With the sparkling waters of Lake Annecy and the dramatic French Alps providing an unforgettable backdrop, Julie and Léo’s wedding at ABBAYE DE TALLOIRES was a celebration of timeless romance with a wonderfully colourful twist. Photographed by VIVIEN MALAGNAT, and planned by HEDHERA WEDDING, the day brought together historic French architecture, abundant garden-inspired florals and beautifully considered personal touches. The couple wanted their wedding to feel romantic and elegant, but with enough originality to make it distinctly their own.
A Love Story in the French Alps
Julie and Léo’s story began with a chance meeting at a mutual friend’s home, on an evening when neither of them had originally planned to be there. Their engagement was equally romantic, with Léo whisking Julie away for a weekend beside Lake Annecy before proposing at the beautiful Palace de Menthon.
When it came to choosing their wedding venue, the couple were drawn to the historic ABBAYE DE TALLOIRES, a peaceful retreat overlooking the lake. With its centuries-old architecture, timeless atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings, it offered everything they had imagined for their celebration.
Thoughtful Details and Handmade Stationery
One of the most personal elements of the wedding was the stationery, which Julie designed and created entirely herself, with a little help from her bridesmaids. Selecting beautiful papers from Colorplan and Fedrigoni, she spent a month carefully crafting the invitations, using her Cricut machine to cut intricate gates, balustrades, envelopes and liners.
A delicate watercolour illustration painted by her maid of honour added another personal touch, while ICB handled the printing. The result was a beautifully detailed suite that reflected the care and creativity poured into the entire celebration.
Selecting beautiful papers from Colorplan and Fedrigoni, she spent a month carefully crafting the invitations, using her Cricut machine to cut intricate gates, balustrades, envelopes and liners.
A Fashion Story for Every Occasion
For Julie, choosing just one bridal look was never going to be easy, so she embraced the opportunity to wear something different for each part of the wedding festivities.
For the civil ceremony, she chose a silk crepe jumpsuit with a chiffon stole, paired with Valentino heels as a playful nod to her husband’s surname beginning with V.
At the welcome dinner, guests were invited to dress entirely in white, while the couple stood out in coordinating blue. Julie wore a long, ruffled blue gown and Léo a blue suit, their outfits offering a charming interpretation of the traditional something blue.
On the wedding day itself, Julie opted for a timeless MILLA NOVA gown in satin mikado, complete with a dramatic overskirt and Amina Muaddi heels. When midnight arrived, she changed into a playful Rosie Etienne mini dress, perfect for celebrating into the early hours.
A Garden of Colour and Romance
The floral design by ATELIER AUGUSTINE brought a wonderful sense of personality to the celebration. Julie and Léo envisioned something colourful, asymmetrical and a little unexpected, while still feeling unmistakably romantic. An expressive combination of calla lilies, alliums, peonies and orchids was arranged amongst woodland moss, creating the impression of a lush, almost otherworldly garden. Rather than traditional, tightly structured arrangements, the florals had an organic quality that felt both contemporary and beautifully suited to the historic setting. The contrast between the vibrant blooms and the abbey’s timeless architecture created a striking visual balance, bringing freshness and individuality to the overall design.
An Emotional Ceremony Above the Lake
Julie began her wedding morning in the abbey’s spacious bridal suite, enjoying a little pampering while taking in the beautiful lake views from her window. Rather than seeing each other before the ceremony, Julie and Léo chose to share a first touch. Standing back to back, they took a quiet moment together to pray, creating an intimate and emotional memory before exchanging their vows.
Their religious ceremony took place in a church high in the mountains, with sweeping views across Lake Annecy. It was a spectacular setting for such a meaningful moment, surrounded by the natural beauty that had first drawn them to the region.
Their religious ceremony took place in a church high in the mountains, with sweeping views across Lake Annecy. It was a spectacular setting for such a meaningful moment, surrounded by the natural beauty that had first drawn them to the region.
A Celebration Between Lake and Mountains
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a lively cocktail hour that made the most of the extraordinary lakeside setting. Gourmet canapés, live cooking stations and relaxed lounge music created a wonderful atmosphere, while a series of surprises and experiences ensured there was always something to discover.
Throughout the festivities, Julie and Léo’s priority was for their guests to feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. Every detail had been considered with that in mind, balancing the elegance of the occasion with a relaxed and joyful sense of celebration. From the handmade stationery and expressive florals to Julie’s carefully chosen fashion looks, the wedding felt entirely personal to the couple. And with the historic abbey, sparkling lake and surrounding mountains as their backdrop, it was a beautiful reminder that timeless romance and a little unexpected colour make a wonderful combination.
