Blanc en Provence
PHOTOS BY: Jose Villa
A chic rehearsal dinner under a majestic Plantane Tree in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Provence. The venue, comprised of historic stone farm buildings and cottages overlooking acres of lavender fields and olive groves, has played host to events for high-end fashion houses such as Jean-Paul Gaultier. Renowned chef Alain Ducasse presides over the property. The party started off with a cocktail hour in “le potager” – the organic vegetable garden, with a French gyspy jazz trio while guests sipped on their signature French 75 martini and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, many ingredients of which were sourced straight from the garden itself. When it was time for guests to make their way to dinner, the musicians led the way while continuing the serenade. Dinner was served al fresco on the circular deck which wrapped around the tree, surrounded by a lily pad-laden pond and views of the gorgeous lavender fields, apricot tree orchards and olive groves. After dinner, guests were beckoned to the treetop where dessert was served – a fun surprise!
The “Bienvenue” welcome bash took place on a panoramic terrace of an ancestral castle in the enchanting, medieval hilltop village of Gordes (named one of the prettiest villages in France, for obvious reasons – I mean just look at that view!) Guests clad “en blanc” enjoyed cocktails and a strolling supper – super appropriate for a summer fête in Provence.
See the wedding day here.