From Reluctance to Celebration: The Wedding Journey of Amber Yopp and Maxime Scheyen
Amber Yopp, a beauty executive based in Paris, had always considered herself more of a non-wedding person. In fact, she told her long-term partner, Maxime Scheyen, who is also the general manager of L’Oréal’s designer fragrances in France, that she would end their relationship if he ever proposed. "If ever I was willing to get married, I’d be the one doing the proposing!" she laughs, embracing her unique perspective on love and commitment. Yopp, the global brand president at Kérastase, grew up in Casablanca, Morocco, where weddings are often seen as grand displays of power and opulence. Such massive celebrations, she explained, which can include thousands of guests, never resonated with her personal ethos.
However, the pandemic served as a catalyst for change in Yopp's outlook on relationships and the importance of celebrating love. As life became precarious, both Yopp and Scheyen realized the need to create cherished memories for their loved ones, prompting a profound shift in their relationship. "Amber and I are both very close to our mothers and thought, ‘We need to do something for the people we love, and create good memories – especially for them,’" Scheyen recalled. It was during a trip to Morocco in December 2020 that Yopp took the bold step of proposing to Scheyen, presenting him with a square Trinity de Cartier ring, a piece laden with personal significance.
Overcoming Cultural Barriers: A Unique Celebration of Love
The couple's journey towards their wedding was not without obstacles. They chose Morocco as their destination, a decision that honored Yopp's cultural roots while also allowing Scheyen’s family to experience her homeland. Yet, planning a wedding as an LGBTQ+ couple in Morocco presented significant challenges, as traditional weddings do not typically accommodate same-sex unions. Yopp, who identifies as trans and Muslim, and Scheyen, who is Jewish, navigated their cultural differences with respect and understanding. Despite the complexities, they highlighted Morocco’s rich history of religious tolerance and acceptance, making their wedding a symbol of love and unity.
After several unsuccessful attempts with wedding planners, Yopp and Scheyen finally found the perfect venue at Villa Azaren, a secluded spot that resonated with their desire to celebrate authentically. They planned a weekend-long celebration themed “1003 Nights,” inspired by the legendary tales of Scheherazade. The first evening featured a lavish banquet in the villa’s gardens, adorned with Amalfi lemons and purple orchids, while guests enjoyed a blend of Ashkenazi and Moroccan cuisine, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Yopp’s love for fashion played a crucial role in her wedding attire. She envisioned an exquisite corset made from mother-of-pearl inlaid fabric, inspired by Nicole Kidman’s look at the Palm Springs Festival. However, unforeseen complications led to a last-minute change, and she ultimately crafted her dress from buttons collected from her and Scheyen’s grandmothers—an emotional tribute that beautifully encapsulated their journey together. The ceremony itself was held at a private douar in the Agafay desert, where they wore custom-designed kaftans that blended traditional North African elements with modern elegance. The celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt speeches from their mothers, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.
The festivities continued with a vibrant pool party, where the couple and their guests relaxed and enjoyed the ambiance of the Moroccan desert. Yopp reflected on the significance of their wedding, emphasizing that it was about celebrating love and creating lasting memories for their families. Their wedding, marked by cultural richness and personal touches, ultimately became a powerful testament to the universal nature of love, proving that it can indeed transcend boundaries and expectations.
As reported by vogue.co.uk.
