Whimsical Moroccan-Inspired Wedding: Eleanor + Kevin

moroccan wedding

Eleanor + Kevin got hitched at Murray Hill in Virginia, with their ceremony held on the venue’s expansive lawn (alongside the Potomac River) and their reception in the gorgeously decked-out barn! Their wedding was filled with so many whimsical, Moroccan inspired details + they weren’t afraid to incorporate lots of color either! So many fun ideas to snag for your own wedding or event. Here’s a bit more from Eleanor about the inspiration behind the design:

The colors and design of the day were important but more important was making sure that it was what we both wanted. We wanted the colors and flowers to represent the transition that we were jumping into: a bright, carefree and fun stage of our lives.

Big thanks to Rebekah J. Murray Photography for the lovely photography and congrats to Eleanor + Kevin!

flower crown bride

flower crown bride

moroccan VA wedding rings

moroccan bride

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

groom in red suspenders


I’m a big fan of Eleanor’s happy hued bouquet by Sweet Root Village.

moroccan bouquet

groom in red suspenders

bride and groom

bow nails


From the photographer, Eleanor + Kevin designed an entire newspaper, filled with pictures + articles written by different loved ones, instead of a ceremony program. Kevin is originally from Ghana and Eleanor is from the US – They met at grad school in London and fell in love in Kenya. After the wedding, they honeymooned to Vietnam and now live in Scotland, so the wedding was their grand send-off to a new life together.

Sounds like they are on a fabulous journey together, doesn’t it?!

newspaper ceremony program

lounge

tattoo bar


And in my opinion, a temporary tattoo bar is always a good idea. Such a fun way to keep your guests entertained pre-ceremony or during cocktail hour!

tattoo bar

tattoo bar

bride

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Butterfly Waltz – Brain Crain

Recessional: All You Need is Love – The Beatles

First Dance: A Desert Sunrise – Brett Dennen

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Ele: My most memorable moment was when Kevin and I said our vows. It felt as if the whole world stopped as we promised our lives to one another. I also cherished the time walking up the aisle. I tried my best to walk very slow, savouring the moment as I looked around and saw all of the people we loved and then finally looking up and seeing him... it was a worldly experience for me.

Kev: I was looking forward to the day as a day of transformation, the day when I move from one to being a two. The first sign of this was the seeing the completed barn for the reception. I had my doubts when we first went scouting, but like the day it's transformation was reassuring. And it left me longing to see my bride walk down the aisle...on the road to becoming an us.

ceremony

giant balloons

guests walking to reception

barn reception

chalkboard seating chart

wedding


The barn was transformed into a colorful, Moroccan wonderland, with lots of pretty bazaar-inspired details. My absolute favorite being the terracotta pots, overflowing with bright blooms, suspended from the barn rafters. With the help of Laura from Events in the City, Eleanor + Kevin truly created such a gorgeous environment for their reception!

hanging woven planters

hanging woven planters

wire table numbers

hanging woven planters

peonies


The clusters of hanging brass lanterns, in various sizes, is another detail I really love.

moroccan decor

grand entrance

feather decor

barn

ribbon exit


And I’m crazy about the colorful “Hip Hip Hooray” sign decorating their getaway car! So, so cute!

car exit decor

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Steal a moment away with your other half. As Kevin puts it, "this moment was a time for us to soak in the day... a time to let the beauty of the moment imprint upon us for eternity." I'd have to agree. Also choose things that represent both of you. I think women often have this picture of what we want our wedding day to look like... let your man share his ideas and visions too.. the day will more closely represent the “us” you are becoming if planned together.

photography: Rebekah J. Murray Photography // venue name: Murray Hill, Leesburg, Virginia // event design: Laura Ritchie with Events in the City // planning: Laura Ritchie with Events in the City // wedding dress: Claire Pettibone // bride's shoes: Timberland Boot Company // bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew // hair stylist: Claudine Fay // makeup artist: Claudine Fay // groom attire: Reiss // catering: Design Cuisine // furniture rentals: Something Vintage // music: DJ D Mac // coordination: Laura Ritchie with Events in the City // floral design: Sweet Root Village // flower wreath: Sweet Root Village // groom's bow tie: Balzac paris // suspenders: vintage find // photo booth: Bash Booths // temporary tattoos: Tattly // stationery designer: Intrigue Design Studio

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