Here are a few images from this extraordinary wedding. A + A, a couple from New York, decided to celebrate their wedding in Provence. A few days before arriving in France, they had said their “I do’s” in a small ceremony at New York City’s wedding hall.
An exceptional wedding venue for wedding photographer : Domaine de Puybernier in Aix en Provence
A., the groom, grew up near Aix-en-Provence and still has family in the region, so it was important for them to celebrate their union in sunny Provence. Their choice of venue was the magnificent Domaine de Puybernier.
Located in the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, you immediately think of Cézanne’s paintings when you cross the small path leading to the site. The historic farmhouse can be rented by the week, so guests can enjoy several days together.
A wedding like no other, without ceremony
A + A didn’t want to be the centre of attention. A civil ceremony was enough for them. So their day would not revolve around the traditional outdoor secular ceremony. They simply wanted to bring their nearest and dearest together in an exceptional setting. They didn’t even want to have a couple photo session (although I did manage to steal a few).
Eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, chatting… That’s all they needed.
For me, the photographer, it was a bit of a challenge not to have this key moment to capture for my story. They did, however, play the game of dressing up as the bride and groom. A. had chosen a sublime lace dress designed by Oscar de la Renta (Naomi Watts had worn the same a few months earlier for her wedding!).
After a discreet and intimate First Look in their bedroom, they went downstairs together to meet their guests and taste the first cocktails concocted by the Citron Pavot team.
Mediterranean dishes to share
The end of the day revolved around a delicious buffet designed by Amandine from Citron Pavot and decorated with flowers by Tepee Sauvage. Oysters, local produce, charcuterie by the slice… All washed down with New York cocktails. Mediterranean-style sharing with an arty twist. I’ve already had the chance to work with Citron Pavot on a previous wedding and each time it’s a delight for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes of the guests and the photographer!
Afterwards, the evening will continue on the large tables laid high up of the house. A magnificent view of the mountains was the companion of this meal placed under the sign of sharing. Despite the early autumn chill, the guests warmed up with homemade gnocchi, burrata with figs, pulled pork, prawns and seasonal vegetables… Just talking about it makes my mouth water!
A wedding party and an open-air dancefloor
Then, at the end of the meal, the guests headed to the dance floor for the tradition of the cake. No pièce montée or wedding cake. Amandine had prepared a giant Tarte Tropézienne! A funny tasting of the tart and off we went for a long evening of dancing and gin and tonics in the open air, with Sainte Victoire as a landmark in the night.
Thank you both for this crazy Provençal day and this profusion of beautiful things.
Venue : Domaine de Puybernier
Caterer : Citron Pivot déja vue ici
Wedding dress : Oscar de la Renta
Groom’s suit : Enzo Custom NYC
Bride’s accessories : wedding ring (custom : Hourts & Hackett)- designed by dad with college friend, grandmother bracelet
Flowers : Tepee Sauvage
MUA : Camille Bonardi
Dj : 33 Tours DJ
Rentals : Be Lounges
Wedding photographer Aix en provence
