A Wedding Weekend in Lamu, Kenya

Hello and happy May Day, friends! Sloan has her Senior Run today… which marks the official last day of high school for her. She has a few days of final exams next week, and then she’s done! HOW?! #deepbreaths

Keeping up with all things graduation has been a little challenging, but I’m embracing the chaos and emotions. I hope those of you in similar positions are feeling good!

I know many of you are waiting on my Trip Reports for Kenya, so today I’m excited to share the wedding portion of our epic trip… in Lamu!

The first half was spent on safari, see more of that HERE and HERE, plus I’m working on a full blog post! The second half of the trip was for our dearest friends’, Val and Brian, wedding, and it was every bit as magical as you’d imagine.

So magical, in fact, that I don’t have near as many photos as usual! We were truly so immersed in the moments and experience, that we stopped for very few photos. I can hardly wait for the official photographer’s photos, and I’ll be sure to share more then.

Tiered Cut-Out Dress (size 2) | Strappy Sandals | Beaded Bag

Dolman Sleeve Maxi Dress (Small) (code CASSIE15) (Similar HERE) | Strappy Sandals | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Earrings | Necklace | All-Weather Bangles

Lamu Island, Kenya //

I’d never heard of Lamu Island prior to this trip, and honestly, only ever thought of Kenya in terms of safari! But Lamu offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression on travelers seeking an authentic African experience.

The Lamu Archipelago is a cluster of islands, most only accessible by boat, and without cars, so the main mode of transportation is on foot or donkey. Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Its narrow, winding alleys, traditional coral stone houses, and intricately carved wooden doors are like stepping back in time.

It’s resolutely traditional and almost entirely Muslim, with beautiful Arab architecture. We respected the culture by keeping our shoulders and knees covered anytime we ventured to Lamu or Shela towns, and found a mix of locals and expats, most of whom spoke perfect English.

Striped Sundress (XS) (code SUGARPLUM10) | Pocket Blouse (Small) (code CASSIE15) (Similar HERE) | Strappy Sandals | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles | Necklace is from a local shop

Dolman Sleeve Maxi Dress (Small) (code CASSIE15) (Similar HERE) | Straw Hat | All-Weather Bangles

Getting to Lamu //

We flew from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Manda Airport, a small, open-air airport right on the water. From there, it’s a quick walk to the pier where small boats shuttle you directly to the hotel.

Where We Stayed in Lamu //

We stayed at the unbelievably gorgeous Majlis Resort on Manda Island. Right on the water, it has three restaurants, featuring International, Italian, Indian, and Swahili dishes, along with multiple pools and beachside bars.

The rooms are large and decorated with traditional Lamu Island style, plus fully air conditioned…. which we definitely needed in February, the high season of their Summer!

We spent our time lounging by the pool, or grabbing the boat shuttle to Shela town, where we wandered the chicken and donkey-filled alleys past local markets and chic shops.

Cut-Out Maxi Dress (Small) (Similar HERE) | Strappy Sandals | Beaded Bag | Sunglasses

The Welcome Party called for brightly colored styles in pink, orange, yellow, and green… we all understood the assignment! Val and Brian surprised us with a sunset cruise on a fleet of traditional Dhow boats! We sailed through the nearby mangrove forests with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, then stopped for dinner and dancing at the historic Peponi Hotel in Shela. See more of this magical experience HERE.

Cut-Out Maxi Dress (Small) (Similar HERE) | Beaded Bag | Sunglasses | Mr. SP’s shirt is from a local shop

Cut-Out Maxi Dress (Small) (Similar HERE) | Suzie’s Dress

Pocket Blouse (Small) (code CASSIE15) (Similar HERE) | Tropical Print Midi Skirt (XS) | Strappy Sandals | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Vuori Shorts (Also HERE) (Medium)

Striped Sundress (XS) (code SUGARPLUM10) | Strappy Sandals | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles | Necklace is from a local shop

The wedding called for muted tones of sage, champagne, and khaki, and I could not have loved my dress more! It’s truly the perfect dress for so many occasions. I’m so smitten, I’m tempted to grab it in black just so I have it on-hand for any future black-tie events. Plus, the price can’t be beat for the style and quality!

I didn’t take many photos, but you can see more of the evening HERE and HERE. I’ll definitely share Val’s looks once the photographer’s photos come out… she was truly stunning!

Tiered Cut-Out Dress (size 2) | Strappy Sandals | Beaded Bag | Sunglasses

The wedding party went to the early hours, with all of us swimming in the Indian Ocean… an experience I’ll never forget! The next day was a casual pool party, followed by one last sunset sail on the beautiful Dhow boats before we all said our good-byes.

Swimsuit (Medium) | Sarong | Strappy Sandals | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

It was unlike any trip or experience I’ve ever had, and to do it with people I love so much was a literal dream. Pairing a beach destination with the safari was the best of both worlds, too!

But more on that to come!

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