A Minimalist Desert Wedding in Marrakech, Morocco

By Marilyn Oliveira
March 06, 2019
This Modern Romance

A longtime couple made it official with a destination wedding complete with glamping tents and striking minimalist details.

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When 17-year-old Kimzie Luong met 19-year-old Albert Truong while on a family trip to California, it was like at first sight. "[Kimzie's] aunt and uncle were good friends of my folks, and they brought along a beach-driven niece with an itch for salty hair and the surfer lifestyle." Kimzie, who now owns a contemporary swimwear company called Kovey, was fascinated by the slightly-older surfer and found herself blushing at every joke and gesture. "I also loved how comfortable and fun he was, singing, dancing, and joking so easily," Kimzie says.

The pair stayed in touch through the years over social media, and though neither admitted it, both were intrigued when they connected again as adults. "Our online chats led to texts, phone calls, and late-night Skyping," Kimzie recalls. "We couldn't stop talking to each other, even when I was in China for a month!" Still unsure if they were more than friends, Albert asked Kimzie to accompany him to a wedding in Hawaii—the two officially became a couple on the trip.

"The rest is a long story of seven years of stupid happiness," Kimzie says. "I wasn't even thinking about marriage when he proposed because life was great and I didn't need anything else. What's the rush when you have forever together?" The couple's engagement lasted three joyful years, and when Albert suggested Morocco as a wedding destination, Kimzie was game. "Why not?" she says. "You just need a sense of adventure and optimism." After doing some research, Kimzie found and fell in love with Scarabeo Camp in Desert Agafay, a glamorous desert encampment with a chic bohemian vibe. Guests would stay in luxe, Asian-inspired tents and the festivities would take place against a pristine desert backdrop.

On September 2, 2018, Kimzie and Albert exchanged handwritten vows before 29 of their closest friends and family members. "It was effortless," says Kimzie of the epic celebration. "It feels like a dream, honestly. We had 1,000 candles lit for the reception and our favorite humans across the world with us. And I had my new husband, who I was incredibly lucky to be marrying. There were speeches, laughter, tears, and then dancing until the late hours of the night. It was all an unforgettable dream."

Watch Kimzie and Albert's wedding video by Shark Pig Weddings.

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A Breathtaking "Glamp" Ground

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Guests spent the night before and the night of the wedding glamping in spacious white tents. Woven African mats and Berber rugs covered the floors of the interiors, while exquisite Moroccan lanterns added to the outdoor atmosphere.

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Desert Camels

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The day before the wedding, guests were shuttled to the camp, where camels were waiting to greet them.

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A Glamorous Pre-Wedding Tea

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All enjoyed a welcome tea before settling into their individual tents.

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A Vintage Wedding Dress

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The bride found her vintage gown a year ahead of time at a flea market, not realizing that it would one day serve as her wedding dress. "I bought it thinking I would just have it for a fun shoot or something," she says of the flowing gown that featured long bell sleeves and crystal detailing on the bodice. "Later, when we decided to [wed] in Morocco, I realized I already had the perfect dress for the occasion: A one-of-a-kind, unconventional dress for a one-of-a-kind, unconventional wedding."

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Bridal Shoes

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Kimzie slipped on a pair of strappy, crystal-embellished heels from ASOS for her big day.

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A Lush, Green Bridal Bouquet

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The bride, a lover of green plants, held a bouquet composed mostly of green olive leaves and succulents created by Catherine Villier of Le Kiosque à Fleurs.

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Unique Groom's Attire

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Albert donned a sage-colored linen-blend suit by Indochino that he had tailored for the wedding and accessorized with leather suspenders and a gold camel lapel pin. "I wanted a lightweight suit with a pop of green to contrast the desert hills," he says. His bride was pleased. "Albert looks good in green shades, plus I don't see many weddings with this color suit," she says.

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Traditional Moroccan Footwear

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The groom wore a pair of Moroccan babouches made of camel-colored leather on the big day.

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Boho-Chic Bridesmaids' Dresses

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Kimzie invited her bridesmaids to wear dresses in bohemian desert shades of their choosing, which resulted in a soft, dusty color palette.

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A Sharp-Dressed Best Man

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Albert's best man wore a navy linen-blend suit with leather suspenders, a matching gold camel lapel pin, collarless shirt, and leather-weave loafers.

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Contrasting Altar Detail

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Kimzie's affinity for greenery extended to the ceremony structure, which was adorned with handsome bunches of olive branches.

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Desert Lounge Details

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Lounge areas composed of cushions and padded benches were laid out on carpets before the ceremony structure, creating an aisle down the center.

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A Simply Beautiful Ceremony

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The pair exchanged vows they wrote themselves at the ceremony, which was officiated by their childhood best friends. "When we were up there with all our friends and family witnessing us exchange our vows, the feelings were so overwhelming it was indescribable," she says. "I completely underestimated how it would feel to 'get married.'"

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Moroccan Musicians

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Music from a traditional live band followed the ceremony.

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Exquisite White Horses

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Horses outfitted in white made a post-ceremony appearance, which made for the perfect portrait opportunity.

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A Glamorous Reception Setup

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The reception area featured a pair of long tables surrounded by safari-style chairs that were situated on the outskirts of the camp; candles glowed in the background.

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Minimalist Tabletop Style

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Moroccan lanterns topped the reception tables, along with green olive branches and woven place mats. "There was lightning in the far distance during dinner, which added to the magical feel of being in the middle of nowhere," says Kimzie.

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A Candlelit First Dance

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For their first dance as husband and wife, the pair opted for the upbeat tune "Lovely" by Miner; the dance took place against a backdrop of 1,000 lit candles. "We wanted a faster-paced, happy song," says Kimzie. "I'm not about cheesy romance. I want everyone to be happy."

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Sources

This Modern Romance

Photography, Stephanie Williams of This Modern Romance
Videography, Shark Pig
Cinematography, Rainbeau Tharp
Location and catering, Scarabeo Camp
Flowers, Catherine Villier of Le Kiosque à Fleurs
Bride's shoes, ASOS
Groom's suit, Indochino

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