Nusha Laleh, Plano, Texas, to Ian Forsman-Kendall, Davis, Calif. October 24, 2020

NUSHA AND IAN had family and friends spread around the world and were prepping for multiple elaborate weddings. In March when the pandemic hit, they halted everything and felt handicapped and “heartbroken that we would remain distant from family and have to postpone our marriage celebration,” Nusha says.

In June, she stumbled across a Zoom wedding company, Wedfuly, that orchestrates traditional weddings in an interactive, remote way. This seemed perfect to ensure their loved ones could comfortably join. “When we shared our plans, everyone was giddy and couldn’t wait to experience something new,” Nusha says.

Guests and officiants called in from as far as Ireland and Iran. Friends played live music between ceremonies. The bride’s sister held the Persian tradition of rubbing white sugarcanes on an LCD overhead. It was like a movie — attendees noted details in the veil and getting emotional over the vows. To keep guests engaged, they played the shoe game in lieu of first dances and lengthy speeches, with guests chatting questions and laughing over video.

“We were wed by my father’s friend in our backyard, keeping the tradition of friends officiating each other’s weddings at home,” Ian shares.

“It turned out to be a blessing in disguise; there was no way we could have gathered everyone in one spot, even without COVID,” Nusha said.

They finished their day taking pictures in a nearby park and with a staycation at the Siren Hotel in Detroit.

WEDDING & RECEPTION Private residence
PHOTOGRAPHER Catchfly Photography
STREAMING SERVICE Wedfuly
GOWN Blue Tulip Group top, The Wedding Shoppe dress, and Tom’s Sons International Pleating veil
SHOES Souliers Martinez
GROOM Hugo Boss
RINGS/JEWELRY Solari & Co.
HAIR P. La Salon
MAKEUP Aga Makeup
FLOWERS, DÉCOR, & SOFREH AGHD SPREAD Blue Tulip Group
CAKE & DESSERTS Warda Pâtisserie
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Wide Open Sound