It’s hard to believe that zombie literature and films would spark a love connection, isn’t it? Allison and Amir met during grad school in Chicago, but it wasn’t until three year laters — over binge watching of The Walking Dead — that they really started dating. The two fell in love quickly, and it didn’t take long before Amir made things official. Allison recounts that special day…“One Saturday, he planned a picnic in the park and a tour of the beautiful Alfred Caldwell Lilly Pond. As we were walking through the gardens, I saw my friend Steven pop out of the bushes with his camera, and that’s when I figured out what was happening. Amir got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. After I said yes, he (an accomplished magician) turned a rock into my beautiful engagement ring. Then, we went out to lunch with friends to celebrate.”
Their Doylestown wedding was the true definition of understated elegance. Allison wore a lace detailed gown with a tulle overlay skirt. Floral details were all white with greenery, the perfect setting for the couple’s simplistic yet modern style. Allison got everything she wanted and more, but most importantly, a best friend she can watch zombie flicks with for life! Thanks Allison and Amir for sharing your stunning wedding and love story with us. We wish you a blissful marriage!
Couple: Allison Harris and Amir Shawn Fairdosi
Occupations: Both are Faculty in Political Science
Wedding date: March 20, 2016
Wedding location: James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA
Wedding Style: Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
My style is generally pretty simple, and Amir’s is even more so. The overarching style for everything wedding related was understated elegance. Since neither of us likes over the top decor, it was very important that we find a venue that was beautiful on its own. The James A. Michener Museum has a breathtaking reception room with three glass walls. The main wall is backed with an uplit stone wall. We had the ceremony in the round in one of the gallery rooms surrounded by beautiful art and standing in a circle of our closest friends and family.
I loved my wedding dress, and I’m a little bit sad I won’t get to wear it again. The gown was simple with beautiful details. The bodice had modern lace detailing and the layered organza skirt made me feel like I was floating. For the ceremony I topped the gown with a pearl and crystal topper that worked perfectly. I went to three bridal salons before I went to the one where I purchased my dress, and I did not enjoy those experiences. However, I loved La Belle Mariee and the mother daughter team that run it. They only see one to two clients at a time, they really know their industry, and the experience was enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Culture:
Amir’s father’s side of the family is Persian, and we got married right around Nowruz (Persian New Year). We had a combination Sofreh Aghd (wedding spread) and Haft-Seen (New Year table) at our reception. The DJ also played lots of Persian music, which everyone enjoyed. For me (and my family and friends) a night full of dancing was a top priority. Our DJ was fantastic! He got everyone on the floor before dinner was over and we danced the night away. I didn’t even get dessert.
Memories: What is your best memory from your wedding?
There are so many. Today my answer is the fifteen minutes after the ceremony that we spent together. Our venue coordinator brought us some hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to toast our new marriage. Then the pastor (the same pastor who officiated my parents’ wedding!) came in and we signed the marriage license.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Do what you want and not what “they” tell you you have to do. There are some things about weddings I love- good food and dancing. There are many things about weddings that I do not like- bouquet tossing, garter tossing, other blatant reminders of how patriarchal the tradition actually is, cake cutting, really long cocktail hours. These are my personal preferences (thankfully they are Amir’s too), and our wedding reflected them. Also, Amir does not like cake, so instead of a wedding cake we had a lovely dessert spread (which I was too busy dancing to even try). I can’t tell you how many times we heard “no wedding cake?”
Weddings and wedding planning inevitably ruffle some feathers. But, in the end, you want a day that feels right and you remember fondly.
Also, I can’t overstate how amazing our vendors were. Our day of planner was on top of things I didn’t even know were going on. My hair and make-up team were phenomenal and so fun to work with (they have a great prep playlist!). Our photographer’s work is beautiful, and speaks for itself. And, guests are still complimenting our DJ.
Vendors:
Day of Coordinator – Kim Martir at Details Made Simple
Photographer – Rachel EH Photography
DJ – Dwayne Grayson aka DJ Discipline
Venue – James A. Michener Art Museum
Caterer – Jeffrey A. Miller Catering
Flowers and decor – Buttercup (part of Jeffrey A. Miller catering)
Alcohol – Little Brothers
Hair – Velvet Faces, Lydia Martin
Make -up- Moet Stewart
Bridal Salon – La Belle Mariee (Gown- Blush by Hayley Paige, Topper- Jenny Yoo)
Bridesmaids dresses – Country Bride and Gent (dresses by Alfred Sung)
Groom and Groomsmen – Assorted
A beautiful love story