A Green-and-White Intimate Outdoor Destination Wedding in Morocco

Libby and Weldon, both native Texans, met in 2007 while both were living in New York. After dating for two and a half years and relocating to Fort Worth, Libby asked, "So are we getting married or what?" It was out of character for Weldon to pop the question then and there, so he waited, planned the moment, and made his move in July 2009 bearing a placeholder ring of cubic zirconia ("The best 69 bucks I ever spent," says Weldon, who co-owns LetsRun.com, a site for marathon enthusiasts). The date was set for New Year's Eve -- just five months away -- in Morocco. "We were already planning a Christmas vacation there, so I thought, 'Why not?'" says Libby.

Libby opted to forgo getting married in a classic white wedding dress. She did, however, slip into a Marisa gown (and a pair of sneakers!) for a preceremony photo session that took place in locations all over the city. "I loved touring Marrakech," says Weldon. "Running around the desert taking pictures is one of my favorite memories of the trip."

The couple pose for an impromptu shot in front of a graphic street sign during their shoot. "It was so much fun. Years from now, I know I'll be so glad to have these photos," says Libby.

Guests, also clothed in native attire for the celebratory meal, are surrounded by belly dancers. "That was the most traditional part of our entire celebration," Libby recalls. "It felt like a big costume ball."

Libby wears a vintage caftan and Weldon dons Moroccan garb to take in the revelry at the rehearsal dinner at Dar Yacout, one of the city's most famous restaurants.

The marriage certificate was signed by the couple, their parents, and their officiants, a South African minister and a family friend who is a judge.

Libby's dad, Carter Pettit, anticipates his daughter's special day as he enters the ceremony space holding a program of her design.

The bride carried that same pattern over to the invitations. "To bring the two cultures together, we used a Moroccan tile motif and American-style calligraphy," she says.

Libby's mother, Karen Pettit, brought a little bit of Texas to the desert: "My parents thought it would only be fitting that we were married on Texas soil. They went to each of our childhood homes and shoveled out some dirt from the front yards," says Libby. "Then they carted it all the way to Morocco and sprinkled it around us during the ceremony. It was a really special moment."

A camel looks on as the couple pose for a picture before the ceremony. "They're literally everywhere here," says Weldon, "so it made sense that they be a part of our wedding."

Guests (and camels) watch as Libby, in a green Carolina Herrera dress, and Weldon, in a custom suit from the Squire Shop in Forth Worth, Texas, exchange vows pool-side at the Jnane Tamsna resort just outside of Marrakech; colorful Moroccan rugs served as the aisle. "Our ceremony was intimate, beautiful, and spiritual. I'll never forget it," says Weldon.

Libby and Weldon standing on the "aisle" made up of Moroccan rugs.

At the reception, green-and-white tableware complements the stationery's tile design.

Centerpieces of white roses, grown on the hotel grounds, decorate long tables.

A Moroccan wedding ritual, in which the newlyweds are carried on thrones before the feast, lasted for 35 minutes.

Jubilant attendees ring in the New Year with confetti at midnight.

Libby, who changed into a bright-red Charles Nolan cocktail dress before the reception, and Weldon's twin brother, Robert, get down on the dance floor.

Guests gather for the evening celebration, where dozens of candles set a glowing scene.

A Moroccan musician entertains guests during the evening's festivities.

Location, Catering, and Flowers: Jnane Tamsna, La Palmeraie, Marrakech
Stationery: Byrd & Bleecker; printed by Boxcar Press
Calligraphy: Crystal Kluge
Rentals: Smile Booth (photo booth)
Wedding Photography: Jesse and Whitney Chamberlin of Our Labor of Love
Dresses: Marisa (white gown); Carolina Herrera (green); Lela Rose for Payless
Menswear: The Squire Shop
Ties: Hermes