Wedding Party
Melody
Maid of Honor
Melody is more than just my Maid of Honor — she’s been my sister-in-law and best friend since long before she officially said “I do” to my brother, Arya. At this point, she’s basically my right arm, and I genuinely don’t know how I’d make a single decision without consulting her first. No day officially starts until we’ve had our morning phone call covering the truly important things in life: shopping, gossip, outfit approvals, Instagram posts, and social calendars. What should be a quick opinion somehow always turns into ten FaceTime calls for approval, analysis, and a final review before either of us commits to anything. Let’s not forget our daily AJ’s coffee breaks. Basically a ritual, followed by sitting in the car talking for way too long like we don’t fully understand that we can just go inside. I was at their house so often that their neighbors probably thought I lived there — which honestly, I kind of did. Arya is really the luckiest for how frequently I’m around… someone has to keep things interesting in their household. Melody is the best fashion advisor, creative director, voice of reason, and somehow always knows exactly what to say. She also gave me my favorite little human in the world, my nephew Maxim, and over the years, her family has truly become my family too — something I’ll always be endlessly grateful for.
Sasan
Best Man
Upon moving to Phoenix in the third grade, Shar’s mom and Sasan’s mom arranged attending a hot air balloon festival. Disgruntled that this forced him to miss the NBA on NBC, Shar reluctantly agreed and is thankful for it. Sasan and Shar instantly became best friends have stayed that way for 35+ years. Growing up on Phoenix’s “best side” together, their childhood was filled with bike rides, forced sleepovers via strategically packed “toothbrushes,” intense soccer training, and conquering Street Fighter 2. Though they haven’t lived in the same city since Shar left for U of A in 1999, they remained united through Rocky Point and Vegas trips, and the annual NFL opening day phone call to foolishly express optimism in the Cardinals chances for the year. Summers were highlighted by marathon halo sessions and Thursday night basketball that is the stuff of heroic lore on the legendary courts of Horizon Park and Kiwanis Park. The only true regrets in the friendship are the missed Club Med summer and Shar’s missed speech at Sasan’s wedding due to DJ who remains unforgiven. Even-keeled, responsible, and supportive, Sasan is Shar’s brother from another mother – just one that happened to be delivered by a hot air balloon.
Sara
Bridesmaid
Sara is one of my bridesmaids and one of my oldest — and definitely craziest — friends since our high school years. Since then, she’s been my European travel companion, including the unforgettable Ireland trip where Shar was lucky enough to tag along. She's my regular Postino's date, shopping partner, and co-shopping enthusiast. We’ve also had plenty of wedding practice considering I’ve basically become Sara’s permanent plus-one wedding date with her friend group. Somewhere along the way, I somehow became the holder of all her passwords, unofficial accountant/financial advisor, and keeper of life essential information. Sara never misses a birthday or big event, including the night of me and Shar's engagement. Sara racing into - and parking her car - in the middle of Scottsdale Quarter with a Persian wedding song blasting from two centuries ago made the night that much more memorable. She’s hilarious, unpredictable, and somehow always has us laughing — even if half the time I have no idea what she’s trying to say. Every memory with Sara becomes a story, and she always shows up with love, loyalty, and the absolute best energy.
Sean
Groomsman
Lieutenant Colonel Sean Mahoney – better known as Master Sergeant Sean Daddy – met Shar living directly across the hall at U of A’s legendary Coronado Hall. Shar initially didn’t know what to think of his hallmate with his dry sense of humor, indifference towards condiments, and well thought out speaking style. This soon changed into a totally normal co-dependent relationship duly recognized by the universe over the next four years when they both independently chose Pi Kappa Phi, later served on Pi Kapp’s Executive Board together, were both selected for Blue Chip, were somehow selected to be RA’s in the same dorm their sophomore year, and roomed together off-campus their senior year. Despite both of their various moves to different cities since College, they’ve been kept together by New Year’s celebration and numerous trips. Sean recently visited Arta & Shar on their trip to Amsterdam; and this was reciprocated by Arta & Shar’s trip to see Sean in England. Seandaddy and Shar have served as each other’s everlasting confidant to discuss life’s various curveballs. Sean is unwaveringly calm, fair-minded and a champion of diverse cultures and people. This is probably why Sean is every female family member’s favorite, including Shar’s mom who calls Sean her second son.
Zeina
Bridesmaid
Zeina is one of my bridesmaids and one of my longest friend. It all started the day we missed the school bus together and somehow we never stopped being in each other’s lives after that. We can go stretches where we either speak every single day or go months without speaking, and nothing ever changes between us. Years later, Zeina had the good fortune of my introducing her to Sara one New Year’s Eve, thus completing our inseparable trio. Coffee Plantation study sessions became a regular necessity in College for me and Zeina, except for the day we skipped out to watch Barak Obama's speech together. Zeina is one of the sweetest, strongest, most genuine people I know, and when life gives her lemons, she finds a way to make lemonade. Watching her become such an incredible mama has honestly been one of my favorite parts of our friendship.
Pouria
Groomsman
Fountain Hills Park – home of Arizona’s annual 13-bedar celebration – is also where Shar and Pouria’s friendship began when they were nine years old. Pouria and Shar instantly shared the same sense of humor, starting with the infamous “Big Chief” joke, transitioning to late night endless hysterical laughter at Shar’s mom’s house that ended only when she threatened to kick them out and straight into a mental institution, and continuing over the years with Pouria’s frequent storytelling. The two shared a similar gregarious nature and interest in the law, which first led them to their summer internship with Judge Dobronski, and then set them on similar paths with Shar to U of A Law and Pouria to Thomas Jefferson Law School. Their love of sports has seen them team up in basketball tournaments, including winning two Zartoshty Olympic championships under the leadership of Coach Farzin Morena. Shar was like a brother and arguably best friend to Pouria’s wife, Pani, introducing the two of them. And now Shar is marrying Arta, who has forever been like a younger sister to Pouria, evidenced by Arta’s brother delegating Pouria with authority to disapprove of Arta’s selection. Unequally entertaining and available to his close circle, Pouria’s frequent calls and texts help Shar maintain his sanity and forget not to laugh on a daily basis.
Tannaz
Bridesmaid
Tannaz is my cousin, and more accurately, like a sibling. Growing up together under the same roof for extended periods gave us the ultimate love-hate sibling bond — equal parts nonstop laughing, arguing over absolutely nothing, and somehow making every family gathering more entertaining. Most of my childhood memories include forcing her to play Barbies with me, whether she wanted to or not, and the two of us creating chaos everywhere we went. One of Tannaz’s favorite stories is from when we were little and I used to sleep cuddling my giant teddy bear every night — until one night I somehow rolled over and cuddled her instead. As we got older, being the younger one definitely had its perks — including Tannaz letting me borrow her ID so we could go out, despite the fact that we truly don’t even look alike somehow it worked. We are now aunts to each other's furry children, and serve as each other's go-to- weekend dog sitters when the other is out of town. From childhood chaos to now, there’s never a dull moment with her, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tom
Groomsman
Not all bromances have smooth beginnings, but some are born out of the trials and tribulations of late fees owed to the fraternity’s treasurer. The bromance took off after college in 2007 when Tom called Shar looking to crash with Shar and Drew in San Diego for a week. The one-week visit turned into six months of blissful co-habitation, and the Red Couch Movement was born. A movement that saw the pair turn into semi-professional beer pong players culminating in front of a packed house at a Pacific Beach tournament. Shar championed Tom as the best looking human in downtown San Diego and it was during this time that Tom became affectionately known to all who matter as “The Babe.” Tom introduced Shar to EDM festivals; and Shar introduced Tom to Persian Culture and all the important Farsi words. Tom more than repaid for his earlier extended stay, as Shar became one of the few people entrusted with a key to Tom’s downtown San Diego condo for his frequent visits down from Orange County (despite Shar’s failure to understand the art of the squeegee). The Bootlegger in downtown SD became their Cheers with the Babe becoming the bar’s first ever customer of the year. Tom certainly has some Persian in his lineage as he’s the life of the party, loud, sociable, and gets along with any group of individuals that Shar has thrown him into.
Kate
Bridesmaid
Kate is the exception to the rule that you can’t be someone’s “boss and their friend.” My first conversation with Kate as my branch manager was approving my two week Europe trip, really set us off on the right course. Our relationship has since evolved into co-workers, work besties, hiking and workout partners, and frequent dinner dates. Somewhere between all that and endless conversations, she became one of my closest friends. She’s always pushing me to do my best — even when we’re hiking and I’m dramatically gasping for air like I’m one switchback away from meeting my maker. Meanwhile, Kate’s cheerfully yelling “We’re almost there!” or “You’re doing great!” (usually when we still have two miles and 800 feet of elevation left). Her optimism is either extremely motivating or a form of psychological warfare — I haven’t decided which yet.
Arya
Groomsman
Arya is the person at this wedding who has known both the bride and groom for the combined longest period. He’s not only Arta’s older brother, but he’s been Shar’s close friend for a nearly-equivalent period of time when the two of them were introduced as nine-year olds by Arya’s very good friend, Pouria. Arya and Shar’s friendship went to another level in college during the fateful #AcidTrip evening while waltzing down Mill and people watching. The bond was really solidified on annual “Persian Christmas Vegas Trips” when the two of them frequently split a bed back when it was custom to pack as many people into a single Vegas room in order to save money for the important things, like Black Jack. The two have always shared a love for #travel, which saw them visit each other in the various places they’ve both lived in their 20s, and continues to this day with family trips. Since Shar finally moved back to Arizona in 2015, Arya has been a central figure helping Shar acclimate to life back in Phoenix after being away for so long, and serving as Shar’s trusted advisor on raising his standards.
Mojan
Bridesmaid
Mojan is one of those extended family members who quickly became a friend. Our friendship has grown through the various family trips we've taken together. I've also enjoyed getting to know Mojan's various friends through the years, including during Mojan's unforgettable bachelorette party in Napa. She’s close with both Shar and I, and she's frequently found in "couple-like" pictures of me and Shar years before we were even dating like the one at her pregnancy announcement party. The moment she found out we were actually dating, she made sure Shar knew he was officially “F’d” — which we still laugh about to this day.
Jon
Groomsman
Shar was fortunate to meet his beloved Jon "bang bang" Luisi in 2004 during the "summer of love" when Jon was a Freshman at the U of A and Shar was doing a victory lap posing as a fifth year senior despite graduating the year before. The summer of love was just the beginning for this odd couple and the two never looked back. Routinely rooming on Pi Kappa Phi alumni weekends together became a no-brainer. As did late nights on Jon's rooftop licking their wounds from sports investments gone wrong. Jon and Shar have alternated being the honorary third wheel to date nights out on the town for each other's relationships, and most recently with Arta, Shar, and Jon checking out restaurants approved by Jon's exquisite culinary taste. Jon is a lover of nice things, fine cuisine, an avid outdoorsman, and the friend you know will always pick up your phone call.
Paige
Bridesmaid
Paige came roaring into my life as the girlfriend of my longtime best guy friend, Amir. I was honored to serve as Paige’s chaperone to meet Amir’s family at the infamous New Year’s party of 2020. Since then, I’ve claimed her as my own with our random nights out that are always capped off with entertaining Paige stories the entire drive and into overtime while we continue talking in the car parked outside her home. Paige was the catalyst that started our girls hiking group several years ago, which has led to many trips like Zion, Breckenridge, Washington, and YOSEMITE's HALF DOME. (All caps intentional.) Shar and I regularly love doing double dates with Paige and Amir, including hosting our version of game nights, and more recently, Sunday brunches. Paige has infectious energy, is effortlessly fun, and the kind of person who can turn any moment into a good time #chuggingcontest. She also might be the most Persian non-Persian anyone will ever come across.
Jake
Groomsman
Jake joined Pi Kapp during Shar’s junior year at the U of A. Jake’s persistence (and love for the fraternity) stuck out to Shar from the beginning, particularly when Jake ran for all three pledge class officer positions, was not elected to a single one, and still graciously accepted the opportunity to serve as a co-social chair. It was then that Shar first thought to himself, “this kid might be the CEO of the entire fraternity some day.” Jake’s persistence again proved invaluable when Jake made daily phone calls to Shar’s mom’s house to convince Shar (and his mom, Shirin) to send Shar on a trip to DC to attend Supreme Chapter, thereby lovingly earning the nickname of Anderson. Jake’s persistence has continued in the years after College ensuring that Shar and Jake continued to team up through various alumni boards, alumni weekends, trips, and discussions on the hazards of torturous interference. A proud moment for Shar is when Jake fulfilled his destiny becoming Pi Kapp’s national CEO. Shar witnessed Jake in action first hand during a trip of a lifetime put together by Jake to attend the U of A basketball game at Duke in 2023, which included a visit to Pi Kapp’s North Carolina chapter. Shar has become close with Jake’s family, so much so that Arta & Shar’s first group date was when Arta was the literal “Plus-1” to Jake’s Dad’s 75th birthday.
Cassandra
Bridesmaid
Cassandra is my bridesmaid, cousin, fitness coach, and favorite party friend all in one. She can motivate you to get your life together and be at the gym at 5 am then convince you to stay out way too late at The Hotchick in Old Town to drink, eat chicken, and play basketball until last call. Cassandra the "fitness coach," pushed both me and sometimes our relationship to the limits, as she never let me underachieve. Though I turned the tables on her one memorable day when she joined our girls hiking trip up Humphreys Peak, and this time it was me telling Cass "you got this" to keep her going. As hardcore as she is as a fitness coach, she's equally mellow and easy-going when it comes to partying and having a good time together. Watching her transition from hardcore fitness coach and healthy meal prep aficionado into an amazing mom has been so special… although she’ll probably still be judging all of us for skipping leg day.
Drew
Groomsman
Drew and Shar met as college freshman as pledge brothers in Pi Kapp’s Epsilon Class. Drew became the founder of the “Daddies” after creating the Shar Daddy moniker only two weeks into their friendship, thereby resulting in the formation of the Daddies. Drew and Shar’s shared enthusiasm about being enthusiastic led to the creation of the “Voom Hoolee” hand gesture during the middle of class in a packed lecture hall. College wasn’t enough time for them, and the two jet sailed immediately after Shar’s graduation for a “study” abroad program in Madrid to take the Voom Hoolee international. Drew was the reason that Shar instantly moved to San Diego after law school so the two could continue the urban living lifestyle they had experienced in Madrid. Drew became so accustomed to having a Persian in his life after years of living with Shar, that he immediately started dating and eventually married Shar’s second-cousin, Michka soon after Shar moved out. Drew’s infectious energy earned him a special place in the annals of Pi Kapp history, and forever in Shar’s family.
Ian
Groomsman
Shar’s greatest contribution to Pi Kapp was recruiting Ian – along with Ian’s life companion, Rob – into Pi Kapp during rush week. Ian is the rare combination of both a natural leader and the ultimate team player at the same time. A primary reason why Ian has been entrusted with planning literally everyone in the friend group’s respective bachelor parties over the years (including Shar’s). Despite coming from slightly different eras in Pi Kapp, Ian made sure Shar remained connected with the core group of Pi Kapps a few years younger than him after College. This included Shar's frequent visits to “Pi Kapp West” in LA for themed parties, the racetrack with GodDaddy, and the all-important annual March Madness trip giving Ian and Shar an opportunity for early morning roommate strategy sessions followed by twelve consecutive hours of testosterone-fueled tirades screaming at TV screens. No pep talk is equal to an Ian pep talk and they have been a constant source of support for Shar, so much so, that Shar may conjure up a need for them just to witness Ian unleash. Ian has a special skill for seeing the best qualities in his friends and having the self-confidence to remind them and lift them up.
Rob
Groomsman
Rob is a man of many heroic capes, earning both the title of Fireman and the honorary fourth Daddy. Shar and Rob met in 2001 when Shar recruited Rob into Pi Kapp. Rob repaid by moving into the fraternity house room vacated by Shar and keeping the room’s prestigious traditions ongoing. Rob received the fitting title of Fireman because of his natural habit of always being the first to lend anyone in need a helping hand, particularly in a moment of crisis. This was on full display when Rob immediately rushed out of a crowded bar in the rain to assist Shar’s mom upon hearing she had a flat tire. Rob moved in with Shar in 2023 for what was supposed to be a short stay that turned into a 2.5 year conversion of Shar’s house into the Parmani residence as one successful sports investment season gave way to another. Rob fittingly served as Shar’s final roommate, shepherding Shar away from his final bachelor days and into living with Arta. In fact, it was Rob who recognized the chemistry between Shar and Arta before they started dating and urged Shar on.
Kourosh
Groomsman
Kourosh "Roach" Maneshni is Shar's cousin. Separated by only four months of age, the two were essentially raised together since they were babies. Growing up in San Diego, Kourosh's parents would send Kourosh to Shar's mom's annual "summer camp" for extended summer visits. Those summers were highlighted by congregating around the "laughing table" for delirious laughter, and unforgettable movies like "Backdraft" and the "Bodyguard." Shar's move to Orange County in 2010 finally landed them in the same city for a short while, and Kourosh went out of his way to make himself available for regular lunches at Panini Cafe & Peruvian restaurants where Diet Coke-with-lemon was always served. Kourosh is the family's soccer expert and a world-renowned expert in efficient speech and texting.
Kavon
Groomsman
Kavon is Shar's younger cousin, and has always been more like the younger brother that Shar never had. Early on, Kavon followed in Shar's passion for sports and has always supported Shar's Arizona sports teams as his second teams outside of his own. Few days go by without the two of them texting and sharing their expertise (or lack thereof) regarding their shared interest in best-ball football drafts. Kavon has become affectionately known as "Pal" to Shar, Shirin, and Arta. Kavon is a knowledgeable botany and plant enthusiast, and this was on full display when Kavon recently guided Shar and Arta around on a San Diego visit. As with his brother Kourosh, Kavon makes it a point to regularly visit Shar in Arizona. The visits are always light-hearted, relaxed, and comfortable stays epitomizing true family that needs nothing more for a fulfilling weekend than time together at home.
Shahin
Groomsman
Shahin and Shar have been friends for nearly two decades, and have become even closer since Shar moved back to Arizona. Shahin is the link that was always missing from the original Arizona childhood crew, but has made up for lost time and then some. The two share a passion for competition, honor, and sportsmanship. Shahin regularly served as Shar's go-to for pickleball, racquetball, and ping pong competition leading to marathon matches where neither was quitting unless carried off by a stretcher. Shar has never had a bigger supporter than Shahin in all of Shar's competitions, his past ability to light up a dance floor with the C-walk, and his writing style that featured DOH newsletters circulated to the fantasy football league. Shahin and Shar have also never seen a dance party they're afraid to kick off or get in the middle of together. Shahin has served as Shar's confidant over the last decade as one of his most level-headed and loyal friends.
Amir
Groomsman
Amir "the Big Man" Sobhi has been a long time friend of both the bride and the groom. Arta's friendship with Amir stretches back to College, and she takes credit for bringing Shar and Amir together when Shar moved back to Arizona in 2015. However, Shar and Amir trace back the true origins of their friendship to Tarzan and the Houston Rockets. Watching every playoff game together during the Suns 2021 run to the NBA finals took their friendship to another level, and Shar was honored to officiate Amir & Paige's wedding just a few years ago. Amir is the Godfather to Shar's dog, Jack. The two also share a passion for planning weekend for all Arizona sports, planning weekend brunches together, and propelling the #LFG lifestyle.
Joel
Officiant
Joel is the officiant, a groomsman, and former ambassador to Shar’s Tucson visits after Shar’s Tucson days ended. Joel and Shar became close in law school, but became brothers years later when Shar moved back to Arizona in 2015 and frequently visited Joel in Tucson until Joel expatriated to the Maple land up north. Joel and Shar uniquely share very little in common while sharing plenty in common at the same time. Their friendship revolves around a shared moral compass for justice and doing what’s right. Their friendship additionally revolves around shared enthusiasm for shenanigans, pranks, humor, backgammon, vegas trips, whiskey, and occasionally throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of doing everything in moderation, even moderation. Shar was honored to be one of the few and the proud to attend Joel’s abundantly Vegas wedding in Vegas' Little White Chapel to his beloved Haley. Joel knows how to take a joke as well as he knows how to dish one out, which was on ultimate display when Shar crossed off a bucket-list item by serving as one of the roasters in Tucson’s Tribute to and Roast of Joel Feinman on his way out of town. With Joel, you know that you’re going to get a loyal friend who will fight the good fight on your behalf, even if he has to do it alone.