Miryam & Ben's Enchanting Marrakesh Wedding at Ksar Char-Bagh

Love Story

Miryam and Ben met online in August 2023. She's American with Moroccan roots, he's half British and half Persian—different backgrounds, but from the start, something clicked.

"From the very beginning there was an unmistakable sense of familiarity and ease," Miryam shares. Their connection deepened quickly—on just their second date, in what she describes as "an unplanned but instinctive moment," Ben met two of her brothers. "With family at the center of who we both are, that moment became quietly significant. Ben often says he knew then that he would marry me."

"He pursued me with clarity and respect, and I met him with the same intention," Miryam reflects. "We knew early on that what we shared was real and genuine."

The proposal came months later during a trip to Italy for Ben's cousin's wedding. Staying at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Miryam had no idea what was coming. On the day itself, Ben planned what seemed like another romantic gesture: a picnic and wine tasting at the hotel. They were driven to a private villa overlooking Tuscan vineyards wrapped in soft, misty air. "It felt like something out of a romance novel — intimate, quiet, and impossibly beautiful," Miryam recalls.

As she took photos, Ben asked her to pause and simply take in the view with him. He wrapped his arms around her and said, "You know, this trip isn't perfect yet." "What are you saying? This is literally perfect," Miryam immediately replied. Then he turned her around—and there he was, on one knee.

About Your Wedding

After 12 months of planning, Miryam and Ben created a wedding that felt deeply personal. "With both of us coming from Middle Eastern backgrounds, it was important that our celebration honored culture, history, and a sense of soul, while still feeling modern and uniquely our own," Miryam explains. Morocco made sense. "We have always loved doing things a little differently and bringing our own sense of style into everything we create together."

The celebration stretched over multiple days. It started with a welcome party at Al Kamar Desert Camp in the Agafay Desert—live musicians, belly dancers, a fire show, Arabic house and Afro house music. "Dancing together under the stars, surrounded by the desert, felt truly magical and unforgettable," the couple shares.

The wedding day was black-tie—refined, romantic, timeless, with nods to modern Moroccan architecture. "We designed the evening to unfold in layers, offering moments of surprise throughout the night."

Their biggest inspiration? "The city of Marrakesh — its vibrant colors, intricate details, and timeless energy — woven seamlessly with our own personal touches. Watching our vision take shape, reflecting both the city's magic and our style, was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience."

Morning Details

Every detail reflected thought and care. Working with their party planner Elie, the couple designed their invitations through Paperless Post, creating a look that gave guests "a glimpse of the experience to come."

For jewelry, the couple exchanged meaningful pieces the night before the wedding. Ben surprised Miryam with a stunning sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet, followed by a unique diamond tennis necklace composed of pear-shaped diamonds in a gradual setting, centered by a larger stone. "The piece felt timeless and regal, and incredibly special to wear," she says. In return, Miryam gifted Ben a gold onyx ring accented with diamonds—"something distinctive and personal, chosen to reflect his style and taste, and a piece I knew he would truly appreciate."

As for wedding bands, Miryam chose a cigar-style ring with delicate diamond trim to complement her engagement ring, while Ben opted for a simple titanium band reflecting his understated elegance.

The couple's wedding stationery was thoughtfully designed and coordinated by Elie, who oversaw all elements to ensure everything felt cohesive and perfectly aligned with the spirit of their celebration.

Bride Getting Ready

For her wedding looks, Miryam chose Pnina Tornai for both the welcome celebration and ceremony, finding her dresses at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. "Her designs felt timeless, feminine, and perfectly aligned with the vision I had for each moment."

For her second look of the evening, she wore a custom dress designed alongside her seamstress—"allowing me to bring a more personal and creative expression to the evening. Each piece felt thoughtful and intentional, making the process feel natural rather than overwhelming."

Miryam's accessories included a custom-made cathedral-length veil with a blusher, finished with a subtle horsehair trim to add structure and softness. For footwear, she selected modern Amina Muaddi heels that weren't overly bridal, plus white contemporary wedges for comfort during photos.

Her bouquet was striking: a modern arrangement featuring sculptural calla lilies, designed with an elongated shape that draped elegantly at both ends.

Getting ready took place on the grounds of Ksar Char-Bagh, one of the reasons the couple chose this boutique hotel. "We loved its aesthetic, which provided the perfect, timeless backdrop for our photographs," Miryam explains. She was surrounded by her bridesmaids and mother during those quiet, meaningful moments.

For the bridesmaids, Miryam gave them freedom to choose dresses they felt most beautiful and comfortable in, selecting a soft pastel color palette that allowed each look to feel cohesive while still reflecting individual style.

Groom Getting Ready

Ben's wedding day style was crafted at Todd Snyder,where both of his custom tuxedos—including his second look—were made. His getting-ready photos were also taken on the grounds of Ksar Char-Bagh, capturing the same elegance and aesthetic as Miryam's preparation. He was joined by his groomsmen while getting ready, sharing the anticipation of the day ahead.

First Look

The first look took place in a beautiful garden on the grounds of Ksar Char-Bagh, providing a private and intimate setting for that unforgettable moment.

When Ben saw Miryam for the first time, his thoughts were pure emotion: "I didn't think anything at all. I was just trying not to cry, feeling beyond grateful that this is the woman who I will be spending the rest of my life with. The love of my life."

For Miryam, the moment was filled with excitement and anticipation. "After nearly a year of waiting, I finally got to show Ben my dress. I missed him and couldn't wait to hold him and begin sharing the moments of our special day. So many emotions had been building in the lead-up to this day, and the first look felt like the beginning of our forever together."

Photoshoot Before The Ceremony

Ceremony

The ceremony took place in the center of Ksar Char-Bagh, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. "The setting felt both intimate and magical, surrounded by the beauty of the architecture and the natural landscape," Miryam recalls.

As a Jewish couple, Miryam and Ben had an Orthodox ceremony complete with meaningful traditions. Before the wedding, they participated in the ketubah signing, which was later formalized during the ceremony under a beautifully adorned chuppah.

Adding to the cultural richness, they incorporated a Persian custom in honor of Ben's heritage: the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and groom danced down the aisle. "It's such a joyful and spirited moment that brings incredible energy and celebration to the ceremony," the couple shares.

Ben made his entrance dancing to September by Earth, Wind & Fire (Phats & Small Remix), bringing energy, joy, and personality in a way that perfectly reflected him. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Miryam walking down the aisle to a beautiful violin instrumental of Can't Help Falling in Love by Alan Ng, performed by a live violinist.

The flower girls—Ben's three nieces and Miryam's 11-year-old sister—brought charm and sweetness to the ceremony, making the day even more special.

But the moment that stands out above all? "When I walked down the aisle and our eyes met," Miryam shares. "As Ben began to walk toward me, it felt as if the rest of the world disappeared — in that instant, it was just the two of us, completely present in the love and connection we share."

Photoshoot After The Ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

Ksar Char-Bagh provided the perfect canvas for Miryam and Ben's vision. The color palette blended white, soft neutrals, lush greenery, and touches of lavender—a special nod to their shared last name. "These colors were reflected throughout the decor, creating an elegant, fresh, and timeless atmosphere for the celebration," Miryam explains.

The couple created personalized takeaways for their guests: custom envelopes matching the wedding stationery, containing a heartfelt letter thanking everyone for traveling to Marrakesh. Inside, each guest received a custom silk scarf featuring a watercolor landscape of Marrakesh, personalized with "Miryam and Ben Lavender." It was a meaningful token of gratitude and a keepsake to remember the day.

Reception

After the ceremony and a beautiful cocktail hour, guests were escorted into a greenhouse for the reception. As dinner began, a ballet performance accompanied by a live violinist unfolded as a poetic expression of love—one of the many surprise moments woven throughout the evening.

The couple's first dance was to Is This Love by Allen Stone, a song that has been "our song" since the early stages of their relationship. "It felt intimate and timeless, perfectly capturing the love and connection we share," Miryam says. The celebration culminated in an unforgettable party that carried late into the night, with music provided by their incredible team from Israel: DJ Elbo and his assistant Udi, along with multi-instrumentalist violinist Yoni Weitzman.

Yoni performed all the violin pieces during the ceremony and alongside the ballerinas at the reception, then played the Tarbuka and electrical oud during the welcome party and wedding after-party. "We personally collaborated with Yoni to curate the playlist for our ballerina performance, ensuring every note reflected the mood and energy we wanted," the couple shares. Through Alpha Music and their planner Elie, they arranged a team of dancers who performed everything from traditional ballet to modern interpretations, captivating guests and bringing elegance, excitement, and artistry to the evening.

The food was equally memorable, with catering that impressed at both the welcome party and wedding. In a touching twist, their caterer served as one of the witnesses for their Ketubah signing—"a touch that makes them forever special to us."

Looking back on their incredible celebration, Miryam reflects: "It was a seamless and beautiful experience, made extraordinary by the talent, care, and dedication of every vendor involved."