From Chance Encounter in London to a Stunning St. Tropez Wedding

Featured Members:

Location: St Tropez, France
Setting: Chateau surrounded by Vineyards
Wedding season: 9 months
The number of guests: 95
How long did the couple plan the event: 9 months
Wedding theme/style: Timeless, Romantic, Elegant.

In December 2016, Lucy and Ben Halcomb had a serendipitous encounter on a night out in East London. Ben, living in Hertfordshire, and Lucy, residing in Clapham, had no common friends or shared connections. Yet, fate intervened, and they found themselves in the same place simultaneously.

Their initial meeting was electric, their connection undeniable. They quickly began seeing each other every weekend and, after just a few encounters, embarked on a spontaneous trip to Marrakech, solidifying their relationship. This trip ignited their shared love of travel, leading to adventures across California, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, and various European cities.

In 2020, they moved to Amersham and welcomed a beloved dog named Arlo.

During a countryside walk, with a stunning view of their hometown, Ben got down on one knee and asked Lucy to marry him. Their love story was a testament to the unexpected beauty of chance meetings, the thrill of spontaneous adventures, and the magic of love that knows no bounds.

Lucy and Ben Halcomb chose the Chateau de Pampelonne in the South of France for their wedding, a place significant to them. They’ve spent many cherished holidays in the region over the years, making it the backdrop to their love story. Lucy’s parents own a house in Port Grimaud filled with beautiful memories.

Their decision to marry here was not just about the stunning venue but the personal significance. Having their closest friends and family in this beloved place was a dream come true, a surreal and emotional experience. With the Chateau de Pampelonne‘s vineyard providing the backdrop, their wedding celebrated love and shared memories, creating new moments to treasure for a lifetime.

Lucy’s exquisite headband, meticulously crafted by Camilla King Millinery, featured delicate sequins and pearls, adding a touch of radiance to her bridal look. Her Loeffler Randall shoes added a further sparkle to her ensemble.

To infuse their wedding with unique artistic elements, Lucy and Ben collaborated with their friend, Chris Twiney, an artist and talented stationary designer. Alongside Written By Emily, they created personalized on-the-day stationary and invitations featuring a charming drawing of Chateau de Pampelonne. This artistic touch added a heartfelt and elegant dimension to their wedding celebration.

Lucy’s stunning wedding dress was an Australian creation by Jane Hill, discovered at the enchanting boutique Halo & Wren. It was love at first sight. With its elegant simplicity, modern, clean lines, subtle bodice boning, and delicate button details down the back, Lucy’s dress embodied uniqueness.

To add a touch of playfulness to the elegant simplicity of her dress, Lucy opted for a veil adorned with pearls and a bespoke headband. These accessories brought a sense of individuality to her bridal look.

After the first dance, Lucy changed into a chic mini dress from Self Portrait and a pair of comfy trainers, ensuring she could fully enjoy every moment of her wedding day.

Lucy’s natural beauty was highlighted by the talented Arina Kurakina, who created a makeup and hair design that perfectly complemented her radiance.

As the wedding day approached, Ben’s preparations took on an air of elegance and sophistication. The chosen dress code for the occasion was Black Tie, a decision that would make the groom’s appearance genuinely remarkable.

Ben donned a classic tuxedo, which perfectly complemented the formal theme. The timeless attire emphasized his handsome and dapper look, ensuring he would be a striking figure on the wedding day. It reflected his commitment to making this day not unique but also a moment of refined elegance.

The ceremony took place in the charming hilltop village of Ramatuelle, just a short 10-minute drive from St. Tropez. The setting resembled scenes from a classic French film, with traditional buildings, bustling cafes, and people spilling into the streets.

The highlight was a stunning church with high ceilings and hand-painted murals on the walls. This timeless location added a touch of elegance and romance to the day, making it feel like a dream come true for Lucy, Ben, and their guests.

With the expert guidance of their wedding planner, La Cabane Blanche, and the Floral designer Atelier de Vik, the beauty of the natural surroundings, the church was transformed into a captivating setting. White roses and gypsophila, sourced from local flowers, adorned the venue, creating a breathtaking atmosphere that perfectly complemented the couple’s love story.

The ceremony was a poignant and heartfelt occasion. Lucy’s father walked her down the aisle to the soul-stirring strains of an instrumental version of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, a song that held a special place in both Ben and Lucy’s hearts. This choice, their favorite song, added a personal and emotional touch to the moment when Lucy joined Ben at the altar.

With hearts full of love, they exchanged promises to last a lifetime. And as they sealed their love with a kiss, it was as if the whole world held its breath to witness their beautiful moment.

After exchanging their vows and sealing their commitment, the newlyweds embarked on a beautiful journey together. They drove away in a vintage Citroen 2CV, resplendent in white and red. It was a truly unforgettable moment, driving off as a newly married couple, savoring a few precious minutes of solitude and reflection before the whirlwind of excitement that awaited them for the rest of the day. It was a time for just the two of them, basking in the joy of their union before rejoining their loved ones for the celebration that would follow.

Lynn Shapiro Photography was the artist behind the lens, capturing every beautiful moment of Lucy and Ben’s wedding day. Lynn’s photographs transformed the day’s fleeting moments into everlasting memories.

Her skill and artistry ensured that every look, every smile, and every tender embrace was beautifully preserved. With a keen understanding of the couple’s love story, Lynn’s work didn’t just document the day; it added a layer of depth and emotion to the visual narrative of their wedding.

Lynn Shapiro Photography became an integral part of the day, not just as a photographer but as a storyteller, weaving the essence of Lucy and Ben’s love into every frame. The photographs she captured were not just images but a testament to the love, beauty, and joy that surrounded Lucy and Ben on their special day.

Lucy and Ben’s wedding concept was simple: to create a day of joy and love. Their inspiration came from the beauty of St. Tropez’s restaurants and beaches, and their vision was brought to life by wedding planner Chloe of La Cabane Blanche.

For catering, they turned to Rolan Paix, whose French cuisine delighted their guests. To set the perfect mood, they had the Angry French Singer and band, who provided enchanting live music.

Atelier de Vik’s floral design was inspired by St. Tropez’s beaches, featuring palm leaves, local flowers, and white roses. The champagne tower added a touch of fun and sophistication. During the champagne reception, live cooking stations delighted their guests, making the day even more enjoyable.

The outdoor dinner was pure magic, under a canopy of fairy lights that twinkled even brighter as night fell. The reception, graced with exquisite white flower arrangements, was an absolute spectacle.

The dinner was a night to remember. As guests made their entrance, an exciting surprise awaited them. Everyone joined the couple on the dance floor for a “mini party,” dancing to the beat of five lively songs. This burst of energy set the tone for the rest of the evening and created a spirited and festive atmosphere.

To keep the energy high and everyone on their feet until the late hours, a delightful Crepe Station was set up. This late-night treat ensured that the dance floor remained packed until 3 a.m., with guests indulging in delicious crepes to keep the festivities going strong. It was a perfect ending to a night filled with music, dance, and love.

Amidst the joy and celebration, Lucy and Ben shared their first dance to the timeless melody of “Islands In The Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, a beautiful moment that brought the couple even closer.

The wedding cake, a masterpiece from Le Garde Manger, was a sight to behold. Adorned with incredible white roses, it was a stunning centerpiece that added an air of elegance and romance to the celebration. The cake not only looked amazing but also tasted exquisite, making it a delightful treat for all the guests to savor.

Advice from the couple:

• I know everyone says this, but try and take it all in, relax, have fun, and enjoy spending time with each other and all of your loved ones after all of the planning!