A Magical Moroccan Celebration | Real Weddings: Hanane El Moutii & Marc Ange
With the magical Moroccan landscape as their backdrop, this couple celebrated their big day in marvellously majestic style
It wasn’t your typical work meeting the day that Hanane El Moutii and architectural designer Marc Ange met at the iconic Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. The two immediately hit it off, but didn’t see each other until six months after that initial rendezvous, when business brought them together once again, and that’s when their love story commenced.
When it came to the engagement, charismatic French-Italian Marc pulled out all the stops with a surprise trip to the Maldives, proposing on a private island on 10th March 2020. The couple then eloped, exchanging vows at the stunning Amangiri in Utah.
In summer 2023, the official wedding took place at the Selman Hotel in Marrakech. The couple had been going to this resort for years, and it felt like home to the pair with MoroccanItalian Hanane explaining: “The hotel is family-run, and no detail is spared. It’s a glamorous palace where effortless elegance is celebrated. The rooms and common areas are complemented by the owner’s private collection of vintage Moroccan art and furniture, which gives it a historical edge. We knew our guests would fall in love with the place just as we did.’’
The bride-to-be used her own company, Éclat Public Relations to organise the nuptials: “My team planned the wedding alongside us, and I have to say it was a fun process. We went back and forth between LA and Morocco because I wanted to personally select all the vendors, flowers, accessories and decor elements. We wanted something effortless and timeless. We wanted to celebrate Morocco’s poetic beauty while staying true to our taste.’’
The ceremony began with a dear friend of the couple Netflix’s Styling Hollywood alum Adair Curtis – welcoming the guests with a speech, whilst Marc’s best friend and business partner, Raphael Lancray Javal, officiated the ceremony.
With several costume changes, the bride’s wardrobe was as glamorous as one would expect. To begin the evening’s festivities, Hanane donned a gold Tlija kaftan which was inspired by her mother’s wedding dress. She then changed into a custom Moroccan Touch kaftan with touches of orange and gold accents with wide sleeves.
These two looks were paired with Maison Merenor vintage jewellery and Jimmy Choo gold platform heels. For the wedding, a Monique Lhuillier all-lace gown was the perfect choice, after which she changed into a kaftan she found in Casablanca. Last but not least, Hanane donned a Vivienne Westwood mini dress for the after-party.
Throughout the evening, guests dined on a local menu, including crisp pastila, mechoui lamb perfumed with mint and cumin, delicate pastries and mint tea. With a long list of magical moments and memories of her wedding, Hanane confides the best part of her night was the moment the couple were carried on Mida tables.
“It was the highlight of our wedding. A tribute to Moroccan culture and just pure joy for our guests and ourselves.’’ As the founder of a prestigious PR agency, the well-versed Hanane has excellent advice: “Change into one or two dresses to fully express yourself. Have fun with it, it’s your time to shine!’’
Bride’s Black Book
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier, Rebeccalasposa.it
Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Jimmychoo.com
Jewellery: Maison Merenor, Maisonmerenor.com
Make-up: Karima Maruan, @karimamaruan
Event Planner: Éclat Public Relations, Eclatpublicrelations.com
Florist: The Bloom Room, Thebloomroommarrakech.com
Wedding Cake: Monunia Eloukkal, @artsucrebymounia
Stationary: Tipografia Pezzini, Tipografiapezzini.com
Venue And Caterer: Selman Hotel, Selman-marrakech.com
Photographer: Andreas Holm, Andreasholm.com
Video: Jester Jungco, @streetshooter.la
Wedding Favours: Côté Bougie, Cotebougie.com
Photography By Andreas Holm
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride’s Autumn Winter 2023 issue