By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Henry Richardson And Monsour Taghdisi
It was a wedding as magical as the love story that inspired it—an enchanting celebration in Tepoztlán, Mexico, where three cultures and countless hearts collided in joyful harmony. Henry Richardson and Monsour Taghdisi’s spectacular nuptials brought together friends and family from across Iran, the United States, and Mexico for a weekend of love, laughter, and a bit of stardust.
The stage? Feronia, the couple’s lush estate nestled at the foothills of the mystical Tepozteco mountains, just a short drive from Mexico City. With six pastoral acres of gardens, water lily-filled ponds, and freely roaming peacocks, it was a setting straight out of a romance novel.
A Weekend To Remember
The festivities kicked off Friday evening at the chic Amomoxtli Hotel, where guests were welcomed poolside by the grooms and Henry’s parents, Anne and Chris Richardson. Against the dramatic backdrop of copper-hued mountains at sunset, guests indulged in an extensive Mexican buffet that stretched as far as the pool, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend. As the evening reached a crescendo, Monsour’s birthday cake and a dazzling array of sparklers lit up the night, marking both the start of the wedding festivities and another milestone in their love story.
Haydeh Davoudi
& Glen Gonzales
The Big Day
Saturday arrived, and with it, the pièce de résistance. Guests strolled a stunning blue carpet through Feronia’s gardens, serenaded at the gates by a 30-piece mariachi ensemble and dancers from the Folklorico Nacional de México. Cocktails blended the best of local flavors—think tamarind, jamaica, tequila, and mezcal. Crossing the garden bridge, guests transitioned from vibrant mariachi melodies to the elegant strains of a classical quintet, a nod to Henry’s all-American heritage.
The ceremony, officiated by the witty and wise Sima Ladjevardian, was as heartfelt as it was memorable. Their 13-year-old son, Cameron, stole the show, thanking attendees in four languages—a moment that left nary a dry eye among the crowd.
and Leslie Denby
Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum
A Reception To Revel In
After the “I dos,” guests made their way to a glass-enclosed reception space that was nothing short of breathtaking. Tables were adorned with Mexican Talavera vases, gleaming silver candelabras, and exquisite floral arrangements. Rouge, a Los Angeles-based band, kept the energy electric with tunes in English, Spanish, and Farsi.
The culinary offerings were equally dazzling: Kohlman’s Catering of Mexico City joined forces with Houston’s beloved Persian eatery, Miri’s Kitchen, to present a globe-trotting menu featuring everything from salt-crusted sea bass flambé to beef kabobs. A Parisian-style dessert buffet from Timbal de Azucar was the icing on the (wedding) cake. As night fell, an elaborate fireworks display lit up the Tepozteco mountains, and the dance floor became a glittering blur of revelry.
Dr. Mahnaz Messkoub & Nazi Feurst
A Farewell To All
Sunday’s farewell brunch was a colorful, sunlit affair by the estate’s pool, framed by cascading bougainvillea. Guests enjoyed horseback rides around the property, soaking in the beauty of Tepoztlán and reflecting on the couple’s love story, which had left an indelible mark on all who attended.
Among the glittering guest list were luminaries like Dr. John and Becca Cason Thrash, Javier and Lucinda Loya, Ambassador Ansary and Mrs. Shahla Ansary, Franci Crane, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Courtney Hopson, Ceron and Todd Fiscus, Antoine Ratigan, and Mr. Masoud and Mrs. Sima Ladjevardian.
Henry and Monsour’s wedding was more than an event; it was an experience—a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and love that will remain forever etched in the hearts of all the family and friends who were a part of the love-filled weekend.