Provence Wedding By Life Stories

By Magnolia Rouge

It is impossible not to feel the romance of Europe looking at this French wedding by Yann from Life Stories Photography. Having an obsession with France from a young age it was a given that Megan would want to travel there for her wedding to Nick, so that's exactly what they did in early July, �when the lavender was in full bloom and fields of grapevines were brightly green.�

How did you meet? Nick and I met while working at the same creative agency in Portland, Oregon. We became close friends immediately then began a romantic relationship after I took a job outside of the agency. Then, after 18 months together, Nick landed a job in Europe. While a long distance relationship wasn't ideal, we committed ourselves to make the relationship work. We spoke daily and saw each other every few months. We did this for over a year. It was a long, often lonely time but we loved each other and knew that we'd survive the distance.

Tell us about your proposal: After four months of not seeing each other, Nick and I decided to meet in Paris for a long weekend. After a couple of days in the city, we decided to take a trip to the Luberon Valley, as I knew it was the area in which I wanted to get married. Though I'd visited several times, this was Nick's first trip so it was fantastic to witness his awe as we toured the various small villages in the valley. When we arrived in M nerbes, a small, absolutely stunning village built on a high plateau in the 13th century, we knew we were someplace extremely special. It was there that Nick proposed, as we stood on the highest point of the village, overlooking the lovely countryside below. We married just steps away from where Nick proposed five months later.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress: When it came to my wedding dress, I wanted something completely unique. While I appreciate designers such as Vera Wang and Monique Llhuiler, I wanted a dress that was truly French. I've always been enamored by the work of Delphine Manivet but her dresses are nearly impossible to find in the US, especially the dress I wanted. As luck would have it, a weekend with Nick took us to Paris (the same weekend we were engaged) and I was able to visit Delphine's boutique. I tried on the dress and knew immediately it was the one! The dress is actually two pieces. I purchased the top from Delphine Manivet and had the skirt custom made in the states.

What was the inspiration for your wedding? My obsession with France began early in life so it was an obvious choice for Nick and I to marry. We wanted to take full advantage of the incredibly beautiful bounty that only Provence can offer, so we chose to marry in early July, when the lavender was in full bloom and fields of grapevines were brightly green. It couldn't have been more beautiful.

Any DIY/Budget elements? Each night of our wedding week, our guests were gifted with small, some of them homemade token. On the first night, our guests received little travels journals I made for them, then later, small jars of �Herbs de Provence� that I just put together with vintage jars tied with lace ribbon.

Describe your wedding flowers: I absolutely adore Peonies for their complex layers and heavenly scent. I chose a variety of pinks, from pales to bolds, and pared them with a small assortment of garden roses. To modernize the mix, I chose a lovely succulent to layer in.

Favourite detail of the day: My shoes. Dries van Noten is by far my favorite designer so it only felt right to incorporate his work into my wedding day ensemble. The metallic, hammered leather of the shoes provided a modern contrast to the delicate lace and silk of my dress.

What advise would you give out to a couple planning their wedding? KEEP IT SIMPLE. While the flowers, food and the like are certainly important, the celebration with your family and friends will be what you most remember about your wedding day. Don't stress yourself over the small details, keep your focus on what really matters�the commitment that you're making to our groom and the love that's shared among all of those who'll take part in your special day.

Most memorable moment? Wow, there are honestly so many! From my dear mom helping me dress to walking alone with my fabulous dad to the garden for the ceremony, my heart is full of tender moments from the day. If I had to choose one, however, it would be when Nick and I exchanged rings. After Nick put my wedding band on my finger, he reached into his pocket and pulled out another ring, a simple gold band, that I recognized immediately as my grandmothers. Though she passed away years ago, it was in that moment that I felt her close, and I knew she was there in spirit. I wear her ring everyday alongside my wedding rings as a reminder of that moment.