Nestled along the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Côte d'Azur, or the French Riviera, is a region reknowned for its stunning landscapes and seascapes, charming towns, and rich history.
On a balmy summer day, up the winding hills of this coastal paradise, in the provençal village of La Colle sur Loup , Patricia and Charlie exchanged vows in the tiny, stone chapel of an ancient abbey.
Patricia and Charlie met when they both lived in Los Angeles.
While the bride is originally from Philadelphia, the groom is French and his parents live in a nearby village, so the 13th Century Domaine de l'Abbaye ( with its 11th Century chapel ) was the perfect choice. This was especially so for international guests, since it's also a hotel, ideally situated between Nice and Cannes, and a stone's throw to the medieval town of St Paul de Vence.
For Patricia and Charlie's wedding one could imagine it was the country home of an aristocratic French family, and here they all were, visiting it for a long weekend!
The crunch of pea gravel in the driveway and the scent of rosemary welcomed guests to the imposing abbey with its fortified gateway and corner towers. Once inside, cloisters with arched stone windows looked out to the beautiful interior courtyards, lead to guest rooms and even a welcoming kitchen with a wood-burning fireplace.
With stone floors, chandeliers and sunlit alcoves....a timeless blend of antique and chic.....the abbey was the perfect backdrop for Patricia's bridal shots; while laughter and music from one courtyard heralded the pre-ceremony cocktail party.
Globes and posies of baby's breath with a few blush roses were all the adornment the candlelit chapel needed, as guests gathered for the ceremony.
Patricia and Charlie's daughter Jade was the lovely ring-bearer in a pink similar to the roses, and Charlie's dad walked the bride down the aisle.
In this ancient chapel, the modern wedding took on a unique significance. Not only was it a celebration of love between Patricia and Charlie, but a fusion of past and present, a testament to the enduring power of love in a world that constantly evolves.
Long tables draped in white, with clear dining chairs, candles and florals echoing those of the ceremony were an elegant sight entering the second courtyard for the reception. Mature olive trees, herbs, cypress and bougainvillea surrounded the tables, while the gentle splashing of a stone fountain gave a sense of tranquility to the space.
Guests indulged in a feast that celebrated not only the newlyweds but also the rich culinary heritage of Provence and the Côte d'Azur.
The wine flowed, the sun set, candles flickered as the abbey was illuminated in soft pink and purple; and as the stars came out, Patricia changed into a second dress in time for her and Charlie to the cut the traditional Croquembouche ( French wedding cake ) then dance the night away with their friends and family.
Nous vous souhaitons à tous les deux tout le bonheur du monde!
( We wish you both all the happiness in the world! )
#destinationwedding #destinationweddingphotographer #frenchwedding #weddingsouthoffrance #cotedazurbride #savannahwedding #savannahweddings #savannahgeorgia #savannahbride #savannahweddingphotographer #instabride #charlestonweddingphotographer #savannahweddingplanners #savannahphotographer #savannah #lowcountrywedding #lowcountryweddingphotographer #savannahbridal #savannahbridalboutique #savannahweddingvendors #modernbride #savannahlove #bridegoals #bridetribe #weddinggoals #weddingdreams #bridevibes #weddinginspo #bridalstyle #modernlove #lovestory
Venue: Domaine de l'Abbaye
Event Planner: BrownHot Events