Under the Moroccan stars

ALYSHA & VARUN
Dec 2018 | Marrakesh, Morocco

Alysha & Varun first met at a wedding in London two years ago. As she sat at her balcony with her girls a few days after, she playfully addressed him as her “future husband” while they looked up on Instagram the guy she called “so good looking!”

They met soon after, and romance swiftly spiked from zero to the high nineties. The connect in their very first meeting was so strong that they had decided to spend the rest of their lives exploring the world together.

Both of them were artists at heart and wanted to leave no stones unturned to have that perfect destination wedding. For the Dalamal family, life came full circle as they explored the place where their paternal grandfather had spent most of his life – Marrakech. They could not have wished for a more spiritual destination to tie the knot.

Right from the initial recce trips to the little details, everything felt right – or rather, was planned right! Among the many properties they reviewed, La Mamounia Hotel stood out in more ways than one. The award winning hotel, with its plush décor, Moorish opulence, rich fabrics and intricately tiled courtyards was that oasis of calm that rung a bell with their personalities. As they wandered through its 20-acre park with fruit trees, tall palms and brightly coloured flowers, they blissfully lost track of time.

Going To Morocco For Love - Poem by Sherif Monem

“I am going to asfi
going to the country of Morocco
where I found my love
going to see the queen of beauty
going to see my love

she is the rose of the mountains
she is the flower of the gardens
I will ride the blue sky to meet her
will count the seconds to hug her

I will hold my arms around her
I will warmly kiss her
I will whisper in her ears
I love you

she will be my Bride
she will be my destiny.”

— Sherif Monem

“أنا ذاهب إلى عاصفي
الذهاب إلى بلد المغرب
حيث وجدت حبي
الذهاب لرؤية ملكة الجمال
سوف نرى حبي

هي وردة الجبال
هي زهرة الحدائق
سوف أركب السماء الزرقاء لمقابلتها
سوف عد الثواني لعناق لها

سأمسك ذراعي من حولها
سوف أقبلها بحرارة
سوف تهمس في أذنيها
انا احبك

سوف تكون عروسى
انها سوف تكون قدري.”

— شريف منعم

The Welcome Dinner

The families welcomed the guests who flew in from all over the globe at a rooftop dinner at La Mamounia. The black and gold night was named “Neo Afrique” – marked by mysterious fire acts, live African model statues, tropical plants and chic cocktails. The Dubai based Soul & Funk band ABRI had guests grooving to their music and set the mood just right for a fun all nighter.

Alysha’s Mehendi

The Mehendi was an intimate ceremony set in Alysha’s Riad overlooking a sparkling pool & sprawling orange orchards. She looked dreamy in a pastel pink Anita Dongre outfit as she sat underneath white canopies adorned with fresh flowers and lush green leaves. There are a total of three such Riads in this lavish property, and display intricate craftsmanship with luxurious fabrics, hand-painted wooden ceilings and Moroccan tile work. Midway through the Mehendi, Varun and his family dropped by for the Sagri ceremony.

Pool Party

Post the Mehendi, the guests proceeded to the poolside for the “Moroccan Chill” lunch party. Organic Bohemian hues were the theme for this vibrant event where guests enjoyed the coming together of delectable food, cocktails and great music.

The Sangeet

Sabyasachi meets Morocco – the Sangeet was set in the rustic interiors of Beldi Country Club, Marrakech. Candle lit alleys throughout the arched courtyards of this Moroccan villa made for the perfect blend of tradition and romance. The décor was dramatic, luxurious and all things regal and their intricately ornamented Sabyasachi outfits complimented the ambience beautifully. As Moroccan Berbers led the couple into the old-world charm of the mystical venue, they made all heads turn with their panache. DJ Sameer & DJ Zaar along with dhol players made sure that everyone danced like there’s no tomorrow.

Alysha’s Dress-up

Alysha had always dreamt of wearing an ornate red Sabyasachi lehenga for her big day. As she got ready to make an entrance into the courtyard, her friends and family couldn’t seem to contain their joy. They were witnessing their little girl transform into a stunning bride. Her Riad, with elegant pastel hues of greens and browns, made for the perfect backdrop for some precious photographs with her excited bridesmaids.

Varun’s Saafabandi & Baraat

Varun made sure that his Baraat was as ‘dope’ as himself! As he donned a suave off-white Sabyasachi sherwani, he made an entrance atop a sparkling red vintage car with his enthusiastic bunch of best men – what else does one need for an electrifying entry into the wedding arena? Or rather, into the welcoming mother in law’s heart?

The Wedding Ceremony

As she walked down the aisle, the floral stage, laden with peonies and white roses, glistened like an iridescent pearl in the midst of the vast greens of La Mamounia gardens. The onlookers couldn’t help but adore the love in Varun’s eyes as he saw his to-be wife dressed as a bride for the first time. The ceremony that commenced at dusk was a visual delight as classical Indian decor elements blended seamlessly with the traditional Moroccan environs.

The Reception

A quick 20-min break post the wedding, and guests proceeded to Palmeraie, where a glass marquee under the Moroccan stars turned into an enchanted garden for a romantic garden themed Reception. This exotic 60-acre property with frilly clumps of bougainvillea, olive trees, hot red hibiscus flowers and roses looked like a scene straight out of a fairytale. What followed was a sit down dinner with fabulous live music, a giant wedding cake and congratulatory speeches by loved ones. His heartfelt speech, dedicated to his new wife, family and everyone who’d been a part of their wedding was followed by Varun leading an emotional Alysha into their first dance as David’s Band played ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’