What started as a simple encounter at a dance event in Dallas, Texas blossomed into an engagement on Thanksgiving for Mahshid Pourjavad and Victor Wander Rosario. As Mahshid arrived at her parents’ house for the holiday feast, her relatives screamed, “Surprise!” as she opened the door. Little did she know another surprise was about to happen next. “I’m thinking, Did I win a trip or something?” the bride recalls. “So I feel this light tap on my shoulder [and] I turn around and there he is with the ring. I just started balling and went into his arms.”

Arranging their soirée with their trusted planner, the lovebirds hosted a winter wonderland wedding at a grand venue with a gorgeous view overlooking the city in which they first met. Since Mahshid always dreamed of a snowy theme, the couple pursued a palette of gold, silver, white, and navy tones to complement the candlelight and opulent floral arrangements. “[I wanted] almost like a winter night sky with stars that sparkle,” Mahshid explains of her vision. Since the bride and groom were raised in very different cultures, it was very important to them to showcase their roots throughout the occasion. “Wander is originally from the Dominican Republic [and] my parents are from Iran, but I’m definitely a Texas girl. We held both a Persian ceremony and a western ceremony,” she reveals.

As the party continued, friends and family danced to the sounds of two DJs that also honored the couple’s heritages. “One [played] top 40 and dance music, as well as salsa and bachata. Salsa and bachata is what Wander grew up with and [it's] such a big part of our lives. The other DJ was hired to play Persian music. It was a huge dance party to say the least,” Mahshid remembers. In addition to Persian pastries and a multicolored, multi-flavored confection, guests indulged in the groom’s cake, which showcased the flag of the Dominican Republic and a dance shoe to represent his dance career. “I really allowed him to just make it his own. I gave my opinion if he asked, but wanted him to love it,” says the bride.

Reflecting on her entire wedding experience, Mahshid realizes the importance of her husband’s input and was thrilled by his participation in the planning process. “I really wanted him to know it’s our day, not my day,” she assures. “I wanted [the celebration] to be something we both loved and felt was special for us and our friends and family that support us so much!”