An arrival on a skateboard, a “latte toast” instead of sparkling wine, and a celebration designed to be close to nature: Alexandra and Lotfi envisioned a wedding true to their rhythm. Behind the scenes of this day celebrated in the Basque Country, every detail tells their story, from meeting after a surf session to a secular ceremony in a garden.
Alexandra and Lotfi’s wedding, a story born in the Basque Country
A longboard champion followed by nearly 190,000 people on Instagram, Lotfi Lamaali is also a videographer and surfer. His participation in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games showcased his ease on a board, even when the Seine and rain made riding difficult.
Based near Biarritz, he met Alexandra on June 19, 2025, after a surf session. A friend had convinced him to stop at a café terrace; a conversation with the barista, then a glance behind him, were enough to set their story in motion. Their first date felt like perfect alignment, with no need to force the takeoff.
A marriage proposal in Guéthary, with the sunset as a backdrop
After ten months together, Lotfi knew he wanted to marry Alexandra. He had initially imagined proposing at the end of a hike, but plans changed: the couple went surfing. After leaving the water, he chose to return to Guéthary, where they had said “I love you” for the first time.
At high tide, the rock where that moment had taken place was inaccessible. The Alcyons jetty then emerged as another lovely peak: Lotfi suggested taking a photo of Alexandra, then asked her to marry him at sunset. Those present applauded; the nearby restaurant offered glasses of bubbly, before learning that the future newlyweds did not drink alcohol. Another drink was offered, and the couple was able to enjoy the welcome before opening time.
The board is thus tied to the major milestones of their story: surfing accompanied their meeting, and skateboarding marked the groom’s arrival at City Hall. For Lotfi, it is not a decorative accessory, but the symbol of the journey that led him to the Basque Country and to Alexandra.
A natural reception, without excessive staging
City Hall only had an opening on June 19, 2026. The date coincided with the first anniversary of their meeting: a nod the future spouses took as a sign. They then had a few weeks to organize the celebration, with one simple guiding principle: stay true to who they are.
The artistic direction followed nature’s thread, between earth, sand, and forest. Simple materials, soft light, and a subtle palette set the tone, without flashy décor. The result favors organic elegance over showmanship: a choice that leaves room for emotion and connection.
The newlyweds’ outfits: a matter of feeling
Lotfi chose a light gray plaid three-piece suit already in his wardrobe. With an open collar, no tie, and no bow tie, he kept a relaxed look; for the reception, he removed his jacket and tied a silk scarf around his neck. His friends joked about the color choice, but the groom stayed the course.
Alexandra designed her custom outfit with designer Éléonore Pauc, after discovering her name through recommendations she received on Instagram. The ensemble paired a strappy top, a fitted slit skirt, and a lightweight lace blouse. She chose a loose updo and freshwater pearl earrings, while keeping her fittings in a creative cocoon with the designer.
An original arrival on a skateboard and a latte toast: the highlights
The day began with a well-established ritual: Alexandra and Lotfi shared their morning coffee before joining their loved ones for the preparations. He met up with a friend and his sister-in-law; she had brunch with her two childhood best friends, then got ready with them.
At City Hall, the groom chose an original arrival on a skateboard. The gesture paid tribute to a discipline that profoundly shaped his life and brought him to the region. For the guests, the surprise was both visual and symbolic: Lotfi arrived on his board, but also at the end of a journey that had brought him closer to Alexandra.
| Moment | Key detail | What it tells us |
|---|---|---|
| The meeting | A café terrace after a surf session | A chance encounter that became a starting point |
| The proposal | The Alcyons jetty in Guéthary | A return to the place where they first said “I love you” |
| Arrival at City Hall | Lotfi arrives at the ceremony on a skateboard | A tribute to boardsports and his journey |
| The wedding reception | A “latte reception” at Kohi Mame in Anglet | An alcohol-free celebration that reflected who they are |
| The secular ceremony | An arch made by their friend Estelle in Hossegor | A personal, local touch |
After the civil ceremony, the traditional wedding reception took the form of a “latte reception” at Kohi Mame in Anglet. Since Alexandra and Lotfi do not drink alcohol, they chose to share a coffee instead of following the traditional ritual. The name changed, but the essence remained the same: coming together and kicking off the celebrations.
The festivities continued in a house rented for the occasion. The secular ceremony took place in the garden, beneath an arch made by Estelle, a friend based in Hossegor; Bruno, Lotfi’s best man, officiated. Games, a meal, and dancing extended the day in an intimate atmosphere, without trying to turn the celebration into a marathon.
The meal followed the same relaxed approach. A private chef based in Biarritz prepared a colorful, generous summer buffet that guests could enjoy at their own pace by the pool. For dessert, a strawberry cake made by their pastry-chef friend Coline marked the cake cutting.
A secular ceremony filled with emotion
Among their strongest memories, Alexandra and Lotfi recall the speeches and the garden ceremony. Alexandra was touched by the sincerity of the stories, while Lotfi remembers a quiet moment before his future wife appeared, which stirred intense emotion in him.
Alexandra remembers Lotfi’s gaze as she walked toward him on her father’s arm. Little staging, plenty of presence: like a session where you find the right line without overdoing it, their ceremony favored emotion over spectacle.
Alexandra and Lotfi’s advice for planning a wedding that reflects you
The couple first recommends planning a celebration that aligns with your wishes and your budget. A wedding does not need to pile on traditions to be memorable: it is better to choose a few meaningful details, such as arriving at city hall on a skateboard or having a latte reception.
- Set a shared mood : a natural color palette or a venue chosen for its history helps maintain a common thread.
- Prioritize personal choices : arriving on a skateboard or serving a non-alcoholic drink can replace a tradition without losing the celebratory spirit.
- Plan a realistic budget : it is better to enjoy the day than worry about the expenses incurred.
- Invite the people who matter : Alexandra and Lotfi advise against making choices dictated solely by social expectations.
Their day is a reminder that a successful celebration is not measured by its scale. When decisions stay aligned with the couple, the simplest details often become the most memorable.
Practical questions about Alexandra and Lotfi’s wedding
When did Alexandra and Lotfi get married?
They celebrated their wedding on June 19, 2026, one year after they met on June 19, 2025.
Why did Lotfi arrive at city hall on a skateboard?
This arrival paid tribute to boardsports, a passion that has shaped his journey and notably led him to settle in the Basque Country.
What does the latte reception mean?
Since Alexandra and Lotfi do not drink alcohol, they replaced the wedding reception with a convivial coffee gathering at Kohi Mame in Anglet.
Where was the secular ceremony held?
The secular ceremony took place in the garden of a house rented for the occasion, beneath an arch created by their friend Estelle, in Hossegor.