3-Day French Wedding Ends with Epic String Concert. Anne and Ben’s Love Story: From New Orleans to the French Riviera. Anne and Ben, both natives of New Orleans, shared a hometown and upbringing but didn’t cross paths romantically until after college. Despite being in the same area, their paths never converged while they were dating other people. However, in January 2014, circumstances aligned as both found themselves single and hanging out with mutual friends. In the midst of these casual gatherings, a connection blossomed, marking the beginning of their love story.
After seven years of dating, Ben orchestrated a proposal plan during a ski trip to Aspen, intending to pop the question atop a mountain. However, a last-minute decision led him to reconsider the setting, opting for a more intimate moment after dinner, just the two of them, with a bottle of wine. The surprise continued the next day when Anne’s best friend and maid of honor arrived to share in the joyous news.
For their destination wedding on April 30, 2022, Anne and Ben chose the picturesque French Riviera. Their vision was to create a smaller, intimate celebration for their closest friends and family, offering a unique and memorable experience. Over three days, the 90 guests enjoyed the hospitality of Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence, France, where Anne and Ben hosted a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and dinner reception.
To bring their vision to life, White Eden Weddings, a Cannes-based planning team, played a crucial role in curating local gifts for welcome bags, arranging a Paris-based violin group for the reception entertainment, and adorning the iron-framed glass tent with lush hanging wisteria. Anne and Ben aimed for a laid-back atmosphere that reflected their personalities, creating a wedding celebration that was not only beautiful but also true to who they are as a couple.
Creating a Home Away From Home: A French Riviera Wedding Tale
In their quest for the perfect wedding venue, Anne and Ben set their sights on the enchanting Cote D’Azur on the French Riviera.
Their desire was not just for a beautiful setting but also for a space that could be exclusively reserved for their guests. The Chateau Saint-Martin emerged as the ideal choice—a venue that not only captivated with its beauty but also offered the unique opportunity to have their closest friends and family gather in one chateau for a three-day celebration.
The panoramic view overlooking the French Riviera played a pivotal role in their decision-making, casting a spell that was hard to resist.
The allure of being able to host all 90 guests for an entire weekend added a touch of magic to their celebration. The Chateau Saint-Martin became more than just a venue; it became a temporary home where the couple and their guests could immerse themselves in the joy and romance of the French Riviera—a truly unforgettable home away from home.
A Thoughtful Welcome: Personalized Tote Bags for a French Riviera Celebration
As guests arrived at the enchanting Chateau Saint-Martin, they were welcomed with a delightful surprise—a custom-designed tote bag.
This thoughtful gesture showcased a hand-drawn map of the French Riviera, highlighting not only the wedding venue but also local gems in the surrounding area. The tote bags were not just containers; they were a visual journey, setting the tone for the magical experience that awaited.
Carefully curated with locally-sourced drinks, snacks, and small gifts, the tote bags became more than just welcome tokens—they were a reflection of the couple’s appreciation for their guests’ presence.
Each item within the bag carried a touch of the region’s charm, providing a taste of the French Riviera’s allure.
This attention to detail demonstrated Anne and Ben’s commitment to creating an immersive and memorable experience for their loved ones.
The personalized tote bags not only served a practical purpose but also became cherished keepsakes, encapsulating the spirit of the destination celebration—a perfect start to a weekend filled with love, joy, and the magic of the French Riviera.
Chic Elegance: Anne and Ben\’s White Party Rehearsal Dinner
In the midst of their celebratory weekend at Chateau Saint-Martin, Anne and Ben treated their guests to a memorable White Party for their rehearsal dinner.
This elegant affair was designed to replicate the sophisticated ambiance of a Cannes beach restaurant, offering a unique and chic experience.
The festivities began with a casual welcome party featuring live cooking stations and a DJ, setting the stage for the weekend’s celebrations.
However, the White Party took center stage, providing an enchanting atmosphere where guests could revel in the glamour and sophistication reminiscent of the French Riviera.
The choice of an all-white theme exuded Timeless Elegance, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the celebration.
Against the picturesque setting of the chateau and the panoramic views of the French Riviera, Anne and Ben’s White Party became a night to remember—an embodiment of style, joy, and the magic that comes with celebrating love in a dreamy destination.
Effortless Sophistication: Anne and Ben\’s Rehearsal Dinner Tablescape
For the rehearsal dinner at Chateau Saint-Martin, Anne and Ben curated a tablescape that seamlessly blended casual elegance with vibrant festivities.
The use of natural woven placemats served as the foundation, adding a touch of organic warmth to the setting. Complemented by colorful candles and an array of bright pink, yellow, and orange florals, the tablescape became a lively and inviting space for celebration.
Embracing a deviation from the all-white theme, White Eden Weddings, with their expertise in creating magical moments, opted for vibrant and dynamic flowers.
This choice not only added a burst of color to the tables but also harmonized perfectly with the joyous atmosphere of the rehearsal dinner.
The result was an effortlessly sophisticated tableau—a fusion of natural elements, lively hues, and the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera.
The tablescape reflected the couple’s intention to infuse each moment with a sense of style and celebration, creating an ambiance that seamlessly transitioned from the casual welcome party to the chic White Party, embodying the spirit of Anne and Ben’s destination wedding weekend.
Timeless Elegance: Anne’s Chic Wedding Gown
Anne’s vision for her wedding gown was clear—she sought a simple, minimal design with a classic and chic flair.
Despite facing a short timeline that limited her options, Anne’s discerning taste led her to the perfect dress. At the boutique, where her preferences excluded anything over-the-top, poofy, beaded, or lace, she discovered the ideal gown—a Suzanne Neville creation.
The white crepe off-the-shoulder gown, characterized by its simplicity and elegance, resonated with Anne’s vision.
The minimal flare at the bottom, the chic silhouette, and the low back adorned with a line of buttons all contributed to the timeless beauty of the dress. To complete her bridal ensemble, Anne added a Toni Federici veil—a touch of grace that complemented the overall aesthetic.
Anne’s wedding gown not only reflected her distinctive style but also embodied the simplicity and sophistication she envisioned for her special day.
The result was a bridal look that transcended trends, capturing the essence of enduring elegance.
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