Lucas and Lia’s wedding was a celebration of elegance, love, and deep-rooted family history, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera. Nestled in the lush gardens of Bastide du Roy in Antibes, this late summer gathering brought together their closest family and friends for an intimate event that truly reflected the couple’s personalities and shared love of adventure.
Location: Antibes, South of France
Style: Ethereal, moody, sophisticated, otherworldly
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 88
Setting: Garden
Season: Summer
Born and raised in Northern California, Lucas and Lia’s love story began at their first job in San Francisco in May 2017. Immediately, there was a part of them that knew they would end up together; they just didn’t know when in life it would happen.
Their love truly blossomed during a trip to Morocco a year later, in a small riad in Marrakesh, where their relationship officially began. Since then, life for them has been filled with travels, nurturing friendships, great food, dancing, and watching their families grow into one big superfamily. Five and a half years later, on Lake Tahoe, Lucas proposed during what Lia thought was her sister’s birthday celebration.
Welcome Day
Their relationship, founded on adventure, naturally led them to choose a destination wedding. For Lucas, the South of France held a special place, as he spent summers visiting his grandparents just outside of Cannes. It was the perfect location to share their love story with family and friends. The couple’s desire for a smaller, intimate wedding, with an emphasis on the stunning scenery and meaningful family ties, guided their wedding vision. They became the ultimate hosts, curating three days of unforgettable festivities.
Set in the heart of Antibes, Bastide du Roy provided the ideal setting for Lucas and Lia’s wedding. Its multiple gardens, with lush greenery and bursts of colorful flowers, created a serene and elegant atmosphere. The venue’s olive trees and stunning views of the French Riviera hills meant that minimal decor was needed. “The venue itself was the inspiration,” the couple shared. The focus remained on modest white florals and subtle gold accents, letting the natural beauty of the estate speak for itself.
The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner, setting a relaxed and happy atmosphere. It was a chance for all the guests to meet the couple, share in their joy, and listen to heartfelt speeches that set the tone for the celebration ahead.
The venue’s staff and the expert planning of Wanderlust Wedding made sure that every detail of the day came to life perfectly. Their team not only executed the wedding flawlessly but even joined the celebration, dancing with the guests late into the night.
"The whole thing would have never come to life so perfectly without Wanderlust Wedding’s expertise and the unmatched hospitality of the Bastide du Roy staff."
Wedding Morning
Lia’s wedding day style was elegant and stunning. She wore a contemporary asymmetrical silk crepe gown by Danielle Frankel, featuring a high neck and low back with delicate button details running down the side. The gown moved effortlessly with every step she took, embodying the fluidity and grace that she wanted. “I was so drawn to its uniqueness–this dress is what dreams are made of. I felt so comfortable, beautiful, and truly myself in this dress,” Lia shared.
Her accessories were just as personal and meaningful. Lia wore Chan Luu white pearl Bolide earrings with gold accents, chosen for their timeless beauty. She also wore her great-grandmother’s wedding ring, a sentimental piece passed down by her mother before the ceremony. For makeup, Lia opted for a soft, glowy look, and her hair was styled in a textured low bun, allowing the back of her dress to shine.
Her maids of honor, Lia’s sisters, wore matching Shona Joy Bias Slip Dresses, a soft and elegant choice that perfectly complemented the bridal party’s style.
While the bride was preparing upstairs, Lucas and his groomsmen spent the morning swimming and hanging out by the pool at the venue. Their laughter filled the air as they enjoyed their final moments of relaxation before the ceremony. Lucas wore a classic black tuxedo that paired perfectly with the elegant vibe of the day, ensuring that he looked every bit as timeless as his bride.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Lucas and Lia shared a private first look at one of the estate’s gardens. The moment was full of emotion as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. The beautiful setting of Bastide du Roy provided the perfect backdrop for these intimate moments captured by photographer Nastia Vesna.
Their private moment was sweetly interrupted by their wedding party waving excitedly from a nearby window. Laughing, the group soon joined Lucas and Lia, and together they enjoyed a joyful walk around the estate, creating more memories to cherish.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in one of the most beautiful gardens of Bastide du Roy, surrounded by lush greenery and centuries-old olive trees. The decor was kept simple yet elegant, with white floral arrangements lining the aisle, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to shine.
Guests’ faces filled with emotion as they watched Lucas and Lia exchange their heartfelt vows. Many were brought to tears by the love and sincerity that filled the air, while the couple radiated happiness, visibly overjoyed to finally be married. As they made their way down the aisle as newlyweds, guests showered them with white petals, a joyful and celebratory ending to the perfect ceremony.
"Friends and family came from all over to be with us that day and you would have thought every single person there had known each other for years."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Lucas and Lia shared a private moment with their wedding party, celebrating the joy and excitement of getting married. Laughter and hugs filled the air as they took a few minutes together.
Soon after, the couple took a peaceful walk, just the two of them enjoying the quiet beauty of the surroundings and the significance of their new journey as husband and wife. Everything had been planned so perfectly by Wanderlust Wedding, allowing them to truly savor this moment. “By the time wedding day came around, we were so relaxed, despite torrential downpours all morning that caused some changes in plans, and trusted the process and our team,” Lia recalled.
Decor & Setting
The reception setting was a picture of refined elegance, perfectly complementing the timeless French Riviera aesthetic. Tables were dressed in soft, neutral linens, decorated with intricate white plates and gold-rimmed glassware, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall decor. Delicate white floral arrangements, featuring dahlias, roses, and other seasonal blooms, sat in understated ceramic vases, bringing a fresh and airy feel to the tables. Tall, clear candle holders were placed throughout, creating a romantic glow as the sun began to set.
"Planning a destination or local wedding requires a tremendous amount of trust, patience, time, and money, especially if you’re not able to travel to the destination many times before the wedding. We were fortunate that everything went our way and had an amazing team advocating for us onsite so all we really had to do was remain present and lean in on gratitude for this once in a lifetime experience. "
A grand chandelier hung above the couple’s table, adding an extra touch of luxury. The table itself was decorated with lush greenery and florals by Sisters & B Floral, blended with the surrounding gardens.
The entire setting was surrounded by tall trees, making the space feel intimate and serene, with estate architecture and nature seamlessly integrated into the elegant decor. It was a perfect reflection of the effortlessly chic style that Lucas and Lia had envisioned for their wedding day.
Reception
The backdrop of the grand estate provided an intimate setting for the evening’s festivities, where friends and family enjoyed a delightful dinner under the stars. As the sun set, the atmosphere transformed into one of pure enchantment, with the fairy lights above adding a touch of romance to the night.
A lively performance by Sounds of Riviera enhanced the experience. The traveling band roamed through the crowd, playing singalong songs that quickly had guests dancing and singing along, filling the air with joy and energy. Throughout the evening, guests clinked their glasses, offering toasts to the couple, while laughter and celebration echoed around the estate.
The reception concluded with the cutting of a beautifully adorned cake, topped with sparklers, as Lucas and Lia beamed with happiness, surrounded by the love and support of their closest family and friends.
Afterparty
The evening quickly turned into a dance party, with guests on their feet from the first song played by South Prod. Lucas and Lia curated playlists that kept the energy high throughout the night.
The couple made their grand entrance to the dance floor in style. Lia had changed into a sequin mini dress by Retrofete, perfect for the high-energy party that followed. She accessorized with fun, fluffy white heels and a feather boa, adding a playful touch to the evening’s festivities. The couple and their guests danced until 4 a.m., with every moment filled with joy, laughter, and love.
"The overwhelming amount of gratitude and love that was radiating out of all the guests was something we’ve never experienced before. There’s nothing I would change about the entire experience."
Advice from the couple:
• Relax! Whatever happens, will happen, and everyone will follow your lead when it comes to the overall vibe and sentiment, so lead with gratitude and happiness!
• And don’t forget to stand off to the side and just observe – it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
PLANNING & DESIGN Wanderlust Wedding | VENUE Bastide du Roy | PHOTOGRAPHER Nastia Vesna | VIDEOGRAPHER Pierre and Julie Films | FLORALS Sisters & B Floral | MAKEUP & HAIR Amandine Barron | DRESS Danielle Frankel | CATERING La Cinquieme Saison | STATIONARY Creme de Papier | RENTALS Maison Options, Balm Rental | LIGHTING Be Lounge | DJ South Prod | BAND Sounds of Riviera | BARTENDING DNA Bartending
