Charlotte and Andrew’s summer wedding in the Basque countryside was defined by style that showed up in every detail. The celebration carried a strong sense of self-expression, layered with vintage fashion references and thoughtful design choices. There is a certain kind of artistry in creating a modern wedding that still feels timeless, and this day achieved exactly that. Every element mattered and contributed to a cohesive aesthetic, brought to life by an outstanding team of vendors who elevated the vision at every step.
Location: Méharin, France
Style: Intimate, Vintage, Romantic
Time of planning: 1 year and 9 month
Number of guests: 65
Setting: Château
Season: Summer
Charlotte and Andrew met in Chicago in 2018, just two days after Charlotte moved to the city. Their first date took place at Lula Café in Logan Square, a spot they had both loved independently before meeting. That early overlap set the tone for a relationship built on shared taste, curiosity, and attention to detail.
After several years in Chicago, they relocated to Los Angeles, Charlotte’s hometown, to be closer to family and trade Midwestern winters for a warmer pace of life. Charlotte describes Andrew as someone with impeccable taste and quiet influence. He introduced her to new music, fashion, and art, slowly shaping her world and even her wardrobe. Their shared sensitivity to design naturally carried into their wedding planning. Charlotte even referenced Andrew’s love of raw denim in her vows, promising to always indulge his enthusiasm for it.
Concept & Location
The wedding took place in Méharin, near Biarritz, at a historic 14th-century château surrounded by the Basque countryside. From the beginning, Charlotte and Andrew wanted the landscape to guide the design rather than compete with it. Designers and planners Casamenteras translated that vision into something cohesive and layered, focusing on clarity over excess. “They curated the most beautiful experience that we and our guests will cherish forever!” added the couple.
Florals by Tepee Sauvage played a central role in shaping the visual language of the day. Instead of filling every space, the design focused on key sculptural moments, allowing the natural landscape and architecture to breathe.
"From the start, we wanted our wedding to feel whimsical, organic, and intimate, while still modern. We were intentional about focusing on key details, keeping other elements minimal—like forgoing florals at the ceremony and dinner tables."
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
Charlotte began the day slowly, surrounded by close friends and soft morning light. She wore a Deiji Studios dress while getting ready, layered with a vintage Issey Miyake pleated shawl sourced from Scout in Los Angeles. The look felt relaxed and tactile, setting the tone early.
Hair and makeup were kept minimal and natural by Amaia Weddings, with dewy skin and soft waves worn down. Charlotte accessorized with her grandmother’s earrings, a silk veil from Newly Thread, and a layered scent combining Incenso by Santa Maria Novella, Molecule 01, and Ginger. Her bouquet, designed by Tepee Sauvage, featured calla lilies, some spray-painted silver to echo the metallic accents woven throughout the day.
For the evening, Charlotte changed into a custom two-piece corset and skirt she designed in collaboration with Cee’sBridal, a process she described as one of her favorite parts of planning.
Groom’s Getting Ready
Andrew’s look followed the same philosophy of thoughtful simplicity. He wore a bespoke double-breasted suit by J. Mueser, paired with a Proper Cloth shirt and Allen Edmonds shoes sourced on eBay. The styling felt timeless, personal, and quietly confident.
"Charlotte surprised me the morning of the wedding with a 1970s Cartier Tank Louis watch, which I wore for the day. It paired perfectly with my suit and added a personal touch to the look."
First Look
The first look took place indoors, framed by tall doors and muted stone walls. The moment felt private and unhurried. Charlotte and Andrew held each other without rushing into words, letting the weight of the day settle naturally.
The photographer, A Film Love, perfectly captured this intimate moment with restraint and sensitivity, allowing emotion to sit in the frame without interruption. Captured through a thoughtful mix of digital and film, the images reflect the full palette of beauty, texture, and the mood of the day.
Ceremony
The ceremony was held at Maison Belzunce, just outside Biarritz. Guests were seated in a spiral formation around the custom silver arch, reinforcing the sense of closeness and continuity that defined the day. The spiral motif appeared throughout the celebration, but nowhere did it feel more meaningful than here.
Charlotte walked down the aisle with her father to “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star. Her cousin Gregory officiated, weaving the symbolism of the spiral into his words. The couple exchanged personal vows before recessing to “Dreams” by The Cranberries, a song filled with shared nostalgia.
"We wanted the ceremony to feel personal, lighthearted, and romantic, and it ended up being exactly that. It was short, sweet, and heartfelt."
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour felt like a natural transition from the ceremony. A circular table echoed the spiral motif and was topped with a dramatic floral installation. Cheeses, jamón, and small bites surrounded the centerpiece, inviting guests to gather and linger.
The signature cocktails reflected the couple’s story. A Negroni Sbagliato shared space with a Paper Plane, a nod to Chicago, and The Capri, inspired by their neighborhood bar in Eagle Rock. Charlotte curated the wine list with Clarisse Bussiere from Ivette, highlighting natural wines including their favorite Marto Weiss orange wine.
Live jazz by Día D Jazz set the mood, a meaningful choice for Andrew, whose parents were both orchestra musicians. The weather stayed warm and clear, allowing the couple to linger with their guests, moving easily between conversations, music, and glasses of wine.
"We tried to fill the day with intentional details that made it feel like us. Our favorite was a vintage postcard “guest book,” where our guests wrote letters for us to read later. It turned into one of our most treasured keepsakes."
Decor & Flowers
Dinner unfolded as a continuation of the ceremony’s sculptural language, but with a warmer, more theatrical rhythm. Tables were arranged in a precise X-formation on the lawn, drawing the eye inward toward a dramatic central installation. At its core stood the star motif that shaped the entire celebration, rising vertically from layers of lush green hydrangea, seasonal blooms, and textured foliage.
The table styling leaned intentionally minimal. Crisp white linens, simple ceramic plates, polished silver flatware, and bentwood chairs created a calm, tactile foundation. Pale blue mushroom lamps introduced a subtle vintage note without pulling focus. Rather than filling every inch with decor, the design relied on contrast and clarity. As daylight faded, the floral installation became even more striking against the darkening hills.
Reception
As night settled over the Basque countryside, the reception shifted into something more immersive. Dinner moved slowly, shaped by conversation, wine, and music drifting across the lawn. A loop of experimental 1960s visuals curated by Charlotte was projected nearby, adding a dreamlike layer to the evening.
"One of the funniest and most memorable parts of our wedding happened during dinner—swarms of bugs were drawn to our dramatic, illuminated floral centerpiece. Within minutes, everyone had blankets draped over their heads to hide. It was chaotic and hilarious. It reminded us that the unplanned moments often become the best ones."
Later, the energy transformed. Inside, lighting and sound created a new atmosphere. Colored beams cut through the space, silhouettes gathered on the dance floor, and the mood turned intimate and electric.
The croquembouche became a playful focal point. Charlotte and Andrew fed each other pastries, laughing as the formality of the day gave way to something lighter. Late-night smash burgers followed, grounding the celebration in comfort.
"It was pure joy—exactly how we wanted to start our marriage!"
Advice from the couple:
• Trust your vendors, stay true to your vision, and embrace the unexpected.
FLORALS Tepee Sauvage | DESIGN & PLANNING Casamenteras | PHOTOGRAPHER A Film Love | VIDEOGRAPHER Gorkatxopo | VENUE Maison Belzunce | GOWN CINQ | BRIDE’S SECOND LOOK Cee’s Bridal | VEIL Newly Thread | SUIT J. Mueser | MUAH Amaia Weddings | SOUND & LIGHTING Sonort | CATERING Brass Catering | WINE Ivette | CAKE Joseba Arguiñano | DJ Alex del Toro | BAND Día D Jazz | GRAPHIC DESIGN Hueco Studio
