On a warm October day, Briana and Brad exchanged vows in a place that already held a special place in their hearts. Their wedding at Airelles La Bastide de Gordes was more than just a destination, it was a return to where one of their first adventures as a couple began. Framed by soft light, vintage florals, and long tables under string lights, the entire weekend felt like a love letter to the joy of togetherness. From the intimate morning to the all-night party, every moment was captured with elegance and emotion by Nina Wernicke.
Location: Gordes, Provence, France
Style: Elegant, Chic, Classic
Number of guests: 70
Setting: Hotel
Season: Fall
Briana and Brad met in the South End of Boston during one of the first warm days of spring in 2021. Despite having graduated from Georgetown the same year, their paths hadn’t crossed until that afternoon. It was an instant connection: two people drawn together by shared histories and the joy of finally being able to meet face-to-face after a year of distance. Their first trip abroad took them to Gordes, where they joked about how perfect it would be to marry there someday. Two years later, they returned with seventy guests and four days of celebration.
Fashion
Briana’s bridal looks were a study in classic with a twist. She began the day in a strapless gown by Alexia Maria, the oversized bow at the back echoing vintage glamour with a fresh, sculptural feel. For the evening, she slipped into a slinky white silk dress from Galvan London: modern, elegant, and made for dancing. Her shoes, a pair of glittering heels from a long-ago Jenny Packham and LK Bennett collaboration, added a soft sparkle and sentimental touch.
Briana’s bouquet by La Blonde et le Barbu, was a vibrant burst of seasonal florals anchored by dahlias, and tied with a long silk ribbon that fluttered as she moved. Her hair and makeup, done by Ylva Langenskiold, felt light and timeless, complementing the delicate sparkle of diamond earrings and a borrowed necklace from a friend.
Brad wore a custom tuxedo made in Boston, paired with Cartier cufflinks that Briana gifted him for the wedding. The morning unfolded quietly, with the couple getting ready in side-by-side suites—an idea suggested by Nina Wernicke that allowed them to enjoy the calm before the festivities began. Friends and family floated in and out of their rooms, sipping coffee on the terrace and adding to the relaxed, joyful energy.
First Look
In the hotel courtyard, Brad turned to see Briana for the first time in her gown. His expression said it all. That moment, with its simplicity and raw emotion, set the tone for everything that followed. They took a quiet walk through the grounds, hand in hand, grounding themselves before the ceremony.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the terrace of Le Tigre, one of the hotel’s picturesque spaces overlooking the valley. Guests were welcomed with champagne and time to enjoy the view before settling into their seats in front of a show-stopping floral arch. Designed by La Blonde et le Barbu, the arrangement was full of fall dahlias, Briana’s family grows them, and bold colors that played against the soft blues and stone textures of Gordes.
Briana’s aunt officiated the ceremony, and a close friend read a passage that brought more than a few guests to tears. Earlier that morning, Briana and Brad had exchanged personal vows in private, a moment they described as grounding and unforgettable.
They walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life,” a joyful burst that launched the party.
"Our photographer, Nina Wernicke, captured everything so beautifully, and I am so grateful."
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests went to a hidden garden space with lights, where cocktails and conversation flowed. The couple mingled effortlessly with champagne in hand, laughter in the air. Briana’s sister and mother stood out in vibrant gowns that echoed the rich interiors of the hotel, chosen to complement the palette of Pierre Frey fabrics inside.
"Chic French country vibes, bright autumn colors, and fabulous dinner parties was our goal."
Private Moment
Just before dinner, Briana and Brad slipped away for a glass of rosé. From their quiet corner, they looked out over the terrace where their guests were gathered—talking, sipping, celebrating. It was one of their favorite memories: a shared pause in the middle of a whirlwind.
"Brad and I both absolutely loved being with our photographer throughout the weekend. She was so much fun to have by our side and felt like an old friend. Our guests also loved her."
Decor & Setting
As the sun began to set, guests took their seats at one long table that stretched the length of the lawn. A dream of Briana’s since the start of planning, it was both dramatic and deeply welcoming. Planner Anne-Sophie Maigne of the Airelles team led the vision for the reception setting, collaborating with Emilie of La Blonde et le Barbu to bring it to life. Together, they created a tablescape that felt fresh and indulgent: soft pink linens, glass candlesticks, loose arrangements in seasonal tones, and the faint scent of roses in the air. Lights twinkled overhead, echoing the stars that would later fill the sky.
"The team at Airelles led by Anne-Sophie Maigne was exceptional. Anne-Sophie made the planning process so easy, and she is very chic, so we said yes to whatever she suggested! The community of vendors that works with Airelles and in the Provence area was so generous with their time, guidance, and suggestions."
Reception
Dinner turned into toasts, and toasts turned into dancing. Briana’s father had guests laughing with a story about how he once imagined his daughter’s wedding in a backyard—“just not this fancy of a backyard.”
The cake was a croquembouche stacked with sparklers, a nod to French tradition with just enough flair to make it feel like a finale. But the party didn’t end there. Airelles had no time limit on dancing, and guests stayed out late under the lights, with laughter, music, and Veuve Clicquot flowing freely.
But what truly made this wedding memorable was the feeling. The feeling of being surrounded by people who love you, in a place that already means something, on a day that turned into an entire weekend of joy. A celebration that was, from beginning to end, entirely theirs.
Advice from the couple:
• Trust the experts. Anne-Sophie and her team at Airelles knew exactly what worked best for the venue, the season, and the overall flow of the day. The same goes for Emilie, whose floral vision was rooted in deep familiarity with the location. And for rentals, Laurent Vincent at BE Lounge knew just how to elevate the space.
• If you can, spend more time than just the actual wedding. Brad and I both spent time before the wedding with our families (him in Paris, and my family in Saint Tropez with friends). Having a mini vacation before the actual wedding was so much fun, and such a memorable time.
• Stay a little longer. We also stayed in Gordes Sunday night after the wedding with some friends, and it was such a lovely way to end the best week. Getting to really relax that last night and just hang out with everyone was awesome. And if you’re ever in Gordes on a Sunday, don’t miss the legendary brunch at Airelles. It’s worth a trip in itself!
PHOTOGRAPHER Nina Wernicke | VENUE & PLANNER Airelles La Bastide de Gordes | FLORIST & DESIGN La Blonde et Le Barbu | DRESS Alexia Maria, Galvan London | HAIR & MAKEUP Ylva Langenskiold | RENTALS BE Lounge
