Location: France
Setting: Outdoor
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 15 months
The number of guests: 50
Wedding theme/style: Glam but classic, completely DIY.
Lee and Myriam are a wonderful couple who respect authenticity, minimalism, cherishing moments with loved ones, and being present. They remain unaffected by trends, focusing instead on what truly resonates with them. Naturally, their wedding promises to be filled with interesting, emotional details, and their choice of photographer reflects their thoughtful approach.
They hired Zach & Grace, a wedding photography duo based in London, for their special day. Having lived in the United Kingdom for many years, the lovebirds share a deep connection to the place. Zach & Grace are more than photographers; they are storytellers and attentive observers who are present for every significant moment in life. This aligns perfectly with Lee and Myriam’s values.
Their wedding was a testament to their love for the beauty and charm of the French countryside. Lee’s lifelong dream of owning a house in France found its fulfillment in acquiring this property, a magnificent French manor that stole their hearts with its timeless elegance and rustic charm.
From the moment they bought their house, they had two dreams: painting the shutters a shade of green to stand out against the cream-colored facade and using it as their wedding venue. They poured their hearts and souls into renovating the property, transforming this breathtaking venue for special moments. Thus, their wedding day was as much about them as it was about the house, and it couldn’t have been a better housewarming for it.
Having recently relocated to France from the United Kingdom, where Lee had spent his entire life, they saw their wedding as a rare opportunity to bring together friends and family who were mostly still there. With their loved ones scattered across countries and time zones, they took the chance to spend quality time with each guest. The desire for genuine connection led them to prioritize meaningful interactions over posed photographs, opting for candid moments that would capture the true spirit of their celebration.
From Myriam: “Lee owns his business in the spirits industry, so the choice of drinks to be served over our 3-day wedding was very important for him. And with me being French, we wanted our wedding to be a French discovery experience for our guests as far as food and drinks were concerned. We decided that all drinks would come from France, from the wine to the beer to the spritz and the gin.“
Given that wine is a staple in French culture, we’d like to highlight two exciting points related to it. Firstly, the Chardonnay and Viognier served at their wedding were sourced from a winery near Carcassonne, the very place where Lee proposed. Secondly, for red wine enthusiasts, a noteworthy recommendation might be La Clape from Domaine Triable. This choice was quite unique and unexpected, as it has yet to be widely known. Lee and Myriam stumbled upon it at a nearby supermarket months before the wedding, and after the first sip, they knew it had to be on the menu!
Myriam and her bridesmaids prepared for the ceremony in the soft morning light of their French manor. In the delicate white robes, they exuded an understated elegance that mirrored the occasion’s minimalistic grace.
Amidst the anticipation, Myriam’s friends surprised her with a heartfelt gift – an album filled with cherished memories and touching letters. As she flipped through its pages, her heart swelled with nostalgia for the events they shared and the love surrounding her.
As for the wedding look, Myriam had a clear vision. As a minimalist and a bride who shied away from anything too “bridal”, she aimed for garments, shoes, and jewelry that could be seamlessly incorporated into her wardrobe beyond the wedding day. Besides this, she had a secret Bond girl-look dream.
From the bride: “One day, I stumble upon a little Instagram ad that popped up on my account: a reel from Halfpenny London showcasing their updated take on their class Cheryl dress, the Cheryl split. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the dress to make my dream come true, the perfect balance between classic, understated, and but still glamourous to match the vibe we had in mind for the wedding, and the perfect dress for a wedding on a hot September day. When I tried it on at the Halfpenny boutique four months later, it was everything I could’ve hoped for, and it was the one and only instant “YES!”
Drawing inspiration from Ana De Armas’ character of Paloma, a kick-ass Bond girl, Myriam crafted her makeup, shoes, and jewelry to emulate a timeless and understated allure.
Her makeup was glamorous but in a simple, classic, and understated way that still lets her natural beauty shine through. She opted for delicate yet striking pieces from Paris-based jeweler Fabien Ajzenberg. These accessories complemented her dress flawlessly without overshadowing its elegance. Myriam completed her look with Ari sandals by Aquazzura that can be worn for many occasions while their soft golden hue was a subtle nod to the sunny South West of France, adding a touch of effortless chicness from head to toe.
In Myriam’s meticulous curation of her wedding look, every element spoke to her desire for simplicity and grace. From the carefully chosen dress to the thoughtfully selected accessories, she embodied a bride whose style transcended fleeting trends, leaving an impression of understated sophistication on her special day.
The bridesmaids exuded elegance, dressed in spaghetti strap deep olive-colored flowing satin gowns gracefully draped around their figures. The rich hue of color beautifully mirrored the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious blend of earthy tones.
The groom, Lee, and his groomsmen chose matching navy blue suits paired with rich brown ties and shoes. The classic combination of navy and brown lent a sophisticated touch to their attire, perfectly complementing the rustic charm of their French countryside wedding. With impeccable tailoring and attention to detail, Lee and his groomsmen looked effortless and elegant.
After getting ready, the bride, accompanied by loved ones, made her way to the ceremony in a vibrant red vintage Alfa Romeo. The car added a touch of vintage charm and excitement to their soft pastel color scheme.
As their guests waited in anticipation, the officiant, Lee’s friend, stood out in a traditional kilt. He paid homage to Lee’s national heritage and added a touch of cultural significance to the proceedings.
“We felt it would be more personal and meaningful if someone we knew would act as our celebrant on the day. And the choice was very obvious to us: it had to be Lee’s friend Mark. He’s got a way with words we knew would inject much personality into the ceremony. It was also a nice touch for us to have a friend as our celebrant as we had a tiny family present,” the bride shares.
The ceremony took place outside the couple’s house, turning their home into a symbol of love. With their bridesmaids and groomsmen by their side, Lee and Myriam exchanged vows and rings, promising to support each other through life’s journey.
Before the reception officially began, guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail hour filled with music and lively conversation with the newlyweds. As the evening progressed, guests were invited to the reception area, carefully prepared under a tent near the pool.
Guests gathered beneath the elegant canopy, adorned with twinkling lights and lush greenery, setting the stage for an evening of joy and festivity. The decor and flower arrangements were thoughtfully crafted to embody simplicity and chic elegance, captivating the hearts of all who beheld them.
Myriam says: “We chose green and white as the theme for our wedding as a nod to the house, as it would be as much about us as it would be about the house for most of our family and friends. It made sense for us to be in harmony with it.”
Myriam and Lee successfully brought their vision to life, turning the day into a memorable vacation for all. The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with laughter, ensuring everyone had a fantastic time. Families savored precious moments with their loved ones, cherishing the memories created on this special day until they met again. Sincere speeches and well-wishes from guests touched everyone’s hearts, leaving a lasting impression and filling the day with warmth and love.
The sensitive photographers from Zach & Grace team approached their task with a deep understanding of the importance of capturing genuine emotions over staged perfection. Instead of orchestrating rigid poses, the photographers focused on candid interactions, allowing the day’s natural flow to unfold organically. Every hug, kiss, and expression of love was beautifully immortalized, ensuring that the true essence of the day was preserved in their equally stunning photographs.
As the evening unfolded, Lee and Myriam graced the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. They moved together in perfect harmony, surrounded by the love and warmth of their family and friends.
The lovely evening drew close, Lee and Myriam marked the occasion by popping bottles of champagne. They poured the champagne over a tower of glasses, creating a shimmering waterfall that sparkled in the night.
With thoughtful planning and heartfelt moments, they created an elegant and charming event that left a lasting impression on all who attended. Their special day reminds us that genuine love and connection are the keys to making any celebration truly memorable.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Zach and Grace | VENUE Manoir de Lagrange | FLORALS Fleurs Avenue | DRESS Halfpenny London | BRIDE’S SHOES Aquazzura | JEWELRY Fabien Ajzenberg | MUAH Laura Cawte | SUITS Balibaris | GROOM’S SHOES Reiss | CAR Roadstr | RENTALS Events Tent Concept | CATERING La Brigade Traiteur | BAND Soul On Top
