An Algerian-Belgian Wedding in Minimalistic Style with a Spanish Flair

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Location: Gordes, Luberon, France
Setting: Church and hotel
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Southern inspiration, minimalism.

Yanisse, hailing from Lyon with Algerian roots, and Anaïs, a Belgian who spent her formative years in Spain, found themselves in each other’s company during a serendipitous meeting in Spain in 2018. What began as a friendship blossomed into a deep connection that led them to Corsica, where their relationship evolved into something more profound. Despite facing the challenges of a long-distance relationship, they navigated through three years of separation, even resorting to creating fake travel documents during the pandemic to be together.

Anaïs made the bold move to Lyon in early 2022, and in March of the same year, Yanisse sealed their fate with a proposal in the captivating city of Marrakech. What sets their love story apart is its cross-cultural nature and the fact that they represent an interfaith couple. Yanisse and Anaïs embraced their backgrounds by marrying in Muslim and Catholic ceremonies, symbolizing unity and respect for each other’s beliefs.

Fast forward to the summer of 2023, the couple chose the idyllic town of Gordes for their wedding festivities. While Anaïs had a strong connection to Spain, hosting the wedding there was logistically challenging. Compromising, they opted for Gordes, where the bride’s father had a house, and Anaïs had cherished memories since childhood.

Anaïs, the stunning bride, graced the occasion in a Zuhair Murad dress and veil, complemented by Jimmy Choo heels. Her custom-made wedding band from Belgium added a personal touch to her ensemble.

Anaïs’s choice of a low, gathered updo and a delicately natural makeup look was nothing else but a dream. The culmination of careful consideration and a touch of her personal style, her bridal transformation left everyone in awe, highlighting her beauty in the most enchanting way.

The first time the bridesmaids laid eyes on Anaïs in her wedding attire was a truly emotional moment, a scene that unfolded like a heartwarming picture of happiness and joy. Their reactions were a beautiful blend of tears, laughter, and sheer amazement, creating a kaleidoscope of emotions that marked the beginning of a remarkable day.

Yanisse reveled in laughter and camaraderie with his closest friends, turning the preparations into a delightful celebration. An infectious energy, a blend of excitement and joy, set the perfect tone for the impending nuptials.

Yanisse, dashing in a Hugo Boss smoking and shoes, adorned a wedding band from Mauboussin. Every detail of his ensemble spoke volumes about his refined taste and timeless style.

We are a very ‘last minute’ type of couple, so the bride chose and bought her wedding dress two months before the wedding date, and the groom bought his band four days before the wedding. We always say ‘on est laaaarge’, which means ‘we are laaarge’ – timing wise – in the sense of ‘we have plentyyy of time’. This is a sentence we use too much in our lives.” shared Anaïs.

In the hallowed hall of a Catholic church, Yanisse and Anaïs embarked on a sacred journey as they exchanged vows in a ceremony steeped in tradition and reverence. The stunning bride, escorted by her father, walked the aisle towards the altar, marking a moment of profound emotion that resonated with the tender chords of love.

The wedding theme reflected Anaïs’s Spanish roots, blending seamlessly with a minimalist touch. The southern-inspired celebration was full of warmth and authenticity, creating an atmosphere that transported guests to the sun-soaked landscapes of Spain. The tables were adorned with white tablecloths, abundant bouquets of baby’s breath, and candles, creating an incredibly stylish atmosphere.

The evening was filled with delightful moments, and one of the highlights was the wedding congratulations and speeches delivered by Elise and Richard’s loved ones and friends. These heartfelt and touching words will undoubtedly remain etched in the newlyweds’ hearts forever.

The arrival of the newlyweds at the wedding reception was a special moment. Guests greeted them with joyful enthusiasm, expressing their happiness to share in the celebration with the newly married couple.

The wedding dinner was filled with pleasant and friendly conversations as guests gathered around a single table, creating a special sense of familial coziness and adding a unique warmth to the entire celebration.

Then, following the wedding tradition, the bride tossed her bouquet to her unmarried friends. This added a playful energy to the evening, as this lighthearted competition has the potential to bring a lot of positive emotions to all the guests.

The gifted photographers of Pinewood Weddings worked their magic, transforming this day into a visual symphony. Every photograph they crafted feels like a glimpse into a timeless masterpiece, a canvas painted with the love shared by these two beautiful souls. Braving the rain, Pinewood Weddings elevated their professionalism, capturing the couple in stunning frames that defy the weather’s challenges. They weren’t mere documentarians; they were storytellers, weaving the narrative of the wedding ceremony with finesse, preserving every significant moment and the very essence of the wedding reception’s atmosphere.

At the wedding ceremony, Elise walked down the aisle with her father towards her beloved Richard. The magnificent church witnessed their union under its arches, where they began a new chapter in their lives together.

The culmination of the wedding reception was the beautiful tradition of cutting the wedding cake. The wedding cake, a culinary masterpiece, was a stunning creation in the classic style—white and adorned with strawberries.

Advice from the couple:

• Take the time to enjoy with your entourage. The day goes by so fast, and in a few years, no one will remember if the cake was strawberry or chocolate, but they will remember how they felt that day.