From a romantic first trip to Paris to an unforgettable engagement in the South of France, each chapter carried Sarah and Connor closer to the day they’d say I do. Returning to France to celebrate their wedding wasn’t just a nod to the past—it felt like destiny. “It felt only right to return here—as if the red string had been leading us back to this moment all along.”
Location: South of France, Le Pradet
Style: Intimate, Creative, Cinematic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 52
Setting: Villa Rocabella
Season: Fall
Some love stories begin with grand gestures—others, like Sarah and Connor’s, unfold through the simple twist of fate. They both moved to New York City the same week, unknowingly stepping into the same executive development program. “At our very first work happy hour, we met, and from that moment, the thread of our story started to weave together.” That single evening set so much in motion. From meeting lifelong friends at a house party to sharing laughs with them, it became clear—this wasn’t just a fleeting spark, it was the start of something lasting.
“Looking back, we love to say it was the Red String Theory.” And that invisible thread kept pulling them toward the life they were meant to build.
Welcome Day
Sarah and Connor have always embraced creativity and a sense of individuality, choosing to celebrate in ways that felt deeply personal. They found inspiration in the places and moments that shaped them—film, history, and meaningful memories. For their Welcome Party, they leaned into the spirit of France with a charming twist: blue French toile, a thoughtful nod to Sarah’s mom and her lifelong love of fine blue china.
The result was a setting that felt effortlessly elegant yet full of heart. And to balance the beauty with a dose of pure fun? A karaoke night that broke the ice and set the tone for a weekend full of connection, laughter, and unforgettable moments. A celebration of love, yes—but also a celebration of the couple’s shared joy in doing things their own way, captured by Rachel Santos.
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
Sarah’s wedding morning unfolded in the most beautiful way—surrounded by her bridesmaids, wrapped in laughter, joy, and the excitement that only a day like this can bring.
She wore the breathtaking Kim Kassas Anastassia gown, a statement dress that blended timeless elegance with couture detail. Her Badgley Mischka heels added just the right amount of sparkle, and her look was completed with custom diamond earrings by Within Reach Jewelry, which perfectly matched her custom engagement ring. Every detail felt personal and intentional, a true reflection of Sarah’s refined style and the significance of the day.
Groom's Morning & Fashion
Connor’s wedding morning was calm and intentional, spent with his closest friends as he prepared for the day ahead. He wore a custom black tuxedo from Suit Supply, made even more personal with “Friday the 13th” stitched in red under the lapel—a subtle nod to their unique love story and wedding date. He completed the look with classic Meermin shoes and vintage Christian Dior cufflinks, blending timeless elegance with his own signature edge.
Ceremony
Sarah and Connor chose to get married on Friday the 13th—not despite its reputation, but because of what it symbolized to them: transformation, growth, and renewal. “We embraced the number 13 for its association with transformation and renewal.” For them, this wasn’t a day to avoid but one to honor. Just like the 13 lunar cycles in a year or the 13th card in the Tarot deck, it reflected their journey—a love that had evolved through seasons of change, always growing stronger.
That sense of rebirth and magic was beautifully echoed in their floral design. The floral designers at Tepee Sauvage brought bold, passionate energy to the day with an abundance of red florals that felt both romantic and powerful. The blooms—layered in texture and vibrant in hue—felt like an extension of their story: rooted in meaning, full of heart, and completely unforgettable.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, everyone eased into cocktail hour, ready to celebrate. The newlyweds and their guests sipped on signature drinks, caught up with one another, and enjoyed the good vibes.
"The Great Gatsby has always been my favorite movie, so we decided to surprise our guests with synchronized swimmers during cocktail hour, adding a touch of excitement and glamour.”
As guests slowly entered the reception, each was greeted with a handwritten note—a heartfelt gesture from the couple that turned the evening into something truly intimate. “So many moments from our wedding day were unforgettable,” they shared, “but one of the most memorable was watching each guest enter the reception and open their personalized notes.”
Vision & Decor
Sarah and Connor’s wedding wasn’t just about celebrating their love—it was about honoring the invisible threads that brought them to that moment. “We wanted to bring the Red String Theory to life,” they shared, and they did so with intention and heart with the help of planners at The Yes Maker. Bold red tones—symbolizing destiny, connection, and transformation—were woven throughout the day, creating a visual narrative of love’s beautiful twists and turns.
The florals, designed by the ever-talented Tepee Sauvage, were a standout feature: striking, layered, and deeply meaningful, they served as both art and tribute to the couple’s journey and the people who helped shape it.
Reception
Every detail was thoughtfully designed to make the weekend unforgettable for their closest friends and family. The candlelit reception added an extra layer of magic to the evening, casting a warm, romantic glow as the couple and their loved ones celebrated their love and shared their heartfelt “I do’s.” The atmosphere was enchanting, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
"On this special Friday the 13th, we celebrated not just our union but the power of renewal and the enduring beauty of love.”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
As the wedding planning was in full swing, the couple watched Saltburn one evening, completely captivated by the Midsummer Night’s Dream-style costume party. It clicked instantly – this was the perfect way to wrap up their wedding weekend, a final night of magic where everyone could embrace a new character and celebrate in a completely unique way. After all, when else do you get to dress up in a stunning villa in France and dance the night away with your closest friends?
"Their energy, enthusiasm, and support made the night feel even more magical, and we couldn’t have asked for a more incredible group to celebrate with.”
Advice from the couple:
• Our biggest piece of advice is to truly tap into what inspires you as a couple and make sure that inspiration shines through every part of your wedding. It was so important to choose vendors who not only understood our personalities but were also excited to bring their creativity to life within our vision.
• Don’t let outside opinions sway you, this day is about celebrating you as a couple. Every detail counts, and guest experience should be a top priority.
FLORAL DESIGNER Tepee Sauvage | VENUE Résidence Rocabella | WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGNER The Yes Maker | ASSISTANT PLANNER Rhapsody Planner | PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Santos | VIDEOGRAPHER Peppa Films | CONTENT CREATOR Wedding Day Content Co | STATIONERY Gates Paper Co | MUAH Joanna Ronquillo Makeup, JM Ronquillo Glam Team | WEDDING DRESS & A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM DRESS Kim Kassas Couture, Bridal Reflections NY | WELCOME PARTY DRESS Balykina | GROOM’S SUITS Suit Supply, Etro | JEWELRY Within Reach Jewelry | DJ Louis Palmer Music, Wildfire DJs | LIVE BAND (Welcome Dinner) Ode Mon Cheri | SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS Talents Prod | OPEN BAR DNA Bartending | CAKE DESIGNER Les Delices 2 Gladys | RENTALS Exclusivity Events | SHUTTLES Fastlane Transfer
