Location: The French Riviera, France
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 18 months
The number of guests: 230
Wedding theme/style: A traditional English church wedding meets a dusting of sparkle party.
Despite living just around the corner from each other for most of their lives, Isa and Malcolm met through a dating app. It was Isa’s first and only ever dating app date, and little did she know that this decision would change her life forever, sparking a connection that led to a heartfelt proposal three years later.
“I have always dreamed of getting married in the south of France. My parents met in a small fisherman’s town called Beaulieu Sur Mer and spent every summer there, as did my brother and I from babies to teenagers!” – the bride shares. Malcolm’s family also had ties to the south of France, adding another layer of meaning to their shared connection to the region. As their relationship blossomed, Isa and Malcolm were drawn to celebrating their love in the same place that held so much sentimental value.
The couple’s wedding weekend was beautifully captured by a talented videographer Toby Sleigh-Johnson, founder of Handcraft Pictures, known for his elegant and cinematic style. With a commitment to creating unique wedding films, he ensured that Isa and Malcolm’s love story was depicted with authenticity, charm, sophistication, and vibrance.
The couple approached wedding planning with meticulous attention and a personal touch. Isa collaborated closely with her mother throughout the process, creating a joyous experience filled with lively discussions and brainstorming. With such dedicated involvement, it’s no wonder they opted for a wedding weekend.
The festivities started on Friday with a casual gathering at Paloma Beach, where the bride has been going since she was one and has had so many rights of passage, from learning how to swim to girls’ holidays with too much rosé. The excitement rose on Saturday as Isa and Malcolm exchanged vows at the historic Eglise Saint Michael. Following the ceremony, the celebrations continued at the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, where guests were treated to a lavish wedding reception. On Sunday, the newlyweds and their guests gathered again at Anjuna Beach to continue the celebration in true Riviera style.
For Isa and Malcolm, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was the perfect venue to celebrate their love. The villa nestles between the charming cities of Nice and Monaco. Built between 1907 and 1912 by Madame Ephrussi, a renowned collector of her time, this magnificent palace overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by nine themed gardens, the villa offers a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. Each garden exudes its unique charm, inviting guests to wander through a lush oasis of beauty and tranquility.
Isa says selecting her dress was one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning. She tried on countless dresses in search of “the one.” Unlike the notion that brides instantly know when they’ve found their dress, she didn’t feel it until she slipped into her delicate gown with floral motifs on the wedding day. “My wedding dress model by Mira Zwillinger was called ‘The New Fiona,’ and my mother-in-law who I adore is called Fiona! Maybe a bit funny, but I absolutely loved it, and hopefully, it’s good luck!”
To complete her wedding day look, Isa added elegant sandals adorned with delicate bows, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Isa opted for earrings adorned with ornate details and embellished with lustrous pearls for her accessories.
The bride entrusted her hair and makeup to the talented Amanda and Sofia from In Parlour. Despite considering various hairstyles leading to the wedding, Isa ultimately deferred to their expertise. She was thrilled with the outcome — a sleek bun paired with a natural makeup look that complemented her effortlessly.
Malcolm chose a formal tailcoat that showcased his impeccable style and eye for detail. Adding to the look, he wore a double-breasted vest made from blue linen and paired it with gray striped pants, adding a touch of sophistication to his wedding attire.
On a fresh and sunny day in June, Isa and Malcolm, surrounded by their loved ones, made their way to Eglise Saint Michael church for their wedding ceremony. The historic church provided a genuinely royal setting for the union of two hearts. The couple declared their love for each other, which their nearest and dearest witnessed. The Barker Evans photographers skillfully captured the moment’s majesty with timeless architecture and sacred ambiance.
As guests arrived at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, they were welcomed with a delightful cocktail hour and a walking reception around the grounds. A thoughtfully crafted map guided them through the venue’s themed gardens, each offering a unique culinary experience. In the Spanish gardens, guests indulged in freshly shucked oysters, while the Italian gardens tempted them with the aroma of creamy risotto, evoking flavors of the Mediterranean.
Under the elegant tents, tables were beautifully set with delicate openwork plates and vibrant flowers. Every floral arrangement was thoughtfully chosen to bring color and happiness to the atmosphere. “We were hugely grateful to our incredible supplier, Rob Van Helden, whose flowers and table settings were beyond spellbinding,” – the lovebirds say.
Each guest received a personalized touch—a card tied with a luxurious velvet ribbon bearing their name and adorned with flowers matching the table’s blooms.
“We couldn’t have done it without our amazing planner, Jessie from The Filthy Prawn. She just had epic idea after epic idea, from naughty emergency cigarettes in test tubes for after-dinner dancing to mini bottles of whispering angel as part of our welcome gift relabelled as “Hammered Angel” (Hammer is my husband’s nickname)! I think all these little details made it so special,” says Isa.
The perfect weather elevated the experience, allowing everyone to revel in the natural beauty that surrounded them. “We didn’t have a wet weather plan, but the legend goes that planting a cooked sausage at your wedding venue the day before guarantees sunshine! So the sausage planting ritual was an essential part of the wedding preparation for each day and venue, and thankfully, it paid off!” – the bride shares.
Amid the wedding bustle, Isa and Malcolm took a precious moment for themselves. They savored the opportunity to share a quiet moment together as they wandered through the lush gardens.
From the couple:
“The final result was just very personal to us with an ode to the south of France and a sprinkle of Bridgerton.”
As Isa and Malcolm rejoined their guests, they were met with resounding applause and an outpouring of love and affection. Laughter and merriment filled the air as guests shared humorous stories and heartfelt wishes, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration that was infectious to all.
As the night unfolded and the festivities continued, Isa and Malcolm took center stage for a moment of sweet celebration. With all eyes on them, they shared a special moment as they cut into a stunning cake assembled from glazed profiteroles. Following this delightful tradition, under the soft glow of twinkling lights overhead and the gentle strains of music filling the air, the couple stepped onto the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple.
“We wanted all the pizazz and flare of an epic party on the Cote d’Azur!” – the couple recalls.
As the party kicked into high gear, Isa made a playful and stylish wardrobe change, slipping into a short dress adorned with feathers and featuring a charming bow at the neck.
For all who were fortunate enough to be part of Isa and Malcolm’s wedding weekend, these three days of escape from the hustle and bustle will be cherished and remembered forever.
Advice from the couple:
• Some stuff won’t go to plan, but no one else will notice or care! We’d spent so long planning it and wanted everyone to have the best time, but at points, we couldn’t relax, which was ridiculous as everyone genuinely loved life.
• Make sure you spend time together. Everyone is there for you, but you are there for the person you’re marrying, so make sure to carve out little moments between you.
“What made it unique was that it was really us!”
VIDEOGRAPHER Handcraft Pictures | PHOTOGRAPHERS Barker & Evans | PLANNER The Filthy Prawn | FLORALS Rob Van Helden | DRESS Mira Zwillinger | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Brown’s Bride | MUAH In Parlour | ENTERTAINMENT The Beau Ties, ALR Music | PRODUCTION & A/V DX Events
