A Charmingly Intimate Secret Garden Wedding Off The Coast of France

Our #Cecibride Charlotte took us on the road less traveled for her charmingly one of a kind wedding in Ile de Ré, an island off the west coast of France. A place near and dear to her and her family’s heart, this gorgeously quaint seaside escape is sprinkled with beachside cafes, bike riding neighbors, and small villas originating in the 1600s. The land has such a rich history after being claimed back and forth by the English and French several times in the past 1,000 years, which is evident in the charm that fills this town. The island is known for its perfectly cool breeze along its sandy shorelines which have made it a popular summertime destination for tourists and celebrities alike.

Designed by the same architect for Louis XIV, Louis Le Vau, the ceremony was held under the warm sun in the open-air ruins of Abbaye Des Châteliers. These restored frameworks of a Gothic style abbey from the 12th century made guests feel as if they were inside of a secret garden, with native flowers and a multitude of blush-toned blooms upon a floral covered archway at the altar. The bride wanted to stay true to the authentic and natural qualities of the setting, so we paid special attention to incorporating the unique flourishes of the venue into our designs; from the Hollyhock that danced along the sides of the roads to the richness of the architecture across the island. Groomsmen wore top hats and lavender sprigs on their long-tailed tuxedos while the flower girls walked through the open stone pathway in coordinating lavender tulle sundresses. An intimate group of family and friends watched the bride as she entered with her bridesmaids in an old, bright white and blue buggy dressed in a gown by Studio Non Sequitir.

This wedding was a beautiful example that sometimes the most simple adornments are the best way to highlight the charm of your surroundings. The airy qualities of the gathering's accessories perfectly set the tone for a serene and delightful garden celebration on this picturesque storybook island.

Take a peek into our design process and invitation suite for this event by reading An Enchanting Secret Graden Inspired Invitation With Multi-Layered Laser Cut Scenery.