A Timeless Destination Wedding Embracing The Natural Splendor Of The French Countryside

•

December 20, 2023

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

Eric and Michele wanted an effortless and timeless wedding design, and one that signified the inherent natural beauty of the French countryside. The couple wanted to show their personalities and also their love for their friends and family, with individual picture seating cards, table numbers symbolizing their years as a couple, thank-you serviettes and a traditional tea ceremony.

Proposal Story

Eric and Michele had been dating for almost nine years by the time he asked her to marry him. Four of these years were long distance, so he really wanted to 'pay tribute' to what a journey it's been leading up to this point. He set up a scavenger hunt in their home with nine clues - one core memory from each year they have been together. The final clue led her to the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens, a dating spot during her Hong Kong visits in their long-distance years. Surrounded by bamboo trees and golden hour lighting, he got down on one knee, and she said Yes!

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

Michele wore Oscar de la Renta for her nuptials. It was a white strapless gown with panels of ruffled tulle that spiraled the skirt. It was never what she thought she would wear for her wedding, and yet everyone that day said that it was "so her" - deep down, she knew that was true from the very first moment she tried it on. For the afterparty, Michele switched into a semi-custom Mira Zwillinger lace romper with floral applique, perfect for dancing the night away. Eric opted for a tailor-made black double-breasted tuxedo with wide lapels and mother-of-pearl cufflinks and studs.

Bridesmaid Dresses

A nod to her drink of choice, Michele envisioned her bridesmaid in rich, wine-colored dresses. The burgundy-shade gowns were made to measure with individual cuts, materials and shades, showing off her best friends' best selves.

Groomsman Attire

Eric tailored a three-piece, 'broken suit' design for his groomsmen. The ash-colored jackets were paired with navy blue vests and trousers. The look was completed with a navy tie with silver tulip accents.

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

For the wedding reception, the first course served was marinated prawn and candied vegetables and Provencal tomato tea. The second course was skewer of scallops, spelt risotto with country asparagus and chanterelles mushroom. For the main course, guests were given a choice of either veal confit glazed with honey and thyme, or a caramelized guinea fowl with rosemary, zucchini tatin, sweet onions and grated mushrooms. Dessert were palais gourmand pieces and the wedding cake.

Florals & Decor

The ceremony decor was dreamt up by Sisters & Blush Floral Design using the color themes of lavender, dusty pink, and pearl. Sisters & Blush decorated the aisle in an ombre design with Provencal flowers of the season. The round ceremony arch was placed in front of gorgeous century-old pine trees, which served as the backdrop as the couple exchanged vows.

Wedding Cake

Les délices de Gladys designed a flame-inspired style cake made with feuille de riz, with bursts of citrus & lavender colors spiraling up a three-tiered cake. The cake came in two of the couple's favorite flavors - mango cake with passion cream and chocolate with vanilla cream and fresh raspberries.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

The procession ceremony live music was the hauntingly beautiful song "Ocean Eyes" by Billie Eilish. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father to "Moon River" by Audrey Hepburn, performed by the amazing Becky And Belha.

Special Detail #1

In between the ceremony and dinner, Michele and Eric hosted a cocktail hour by the pool lawn, which was one of their favorite moments of the day. They got to mingle with their guests, take pictures and taste their chosen cocktails shaken up by DNA Bartending. Deliciously-named cocktail include Garden Spritz, Rosita, Coco di Rasta and Vieux Carre. Guests got to savor golden hour under a gentle summer breeze, with light bites served by Brunet, champagne and wine from a local Provence vineyard.

Couple Portraits