Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Setting: Farm & Vineyards
Wedding season: Winter
The number of guests: 65
How long did the couple plan the event: 8 months
Wedding theme/style: Understated elegance.
Brooke and Will’s paths crossed on an online dating app at a time when Brooke was wrapping up her undergraduate degree in Virginia, and Will was working in the vicinity for his family’s company. Their connection was instant, ignited by their shared passions for fitness, family, and a love for food. The sparks between them led to a quick decision to move in together in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they embarked on a life filled with love and adventures.
After two wonderful years of dating, Will decided to take their love story to the next level. During Brooke’s annual family vacation to Sanibel, Florida, as the sun dipped below the horizon on a picturesque beach, Will got down on one knee and asked Brooke to be his partner for life. It was a moment of pure magic that marked the beginning of their journey towards marriage.
The mood board drawings exude an artistic brilliance, expertly capturing the intricate details and aesthetics of the real set-up. The bride and groom wanted their guests to experience their love for Morocco and add a nod to modern America, where they reside and first set eyes on each other. With meticulous precision and a keen eye for design, each element, from the vibrant floral arrangements to the architectural features, is depicted in a way that perfectly mirrors the actual ambiance of the wedding. These stunning visuals provide a glimpse into the enchanting world that awaited guests, showcasing the careful thought and creativity that went into creating a truly unforgettable experience.
The stunning wedding celebration took place at a Relais Châteaux 5* Boutique Hotel in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco. The hotel provided an exquisite backdrop for the union of Caroline and Reda. With its twenty-eight spacious rooms and suites, each adorned with inspiring East-meets-West decor, the venue perfectly captured the magical essence of their multicultural wedding.
The concept and vision of the wedding were brought to life by the talented team at Hello Weddings & Events Group, led by founder and wedding planner Héloïse Agelou. Working closely with the bride, their aim was to create a modern American fairytale wedding infused with the rich culture of Morocco. With the architectural brilliance of the venue and the inspiration found in every meticulous detail of the hotel, the concept effortlessly combined elements of novelty, nostalgia, and artistic beauty, ensuring a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
On the morning of the wedding, the bride was enveloped in a warm and joyful atmosphere as she prepared for her special day. Surrounded by her closest friends, the air was filled with laughter, excitement, and an abundance of love and support. Together, they shared heartfelt moments, created cherished memories, and ensured that the bride felt supported and cherished as she embarked on the journey to marry the love of her life.
The bride wore a breathtaking European white dress for the ceremony, radiating timeless elegance and sophistication. She captivated everyone with her exquisite beauty, emanating a sense of grace and poise. The dress, adorned with intricate details and flowing lines, left everyone in awe of her stunning presence. Later, she adorned herself in three mesmerizing Moroccan Kaftans by the renowned Negafa Tadlaouia, each ensemble a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and a stunning expression of her unique style, adding an enchanting and unforgettable touch to her wedding celebration.
As Caroline prepared for her special day, Reda was equally dapper, getting ready in a classy suit befitting the occasion. With impeccable style and attention to detail, he complemented the bride’s beauty, creating a perfect match in both appearance and love as they prepared to join their lives together in matrimony.
Inspired by their deep connection with Morocco and modern America, the couple sought to create an inclusive and vibrant celebration for their guests. Incorporating the groom’s love for blue, a picturesque wedding arch was designed in the lush botanic gardens of Palais Ronsard. Adorned with the stunning Hortensia flower in cerulean and sky blue variations, alongside vibrant orange, ruby, and white roses, the arch became a captivating centerpiece, embodying the couple’s vision and creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
With an air of grace and anticipation, the bride walked down the aisle towards the picturesque wedding arch, accompanied by the heartfelt melodies of music that resonated through the air. The ceremony became a truly unique and memorable experience as family and friends delivered speeches filled with genuine emotions, touching everyone’s hearts while also sharing lighthearted and funny moments, creating a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Jacob and Pauline, the talented photographer and videographer capturing the wedding day, exceeded all expectations with their incredible work. They flawlessly captured every precious moment, from the heartfelt speeches to the laughter-filled celebration, ensuring that every emotion was beautifully preserved. Their attention to detail, artistic eye, and dedication to their craft resulted in breathtaking photographs and an enchanting wedding film that the couple will cherish for a lifetime.
The decor of the wedding reception was a true visual delight, reflecting the couple’s desire for inclusive, fun, and colorful surroundings. Vibrant and eye-catching elements adorned the venue, featuring a fusion of Moroccan and modern American influences.
Surrounded by the stunning architecture of Palais Ronsard, the basin area was transformed into an extraordinary setting for the wedding reception. With meticulously planned design and careful execution, the basin was emptied on both sides, allowing for the construction of a magnificent centrepiece in the middle.
This one-of-a-kind layout created a seamless blend of elegance and functionality, providing a stage and dancefloor for the couple while allowing their loved ones to gather around, creating an intimate and unforgettable atmosphere for all.
The bride’s choice to dress in local Moroccan attire for her entrance was a bold and captivating statement that exuded elegance and uniqueness. Adorned in the intricate and vibrant garments, she embodied the spirit of Moroccan culture and added a touch of authenticity to the wedding celebration. Her stunning appearance left everyone in awe, creating a truly memorable and one-of-a-kind moment that perfectly represented the merging of traditions and cultures on their special day.
Amidst the enchantment of the reception dinner, the unexpected arrival of rain momentarily interrupted the celebration. However, the couple and their resourceful team swiftly adapted, seamlessly moving the dinner indoors without missing a beat. Undeterred by the change in plans, the joyful atmosphere continued to thrive, as the couple, their exuberant family, and friends danced and celebrated until the early hours of the morning. Nothing could dampen their spirits or hinder the magic of this unforgettable fairytale wedding.
As the rain graced their wedding day, a symbol of good luck and lasting marriage, it was evident to all in attendance that the radiant newlyweds needed no external signs of luck. Their love, laughter, and dancing spoke volumes, assuring everyone that their path was already destined for a lifetime of happiness and a true happily ever after, sealed by their unwavering commitment to one another.
From start to finish, the wedding program was a captivating blend of uniqueness and magic. The celebration seamlessly transitioned, where the bride made her final entrance in yet another exquisite Moroccan dress, captivating everyone with her beauty and adding an extra touch of charm to an already unforgettable night filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.
Advice from the couple:
• Choose the right wedding planner, photographer and videographer for a destination wedding, it makes the whole experience enjoyable. We couldn’t recommend Hello Weddings & Évents Group and Jacob & Pauline enough who made our dream wedding to perfection.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Jacob & Pauline | PLANNER Hello Weddings & Events | VENUES Palais Ronsard, Relais & Chateaux | FLORALS Hello Marrakesh | MUAH Camille Petrouvi | KAFTANS Negafa Tadlaouia | GROOM Reda Akbil | CHEF Alexandre Thomas | HIRE Deco-Flamme Marrakesh | BAND Senhaji Reda | SINGER Ryta Jalal | SAXOFONIST Haitam Bachari | CAKE Terra Mia Cafe Marrakech
