*As Seen in Flutter Magazine*

Photos by: Jose Villa

We’re whisking you away to Provence one last time for the finale of the three-part series for Yelena and Julien’s destination wedding weekend. We previously featured Y+J’s welcome party and rehearsal dinner and now – the big day!  Lavender fields for days?  Yes, please!

The bride commissioned a custom gown by Samuelle Couture with detachable skirt.

The custom welcome boxes were a hit!  We used vintage wooden crates and sourced all items locally.  The goodies: olive crackers, tin of lavender olive oil, calissons (a very local Provençal candy made of almond paste), tapenade, local rosé with customized label and the book “A Year in Provence.”  Also accompanying the boxes were a customized extensive weekend itinerary with local suggestions for activities like markets, wineries and great shops and restaurants.

The ceremony was perched on a cliff, overlooking the picturesque town of Bonnieux.  We wanted the dramatic scenery to take center stage and opted for an understated, elegant floral display that wouldn’t interfere or take away from the view.  Rose petals and floating candles lined the aisle.

A large, ornate mirror served as program and was calligraphed at the entrance. Traditional paper programs were also available to explain the ceremony, translated in both French and Russian for guests.
Since we were in Provence…of course there had to be a lavender toss at the ceremony!

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the poolside cocktail hour.

The elaborate, multi-course dinner (which is the main event of any French wedding) was served al fresco, under a canopy of bistro lights and hanging bubble votives.  The venue is run by a Michelin starred chef, so the lovely meal did not disappoint.

We worked with calligrapher Holly Hollon to design all the paper goods, including these lavender hemstitch napkins with their monogram and watercolor table numbers en français.

A vintage-style jazz band set the mood.  I loved working with the group Jazz Around Midnight again – they actually performed at my own wedding in Paris!
Chefs came out with smoking copper pots to present the impressive main course simultaneously to all tables before serving!

Guests followed the candelit pathway to the bergerie for dancing after dinner. Pictured above: the bubbly bar.

Every wedding should have a champagne tower!

DJ Michelle came all the way from California to keep guests partying into the wee hours of the morning!

The pièce montée – complete with traditional sparklers!  Congratulations to Yelena and Julien and thank you for letting us be a part of your very special weekend!!

Wedding Video in Provence | Yelena & Julien from Marcoabba on Vimeo.

VENDORS-

Domaine de Capelongue – venue, catering

Photographer – Jose Villa 

Wedding Planning/Styling – Strawberry Milk Events (with local coordination assistance by Stephanie Fayolle)

Videographer – Marcoabba 

Madame Artisan Fleuriste – flowers 
Options – rentals
Hair & Makeup for Bridesmaids – Events Story (local)

Hair/Makeup for Bride & Mothers – Paige Gibson (from NYC)

Jazz Around Midnight – live music

DJ – Michelle Pesce (from California)

Galaxie – AV, umbrellas, bistro lighting

Phos 84 – Vintage Rentals

Invitation Suite, Logo, Custom Lavender Linen Napkins – Holly Hollon

Custom bridal gown – Samuelle Couture

Bride’s shoes – Valentino