A Relaxed Wedding at Domaine de Blanche Fleur, Provence
Pippa and Dan exuding love and joy on their day
Pippa and Dan’s request for their wedding in Domaine de Blanche Fleur, Provence, was for it to be a “fun, semi-traditional wedding ceremony that is relaxed and low-key.” And Domaine de Blanche Fleur was the perfect setting. This isn’t a grand chateau wedding since Blanche Fleur is, indeed, a “Domaine.” In fact it’s more like an absolutely beautiful hamlet which has been lovingly brought back to life from its past as a paper mill and abbey.
Blanche Fleur is full of secret places, and of course white flowers.
So, why were Dan and Pippa so keen on a “fun relaxed ceremony” at Blanche Fleur? Well, they’re certainly a fun couple, and wanted their friends and family to have a stress-free weekend and enjoy the ceremony. Partly also because they had decided to make their private vows to each other, well, privately! So I got there in plenty of time to be with them for this special moment.
A Relaxed Blanche Fleur Celebrant!
It wasn’t a problem since Blanchefleur has seven beautiful apartments accommodating up to thirty guests. I was immediately made at home in the “mothers’” room with a cuppa and a snack.
Having time for a cuppa before changing into my ceremony clothes was a luxury!
The First Look by the old mill at Domaine de Blanche Fleur
When the moment came for the vows, Thomas the photographer came to find me since he’s worked at Blanche Fleur before and knew the perfect spot. And so it was that I joined Pippa and Dan as they took their “first look,” which in itself was simply gorgeous!
The excitement builds as Pippa and Dan prepare for their first look
The Private Vows
Then, after a brief “settling down” introduction from me, Pippa and Dan stood in dappled shade under the baking Provence sun and poured their hearts out to each other
The secret vows were so romantic
Dan and Pippa’s personal vows were perfect. They reflected on their time together so far, what they meant to each other and their thoughts for the future. And of course, they exchanged their own promises. The love shining in their eyes as they drank in each other’s words was unmistakable.
The Wedding Ceremony in Domaine de Blanche Fleur
And so the time came for the ceremony. Blanche Fleur has various stunning settings for their wedding ceremonies. Pippa and Dan chose the beautiful tree-filled garden, with the bridal party making their entrance down a splendid staircase.
Pippa’s elegant entrance with her brother
Greeting the Mums!
The wedding ceremony was full of love from the word go since Pippa and Dan had asked me to include a show of gratitude for their mothers. So once Pippa, escorted by her brother, had reached the ceremony space, I called the ladies forward where their children gave them a hug.
The Mums exchange a hug and a giggle at the start of the ceremony.
Friends also featured strongly in this ceremony! People had travelled from the UK, USA, Denmark, New Zealand and Australia, so I ensured they knew how much Dan and Pippa appreciated the efforts they’d gone to come all that way to Provence.
Pippa and Dan’s Story
In the months before the ceremony, I’d spoken to some of Pippa and Dan’s Besties. Their stories gave me wonderful material to illustrate this gorgeous couples’ early days together and even shed a little light on who they were before they met. They met, in fact in New York, which is where they live and where Dan popped the question. What a wonderful story of friendship to romance in the times of Covid under the gaze of the Statue of Liberty!
All were entranced by the love story
The Hand-tying Ceremony
But of course, a wedding ceremony, no matter how much fun we have in telling stories and illustrating a couples’ love, is all about the vows. Pippa and Dan had already made their private vows, so we included a simple hand-tying ceremony which we borrowed from the traditional Celtic hand-fasting ritual to symbolise the gravitas of their traditional vows.
Pulse-to-pulse
The colours of the ribbons had particular meaning for Pippa and Dan. Their hands remained together pulse-to-pulse as they repeated their traditional promises after me. Then their friend read “All I know about love” by Neil Gaiman. We removed the ribbons to replace them with wedding rings, and this pinnacle of the ceremony was over.
Confetti and Close!
I endeavour to ensure that, since everyone has focussed on the sheer romance of the wedding vows and exchange of rings, we raise the energy ready for the ensuing party. This day was no different and there was plenty to be positive about. Pippa and Dan had shared their hopes for the future with me which proved to be moving but also entertaining. Then there was a bit of fun which invcluded a couple of dreadful puns from Pippa involving brie cheese (you had to be there!).
Sharing Pippa’s puns!
The “big kiss” finale was particularly special since Dan’s second name is – would you believe? – “French” so I could introduce these super people as Mr and Mrs French!
Pippa and dan make their exit
And so marked the end of another utterly joyful ceremony. I cheered along with everybody else as Pippa and Dan walked their way down their olive-leaf confetti aisle.
What would the vibe be within your wedding ceremony?
Thoughtful moments within the laughter
Every ceremony is unique. There are always moments of reflection within the fun and laughter. Some are more formal than others, and I can do that too if that’s your thing! But I want my bride and groom to be relaxed at their wedding – in Provence or anywhere else – so the experience is joyfully unforgettable. If you’d like to learn more about having me with you for your wedding ceremony in France, jump to my wedding pages then get in touch!
Pippa and Dan kiss after their ceremony
With thanks to all my fellow suppliers; Photographer: Thomas Bertini Photography. www.thomasbertini.com
Location: @blanchefleur.provence, Florist: @anosamours_designvegetal, Hairstylist/makeup artist: @charlenedolomaquilleuse, DJ: @wildfire_djs, Band: @orangetriomusic, Caterer: @maison_nans, Dress: @tbdress.fashion, Costume: @suitsupply
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