Lilly and John Waugh’s bohemian-luxe wedding in Marrakech was a beautifully curated celebration set amidst the olive groves of Casa Abracadabra. With a colour palette of terracotta, pinks, and oranges, their day was filled with Berber-inspired details, candlelit tables, and a magical outdoor ceremony. From a dreamy proposal in the Agafay Desert to a honeymoon in Japan, their wedding journey was a seamless blend of romance, adventure, and personal touches.
The Story
We first met at Reading Festival in 2014, and from the start, there was a spark. It took five years before we started dating, but having that strong foundation of friendship meant we always knew there was something special between us.
When we started talking seriously about our future, marriage became part of the conversation. John proposed in the Agafay Desert during a trip to Marrakech, making it the most magical moment of our journey together.
On our return to London, we worked with Bear Brooksbank, an exceptional East London jewellery designer, to create my engagement ring. I knew I wanted a bold, modern daisy diamond ring with a chunky band, and Bear made the process seamless and truly personal.
Venue
We kicked off the wedding weekend with welcome drinks at Palais Donab, a stunning former royal residence in the heart of Marrakech. A Tarab ensemble provided the perfect ambient music, setting the tone for the celebrations to come.
Our wedding day took place at Casa Abracadabra, a walled olive grove with beautifully restored Berber lodgings. It was everything we had dreamed of—natural, intimate, and filled with character. The ceremony took place between rows of olive trees, with a long aisle lined with Berber rugs and terracotta urns brimming with bougainvillaea. Dinner was just as enchanting, with lavishly decorated tables and over a thousand candles hanging from the olive trees, casting a magical glow over the evening.
The following day, we hosted a relaxed recovery brunch featuring food vendors, a Bloody Mary bar, a traditional tea man, and camels—a fun touch that our guests loved!
Fashion
After an extensive search, I found my dream dress at The Fall Bride—an elegant and sleek design by New White Bridal. I paired it with a dramatic, long Harriette Gordon veil and a comfortable pair of Jimmy Choos. As my ‘something blue,’ I wore my late father’s blue shirt while getting ready—a sentimental detail that meant so much to me.
John found his wedding suit in a Milan thrift shop—a vintage Giorgio Armani piece that felt effortlessly cool. He paired it with Officine Creative shoes, adding a modern touch to his classic look.
Jewellery
Our wedding bands were designed by Bear Brooksbank. I chose a chubby, buttery yellow-gold ‘donut’ ring, while John opted for a simpler flat-edged band, both engraved with personal messages. John also wore my late father’s watch and cufflinks, making his look all the more special.
Tablescape
We envisioned a colour palette of terracotta, earthy tones, and pops of pink and orange, and our wedding planner brought this to life beautifully. Many of our tableware details came from the souk, including handcrafted candlesticks, simple terracotta crockery, and Berber wine glasses. Hundreds of candles hung from the trees, creating the most atmospheric setting for our evening meal.
Food & Drink
Our caterers, NOMAD Eats, created an incredible feast, featuring Chicken Tagine, grilled artichoke, and cauliflower steak. For dessert, we kept it simple yet delicious—fresh oranges with cinnamon—leaving just enough room for our enormous heart-shaped wedding cake. We chose two different flavours: matcha and hazelnut praline. Later in the night, a shawarma van provided much-needed fuel for dancing into the early hours.
Entertainment
Music played a big role in our day. I walked down the aisle to Ólafur Arnalds’ “Doria,” a piece we had always known we’d use. As we walked back up the aisle as newlyweds, Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” played, setting the perfect mood for the cocktail hour.
We decided to forgo a traditional first dance—we just wanted to dive straight into the party!
Beauty Regime & Wellness
In the lead-up to the wedding, I focused on skincare, with facials, peels, Morpheus8, and daily sauna sessions. On the day itself, my bridal look was brought to life by makeup artist Karima and hairstylist Karima Maruan Bridal, who kept things soft and natural.
Honeymoon
After the wedding, we stayed a few extra days at Kasbah Bab Ourika, a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains—the perfect place to unwind. Later in the year, we travelled to Japan for two and a half weeks, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, and Takayama. The trip was all about amazing food, exploring new places, and, of course, shopping!
Advice
- Hire a wedding planner. If you’re planning a destination wedding, someone like Claimy from The Souk Department is invaluable.
- The details matter. Some of the most memorable moments for our guests were the small, thoughtful touches.
- Invest in photography. Kim Captein captured our wedding beautifully, and we’ll cherish the photos forever.
- Enjoy every second. The day flies by—you’ll wish you could relive it all!
With thanks
Bride and Groom: @lilly_waugh and @jwaughsaxophone
Wedding Planner & Stylist: Claimy – The Souk Department @thesoukdepartment
Rentals, Food Stalls & Entertainment : Rocco Rentals @roccorentals
Venue: Casa Abracadabra @casaabracadabra
Catering: Nomad Eats @nomadeats.catering
Cake: Art Sucre by Mounia @artsucrebymounia
Dress: The Fall Bride @thefallbride & New White Bridal @newwhite_bridal
Florist: The Bloom Room @thebloomroom.marrakech
Photography: Kim Captein @kimcapteinphotography_
Wedding Rings: Bear Brooksbank @bearbrooksbank
Makeup & Hair: Karima Maruan Bridal @karimamaruanbridal
Stylist: Aman Coco @amancoco
MOH: Aman Coco @amancoco
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