A Vibrant Boutique Hotel Wedding In Morocco

After Dianne and Etienne's original plans to wed in Prince Edward County fell through, they opted for a destination wedding in Morocco. The couple had never visited the country before but both Dianne and Etienne say they were captivated by its effortless beauty.

Peacock Pavilions, a boutique hotel combining Moroccan architecture and chic accents, was the perfect location for their celebration. Their venue, decorated with lush greenery and dotted with pink and red flowers, created a dreamy setting for the small gathering. To enhance the surrounding flora, fairy lights and fresh blooms were strung over the dinner table. In the centre of the courtyard, a pool filled with rose petals was "not only an incredible sight," the couple recalls, "but we all jumped in the pool after the dancing ended!"

Dianne and Etienne worked closely with a friend, who officiated the wedding, to create a personal and thoughtful ceremony. "We made sure the ceremony really reflected us as a couple, including taking a moment for us and our guests to really ground ourselves in the moment we were about to be a part of," the couple shares. "Instead of asking if anyone objected to our marriage, we instead passed around our vow books and asked for our guests to give their blessing and support to the promises we were about to make to one another."

Instead of having a specific wedding song, everyone danced the night away to music by a Gnaoua trope. "Gnaoua originates from sub-Saharan Africa and features lively singing, drums, castanets, and a gimbri (a three-stringed guitar)," they explain. "The band surprised our guests after dinner! They did an amazing job."

Dianne McKenzie and Etienne Rainville, June 9, 2018, Marrakech, Morocco.

Photography courtesy of iDream Studios.

Vendors Ceremony and reception venue: Peacock Pavilions Bridal gown: Senara by Carol Hannah Bridesmaid dresses: Vintage Jenny Packham  Groom’s tux: Custom from Surmesur Flowers: Local flower market in Marrakech, arranged by Maryam of Peacock Pavilions Stationery: DIY Cake:  Peacock Pavilions Hair and makeup: Sophie from Coif'chez Vous Marrakech Music: Gnaoua troupe from Cafe Clock