Alexandra and Hadi’s Persian-Themed Wedding Celebration at Walworth Castle

There are some wedding venues that never fail to impress, no matter how many times you visit them, and Walworth Castle is certainly one of those places. Standing proudly in the County Durham countryside, just outside Darlington, the castle has centuries of character built into its stone walls. The Grade I-listed building dates mainly from around the beginning of the seventeenth century, although the site has much earlier origins. It also has a wonderful royal connection: King James VI of Scotland stayed there in April 1603 while travelling south to become King James I of England. It is the kind of history that gives a wedding venue a real sense of occasion before the celebrations have even begun.

I have photographed many weddings at Walworth Castle over the years, but this was my first visit since its refurbishment. As I drove through the entrance and saw the castle rising ahead of me beneath a bright blue sky, I was genuinely excited to see what had changed. The answer became obvious very quickly: a great deal has been done, and the results are absolutely superb. The familiar history and grandeur remain, but everything feels fresher, brighter and perfectly suited to a modern wedding celebration.

I arrived at 11am on what was already shaping up to be a glorious day. The sun was shining, the grounds looked immaculate and the warm stone of the castle appeared especially striking against the clear sky. It was the perfect morning for Alexandra and Hadi’s Persian-themed wedding celebration.

I made my way straight to the new bridal studio, and all I can say is wow! It is a fantastic addition to Walworth Castle and exactly the kind of space brides and wedding photographers dream of. Spacious, stylish and filled with beautiful natural light, it is perfect for hair and makeup and equally perfect for capturing relaxed morning photographs. Most importantly, it has a lovely atmosphere, giving everyone room to breathe, move around and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

When I entered the room, everything was remarkably calm. There was no frantic searching for shoes, no last-minute panic and nobody asking where the flowers had disappeared to. Alexandra had already had her makeup completed and looked absolutely beautiful. She was relaxed, smiling and clearly enjoying the morning with the people closest to her.

Joining Alexandra were her sisters and bridesmaids, Keziah and Ruth, along with Tamar and Joy, and Alexandra’s mum, Vivienne. It was a lovely group, full of warmth and gentle excitement. Another bridesmaid, Steph, was sadly unable to attend after giving birth to a baby girl only days before the celebration. I think everyone would agree that she had a very good reason for missing the day, and she was spoken about with great affection throughout the morning.

Makeup artist Jo was finishing up and beginning to pack away her equipment when I arrived. Jo has many years of experience working as a makeup artist within the fashion industry, and that experience was clear to see. Alexandra’s makeup was elegant, polished and beautifully suited to her, enhancing her features without ever looking overdone.

She looked flawless in person and photographed wonderfully. Jo had done an absolutely stunning job, and anyone looking for a highly experienced and talented makeup artist should visit her Instagram page, @makeupbyjouk.

It was not long before my good friend and regular collaborator, videographer Mark Walton of Mark Walton Wedding Films, arrived at the castle. Mark and I have worked together many times over the years, and it is always a pleasure. We understand how one another works, we never get in each other’s way and, most importantly, we both want the couple to enjoy their wedding without feeling as though they are taking part in a film set. www.markwaltonweddingfilms.co.uk

Once Mark had arrived, we both got to work documenting the tranquil atmosphere in the bridal studio. While the girls chatted, laughed and enjoyed drinks together, I concentrated on capturing the natural moments as well as all the important details.

The dresses, jewellery, shoes, flowers and all the little personal touches were carefully photographed. These details may seem small on the morning itself, but they become an important part of the complete story of the wedding. Months and years later, they can bring back memories of the excitement, anticipation and atmosphere that surrounded the preparations.

Before getting dressed, we photographed the bridal party together with their drinks. These relaxed photographs are always a lovely way to capture the excitement before everything becomes a little more formal. There were smiles, raised glasses and plenty of laughter, but the room still retained that beautifully calm feeling.

Then it was time for the transformation.

One by one, the bridesmaids changed into their dresses, and they all looked amazing. The colours and styling worked beautifully together and were perfectly suited to the elegant surroundings of Walworth Castle. With everyone ready, attention naturally turned towards Alexandra.

When she appeared in her beautiful traditional dress, the room seemed to pause for a moment.

She looked absolutely breathtaking.

The dress featured intricate lace that caught the light wonderfully and was completed by an elegant trailing veil. Every part of the look felt timeless, graceful and completely right for her. It was one of those moments that showed exactly why bridal preparation photographs are so important. The excitement, reactions and emotion of seeing the bride fully dressed for the first time can never be recreated later.

We arranged a dress reveal for Alexandra’s dad, Hill. He waited without seeing her while Alexandra stood quietly, and when he finally entered the room, his expression said everything.

He was completely astounded by his daughter’s beauty.

There was pride, emotion and genuine amazement in his face, and it was a privilege to capture. These are the photographs that become more precious and valuable with every passing year. A father seeing his daughter as a bride for the first time is always an incredibly special moment, and this was certainly no exception.

With the reveal complete, we moved on to Alexandra’s bridal portraits. The new suites wonderful natural light was perfect, allowing the delicate details of her dress and veil to shine. We created a mixture of elegant posed portraits and more natural images before bringing the bridesmaids and family together for the bridal-party group photographs.

Everyone looked fantastic, and the combination of beautiful dresses, soft light and relaxed surroundings made this part of the morning especially enjoyable. There was no rushing and no unnecessary stress. We had time to make sure the photographs looked right while still allowing everyone to enjoy the moment.

Soon, however, it was time for Alexandra to leave the castle and make her way towards the ceremony.

Waiting outside was her uncle’s stunning BMW, polished to perfection and looking every bit worthy of the occasion. Alexandra stepped out into the glorious sunshine, her veil and dress carefully arranged, before climbing into the car.

Rather than heading immediately to the ceremony area, the plan included a quick drive around the block. It gave Alexandra a few final moments of thought, created a real sense of arrival and, of course, allowed her to make a wonderfully stylish entrance.

A short while later, the BMW returned and made its way towards the beautiful Walworth Castle Glade. With the sun shining, the guests waiting and the historic castle providing the perfect backdrop, Alexandra arrived in style, ready to stand alongside Hadi and begin the next chapter of an already unforgettable Persian-themed wedding celebration.

With Alexandra having made her wonderfully stylish arrival at Walworth Castle, it was time for everyone to make their way towards the venue’s brand-new outdoor celebration area, known as The Glade.

Alexandra and Hadi were already married, but they wanted to create a beautiful and meaningful celebration where they could share their love, culture and happiness with their family and friends. Walworth Castle’s new Glade could not have provided a more perfect setting for such a special occasion.

I have photographed many weddings and celebrations at Walworth Castle over the years, but this was my first opportunity to experience The Glade, and what an incredible addition it is. Hidden among the trees within the castle grounds, it feels peaceful, intimate and completely separate from the outside world. It is a wonderful setting for couples who dream of an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature.

On this particular day, the weather could not have been better.

The sun streamed through the trees, creating beautiful patterns of light and shade across the woodland floor. Guests were seated on rustic wooden benches, chatting excitedly as they waited for the celebration to begin. Birds sang in the trees above, while a gentle breeze moved through the branches and helped everyone stay cool in the glorious summer sunshine.

It was one of those settings where everything seemed to come together perfectly. The weather, the woodland surroundings and the sense of anticipation among the guests created an atmosphere that was both relaxed and incredibly special.

At the centre of The Glade was a long hessian aisle carpet leading between the rows of benches towards the ceremony area. It suited the natural woodland setting beautifully and created the perfect route for Alexandra and her bridal party to make their entrance.

At the front, Hadi waited patiently with his two Best Men: his brother, Siavash, and his good friend, Jamie.

Even though Alexandra and Hadi were already married, the emotion and excitement were every bit as powerful as they would have been on their original wedding day. This was an opportunity for them to celebrate their relationship in front of the people they loved, bringing together their families, friends and cultures in the most wonderful surroundings.

Hadi appeared calm as he stood waiting, but there was no hiding the excitement on his face. He was about to see Alexandra make her grand entrance, and everyone present knew it was going to be a special moment.

My good friend and videographer Mark Walton and I positioned ourselves carefully so that we could document the entrances and Hadi’s reaction without interrupting the view of the guests. Outdoor celebrations always require a little extra thought because the light can change very quickly beneath the trees, but the sunshine filtering through the branches created a beautiful atmosphere.

The music began, and the guests turned towards the entrance to The Glade.

One by one, the bridesmaids made their way along the hessian carpet. Keziah, Ruth, Tamar and Joy all looked absolutely amazing as they walked through the woodland towards the waiting guests. Each entrance was met with smiles, and the anticipation continued to build as everyone realised that Alexandra would soon appear.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Alexandra appeared at the entrance to The Glade alongside her dad, Hill.

Together, they began their walk down the aisle.

It was a genuinely breathtaking sight. Alexandra looked stunning in her beautiful traditional dress, with the intricate lace catching the sunlight as she moved. Her long trailing veil followed behind her along the hessian carpet, while the trees and woodland created an incredibly romantic backdrop.

There were tears among the guests as Alexandra and her dad made their way slowly towards Hadi. There were also plenty of smiles, with people turning towards one another in amazement at just how beautiful she looked.

Hadi’s reaction was wonderful to witness. Standing alongside Siavash and Jamie, he watched Alexandra approach with a mixture of love, pride and emotion clearly written across his face.

Even after already becoming husband and wife, the moment still carried enormous significance. This was their chance to share their commitment with everyone gathered at Walworth Castle, and the connection between them was clear for everyone to see.

When Alexandra reached the front of The Glade, Hill proudly took his place to oversee the celebration.

Having a close family member lead such an important occasion always adds something incredibly personal, and Hill did a fantastic job. He spoke confidently, warmly and with just the right amount of emotion, guiding Alexandra, Hadi and their guests through the ceremony in the glorious woodland surroundings.

The celebration was filled with laughter, affection and heartfelt words. Alexandra and Hadi stood together beneath the trees, holding hands as their family and friends watched from the rustic benches.

It was already a beautiful occasion, but for me, the highlight came around halfway through the ceremony.

Hadi is Iranian, and Persian culture is filled with wonderful traditions carrying generations of history and meaning. Alexandra and Hadi had chosen to include an important part of this heritage within their celebration, creating a moment that was both deeply personal and completely unforgettable.

Hadi’s brother and Best Man, Siavash, stepped forward to conduct a traditional Persian wedding reading and ceremony.

The atmosphere within The Glade seemed to change immediately. The guests listened closely as Siavash began speaking, honouring the traditions that form such an important part of Hadi’s life, family and cultural background.

Hadi proudly repeated the Persian vows after his brother. There was a real sense of pride in his voice as he spoke, with Alexandra standing beside him and listening carefully.

Then it was Alexandra’s turn.

She began repeating the words perfectly in Persian.

Wow!

Alexandra delivered every word beautifully. It was obvious that she had taken great care and put an enormous amount of effort into learning the Persian vows. The expression on Hadi’s face said everything. He was proud, touched and clearly overwhelmed by the love and respect Alexandra had shown towards his heritage.

It was a beautiful and incredibly powerful moment.

A marriage is about two people bringing their lives together, but it can also represent the joining of families, traditions and cultures. Alexandra speaking in Persian represented all of that perfectly.

I glanced around at the guests and could see how moved everyone was. Some were smiling, while others were wiping tears from their eyes. Even from behind my camera, I could feel the emotion surrounding Alexandra and Hadi.

As a wedding photographer, I am privileged to witness many wonderful moments, but occasions like this stay with you. They are completely unique to the couple and could never be recreated or staged. My job was simply to document the expressions, the tears and the overwhelming sense of pride and love that filled The Glade.

Following the Persian ceremony, there was another incredibly meaningful contribution.

A reading was delivered by the lovely couple who had looked after Hadi when he first arrived in the United Kingdom.

Their involvement added another deeply personal layer to the celebration. These were people who had played an important role in Hadi’s life, welcoming him and supporting him during what must have been a significant period of change.

Their reading was delivered with warmth and genuine affection. It was clear from their words just how highly they thought of Hadi and how delighted they were to see him sharing such a happy and important occasion with Alexandra.

It was also a reminder that family is not always defined purely by blood. Sometimes, the people who welcome us, care for us and stand beside us during important moments become family in every way that matters.

The entire ceremony had been filled with these personal connections. Alexandra’s dad led the celebration, Hadi’s brother conducted the traditional Persian ceremony, and people who had played such a significant part in Hadi’s journey shared a heartfelt reading.

Every part of the celebration meant something.

Before long, Alexandra and Hadi had shared their final words, and the ceremony reached its conclusion.

After so much planning and anticipation, it seemed to have passed in an instant. One moment Alexandra was walking through the woodland with her dad, and the next she and Hadi were standing together, surrounded by the applause and cheers of their family and friends.

The smiles on their faces were enormous.

As Alexandra and Hadi began making their way back along the hessian aisle, the beautiful sounds of traditional Persian music filled The Glade.

It was the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable ceremony.

The music created an immediate feeling of celebration, with guests clapping, smiling and turning to watch as the couple walked between the rustic benches. The sun continued to shine through the trees, and Alexandra’s veil flowed beautifully behind her as she and Hadi made their exit together.

Amazing!

It had been a celebration filled with love, emotion, family and culture, all set within the stunning natural surroundings of Walworth Castle’s new Glade.

From Alexandra’s breathtaking entrance with her dad to the deeply moving Persian vows, every part of the occasion felt meaningful and completely personal.

Alexandra and Hadi had brought their families, friends and cultures together in the most beautiful way, creating a ceremony that nobody present would ever forget.

The ceremony may have come to an end, but the celebrations at Walworth Castle were only just beginning.

As Alexandra and Hadi made their way back along the aisle to the beautiful sounds of traditional Persian music, the celebrations moved seamlessly into one of the most energetic and colourful parts of the day: the confetti run.

Guests gathered outside, armed with handfuls of confetti and ready to welcome the couple in style. Alexandra and Hadi took their positions, smiling broadly as everyone prepared to shower them with colour. After a quick countdown, they began walking through the crowd as confetti filled the air around them.

It was a fantastic moment, filled with laughter, cheers and huge smiles. Confetti photographs are always wonderfully unpredictable, and that is exactly what makes them so much fun. Some guests throw it gently, while others launch every last piece directly towards the couple! Alexandra and Hadi took it all in their stride, laughing as they made their way through the celebration.

With the confetti run complete, we moved directly into the formal photography outside the magnificent Walworth Castle.

The castle provided an incredible backdrop. Its historic stonework looked beautiful in the afternoon sunshine, and the newly refurbished areas complemented the original character of the building perfectly. It is difficult to imagine a more impressive location for family and group photographs.

Formal photography is an important part of any wedding celebration, bringing together the people who matter most to the couple. These are often the photographs that will be framed, displayed in homes and passed down through families for many years to come.

Everyone was absolutely brilliant and followed instructions without any fuss, allowing us to work through the photographs efficiently while still keeping the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. Alexandra and Hadi were photographed with their families, bridesmaids, Best Men and other important guests, with the beautiful castle rising proudly behind them.

The bright afternoon sunshine continued, and while it created wonderful conditions for the photographs, it was certainly warm. Thankfully, the guests were soon treated to a delicious ice cream to help everyone cool down. What could be better on a glorious summer afternoon?

With the formal photographs complete, everyone relaxed outside the castle, enjoying their ice creams and reception drinks while chatting about the beautiful celebration they had just witnessed. There was a wonderfully warm and sociable atmosphere as guests caught up with family and friends, found a little shade beneath the trees and enjoyed the magnificent surroundings of Walworth Castle.

Alexandra and Hadi were able to mingle with their guests and take in the happiness of the occasion. With the sun shining, drinks flowing and the castle providing such a spectacular backdrop, it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon before everyone headed inside for the speeches and wedding breakfast.

Before long, 3.30pm had arrived, and it was time for everyone to make their way inside for the speeches and wedding breakfast.

Walworth Castle’s wonderful Wedding Planner, Gemma, began guiding the guests into the dining room and ensuring that everyone was seated and comfortable. Gemma is absolutely amazing at her job. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and no matter what is happening around her, she handles everything with professionalism, patience and a smile.

A great Wedding Planner makes an enormous difference to a celebration. They keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes while allowing the couple and their guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Gemma did exactly that throughout the day, making sure every detail was taken care of.

At 3.45pm, the guests were ready, the room looked beautiful and the atmosphere was filled with excitement.

Alexandra and Hadi were announced and welcomed into the dining room to an enormous cheer that echoed around the space. They entered smiling and waving as their family and friends applauded, creating another fantastic moment for Mark and me to capture.

Once everyone had settled, it was time for the speeches.

Alexandra’s dad, Hill, was among those who stood to speak, along with Jamie, Siavash, Maryam and Hadi. Each speech was fitting, heartfelt and personal, reflecting the love, friendship and support surrounding the couple.

There were touching words, happy memories and plenty of warmth. The speeches were not about grand performances or embarrassing stories; they were about celebrating Alexandra and Hadi and recognising the importance of the people who had helped shape their lives.

Siavash and his wife Maryam once again brought Hadi’s family and heritage into the occasion, while Jamie spoke as a close friend and Best Man. Hill’s words carried the pride of a father, and Hadi finished the speeches by expressing his love and gratitude to everyone who had helped make the celebration so special.

After the applause had faded, it was time for the wedding breakfast.

As the guests began enjoying their meal, Mark and I retreated to Walworth Castle’s newly refurbished bar. It is another area that has been transformed beautifully, offering a stylish and comfortable setting while still retaining the history and character of the castle.

We were also treated to the wonderful wedding breakfast, which was a genuine three-course delight. Photographing a full wedding celebration is physically demanding, so a chance to sit down and enjoy a good meal is always greatly appreciated.

Every course was beautiful, but the dessert was on another level entirely.

I was served what I can honestly describe as the most amazing chocolate brownie I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Rich, indulgent and absolutely perfect, it was the ideal way to finish a superb meal.

With everyone well fed, the speeches completed and the afternoon sunshine still glowing across the castle grounds, Alexandra and Hadi’s celebration was flowing perfectly.

The formalities of the afternoon were complete, but there was still plenty more excitement, laughter and celebration to come.

At 6.30pm, the guests began leaving the dining area after enjoying the wonderful three-course wedding breakfast. With the speeches complete and everyone thoroughly well fed, there was now a little time to relax before the evening celebrations began.

Guests collected their drinks and started quietly exploring Walworth Castle and its beautiful surroundings. Some wandered through the newly refurbished rooms, taking in the character and history of the building, while others headed outside to enjoy the warm evening air and the spectacular castle grounds.

Meanwhile, Alexandra, Hadi, Mark and I headed away from the main celebrations to begin the bride and groom portrait session.

Earlier in the day, we had already chosen several areas around the castle that would provide the perfect backgrounds. Having a plan in place meant we could move between locations quickly, giving Alexandra and Hadi plenty of variety without keeping them away from their guests for too long.

Walworth Castle is an incredible venue for portraits. Everywhere you look, there is something different to work with. The grand stone exterior, elegant doorways, sweeping grounds and surrounding trees all offer wonderful opportunities for photography and film.

Alexandra and Hadi were fantastic throughout the session. Despite having already experienced a full and emotional day, they remained relaxed, happy and completely comfortable in front of the camera.

We photographed them walking together through the grounds, sharing quiet moments away from the celebrations and enjoying a little time alone. Alexandra’s beautiful traditional dress and trailing veil looked magnificent against the historic castle walls, while Hadi looked equally stylish beside her.

There was no need to overcomplicate anything. The connection between them was natural, and the happiness they felt was clearly visible. Mark and I simply guided them when needed, allowing the moments between them to unfold naturally.

We finished the portrait session on the dot of 7pm, just as the first evening guests were beginning to arrive.

The atmosphere inside the castle was already starting to change. The quiet conversations of the afternoon gradually grew louder as more guests entered the room. Glasses were raised, old friends greeted one another and laughter began echoing around the castle.

The evening was starting to resonate with celebration.

At 7.30pm, everyone gathered in anticipation as Alexandra and Hadi prepared to enter the room once again.

They were welcomed with rapturous applause and enormous cheers from their family and friends. The sound filled the room as the couple entered smiling, clearly delighted by the wonderful reception they received.

There was no time to slow down because Alexandra and Hadi went directly into the cutting of the cake.

Guests gathered around as they stood together beside the beautifully presented cake. Cameras and mobile phones were raised, and after a brief pause for photographs, they carefully made the first cut to another loud round of applause.

From the cake, it was straight onto the dance floor for their traditional first dance.

Although Alexandra and Hadi were already married, this was their opportunity to share that special moment with all the family and friends who had joined them at Walworth Castle. They took to the floor together as everyone gathered around to watch.

The first dance was elegant and romantic, with Alexandra’s dress flowing beautifully as she moved around the dance floor with Hadi.

The traditional first dance was swiftly followed by the sounds of Persian music, and the atmosphere changed instantly.

The dance floor filled almost immediately.

Guests threw their arms into the air, moving in time with the music and celebrating with complete enthusiasm. Smiles filled the room as people danced together, clapped to the rhythm and embraced the energy of the occasion.

Everyone was living the Persian dream!

The combination of music, movement and colour was fantastic to photograph. There were so many wonderful expressions and moments taking place all around the dance floor. Every time I turned, another group of guests was laughing, dancing or cheering Alexandra and Hadi.

The Persian music brought everyone together and created an atmosphere that was joyful, vibrant and completely unforgettable.

When the Persian music came to an end, the guests were treated to the superb voice and guitar playing of the evening’s live entertainment.

The music was a little more relaxed, but the celebrations continued as guests enjoyed drinks, conversation and the sound of live music filling the castle.

At around 8.30pm, Alexandra, Hadi, Mark and I quietly slipped outside once again.

The light had softened beautifully, and the castle grounds were bathed in the warm glow of Golden Hour. It was far too good an opportunity to miss.

We worked quickly to capture a final collection of bride and groom portraits. The low evening light created a completely different atmosphere from the earlier session, giving the photographs a warm, romantic quality.

Alexandra and Hadi looked stunning together as the sunlight filtered across the grounds. The soft light caught the details of Alexandra’s dress and veil perfectly, while the historic castle provided a spectacular background.

It was the ideal way to finish our coverage of their celebration.

With the last photographs captured, Mark and I returned inside to say our goodbyes. The music continued, the drinks were flowing and the dance floor was ready for a full evening of celebration.

Alexandra and Hadi’s day had been filled with sunshine, emotion, wonderful Persian traditions, heartfelt speeches, incredible food and a packed dance floor.

It had been an absolute privilege to document their beautiful celebration with family and friends at the newly refurbished Walworth Castle.

Tired but extremely happy, Mark and I packed away our equipment and left the castle as the party continued long into the evening.