As we continue our journey through the most breathtaking regions of Europe, today’s destination wedding takes us to the picturesque Provence in France, where Ella & Jay celebrated their elegant chateau celebration. The couple, residing in London and originally from the US, worked with Vaness Toklu of Vanessa et Caroline Creatrices de Mariages and photographer Studio A&Q to bring their refined vision to life.
The idyllic village of Lourmarin served as the backdrop for this sophisticated affair, boasting a charming Catholic church for the ceremony and the historic Château de Lourmarin for the reception. Ella’s timeless Sassi Holford wedding dress and Jay’s dashing white tie and tuxedo set the tone for their refined celebration, while the bridesmaids’ lavender dresses paid homage to the region’s iconic botanical.
As a nod to their American heritage, the couple incorporated sparklers and sing-alongs into their 4th of July wedding celebration. Meanwhile, French wines and British cocktails ensured a delightful fusion of cultures. With thoughtful details and classic styling, this romantic French soirée is sure to leave you enchanted.
The Inspiration
We opted for a more subtle approach, choosing a palette of pure whites as our foundation. To pay homage to the region’s renowned lavender, we incorporated fresh blooms into the design. Our goal was to create a look that was crisp, airy, and radiant without dominating the overall aesthetic. While maintaining this understated tone, we did introduce varying sizes of candles and lanterns throughout the church and reception spaces, adding depth and visual interest.
The Setting
Lourmarin village, though not overwhelmed by tourists like some neighboring towns, offered us an ideal setting for our special day. Its compact nature meant everything we needed was within walking distance, from the charming Catholic church to the reception venue and nearby hotels. The centuries-old church boasts a unique charm, while the Chateau de Lourmarin’s sprawling grounds provide breathtaking views of the village below.
Our decision to hold the ceremony at this picturesque location was influenced by the proximity between the church and the chateau, making it easy for our guests to move between the three. With its harmonious blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, Lourmarin proved to be an enchanting and practical choice for our wedding celebration.
The Ceremony
Our wedding ceremony was a beautiful expression of our Catholic faith. The readings we chose were deeply meaningful to us. We selected passages from the Song of Songs (2:8-10, 14, 16; 8:6-7) for our first reading and a letter from St Paul to the Colossians (3:12-17) for our second. The Gospel reading was taken from John (2:1-11). To enhance the atmosphere during communion, we had our string quartet play the bride’s favorite hymn, Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria.
‘ Additionally, the bride’s sister-in-law gifted us with stunning renditions of ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘Here I am, Lord,’ preceding the first reading and following communion, respectively.
The Music
As the ceremony came to a close, the processional featured Johann Pachelbel’s iconic ‘Canon in D’. Followed by the regal ‘Bridal Chorus’ from Richard Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin’. The recessional then kicked off with Felix Mendelssohn’s enchanting ‘Wedding March’ from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Op 61.
Meanwhile, our first dance was a truly unforgettable experience, as we incorporated a unique blend of Steve Tyrell’s soulful rendition of ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ and Caro Emerald’s sultry ‘A Night Like This’, which was specially choreographed just for us.
The Flowers
In our church ceremony and reception, we chose a predominantly white floral scheme to create a timeless and elegant atmosphere. The flowers adorning the church pews, dinner tables, and other reception tables were all variations of white blooms. A subtle touch of freshness was added with buttonholes featuring a combination of white flowers and fresh lavender. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were comprised solely of this beautiful lavender hue.
Meanwhile, the serving centerpieces stood tall in vases filled with majestic white hydrangeas.
The Photography
We embarked on a thorough investigation of photographers’ websites in Provence, ultimately finding ourselves thoroughly impressed with the exceptional quality and distinctive style showcased by Studio A&Q. The added bonus of their proficiency in English allowed for seamless communication regarding our desired aesthetic for the photographs, making the collaboration even more enjoyable.
Meanwhile, our videographer, Alexis Arnaud, was warmly recommended to us by friends who had also celebrated their special day in Provence. It was his captivating wedding video and trailer that initially drew us to his services, and we were thrilled to discover his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach. As a result, we entrusted him with the task of immortalizing our own special moment, which he successfully accomplished.
The Refreshments
As the evening unfolded, our guests were treated to an exquisite cocktail hour featuring Veuve Cliquot champagne, Pimm’s, European beers, and a selection of delectable hors d’oeuvres showcasing the finest ingredients. These included foie gras, grilled cuttlefish and seabass, herb fritters, soft boiled egg with porcini mushrooms, crab and avocado ‘tian,’ cold melon soup with fresh mint, and other culinary delights that left a lasting impression.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the four-course formal sit-down dinner, carefully paired with an expertly curated selection of wines from various vintages. The main event featured dishes such as ravioli with summer truffle and veal en croute with foie gras, Swiss chard, and pine nuts, which continue to be a topic of lively discussion among our guests.
To pay homage to the region’s rich wine heritage, we served wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the evening’s festivities.
Advice for Other Couples
When it comes to planning your wedding, it’s essential to prioritize what matters most to you and your partner. Identify the aspect that will make your special day truly unforgettable, whether it’s the culinary experience, the ambiance, or the memories created among loved ones. Allocate your budget accordingly, focusing on this crucial element first. If financial constraints are a concern, consider allocating funds elsewhere once your top priority is taken care of.
For us, the perfect harmony of flavors and libations took center stage, warranting a significant investment to ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
The Decor & Details
To create a unique and memorable experience for our wedding guests, we implemented several thoughtful touches: in the event that the church became uncomfortably warm during the ceremony, we had specially designed fans at the ready to ensure everyone’s comfort. These stylish fans were carefully crafted to match our wedding programs and other stationery, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings.
To further personalize the celebration, we displayed framed photographs of our parents’ and grandparents’ wedding photos around the venue; this touching tribute served as a poignant reminder of our families coming together in union with our marriage. As an added gesture of appreciation for our guests, we placed a special favour at each setting, showcasing local produce and highlighting the beauty of the region.
Our guests had the choice of three delightful treats: French lavender soap bars, miel de lavande, or Camargue Fleur de Sel; these thoughtful gifts not only added to the overall ambiance but also served as a memento of our special day. For those who wanted an extra-special treat, we offered handmade sachets of fresh lavender, carefully crafted by my mother and featuring traditional French-themed prints tied with ribbons.
These one-of-a-kind favours were truly unique and made our wedding even more unforgettable.
The Budget
As self-proclaimed foodies, we prioritized the culinary aspect of our wedding from the outset. Our chosen caterer was renowned for its exceptional quality, earning the title ‘best in the South of France’ – a reputation we wholeheartedly endorse. Two years on, guests continue to rave about the exquisite dishes served at our celebration. The starter and main courses were particularly impressive, surpassing even those encountered at other high-end weddings we’ve attended.
In hindsight, it’s clear that the food was an investment well worth making. We did, however, opt for a more restrained approach when it came to flowers, recognizing that they often take a backseat to more memorable aspects of the occasion. Attendees rarely recall specific floral arrangements, but rather the flavors, settings, and melodies that define a truly unforgettable event.
Our one notable exception was the stunning archway of vines, flowers, and lavender that greeted guests as they entered the church – an indulgence we were thrilled to justify given its breathtaking beauty and sense of occasion.
Unique Moments
Our destination wedding in Provence was a truly unforgettable experience. With a mix of British and American guests, the entire week felt like a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. We essentially took over the charming artists’ village before and after the celebration, making it a unique and special occasion for everyone involved. What made the day even more memorable was our clever use of sparklers. Since we were exchanging vows on July 4th, we designed custom tags to attach to these twinkling treats.
As the cake – a majestic croquembouche – was wheeled out onto the Château’s picturesque terrace, surrounded by larger sparklers, our guests lit their own and sang along to American Independence Day classics and other national anthems. As we cut into the delicious dessert, the air was filled with joyous singing and the warm glow of sparkling lights. It was a truly magical moment that everyone will cherish for years to come.
The Honeymoon
After a week-long sojourn in Provence preceding the nuptials, we embarked on a two-week escapade to Lombok and Bali while both islands left an indelible mark; our hearts belonged to Lombok – its sun-kissed weather, warm climate, and laid-back atmosphere proved a perfect blend for us. If given another opportunity, we’d opt to spend the entire trip in this tropical paradise. The charm of Lombok’s unspoiled beauty eclipses Bali’s commercialized appeal, making it our top choice.
The wedding’s whimsical ambiance still resonates with me; I’m enamored by the thoughtful incorporation of lavender elements throughout the celebration – it was truly a sight to behold. The mouthwatering menu, coupled with the unforgettable experience, has left a lasting impression on their guests. A huge thank you to Studio A&Q, Vanessa et Caroline, and Ella & Jay for sharing their exquisite French wedding story with us. May it inspire others to plan their own dream destination weddings.