Two French Influencers on Their Dream Destination Wedding Weekend in the Moroccan Desert

When French influencers Rachel Legrain-Trapani and Valentin Léonard first met at a professional event, they caught each others’ eye right away. After exchanging glances that day they started exchanging messages and deciding when they could see each other next.

“We decided to meet in Lloret de Mar, where Valentin works every summer,” says bride Rachel. “There, something magical happened; we felt an incredible connection, a love that even our friends and family could sense.”

Not long after getting together the couple decided to start a family. With two beautiful boys, the time to get married had arrived. “A year ago, on a beautiful beach in Bali at sunset, Valentin asked me to marry him,” Rachel remembers. “It was unforgettable.”

From there, this absolutely mesmerizing destination wedding weekend in the deserts of Morocco took shape. “We quickly chose Elodie from Say Elo Wedding to help bring our vision to life,” the couple says. “Together, we decided on Marrakech for our wedding, specifically the Agafay Desert, a breathtaking and unique setting.”

The magical Moroccan landscape surrounding Inara Camp. The three Rime Arodaky wedding dresses. The enchanting photos by Marc Bourrel. Dreams came true in the desert for Rachel + Valentin, and we can’t wait to give you a peek!

Welcome To Morocco

“The festivities began with a welcome dinner steeped in Moroccan tradition,” remembers planner Elodie.

“For the welcome dinner, we embraced Moroccan traditions,” bride Rachel recalls, “complete with the lively music of “gnaouas” – traditional musicians.”

How STUNNING is this two piece long sleeve welcome dinner look by Rime Arodaky!

Take a peek at our lists of the best bridal separates and bridal jumpsuits to recreate Rachel’s welcome dinner look.

A Desert Wedding Day

Valentin’s classic black wedding tux came from Suit Supply.

Explore our A to Z guide to men’s formalwear and our roundup of the best men’s watches to build a sophisticated + timeless James Bond-esque groom look like Valentin did.

Even Rachel’s unique, strappy abstract floral wedding heels were created designer by Rime Arodaky!

“When Valentin proposed, I immediately knew which dress I wanted,” Rachel says of her unforgettable lace detail Rime Arodaky gown. “After all, we all secretly envision that perfect dress when we receive *the* question!”

How elegant are these white oval shaped wedding nails!!

The Ceremony

The elegant white florals by Carrement Fleurs paired beautifully with the arid landscape and the snow-dusted Atlas Mountains on the horizon.

“On the big day, Elodie arranged for PETITADVM, an incredible singer, to perform at the ceremony,” remembers the couple, “bringing deep emotion to the moment.”

Our Favorite Memory
The entire celebration was filled with memorable moments, but our emotional ceremony stood out the most. 

Does Rachel + Valentin’s destination weekend have you dreaming of “I do’s” in the desert? Check out Married in Morocco: How to Do a Desert Destination Wedding Right for another brilliant Moroccan wedding moment.

Post – Ceremony Portraits

We are absolutely dazzled by Rachel’s glorious pear shaped engagement ring.

All of Rachel’s delicate diamond star-shaped wedding jewelry came from the designers at APM Monaco.

Rachel’s romantic, gently wavy wedding hairstyle and deep smoky neutral bridal makeup were created by Lola Bellezza.

A Romantic Reception

“Guests were transported to an even more exclusive location in the heart of the desert,” says planner Elodie of the tented reception location, “a secluded spot specially prepared for them.”

Rentals from Maison Klarabelle brought Elodie, Rachel, and Valentin’s sophisticated decor + design vision to life.

Rachel’s strapless high slit reception dress was ANOTHER stunner from Rime Arodaky!

Also, loving the switch from effortless down-do to a high bun bridal updo!

“For the party, we had a spectacular DJ and light show (featuring Spicy Ferri and talent from EMM Agency) that kept everyone on the dance floor until the early hours,” the couple says. “Our guests danced the night away, making it a celebration we’ll all remember forever.”

“The reception’s stunning, timeless setting became the stage for an evening of spectacular performances, featuring dancers, acrobats, and fire breathers,” Elodie says. “A truly magical and unforgettable night.”

Our Advice
Having a planner who knew the destination inside and out was incredibly reassuring. Elodie’s first piece of advice was to choose everything with our hearts, focusing only on what felt right to us, and that’s exactly what we did.

This breathtaking wedding cake came courtesy of the creative bakers at Maison Mignardise.

Rachel + Valentin, your destination desert wedding weekend was pure Moroccan magic. Félicitations from GWS!