Arabian nights: Donna and Ashmid’s Moroccan wedding at Adelaide Pavillion

A mutual love of travel and a desire to infuse some culture into their big day inspired Donna Kokotis and Ashmid Ahmed’s Moroccan wedding.

“Our inspiration for our wedding was a Moroccan Wonderland,” Donna, 30, says.

“This was inspired by our love for Morocco and also to infuse both our cultures Greek Cypriot and Bangladeshi within the mood.”

Donna and Ashmid, 32, chose venues that would help support the theme, with the Melbourne pair heading to the bride’s home state of South Australia for the celebrations on April 29, 2017.

One hundred and ten family and friends watched on as the couple wed in the meeting hall at Adelaide Town Hall.

“We  loved the arches within the hall and the wooden beams across the ceiling,” Donna explains.

Celebrations continued at Adelaide Pavilion. “It played a huge part in creating that Moroccan pavilion feel and we loved the glass backdrop to work with our violet mood lighting within the function room, as well as a Mediterranean/Moroccan inspired menu.”

Helping make the decor unique was the fact much of it had been imported from Fez, Morocco especially for the big day.

“Mood lighting, Arabian musicians, mosaic urns, Moroccan designs and gold glistening lanterns being just the beginning!” Donna says.

Photos courtesy of Bianca De Marchi Photography.

Ashmid wore a unique tuxedo in a printed blue satin with black satin lapels.

Donna and her bridesmaids were adorned with traditional Moroccan henna, borrowing style from across the globe.

A vibrant presentation style bouquet was created using all artificial blooms by the aptly named, Flowers For Ever After.

Kate Browne from Blissful Ceremonies conducted the ceremony.

The music lovers first met at a night out on the town. “I wore a funky hat,” recalls Donna. “Little did I know that this hat would be the conversation starter to meet my soulmate. Ashmid starting talking to me on the dancefloor, we had a laugh, had a dance and we soon realised that we got along like a house on fire!”

Donna’s gown was an Allure Bridals princess style strapless number which she teamed with a statement Moroccan-inspired tiara and long veil.

Adelaide Pavillion was transformed into the “Moroccan wonderland” the couple had envisioned with various themed pieces from Inside Morocco.

Guests were immersed in the Moroccan vibe with two Arabian drummers, and a costumed violinist, as well as Greek, Bengali and trance music.

Donna attributes mood boards to the success of their themed celebrations.