Imagine if Bonnie + Clyde ran off and got hitched at a 900-year old French abbey…
Actually, you don’t have to imagine because that was the design vision for this edgy, stylish, and historical elopement editorial created by an inventive team of vendors based in France.
Fontevraud Abbey was founded in 1101 and in the years since has served as a monastery, as home to a queen, as a prison, and finally as a cultural hub in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. Its cloisters and cathedral served as a creatively juxtaposed backdrop for the modern details of this bold, b+w editorial.
Event designers and planners from Hera et Harmonia dreamed up each elegant, monochrome design detail, and photographers from Les Bandits captured it all from every angle.
This one’s for every couple that thinks they need to pick between an old-world wedding full of history and a wedding with a modern edge. Turns out you can do both!!
Is there anything more chic than a totally b+w invitation suite?? Les Bandits Papers created the paper goods for the shoot, and we’re so into the curvy, modern touches that shake up the timelessness of the b+w.
Nothing says edgy + fun like a black disco ball!!
We are so into the fierce and formal look of a bridal party in black dresses!! Take a look through our list of the 36 best black bridesmaid dresses in every style!
This modern, monochrome white bridal bouquet by Domitille Atelier Floral is taking our breath away.
Gotta love a bow!! Shop the Aveline sandal by Jimmy Choo or the similar and more budget friendly Dalla sandal by BCBG to score your own pair of bow-detail bridal heels.
This open-collar groom look by Mariés d’Aujourd’hui brought a chic, causal energy to this historic space.
The Ceremony
So captivated by the way the all-white florals match and amplify the all-white stone of the cathedral!!
Grab a gold fanny pack if you need to recreate this grown-up flower boy moment with one of your best guys.
Weddings By Fabiola stood in as the officiant to create the real feeling and flow of a micro-wedding.
Loving what Maison Katia B did with this natural bridal glam look and this sleek, styled bob!
We have to show some love for this gorgeous long sleeved, open back, button detail gown by Pronovias that the team found at bridal boutique Via Novias.
The plunge neckline!!
Bridal accessories from So Hélo like those chic pearl bobby pins totally made the look.
Take a peek at our list of our favorite bridal sunglasses and our favorite men’s sunglasses to snag a pair of sunnies and look impossibly cool on your big day like these two.
A Black + Backless Bridal Moment
We may never recover from this STUNNING black wedding gown by Millia London.
Dig into our collection of 45 elegant black wedding dresses sure to wow if you’re into the idea of rocking a non-traditional look like this one.
And that ethereal tiara is EVERYTHING! Check out our list of 25 beautiful wedding crowns and tiaras.
The Reception
Les Mignonneries created all of the shoot’s fun, modern, black acrylic signage.
Loving the modern-meets-antique vibe of this reception table. Shop modern black flatware from West Elm and old-world cut crystal wine goblets like these from Waterford to create a bold and balanced tablescape of your own.
“Black & white remains a safe bet but we didn’t want small touches of black,” says planner + event designer Virginie from Hera et Harmonia. “We really wanted the black to be highlighted.”
How dreamy are decor details from M Faire and Chez PhiliGeö like disco balls and ribbed pillar candles from Studio Firaora (if you’re in the US and looking for something similar, try these ribbed candles) when they’re folded in with these monochrome white floral arrangements??
And these personalized round, black acrylic cocktail tags are such a charming, custom touch!
Obsessed with the way this modern, abstract black guest seating from Maison Options pops against the old stone setting.
If you like the look of a guest list this size, check out our 13 tips on how to plan an intimate wedding!
Pillar candles in glass vases always create such an endlessly romantic glow.
This style shift to a sleek low bun added so much to this chic black + backless look. Investigate our list of 35 wedding updos and looks for every hair type for tons more hair-up options.
We are completely obsessed with the old-meets-new and traditional-meets-edgy energy of this shoot!! SO glad that Hera et Harmonia and this team of talented vendors came together to create something so unique! Here’s to even more brides in black dresses!!
photography: Les Bandits // venue name: Abbaye de Fontevraud, Fontevraud, Centre-Val-de-Loire, France // event design: Hera & Harmonia // planning: Hera & Harmonia // florals: Domitille Atelier Floral // wedding dress: Pronovias and Millia London // wedding dress boutique: Via Novias // hair stylist: Maison Katia B // makeup artist: Maison Katia B // groom attire: Mariés d'Aujourd'hui // videography: Raysprod Vidéaste // paper goods: Les Bandits Papers // furniture rentals: Maison Option // linen rentals: Maison Option // specialty rentals: M Faire // officiant: Wedding by Fabiola // models: Bryan Littré and Mathilde // signage: Les Mignonneries // jewelry + accessories: So Hélo // additional decor: Chez Philigeo // candles: Studio Firaora
