Carla and Hugo’s celebration was timeless and full of character, shaped by the spirit of an era that celebrated freedom and individuality. From the snowy peaks of Megève to the shimmering coastline near Saint-Tropez, their celebration was a perfect blend of sentiment and sparkle. Their vision was steeped in the glitz of Studio 54—the iconic New York nightclub known for its disco balls, glamorous crowd, and anything-goes energy—and the carefree cool of Slim Aarons photography. Elegant, sexy, a little rock ‘n’ roll, and full of emotion, the wedding felt like slipping into a world where champagne never runs dry, and love is the loudest thing in the room.
Location: French Riviera, France
Style: Seventies-Inspired, Cinematic
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 150
Setting: Ceremony — Church, Reception —Villa
Carla and Hugo’s love story began on a spring day in Nice nearly ten years ago. They met at Cours Saleya, under a sky that already seemed to be cheering them on. Hours passed on a café terrace as they talked like old friends. Time paused again years later on, and a windswept promenade in Biarritz, when Hugo knelt down with the Atlantic crashing behind him, he asked Carla to be his wife. People walking by whispered, “He’s proposing!” but at that moment, there were only the two of them—and their little dog.
Videographer's Glimpse into the Day
It’s not just a wedding film—it’s a full-bodied love story told in ten rich minutes. Pierre et Julie Films captured Carla and Hugo’s world with such sensitivity, grace, and rhythm that watching it feels like being invited into the heart of their day. The pacing is intimate yet cinematic, the music perfectly chosen, the storytelling instinctive.
But more than anything, it’s the sense of connection that stands out—how they managed to make you feel like you know this couple, their family, their energy. That’s no small feat. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits would roll. Now that you’ve been swept into their world let’s take a closer look at the details that made this wedding so unforgettable.
Bridal Morning & Fashion
For the seaside ceremony, Carla wore a draped gown by New White that caught the light with every movement. The look balanced sensuality and simplicity with ease. Her shoes from Steve Madden added just the right lift, while custom pieces from Paviot Créateur brought a glam-rock sparkle to her look.
The bridal bouquet, designed by Poppy Figue, was a sculptural arrangement of white roses that echoed the clean, modern lines of her dress. Her makeup leaned into a seventies-inspired boldness—smoky eyes and a hint of gloss—while her long red hair flowed loose and voluminous, channelling screen sirens of that era.
Bridesmaids wore robes and dresses in shades of blue, from deep sapphire to soft sky tones, creating a vivid, ocean-inspired palette that perfectly suited the coastal setting. At their mountain ceremony in Megève, Carla opted for a vintage seventies dress from Studio Terre Blanche and a fur coat—effortless winter glamour in full effect.
Hugo embraced vintage elegance with a modern slant. For the main celebration, he wore a double-breasted suit by Maison Geraci, paired with a silk Hermès scarf tied at the neck and Berluti shoes. The look was retro, refined, and incredibly personal. Earlier in the mountains, his classic Ralph Lauren suit brought alpine elegance to the snowy setting.
Getting ready with his groomsmen was anything but formal. There were untucked shirts, loud laughter, bold prints and playful scarves—every photo from that moment looked like a behind-the-scenes still from a rock documentary. And that was the point. It was about the vibe, not the polish.
Ceremony
The couple chose a church perched right above the sea. The space opened like a stage, with Carla walking down the aisle on her father’s arm, a powerful moment that marked her and Hugo’s first look of the day.
Surrounded by guests from above, they met in the center of the amphitheater-like layout. After months of spiritual preparation and heartfelt conversations, this part of the day was deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just a ritual—it was a commitment with weight and joy.
"I think it was a wonderful moment. One the most intensive of my life."
As the ceremony ended, the couple stepped outside and were greeted with a joyful shower of white rose petals. They paused for a few family portraits before slipping away in a red vintage convertible, just the two of them. That short drive down the coastal road felt cinematic, peaceful, and full of joy—a moment they’ll never forget.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests filtered into the garden of Villa Thalassa. The air was buzzing with champagne toasts, vintage sunglasses, and a playlist that teased the party to come. The entire transition from ceremony to celebration was flawlessly orchestrated by planner Justine Gala and her assistant Mathilde from Your Eco Story, who ensured every detail felt effortless and on-theme.
Pyro Music played live, blending nostalgic hits with fresh energy. One corner served oysters on ice. Another featured creamy risotto stirred inside a giant wheel of Parmesan. People danced, chatted, refilled their glasses, and admired each other’s retro-inspired outfits—metallics, bold prints, silk shirts, and slinky dresses.
Private Moment
As golden hour settled over the estate, Carla and Hugo slipped away for a moment of stillness. They sat at a cast-iron garden table under tall pines, sipping champagne as a waiter popped a magnum with theatrical flair. With the sea below them and string lights starting to flicker overhead, they leaned in, laughing, completely unaware of the camera.
Then they walked further down the rocky path, stopping above a cliff, where the light turned peach and everything felt hushed. The soft blur of the couple with the coastline behind them captured a tenderness no words could hold. It was one of those quiet, emotional scenes that Maëlys Izzo, their photographer, is so skilled at capturing—intimate, honest, and visually timeless.
Reception & Decor
The reception was a total transformation. Disco balls sparkled above long mirrored tables under a stretch tent glowing with fairy lights. The table design—created by Pièces Uniques—featured mirrored mosaics, minimalist gold lamps, and delicate white roses in sleek glass vases. It was elegant with a subtle wink to the wedding’s seventies roots.
Guests found their seats by looking for their favorite band: Pink Floyd, Kiss, Led Zeppelin. The music drifted from moody to euphoric. And when night fell, everything lit up—literally and emotionally.
The band Reverse took over. Guests poured onto the dance floor. People twirled in satin and sequins under shimmering reflections. Carla changed into a second look—a fitted gown with sheer gloves—and the couple shared a wildly fun moment with their mini Tropéziennes—famous cream-filled pastries from Saint-Tropez—and champagne cascade.
Somewhere between the speeches and the dancing, they disappeared for one more private shoot—this time in the villa’s iconic bathroom. No one else was there. Just them, their photographer, and videographers, capturing it all like a closing scene in a cult film.
"The team we have chosen to accompany us was incredible. Everybody did a wonderful job and I think it helped to make this day so special."
Advice from the couple:
• Stay focused on the moment, and do not listen to the people who tried to destabilize you because of details.
VIDEOGRAPHER Pierre et Julie Films | PHOTOGRAPHER Maëlys Izzo | PLANNER & DESIGNER Justine Gala | ASSISTANT PLANNER Mathilde, Your Eco Story | TABLE DESIGN Pièces Uniques | FLORALS Gloriosa Floral | MUAH Les Ciseaux de Marie, Audrey Denjean, Cindy | DRESS New White | ACCESSORIES Paviot Créateur | SHOES Steve Madden | SUIT Maison Geraci | SCARF Hermès | SHOES Berluti | RINGS Cartier | CATERING Maison Nans | COCKTAIL MUSIC Pyro Music | RECEPTION MUSIC Reverse | RENTALS Atawa Event | BRIDE & GROOM Carla & Hugo | STATIONERY Papiers Citrons
