M&N's Destination Wedding at Palais Namaskar

22 June 2019Marrakesh, Morocco

Mouhssine and Nzingha’s wedding is one that we will never forget. Their incredible day took place at Palais Namaskar in Marrakech. Raquel from Dreams Above and Beyond was their wedding planner and there was care given to every single detail of the day. While the wedding itself was incredibly stunning (I mean, have you seen photos of Palais Namaskar?!), what remains imprinted on our minds are the countless of moments of joy from this day. This is a couple that everyone was just so thrilled to celebrate with! Mouhssine and Nzingha met several years ago through mutual friends when Nzingha was traveling through Morocco. Mouhssine was living in Morocco and Nzingha in LA but despite the cultural differences and even the language barrier, they just felt a connection. Of course, long-distance relationships are never easy (we know this from our own experience all too well!), but as I’m sure Nzingha and Mouhssine would testify – any love worth having isn’t easily gained! Their wedding was a day they had been working towards for so long and it felt like even more of a privilege to be the ones capturing it. The day began with Nzingha getting ready at Palais Namaskar in the company of her bridesmaids. Over at another location at Palais Namaskar, Mouhssine got ready with Nzingha’s brothers and the other groomsmen. They had friends and family travel in from as close by as Marrakech to as far away as LA! As guests arrived at the venue they were greeted by a Marrakechi band and light refreshments. The ceremony took place outside right beside Palais Namaskar’s picturesque waterways. Mouhssine and Nzingha’s bridal parties consisted of family members and close friends and it was the most fun wedding party entrance we’ve seen as they each grooved their way down the aisle in their own unique style! We loved it! Nzingha was escorted down by her brother to the song “Adore”. Another brother officiated the ceremony which included one of her bridesmaids singing “Overyjoyed”, a reading from I Corinthians 13, and their wedding vows. Following the ceremony was a souk inspired cocktail hour which included snake charmers, a camel, fresh-squeezed Moroccan style orange juice, and other drinks and refreshments. This really gave all of the non-Moroccan guests a feel for what the Marrakech souk is like (albeit minus the motorbikes!).Nzingha and Mouhssine made their entrance with Nzingha on the amaria. It was the beginning of what would be an evening full of lots of dancing! Palais Namaskar really pulls all of the stops in making an incredible atmosphere. The dinner took place outside by the pool with countless lanterns, flowers, and hues of purples and pinks. Between entrees of Morocco’s most classic and delicious dishes (pastilla, tagine, couscous...my mouth is watering just remembering!) there was dancing, speeches, and a special entrance from Nzingha and Mouhssine on the doura. But believe it or not, the party was just beginning! Mouhssine and Nzingha had choreographed their first dance and it was such a special moment. You will want to scroll through to see their incredible cake that came out following their dance. As guests enjoyed some dancing and slices of cake, two fire breathers performed from the top of one of the buildings overlooking the reception.After the cake came a special surprise for their guests. Mouhssine and Nzingha had flown in the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans! Their performance is to date one of our favorite wedding moments. The guests went wild and it was an incredible concert by the band and dancing by the guests. Can the Hot 8 Brass Band just come to every wedding?! Mouhssine and Nzingha’s wedding was unforgettable and definitely one for the books! This couple has an amazing story – and it’s still only just beginning! We wish them the best in their life together!