Moroccan Magic Wedding Inspiration by Illuminate Photography

Boy do I ever have a gorgeous editorial for you all today! Thanks to Tabitha Mee at Illuminate Photography and her talented team, we’re transporting you to the sands of Morocco for a styled shoot that’s as beautiful as it is inspiring. In fact, it’s almost easy to forget that it was shot in Cape Town, and not high in the Atlas mountains, amid citrus and walnut groves, and flat-roofed hamlets.  I absolutely love a touch of Moroccan style (which also happens to be perfect for a boho wedding theme), and with a mix of shiny brass, warm earthy tones and pops of orange from pincushion proteas, berries and kumquats (as well as a dreamy Robyn Roberts dress), I’m in heaven. This would be such a gorgeous colour scheme for a wedding – the florals created by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio would translate beautifully to a reception table, not to mention the sheer romance of a little desert breakout area beneath the stars. Sigh. And pass the mint tea.Read More

Inspiration Board: Moroccan Boho

Good grief, how is it Monday again? Today we’re bringing some boho sunshine to the blog, courtesy of this pretty inspiration board, which was inspired by a Hideous Kinky Morroccan bohemian-style vibe. Soft peachy orange combines perfectly with 2014’s colour of the year, Radiant Orchid, especially with intricate bronze detailing and our fave flower, the protea. If you love this look, then check out our suggestions for Morroccan wedding decor as well :)

Colours: Radiant orchid, orange, pink & white

Top row (l-r): Boho bride {Ciara Richardson}; bridesmaid with protea bouquet {Sarah Joelle Photography}; boho tent {Jenny Kim Photo/Drew Bennett + Sitting In A Tree}
Row 2: Moroccan lanterns {Sweet Emilia Jane & Sitting in a Tree}; boho dress with lace back detail {Poise by Nadia}; rose wine on brass tray {Mint Photography/Pink Parasol Designs and Coordinating}
Row 3: Bride {Grace Loves Lace}; purple VW camper {Danielle Capito Photography/Taylor Made Events and Design}; protea bouquet {Adam Barnes/Petal}.

 

Moroccan Themed Wedding Details

Source: Jose Villa/Cortnie of Canvas and Canopy for Rue Magazine

Welcome to Part 2 of our Moroccan-themed inspiration Friday! Didn’t you just love the dresses I showcased this morning? Not to mention the gorgeous backdrop… Of course, I’ve never actually been to Morocco (although I have done Tunisia and Egypt) but it is most definitely on the list. There’s just something so romantic and English Patienty about it all, isn’t there? Which is probably why it makes a great wedding theme, and I’ve been seeing full-scale Moroccan style weddings or just weddings with Moroccan touches popping up all over the place. But there’s one big word of warning here. Going overboard will make this theme look like a cheap Christmas party. Do not – I repeat, do NOT – go overboard. Don’t lean towards the obvious, but rather be inspired by the general North African design aesthetic, and then have fun with it.Read More

Stephanie Allin 2013 Night & Day Collection

I do love a bit of designer dress inspiration, and I’ve been dying to share this with you ever since I saw the pics of Stephanie Allin‘s 2013 collection (Night and Day) which debuted at the White Gallery this year (boo, I was in Durban and missed it). Then I read that the collection was being shot in Fez, and had partly been inspired by the soft pinks and blues, amber, and metallics found in Morocco, with a bit of a seventies flare added in, and I knew I had to wait until the official pictures were released. So worth the wait. I absolutely love this soft and feminine collection, with layers of texture, and Morocco makes the perfect exotic backdrop to show it off. It has me yearning for a trip back to North Africa to swan around in souks and rock the riads. Maybe even frequent a couple of gin joints. But until then, here are some of my favourites from the collection – and come back later today when I’ll have lots more Moroccan inspiration!Read More

Inspiration Board {From the Movies}: The English Patient

Happy Monday, everyone! I thought it was high time for another film-inspired board, and I’ve picked one of my favourites. I have to admit, the first time I saw The English Patient I thought it was rubbish – I had so many unanswered questions and Kristin Scott Thomas’ character really irritated me. Then I read the novel (which I totally recommend) and saw the film again, and this time I fell in love with it. Not just with the story and characters, but with the pre-war North African setting. There’s an incredible romance to the desert, and although I’ve travelled to both Egypt and Tunisia I still want to go back one day and spend more time in the Sahara. That’s what I was trying to evoke with this board – a bit vintage, a bit exotic, a tiny bit adventurous. I think it could make for a sophisticated and romantic wedding, with fabulous Middle Eastern design details – a more refined take on the Arabian Nights party theme. Moroccan Warehouse (+27 (0)21 4618318) is a great place to find this sort of thing in Cape Town, so check it out if this appeals to you.

Colours: Maroon, chocolate and sand

Top row (l-r): Flowers (Belathée Photography); Moroccan lamp; carpetAlexander Wong Freja bootie via Magnolia Rouge; Amanda Wakely Desert wedding dress
Row 2: Maroq light garland; vintage map; thimble necklace; cave swimmer painting from The English Patient; fruit (Kate Triano)
Row 3: Scene from The English Patient; invitation; scene from The English Patient; dress (Kate Webber).