are simply stunning!
Eden probably looked at a thousand wedding dresses and wasn’t excited about anything remotely in her price range. When she saw the Coco Dress from Grace Loves Lace she was instantly obsessed. We are too!!
This was the very first dress she tried on and she didn’t want to take it off! The skirt has a serious twirl factor, and its nod to traditional Mexican style was absolutely perfect for the Hacienda setting.
Take Your Seat
Babak's best man, Marcus Henderson, gave an incredibly powerful toast about our community lifting us up. Just as he raised his arms to encourage our friends and family to shout their support a dramatic gust of wind came blowing through the veranda. Everyone gasped; it truly felt as though he had called the wind! Pure magic.
The dessert table of our dreams! Why have one cake when you could have FOUR?! Bet you wouldn’t guess that these delicious beauties were from Whole Foods!
A friend said something to Eden when her stress was peaking a couple of months before the big day, and it really resonated with her. For your friends and family, this will likely be one of many weddings they attend in their lifetimes. At best, it will be a beautiful day and a really great party. At worst, it won't be their favorite wedding. But for the couple, it's one of the most significant and memorable days of your life. So make every choice to your taste. Design the day the way YOU want it. Don't worry about what others think. The day is meant to reflect your love and your specialness as a couple - concentrate on that.
Clearly these two didn’t miss a beat and danced the rest of the night away! We send over the warmest well wishes to you both!
photography: Jac Dodge Photography // venue name: Hacienda doña Andrea de Santa Fe, Los Cerillos, New Mexico, USA // event design: Amanda Wallace // wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace - Coco // hair stylist: Cara Hartley // makeup artist: Cara Hartley // groom attire: Hugo Boss // catering: Walter Burke // cake: Whole Foods // music: The Drakes
