Ludi and Drew’s wedding in Marrakech was a celebration of love, culture, and individuality set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Beldi Country Club. With guests traveling from across the globe, the couple created a vibrant weekend filled with meaningful moments, unique design touches, and unforgettable experiences. From a welcome night in the heart of the Medina to a lush garden ceremony and a lively courtyard reception, every detail reflected their shared vision of elegance and fun. Guided by the expertise of The Souk Department, this destination wedding blended traditional Moroccan charm with modern sophistication, leaving their 130 guests with cherished memories of a magical spring weekend.
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
Style: Greenery, funky, elegant
Time of planning: 11 months
Number of guests: 130
Setting: Country Club
Season: Spring
Ludi and Drew’s love story began in February 2020, just before the world changed with the onset of COVID-19. They met through Hinge, a dating app, and their first date perfectly showcased their shared interests and unique personalities. Drew chose an artful start at The Royal Academy’s Picasso exhibition, while Ludi introduced a sporty twist, watching France face off against Italy in the Six Nations Rugby at The Walmer Castle pub in Notting Hill.
Their proposal story was as adventurous as their love. During a weekend getaway to The Wilderness Reserve in the UK, Drew orchestrated a scavenger hunt across the sprawling 8,000-acre property. The final stop led them to a picturesque field set with champagne and a picnic. As Drew dropped to one knee—unknowingly kneeling in sheep poo—it only added a dose of humor to the heartfelt moment. Ludi’s sole request for the engagement ring was that it be vintage, a wish fulfilled with a stunning 1920s hand-cut diamond ring from Hancocks London.
Welcome Day
Morning Together
The welcome day began with an intimate stroll for Ludi and Drew, soaking in the morning warmth of the Moroccan sun as they explored the stunning ruins and gardens near Marrakech. Their setting was straight out of a storybook—ancient ochre walls, patterned tiles, and towering palm trees creating a picturesque backdrop that perfectly framed their pre-wedding glow.
Ludi exuded effortless elegance in a black kaftan-style dress adorned with white linear details, complemented by statement earrings and flat sandals, embracing the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe of the day. Drew chose a light beige blazer paired with a crisp white shirt and black trousers, adding a classic touch to the scene. Together, their understated looks harmonized with the timeless beauty of their surroundings, creating moments that felt as natural as they were cinematic. As they walked hand in hand, their laughter and joy illuminated the historic architecture, captured beautifully through candid shots by La Dichosa.
Coffee Break
As the day progressed, Ludi and Drew paused for a relaxed coffee break, embracing the vibrant terrace setting with its terracotta hues and lush greenery.
When planning their wedding, they combined their multicultural backgrounds—Ludi, French, and Drew, American—by choosing a destination that resonated with both French and English speakers. Marrakech stood out as a vibrant, exotic setting that captured their adventurous spirit while creating a magical experience for their guests.
Ludi had swapped her black kaftan for a chic sleeveless caramel-hued suede dress that perfectly complemented the sunlit surroundings. Her look was elevated with bold statement earrings in a striking geometric design and tortoiseshell sunglasses, adding a playful yet elegant touch.
"Drew and Ludi wanted to show their friends and family the old town of Marrakech, so we showed them a very traditional Moroccan house with a beautiful courtyard. It was full with traditional and not so pretty furniture, but we turned the whole house upside down and brought all the furniture and decor."
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner kicked off with a relaxed and casual gathering by the serene poolside. Guests mingled under the soft glow of the late afternoon sun, with vibrant palm trees and the rustic charm of the terracotta architecture serving as a tranquil backdrop. Drinks flowed as the warmth of the Moroccan spring set the perfect tone for an intimate evening.
“The welcome night the day before the wedding was a very special night for us as we had a family dinner and cocktail after for all our guests in the Medina – the old city of Marrakech. It’s one of the most iconic areas in Marrakech, a place we fell in love with and wanted our guests to experience too,“ shared the couple.
As the evening progressed, guests transitioned to the courtyard for dinner, where an enchanting tablescape awaited. Designed with earthy terracotta tones and Moroccan-inspired accents, the long tables were adorned with handcrafted plates by LRNCE, vibrant candles, and an eclectic mix of fresh fruits like papayas, peaches, and grapes scattered along the center. The setup reflected the couple’s vision for a modern and culturally immersive experience. A delicious array of traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagines, couscous, and roasted vegetables was served family-style, encouraging conversation and connection among the guests.
"We custom made table sheets for them, custom made plates that the guests could bring home as a gift and we created the design for the whole table around them."
"Claimy and Youssef from The Souk Department arranged it perfectly and designed it in such a memorable and special way in a very old traditional Moroccan house. It was the perfect way to catch up with friends and family before the big day started."
Bride & Groom's Morning
The morning of Ludi’s wedding was filled with elegance and serenity as she prepared for her special day surrounded by her closest friends. Her bridal look featured an ethereal gown by NEWHITE Bridal, with delicate sheer details and a playful cut-out design that blended modern sophistication with a hint of whimsy. Complementing her look were minimalist white strappy sandals and statement gold and pearl earrings, which added an artistic flair to her ensemble.
Her bridesmaids mirrored the romantic setting in flowing floral gowns in soft pastel tones, each dress unique yet cohesive in its dreamy, feminine style. The vibrant prints of their dresses perfectly complemented the Moroccan landscape and the terracotta tones of the venue, creating a stunning visual harmony. Together, they shared joyful moments on the sunlit terrace, and their laughter echoed against the rustic walls and lush greenery.
From the sunlit terrace, Ludi and her bridesmaids caught sight of Drew and his groomsmen gathering in the courtyard below.
Drew looked elegant in a classic Zegna tuxedo, complemented by a velvet bowtie and a vibrant boutonnière that reflected the day’s romantic palette. His groomsmen were equally polished in sharp suits, each adding their own flair while maintaining the timeless elegance of the group’s attire. The men sipped champagne, shared light-hearted conversation and exchanged toasts, before heading to the ceremony.
Ceremony
The ceremony began with guests enjoying refreshing drinks on the lawn in front of the ceremony area. The open space, framed by lush greenery and terracotta hues, offered an inviting setting for pre-ceremony mingling. Moroccan tea stations and trays of champagne added a celebratory touch as the anticipation built for Ludi and Drew’s vows.
"The venue was the basis for the concept of the wedding and our designers. The Souk Department created something that matched our vision and guided us in the right way that created a stunning visual throughout the day."
The ceremony itself was a visual masterpiece. The focal point was a stunning floral arch designed by The Bloom Room, featuring an abundance of colorful blooms in shades of orange, pink, yellow, and purple. Roses, anthuriums, and seasonal wildflowers cascaded over the structure, creating a vibrant yet romantic entrance to the ceremony area. Rows of white chairs perfectly complemented the natural elegance of the garden setting, while softly billowing drapes on the arches behind added a touch of timeless sophistication.
“For the design of the ceremony, we decided to keep it simple to showcase the beautiful garden and architecture of the venue. We went for white iron chairs and just enhanced the architectural arches with a big flower arch in a spring summer color scheme."
As guests took their seats, live acoustic music played softly in the background, setting a serene atmosphere. The celebrant, a close friend of the couple, led a heartfelt and personal ceremony that included a reading from the couple’s favorite show, “Fleabag,” adding a touch of humor and intimacy.
The exchange of vows beneath the vibrant arch, surrounded by their loved ones, was a moment of pure emotion and joy. When Ludi and Drew were pronounced husband and wife, the applause and cheers echoed across the venue.
“We wanted the whole wedding day to have a similar look, yet crafting cute details and different touches throughout. We kept the ceremony simple and classic and step by step added more funk into the wedding day."
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests strolled over to the greenhouse for a cocktail hour that was as refreshing as it was stylish. The venue’s greenhouse served as a stunning backdrop, brought to life by The Souk Department. Embracing a deep green theme, cocktail tables were adorned with vibrant green tablecloths, lush garden-inspired floral arrangements, and flickering lanterns, creating a relaxed yet chic ambiance.
“For the cocktail hour, we had the greenhouse as a backdrop and decided to go deep in the green theme. We added green tablecloths for the cocktail tables, went for a ‘gardeny’ flower theme around and used one of the venue's old doors as for the seating chart."
Guests sipped on personalized signature drinks—a nod to the couple’s cultural roots—with champagne honoring Ludi’s French heritage and mint juleps paying tribute to Drew’s Kentucky ties. The band played in the open courtyard followed by a lively DJ set and a serenade of “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” to Ludi, a tradition of the Kentucky group of friends.
A charming touch of whimsy was added with the seating chart displayed on one of the venue’s rustic old doors, blending seamlessly with the greenhouse’s rustic-meets-modern aesthetic. The light pouring in through the glass walls, combined with the laughter of family and friends, set the tone for the evening’s festivities.
Ludi and Drew poured the champagne tower together, creating a highlight of the day that brought everyone together in celebration. Like the champagne, the light pouring in through the glass walls, combined with the laughter of family and friends, set the tone for the evening’s festivities.
Private Moment
Before the reception began, Ludi and Drew took a quiet moment together to soak in the beauty of their day. Walking hand-in-hand through the serene gardens of Beldi Country Club, they were surrounded by vibrant red bougainvillea and towering cacti that framed the golden light of the setting sun.
Their stroll through the rustic paths, with Ludi’s ethereal gown flowing softly behind her, felt like a peaceful pause amidst the celebration.
"The most memorable from the wedding day were the little moments with friends and family, speeches, but also sneaking out together to take pictures."
Reception
As cocktail hour transitioned to dinner, the green theme was carried through with tables dressed in green linens and adorned with unique details, including artichokes, vibrant blooms, and fresh vegetables. Suspended lanterns and candlelight added a Moroccan-inspired warmth, enhancing the cozy and chic atmosphere.
“We used the greenhouse as a central point for our designs. A funky green illustrated table sheet for the champagne tower, the seating chart on one of the venues’ old doors, the artichokes on the dinner tables, the cheese tower instead of wedding cake, the traditional Shawarma chart at the end of the party etc."
"This country club, just outside the old city of Marrakech, was an incredible place to gather our family and friends for the weekend. It has beautiful rose gardens, traditional Moroccan colors and architecture, lots of arches and everything we were looking for."
To conclude the dinner, Ludi and Drew gathered their guests’ attention for the cutting of their unique cheese tower in place of a traditional cake. The tiers of artisanal cheeses, decorated with fresh fruits and flowers, reflected the couple’s creative and personal touch.
Night Celebration
After dinner, guests moved into the open courtyard for a lively celebration. The Souk Department had transformed the space with disco balls glimmering above the dance floor, inviting guests to dance the night away. Live music from The Talent Band kept spirits high, followed by a DJ who ensured the energy never waned.
The festivities ended on a flavorful note with a late-night snack of shawarma served from a local truck by ROCCO Rentals. It was the perfect conclusion to an evening that effortlessly combined elegance, cultural nods, and moments of pure joy.
“The guests moved to the courtyard that we decorated with lots of disco balls hanging above the dance floor. We ended the night with a typical Moroccan snack – shawarma."
Advice from the couple:
• Find someone local to help coordinate.
• Have lots of conversations as a couple about what is important to each of you, like live music and nostalgic touches, and spend less time on items that are less important to you.
• If possible, spend 1-2 days on site after the wedding to decompress. Those 48 hours after the ceremony allowed us to spend quality time with friends and family who don’t live in London and whom we don’t get to see as often as we’d like.
PLANNER & DESIGNER The Souk Department | PHOTOGRAPHER La Dichosa | VENUE Beldi Country Club | RENTALS ROCCO Rentals | FLORALS The Bloom Room | CUSTOM PLATES LRNCE | BAND The Talent Band
