Location: Palace de Menthon, Annecy, France
Style: Modern, romantic, floral
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 105
Setting: Hotel
Season: Spring
Over the next twelve years, their relationship grew into family. When it came time to propose, they chose Carmel-by-the-Sea, the destination of their very first road trip. They opted for a mutual proposal, surprising each other in their own unique ways: Camille with a custom video inspired by the anime that sparked their connection, and Eric with a New Year’s Eve moment marked by champagne, a seaside view, and even a power outage. Their wedding, beautifully captured on film by the talented Alchemia Wedding, was less about beginnings and more about affirming a lifelong journey together, surrounded by the love of their families, friends, and Jewish community.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Camille dreamed of a bridal look that was both modern and timeless. Inspired by Grace Kelly, she had a chic, understated look, with hair and makeup that complemented her Monique Lhuillier gown, which was adorned with French lace —a graceful nod to her heritage. Her jewelry by Altana carried the couple’s story in the most personal way: heirloom diamonds from Eric’s grandmother with engravings inspired by their travels through Paris and the Alhambra, resulting in a one-of-a-kind wedding ring stack that felt very meaningful.
Eric wore a midnight-blue Giorgio Armani tuxedo with a dark blue shirt and bow tie, giving a fresh, monochromatic spin to a classic silhouette. His standout detail was a pair of salt-and-pepper diamond cufflinks by Altana Marie, gifted by Camille and designed to echo the same storytelling behind her own jewelry.
Ceremony
At the stunning Palace de Menthon in Annecy, France, the couple imagined a day filled with sunlight, heartfelt tradition, and deeply personal touches. Their modernized Jewish ceremony was designed to reflect their heritage, their relationship, and their shared story. One of the most meaningful details was the Klezmer band’s rendition of “Ashitaka and San” from Princess Mononoke, a nod to the film where they first met. The ceremony became a beautiful balance of cultural roots and the couple’s unique love story.
"We had grown up together and couldn’t wait to grow old together. And that we were blessed to have found one another in this large, beautiful world.”
Guests were moved by the intimacy of the moment – some wished they could have sung along with the Rabbi, while many admired his flawless French and the way the couple never stopped looking at each other. For the bride and groom, standing together beneath the chuppah, watching sunlight dance across Lake Annecy and flowers swaying in the breeze, felt unforgettable.
Cocktail Hour & Moments Together
Just after the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, a fun and relaxed moment to celebrate before the big reception began.
The newlyweds shared an unforgettable moment just after the ceremony, slipping away to watch the sunset together before rejoining their guests. It was the perfect pause in a day filled with joy, allowing them to simply breathe and take in the beauty of Lake Annecy and everything they had just promised one another. The Alchemia Weddings team captured it all – every look, every laugh, every detail, through both photo and video, preserving their love story in a timeless and cinematic way.
Reception Decor
The inspiration for the wedding came from a beautiful mix of personal meaning and shared passions: the groom’s hometown lilac festival, the couple’s love of travel, and the songs from the movie that brought them together. Planning began with the color palette, lilac as a nod to the festival, and grew into a fully realized, floral, and elegant theme.
Every detail, from the lush arrangements to the sophisticated decor, was brought to life thanks to the incredible work of their planner, Amélie at Despinoy Wedding, whose professionalism, creativity, and kindness left a lasting impression. The couple often jokes that when they meet newly engaged friends, the first advice is always: “Get a wedding planner!”
Reception
The reception at Palace de Menthon in Annecy was pure magic – a perfect mix of elegance, personality, and celebration. Tables glowed with chic floral centerpieces in lilac tones, setting a romantic yet fresh vibe. Guests sipped on Paper Plane and French 75 cocktails while Kalarash, the Klezmer band, turned the dance floor into a whirlwind of energy with an unforgettable Horah.
The couple’s first dance to Nat King Cole’s “Orange Colored Sky” was playful, intimate, and full of laughter.
Dessert was a showstopper: a towering Croquembouche, traditional French and utterly stunning. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the music, champagne tower, and heartfelt moments, made the evening feel personal, joyful, and effortlessly stylish.
Advice from the couple:
• Take your time and find the best team to help you with your wedding day.
PHOTO & FILM Alchemia | PLANNING & DESIGN Despinoy Wedding | COORDINATION TEAM Amoro Events, Leonie Leplaideur | VENUE & CATERING Palace de Menthon | DJ Exclusivity Events ft. Le Frenchie DJ | KLEZMER LIVE BAND Kalarash | FLORAL DESIGNER Nebbia Studio | BACKDROP Le Petit Macatia | STATIONERY Hyegraph Invitations & Calligraphy | CHAIRS & LINENS Velvet RDV | MUAH Virginie Debourg | MUAH TEAM Margot Voisin, Marine Beauty Artist | WEDDING DRESS Monique L’huillier | BRIDE’S SHOES Valentino | BRIDE & GROOM’S JEWELRY Altana Marie
