Sea of peace in the desert

In a secluded corner of Morocco where the desert meets the sea, Cristina and Kolja invited their closest 80 guests to witness a wedding that was as poetic as it was personal. Set atop the wild cliffs of Oualidia, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, their ceremony unfolded in a setting so raw and untouched, it felt like stepping into a dream.

Cristina, a visionary bride, designed not only her own gown but also her groom’s attire. Her dress—a masterfully pleated silk creation in a timeless ivory tone—evoked a rare blend of elegance, purity, and quiet strength. Kolja wore a refined ensemble punctuated by a single golden wheat boutonnière: a symbol of harvest, simplicity, and enduring love.

The couple’s creative spirit infused every element of the day. Guests were invited with artisanal candles infused with the couple’s favorite scent—the same fragrance that lingers in their home—each candle engraved with the wedding details in delicate relief. A custom booklet featuring starfish illustrations hand-drawn by Cristina accompanied the invitation. These same starfish were lovingly embroidered onto her veil-cape by her mother, creating a soft sea of stitches that cascaded across her back as she walked down the aisle.

The floral installation at the cliffside ceremony mimicked seafoam, wrapping the couple in a half-moon of ivory roses and white hydrangeas—a tender homage to the Atlantic waves crashing below. For the reception, long tables were dressed with hand-thrown Moroccan ceramics, traditional glassware, dates, and pure white blooms. Each guest’s place was marked by a personalized linen napkin, and the table stationery echoed the tactile elegance of the invitations.

As night fell, the celebration turned luminous. Projected onto the desert walls were scenes from Cristina and Kolja’s everyday life—snippets of shared glances, quiet rituals, and laughter—that reminded every guest that beauty lives in the simplest of moments.