Adventure Wedding: Morocco

Words by Samantha Payne
Photos courtesy of Rebecca Bouck

Their philosophy, “Living life as an exclamation and love as a journey,” led to the sunset proposal “on a beautiful red dune in Namibia.” Tamara and Mark enticed 70 friends and family to this haven of colored fabrics, crafts, spices and snake-charmers amid glowing desert sands. “We wanted an outdoor wedding…something different…exo Wedding in Morocco

tic…destination weddings are holidays, a big party!”

Tamara and Mark’s guests traveled from many parts of the world but were well-prepared through an elaborate website with necessary information. Photographer, Rebecca Bouck recalls, “…details in this wedding were amazing.” Guests were escorted through the cobbled streets to their riads (bed/breakfasts) where they received their treasured Moroccan welcome packs. Preserving Moroccan culture, guests were "to dress chill — Muslim culture of couture," possibly finding a colorful tunika or kaftan while wandering the souks.

The day began with spa treatments in a villa enswathed with local flowers. Tamara departed via horse-drawn carriage for cocktail hour and celebrating at Riad Al Jazira. Exotic Moroccan foods, candlelight décor, ribbon-dancers, and rhythmic beats were only rivaled by the bridal party’s locally-made apparel. Bridesmaids wore traditional labssa in deep, exquisite brown with silver accents; while the bride-to-be was chic in bright orange with pinks, gold and peach-colored embroidery. Groomsmen were clad in jellaba, hooded cloaks.

A countryside tea ceremony began the matrimonial morning. Guests were guided to the villa’s luxuriously decorated pool. The bride carried one flower in her elegant Moroccan dress. As the violin played its melodies, the bridesmaids glided down the aisle in vibrant orange pants with silver-coined belts. Mark waited for Tamara in a handsomely detailed suit. Hot-air balloons were lifted; and they were married.

The reception included exotic foods, fire & water, sparklers, magic, and gifts. While bridesmaids presented the cake to the ceremonial sword Mark acquired, the retracting roof allowed thousands of rose-pedals to shower the newlyweds. Nostalgic Tamara says, “I wish I could turn back time…it was a dream come true.”