Atva and Samir’s destination Morocco wedding is absolutely breathtaking. Set at Kasbah Bab Ourika just outside of Marrakech, the multi-day, multi-cultural event blended the couple’s traditions with celebrations and ceremonies staged against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas mountains. The couple enlisted multi-talented planner, Best Day Ever Events, for the planning, styling and florals—all with a subtle modern, bohemian flair. We’re loving the fresh invitation suite by Mark van Wijk and the floral-dressed naked cake by Amandine Marrakech. But it’s photographer Raisa Zwart‘s stunning images that truly make Atva and Samir’s day feel like an advertising campaign for Moroccan nuptials.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
I think what made it us was the fact that we were able to capture the best of both Western and European wedding traditions and it blended perfectly on both days. The Henna night did have a traditional Morrocan dress – although less dramatic and traditional wedding djelleba for Samir. Our entrance was accompanied with traditional Berber folk music and dance. We also served shared Tagines and desserts as you typically see in Moroccan weddings, and of course Henna but for everyone not only the bride. Which was a huge success. Our wedding day was more traditional western with my dad walking me to the aisle, a western ring ceremony, photo shoot and toast, but with Milk and Dates for prosperity and fertility before the ceremony and of course sugar – or candy – throwing at the end of the ceremony topped off with traditional Moroccan (and from Samir’s childhood). Pulo Duro – 50cent ice cream cones for our guests.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
For Samir his moment was me walking down towards him on Jacob Banks Silver Lining. Slightly nervous and stressed but so beautiful. For me it was the brief moment we (finally) sat together before dinner when you realize this great man is now my husband!
Tell us how you became engaged.
Samir proposed to me when I didn’t expect him to do so anymore (to be honest I was hoping for it for quite some years). We just had a very romantic holiday in Mozambique, we just celebrated our 14 Year anniversary and nothing. So one random Saturday morning, when I was just desperate for coffee he asked me to sit down and he gave me a gift to unwrap. It was a traditional Moroccan sugar cone with a note that said will you marry me?
Samir + Atva / Wedding in Ourika, Morocco (4K) from The Dreamers on Vimeo.
Photography: Raisa Zwart // Event Planning, Styling & Floral Design: Best Day Ever Events // Floral Design: Le Kiosque a Fleurs & Theun & Bloemen // Stationery: Mark van Wijk // Venue: Kasbah Bab Ourika // Cake: Amandine Marrakech // Officiant: Marry van’t’ Zelfde // Videography: The Dreamers // Makeup Artist: Rob Peetoom // Wedding Dress: Pronovias // Henna Dress: Selma Benomar // Bridal Accessories: Jimmy Choo & Astley Clarke & Isabel Marant // Groom’s Apparel: Oger // Rings: Tiffany & Co