Surrounded by lavender and crumbling stone walls, Victoria and Nick created a day that was less about spectacle and more about soul. With their young son in their arms, the celebration honored legacy, love, and the kinds of details that hold meaning for a lifetime. From heirloom-inspired fashion to a ceremony set in the ruins of a private family chapel, every part of this summer wedding was deeply personal, beautifully captured by Visuals by Abbi, working in both film and digital.
Location: Luberon, Provence, France
Style: Elegant, Romantic, Timeless
Time of planning: 8 month
Number of guests: 60
Setting: Family Estate
Season: Summer
Victoria and Nick’s story began as teenagers in upstate New York. First came friendship, the kind everyone around them could tell was destined for more. Nine years later, Nick asked Victoria’s father for permission to propose, then waited weeks for the perfect ring to arrive. When it did, he booked a red-eye flight to surprise her in New York City.
On a crisp fall morning in Central Park, with the leaves blazing red and orange, he stood under a tree, their tree. After a train mix-up, a decoy lunch plan, and a well-timed FaceTime call, Victoria found him there, holding the ring. Years later, they carved their initials into that same tree during her pregnancy and again visited it to mark their 10th anniversary and civil ceremony. Their wedding in Provence, set at Nick’s parents’ restored estate, was both a celebration and a continuation of that story.
Getting Ready & Fashion
Victoria got ready surrounded by her bridesmaids, each of whom wore their own hand-picked floral dress: romantic, playful, and totally true to them. Labels like Markarian and V. Chapman added subtle vintage notes to the bridal party’s aesthetic, all fitting perfectly into the Provencal garden mood.
The bride’s own look was refined and textural: a strapless Drew gown by Danielle Frankel, made of tissue taffeta with a softly bubbled hem and a sculpted bodice. She paired it with Manolo Blahnik shoes and a long embroidered veil for the ceremony, switching later to a sheer floral neckpiece for cocktail hour. Her hair and makeup, styled by Kassaundra Stephens, felt light and elegant, with soft waves and a natural glow that let every expression shine through.
Nick wore a classic black suit and tie, echoing the clean lines of the setting and matching his son Oliver, who stole the spotlight in a miniature version of his father’s look.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Victoria and Nick shared a private first look on the hillside. With wildflowers at their feet and mountains in the distance, he turned to see her and immediately covered his face, overwhelmed. It was a pure reaction, unscripted and deeply felt.
Visuals by Abbi captured the moment with a quiet sensitivity, letting emotion lead. Her mix of film and digital preserved not just how it looked, but how it felt. The softness of the film added a timeless, emotional depth that made every frame feel even more intimate.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place inside the ruins of an old stone chapel on the property, lovingly transformed by the couple’s family. An altar was built with vintage frames, handwritten letters to their son, and soft candlelight. Wildflowers from Nick’s mother Lydia’s garden added a gentle, grounded beauty to the space.
Each aisle chair was tied with a sprig of lavender, olive branches, and yarrow, wrapped in white ribbon: simple, fragrant, and deeply local. The archway at the entrance was softened with climbing greenery and tucked-in blooms, creating a natural threshold.
Personal vows and family readings made the ceremony uniquely theirs. It was long, honest, and filled with emotion. There was no rush, just presence.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, everyone went to the courtyard for drinks and easy conversation. Victoria added a sheer floral scarf around her neck for a fresh twist, and the couple kicked things off with a champagne tower that brought cheers and laughter. With Oliver in her arms and Nick popping the bottle, it was one of those light, joy-filled moments you want to bottle up.
The setup felt like summer in Provence: a pale wood bar wrapped in garden vines, glassware gleaming in the sun, and sprigs of herbs tucked just about everywhere. Guests strolled, sipped wine, and soaked in the view. Thanks to planner Lori Howard of Pinch Me Provence, every detail felt easy and effortless. Music by Charly Ettedgui floated in the background, setting just the right mood.
Reception & Decor
The reception tables were set overlooking the hills, layered with gauzy linens, vintage silver, and loose garden florals in pale blush and white. Small bundles of herbs and lavender lay next to each menu card. Everything was intentional, but never overworked.
The meal, curated by Gerald Konings, highlighted local flavors: stuffed zucchini flowers, duck with vegetables, fresh cheeses and fruits. Guests lingered at the tables, talking and laughing.
Later, Victoria and Nick shared their first dance under the stars, surrounded by the stone walls of the old estate. There was cake, laughter, dancing, and plenty of sweet moments with Oliver in their arms as the music played on.
"Abbi!!! Thank you SO much for photographing our wedding day. It was such a joy and pleasure to meet and work with you. Thank you for being so kind, calm, and adaptive! And a special thank you for being so fun and silly with our son Oliver. Thank you with all my heart for capturing such beautiful pictures that will live a long life in our family and remind us all of such a special day!"
PHOTOGRAPHER Visuals by Abbi | PLANNER Lori Howard, Pinch Me Provence | DRESS Danielle Frankel | SHOES Manolo Blahnik | MUAH Kassaundra Lee Stephens | CATERER Gerald Konings | DJ Charly Ettedgui | BRIDAL PARTY FASHION Markarian, V. Chapman
