We’re drawn to rustic and muted tones.
We live in London’s Notting Hill. John is a musician and Lilly is a nutritional therapist and naturopath. Our work plays a huge part in our lives, but we always make space for travel, food, and soaking in the vibrant corners of our neighbourhood. We first met through mutual friends at Reading Festival in 2014. There were instant sparks, but we stayed friends for years before finally becoming a couple. Deep down, we always knew we were right for one another — it was just a matter of timing. Moving in together during the pandemic felt like diving into the deep end, but rather than sinking, we flourished.
When it came to choosing a wedding location, Marrakesh felt like the perfect fit. It has this incredible mix of natural beauty and soulful chaos, especially in the souks, that really speaks to our taste. We’re drawn to rustic and muted tones, so when we visited Casa Abracadabra and saw the gardens, we knew it was right. Working with a wedding planner was one of our best decisions. It took the pressure off and gave us the space to really enjoy the process — from site visits to tastings (which, as you can imagine, were a particular highlight!).
We were especially passionate about the food and drinks, and keen to show just how exciting and vibrant Moroccan cuisine can be. That, plus the fact that Marrakesh is typically “dry” meant the bartenders were blissfully unaware of standard alcohol-to- mixer ratios… which only added fuel to the dance floor! We were set on a celebration that embraced the setting. A stark white marquee didn’t feel right, so we opted for an open- air, candlelit dinner under the stars. It ended up being one of the most magical moments of the weekend.
John wore a dark brown double-breasted linen suit paired with shoes from Officine Creative, and gold cufflinks and a wristwatch that once belonged to Lilly’s late father. For our Friday welcome drinks, he changed into a vintage olive green Giorgio Armani suit that he found in a Milan thrift store, which felt like a nod to our shared love of travel and old-world charm.
Lilly wanted something contemporary and backless with a dramatic veil — something sleek but elegant. The team at The Fall Bride understood her style and made the whole experience stress-free. The dress she chose had a high wrap-around scarf detail, which felt refined and modern, and perfectly suited to the mood of the day. The weekend was full of beauty, emotion, and joy. Being surrounded by
family and friends in such a breathtaking location, eating, dancing, and celebrating love, Marrakesh gave us not only the aesthetic we were after but a feeling we’ll never forget.
LOCATION Casa Abracadabra, @casaabracadabra PHOTOGRAPHER Kim Captein, @kimcapteinphotography_ GROOM John @jwaughsaxophone BRIDE Lily @lilly_waugh GROOM’S MAIN OUTFIT Giorgio Armani, @giorgioarmani GROOM’S CUFFLINKS & WRISTWATCH From bride’s late father GROOM’S SHOES Officine Creative, @officinecreative_official BRIDE’S MAIN OUTFIT Newhite , @newhite_bridal from The Fall Bride, @thefallbride BRIDE’S SHOES Jimmy Choo, @jimmychoo BRIDE’S VEIL Harriette Gordon, @harriettegordon WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS Bear Brooksbank, @bearbrooksbank GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford, @tomford HAIR & MAKEUP Karima Maruan Bridal , @karimamaruanbridal FLORIST The Bloom Room Marrakech, @thebloomroom.marrakech PLANNER Claimy Anthonissen from The Souk Department, @thesoukdepartment CATERER NOMAD Eats Catering, @nomadeats.catering CAKE Art Sucre, @artsucrebymounia
