A soft breeze off the Mediterranean, martinis under striped umbrellas, and a Gatsby-inspired surprise as night fell over the Riviera. Christian and Emily’s wedding at Hotel Belles Rives in Antibes was more than beautiful. It was magnetic. Each part of the day was intentionally designed to feel like the couple themselves: modern, stylish, warm, and full of life. Perfectly captured by Thomas Audiffren, the images reflect the elegance and the unspoken rhythm between two people who know each other inside out.
Location: Antibes, France
Style: Elegant, Modern, Chic
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 55
Setting: Hotel
Season: Spring
Christian and Emily’s story began poolside in California, surrounded by sunshine, laughter, and a spark that never quite went out. From their first helicopter ride over San Diego to late-night dances in Spain, their relationship has always been grounded in adventure. After ten years together, a snowy proposal in Aspen marked the start of a new chapter.
They bring out the best in each other. Christian, ever the visionary, has a calm optimism. Emily brings fire, depth, and effortless style. Together, they designed a celebration that honored their bond and the people who shaped it.
Inspiration & Location
After exploring over a hundred venues, Emily stumbled on Hotel Belles Rives by chance while scrolling through TikTok. One quick detour during a Paris trip led them to the Riviera, where the cliffside hotel in Antibes immediately felt right. With its charm and storied past, it offered everything they had hoped for: a place to gather, relax, and celebrate with their closest friends and family.
Inspired by their travels and love for modern design, they leaned into a black-and-white palette with accents of emerald and navy. Their vision was crisp, curated, and immersive. A celebration that felt like a dinner party on the Côte d’Azur, rather than a traditional wedding. Shades Waves took the lead in planning and design, helping bring that vision to life with subtle luxury and a strong sense of place.
Welcome Day
Before the ceremony day unfolded, guests were treated to a relaxed and vibrant welcome. Think yellow bar stools, Aperol spritz, and that signature South of France ease. Christian and Emily greeted everyone with hugs and cocktails beneath a canopy of greenery. Emily wore a flirty white mini dress with floral details and high heels that hinted at the fun ahead.
Christian kept things fresh in a soft sage green suit and loafers. It was a celebration in its own right and a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Wedding Day
Bridal Fashion
Emily’s ceremony look was inspired by the quiet confidence of Old World elegance. She chose a white silk Ines Di Santo gown with a high neckline and a low scoop back, customized with a row of buttons running down the train. Her sleek high bun, styled by Anais Lacurie, matched the clean lines of the dress, and her makeup leaned into natural tones with smokey blush and defined brows.
Chanel pearl drop earrings and a matching bracelet added a classic touch, while her bouquet, a sculptural mix of orchids, roses, and hydrangeas, kept things fresh and minimal.
For the reception, Emily slipped into a strapless Simkhai column dress with crystal-embellished Amina Muaddi heels. She layered on a statement Nadri necklace, ear cuff, and 2-carat studs. Her signature scent throughout the day was Prada‘s Virtual Flower.
Christian took cues from Gatsby himself, choosing a custom white silk tuxedo jacket with a black lapel from SuitSupply, paired with Louboutin shoes and a white rose boutonniere pinned beside a vintage brooch.
One particularly meaningful choice shaped the energy of the day from the very beginning: Christian and Emily spent the morning together before hair and makeup began. That quiet time helped ground them and allowed space to soak everything in without rush. It set the tone for a day that felt calm, connected, and completely in sync.
Ceremony
Their ceremony took place on a sunlit terrace at Hotel Belles Rives, framed by soft florals and overlooking the sea. Clear acrylic chairs and a white runner kept the design minimal and modern, while a violinist played live renditions of their favorite songs. Christian walked in to Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good,” and Emily, escorted by her father, entered to “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift.
A handfasting ritual marked their vows, followed by a reading of personal promises that left many guests in tears. The celebrant, Kirsty Green, brought a warm presence that tied the whole moment together.
A no-phone policy meant every person was fully present. The exit music? A cinematic violin cover of Adele’s “Skyfall.” It was stylish, intentional, and unforgettable.
Private Moment & Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests flowed toward the water for cocktail hour under Riviera light. Guests sipped martinis and sampled aperitifs while a live violinist played nearby. A tuna-cutting station added a fun, unexpected touch to the laid-back Riviera mood.
Meanwhile, Thomas Audiffren took the couple aside for a quiet photo session. It was a natural pause between events. With the sea behind them and each other in focus, the photographer captured something unspoken: the calm after the vows and the quiet connection that held it all together.
Reception & Decor
Dinner unfolded on long, winding tables that mimicked the movement of the sea. Emily designed every detail, from the oyster shell place cards to the custom menus and chargers. Cascading white hydrangeas anchored each table end, and candles created a glow that made the whole space feel intimate yet electric. The floral design by Floral French Riviera maintained a monochrome and textural aesthetic, featuring white, airy, and slightly asymmetrical elements.
Inspired by the history of the hotel, once the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the couple surprised guests with a Gatsby-style twist. Burlesque dancers from J’adore La Vie Cabaret made a surprise entrance alongside the couple’s outfit change. Emily and Christian re-entered the reception to “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody,” setting the tone for a high-energy dance floor.
The burlesque performance brought a dose of theatrical charm, and as the evening rolled on, the dance floor turned electric. Guests threw on LED glasses, ordered another martini, and fully leaned into the celebration.
Just as they cut into their towering croquembouche, fireworks burst over the sea to the sound of “Jubel” by Klingande. Though the towering dessert toppled slightly after the first slice, it only added charm and an unforgettable photo to a night already full of magic.
Advice from the couple:
• Turn your destination wedding into a multi-day experience. Even a casual pizza night helps guests connect and makes the wedding day itself feel more relaxed.
• Book accommodations close together. Shared spaces lead to spontaneous memories: like chats in the lobby or late-night dancing in Cannes.
• Build a buffer into your budget. Last-minute expenses always show up. Planning for them means less stress when the day gets close.
PHOTOGRAPHER Thomas Audiffren | CONTENT CREATOR Behind The Paris Wedd | PLANNER Shades Waves | VENUE Hotel Belles Rives | MUAH Anais Lacurie | FLORALS Floral French Riviera | CELEBRANT Kirsty Green | MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Jazz Around Midnight, DJ Cecile Vogt, GYPSY GONES, J’adore La Vie Cabaret | FIREWORKS SVP Spectacles | BRIDE & GROOM Emily & Christian | RENTALS & PRODUCTION DX Events
