There was a moment when we were sipping moroccan mint tea by the poolside of one the villas we were visiting, that I realised that this was going to be a fun wedding.
Venue
Philippa and John are laid back, family orientated couple with a clear and great sense of style. The first item on the agenda was finding the right villa, that would feel like a home for them and their close family members whilst in Marrakech. That search took unexpected turns and eventually they settled for the homely Villa
The wedding weekend
We then began the planning the wedding weekend. We were to hold a welcome reception, the wedding day and the post wedding activities. Each day had its own vibe and location. We had the welcome dinner at la Paillote – an African themed restaurant that would offer a different experience for the guests, who would have a Moroccan wedding the day after. All the guests were greeted with welcome packs that included a personalised note, hammam kit and goodies for children.
The wedding itself was a real family affair, they included all their nieces and nephews in the bridal party. They had beautiful readings by friend and brother-in-law. As the ceremony ended Philippa and John were escorted by a Gnawa band to the cocktail reception area. The band then brought in the rest of the guests and played during the cocktail hour. The Dekka Marrakchia band then took over and led guests and the couple into the reception tent where a 3 course meal was awaiting them.
The dinner was then followed by a fire show that ended with the initials P&J be lighted up. This was the perfect backdrop for cake cutting and the first dance. From then on it was dance shisha and then more dance till no one was on the dance floor.
The wedding weekend concluded with a relaxed BBQ around the pool, music and a henna woman. The general consensus was that the entire wedding weekend was an unforgettable experience.
The wedding design
This was probably the easiest element of the wedding planning. Through our consultation Philippa picked out burnt orange (reminded her of Marrakech) and ivory. Through their travels, they’ve both grew fond of postcards and vintage elements. So we themed the wedding as a Vintage Moroccan affair.
One of John’s best man is a talented graphic designer and designed the wedding ‘brand’ and items. Philippa took calligraphy course and added elegant and personal touches throughout the wedding stationery.
The save the dates were vintage Moroccan postcards and the invitations were stained letters. The place cards were found in mini tagines, menu were round inserted in the plates. All the tables were named after a country that Philippa and John had visited. So naturally the map was the table plan.
The order of the day were made from the shape of Fatima’s hand and made into a fan.
Guests had fun at the guest book table as they were given Polaroid camera and props to write their messages. The props included Philippa and John’s two dogs, who unfortunately could not be there.
They love all things wood. So we had wood signs for the nieces and nephews to walk down the aisle with, and then had wood signs for the chairs that was accessories by beautiful orange and ivory flowers and finally wood signposts.
To bring more elements of the Moroccan experience, we designed a spice market where the orange cocktails would be served before the ceremony. The cocktails were in vintage milk bottles that were accessorised with Moroccan silver bands.
For details on how we can help you plan an unforgettable Marrakech wedding experience, please feel free to contact us on [email protected]
