An intimate Provence wedding with nods to bygone decades

Chic personal style and an appreciation for timeless, effortless elegance defined Maddie & Iain’s wedding vision. Inspired by the 60s and 70s, they seamlessly infused subtle touches of this era throughout the day with the help of Stephanie from WEDDING PLANNER PROVENCE. “France was a natural choice for our intimate celebration, as we wanted a small, walkable town where our closest friends and family could share an unforgettable weekend together.” LE GALINIER in Lourmarin, with its authentic 18th-century charm, proved to be the perfect setting and Yann from LIFESTORIES captured their day exquisitely.

Their love story began through a serendipitous introduction by mutual friends who worked for the same company. They first met on a friend’s boat in the middle of Lake Austin. Years later, on a spontaneous Friday morning hike after a long work week, Iain proposed at their favorite trail’s breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the lake—sweaty, joyful, and utterly them.

LE GALINIER in Lourmarin is an exquisite 18th-century bastide that seamlessly combines historical charm with the natural beauty of Provence. Situated in the heart of the artists’ village of Lourmarin, it offers a unique setting steeped in architectural, landscape, and cultural heritage. This enchanting estate is more than just a venue; it is a timeless haven perfect for hosting weddings and private events. With its ancient stone walls and idyllic surroundings, LE GALINIER embodies the authentic essence of Provence, creating a captivating ambiance that enhances any celebration.

The estate boasts lush gardens, shaded courtyards, and a majestic century-old tree that provides a picturesque spot for exchanging vows. Guests are invited to indulge in the region’s artistic and culinary riches, partaking in creative activities that showcase local crafts and gastronomy. LE GALINIER is where charm meets elegance, offering an unforgettable setting that reflects the romance and heritage of Provence.

My wedding dress journey led to a custom-made gown embodying the simple, timeless style I had envisioned. To add sentimental value, I transformed my mom’s wedding dress into an elegant rehearsal dinner outfit. We focused on simplicity over DIY projects, letting our vision unfold naturally. The highlight of our day was feeling surrounded by love, joy, and the special magic of sharing such a perfect moment with those closest to us.

My florist, Charlotte of FLOWER & TWIG, was absolutely incredible. We went for a blend of modern whimsy and the historic charm of our 17th-century villa. The flowers had a playful vibe with bright yellows, oranges, whites, and greens that harmonized with the French countryside. It was a perfect balance of old and new.

Know what you want! Having too many options can be overwhelming, so trust your gut and focus on what feels right for you. Also, trust your vendors—they know what they’re doing. I made a point to plan as much as possible in advance, but once the weekend arrived, I let go and enjoyed every moment. Things might not be perfect, but the most important thing is being surrounded by love.

We couldn’t have pulled it off without our amazing family and friends. They embraced traveling to France with open arms and turned it into a fun trip. We’re so thankful for everyone who made the journey and for their endless support and kind words throughout the process.

We had the best of both worlds on our honeymoon. First, we kicked things off with a week in Southern Corsica, where we soaked up the sun, relaxed, and reminisced about the wedding over amazing food and wine. Then, we headed to Switzerland for adventure—hiking and eating more fondue than we could handle!