If you have your sights set on a destination wedding, then Morocco is about to shoot to the top of that list. Guaranteed. Bright colors, dream desert landscapes and local flavor are all layered within this celebration built for two with florals by Remi + Gold and stunning paper goods by Boarding School Collective. Get inspired for a gorgeous desert riad escape through the images of Sophie Epton.
From Sophie Epton Photography… At the very North end of Africa lies Morocco- one of the most magical countries in the world. And none more beautiful, mysterious and intoxicating than the city of Marrakech. The hustle and bustle of city medina and its mazes, the pinky peach crumbling walls, the incredible installations of zellige tiles shimmering like jewels, the rows of colorful wool rugs and carved wood furniture, the amazing doorways leading to the next adventure, and the expansive deserts surrounding the city that make you feel like you are in another world. For our elopement inspiration in Marrakech, we wanted to illustrate how this place could serve as the most incredible backdrop for an elopement for any couple wanting to marry in a unique, adventurous way, and a wedding that can break all the rules! To begin, our couple Chayma and Youssef started off their day at sunrise with a “first look” in the Agafay Desert, the most picturesque, vast landscape right outside of Marrakech. Chayma looked absolutely stunning in her Tatyana Merenyuk gown, complete a gorgeous Susie Saltzman pear ring design and flowing cape that picked up the wind perfectly for their shots, while Youssef recreated the classic “Casablanca” Humphrey Bogart look modernized from the Black Tux. We then headed to a private riad in the center of the medina. Chayma changed into a marvelous, intricate Claire Pettibone gown that truly complimented the artisan tilework covering every square inch of the riad juxtaposed and glowing rose-colored rooftop, adding such stunning scenery for both an intimate ceremony and romantic dinner experience. Twyla with Remi and Gold did the most amazing job sourcing florals for two days, picking up everything from bougainvillea trees from nurseries to garden roses from flower markets, creating the most lush, vibrant kaleidoscope of florals seen throughout the entire day. And Boarding School Collective created so many fantastic touches of their written art- from the Moroccan-tile inspired watercolor invite suite to the lucite menu to the linen chair drapings painted with “Habibi” (husband/ wife) that added such a personal touch and story to the elopement. While traditional weddings are one of lives’ best celebrations, we wanted to feature the idea that traveling elopements can allow a couple who have a soft spot for wanderlust and a love of adventure the chance to celebrate their union in an intimate way that truly speaks to their own hearts and experience. And when you add Morocco to the mix.. Well it doesn’t get any better than that!
Photography : Sophie Epton Photography | Floral Design: Remi and Gold | Wedding Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Beauty by Marian Filali | Groom: Youssef Ben Hayoun Sadafi | Bride: Chayma Waloufi | Ceramics + Glassware: Chabi Chic | Gold Flatware: CB2 | Invitation Suite + Calligraphy: The Boarding School Collective | Model Sourcing: NKT Events | Planning + Styling: Sophie Epton Photography | Ribbon: Tono Co | Ring Design: Susie Saltzman | Silk Table Runner: Silk and Willow | Velvet Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Wedding Dress Desert: Tatyana Merenyuk | Wedding Dress Riad: Claire Pettibone | Wedding Suit: The Black Tux