She almost cancelled meeting him for the first time in person. “I’m so glad I didn’t cancel,” Agnes Sides smiles, after initially meeting Mazyar Kashani on a dating app in 2022. “Culturally, I’m every Persian parent’s worst nightmare. I was a widow with five kids, and he was never married, and younger, with no children… but boy was he persistent!” she smiles. 

Mazyar had taken time to speak with each of the children individually and gain their approval to propose before making arrangements to move forward. While vacationing in Aspen, Colorado, the couple enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting taking place. A vocalist sang beautiful songs while playing the piano for the crowd. “Slowly, I realized she was singing for me – about me,” she expresses, as her children looked on from their hotel room balcony. “It was truly the most magical, emotional day for all,” she tells of their engagement.

Having been raised in Europe, Agnes dreamt of a European-inspired wedding in the U.S., filled with gorgeous details that lent an Italian country feeling. Oheka Castle in New York checked all the boxes for the couple, so they booked it immediately, even buying out the entire property for their attendees who would be traveling from afar. Realizing how many details are involved in wedding planning, Agnes thought it was best to hire a wedding planner who could help coordinate all the logistics and more. “There is so much more to planning a wedding than meets the eye… a good wedding planner is a must,” she emphasizes.

A traditional Jewish ceremony was arranged, with 350 loved ones in attendance, and Agnes had carefully considered every detail. She decided to ask bridesmaids to wear pink not only for its soft feminine shade, but because it symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts. “Many of our guests were important people in my life when I went through an unimaginable tragic time,” confides Agnes. “They were there to support me in every way possible, so a symbol of a new fresh start was very apropos.” 

“There is so much more to planning a wedding than meets the eye… a good wedding planner is a must.”

Agnes was resplendent, wearing a stunning fit-and-flare gown from The Wedding Salon of Manhasset showcasing an oversized bow on the back. “I saw a true work of art,” says the groom. “Her beauty was extraordinary.” She walked down the aisle to the traditional Boi Kallah to the tune of Andrea Bocelli’s “Con Te Partirò.” “The melody is romantic; it’s about new chapters,” shares the bride. 

She carried white sweet peas in her bridal bouquet – and additional vanilla florals throughout much of the décor kept in theme with the clean, fresh concept they desired, first introduced in their luxe, monochromatic stationery suite. Two grand arches bedecked in thousands of blooms in hues of crème brûlée graced the aisle and the perfectly manicured grounds of the property were the perfect complement to the fairy-tale décor elements. “We used both my late husband’s and Maz’s late father’s talits to drape over the chuppah, giving it a heartfelt touch,” she adds.

After a sit-down dinner, slices of the all-white confection with a gilt monogram adornment were passed to family and friends. Since Mazyar is of Persian descent, the customary song, “Gol Besar Aroos” (meaning ‘put the flower on the bride’), played while the wedding cake was being cut. “It’s a celebratory song often played during the wedding procession, symbolizing joy and the beauty of the bride,” explains Agnes. 

The ballroom had been transformed into a glorious space filled with jaw-dropping floral creations throughout, from the entryway to tablescapes to the bar area. “Everyone told us the flowers were set up in a way they have never seen before. As a guy, I never really gave care to flowers, but they were unreal!” emphasizes Mazyar. 

From the first dance to the horah led by an electric live band, the newlyweds enjoyed every minute of the revelry at their reception. They do admit they wished they had remained steadfast in their agreement to avoid being separated at any point of the evening. “The day flies by,” admits Agnes. “Nonetheless, our wedding was flawless, and we enjoy reminiscing about all the wonderful moments from that day.” The groom confirms: “It was the best day of my life.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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