Y+J’s Rehearsal Dinner in Provence

September 11, 2015

*As Seen in Flutter Magazine*
Photos by: Jose Villa

Last July, we worked with NYC-based couple Yelena and Julien on creating their dream wedding weekend in the Luberon region of France. The Luberon stretches 30 miles along a ridge of rugged hills east of Avignon, and hides some of France’s most storybook-esque hilltop towns and dreamy landscapes.

We kickstarted their wedding weekend with a rehearsal dinner on that Thursday evening with 40 of their closest family and friends at Domaine des Andeols, in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt. 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 dine under the majestic Plantane Tree, the musicians led the way while continuing the serenade. The Plantane tree was a magical setting for dinner, 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!