Here at GWS, weddings (and the unique couples that make them what they are) are our hyper-fixation. And we’ve gotten pretty darn good at spotting when a couple’s wedding design vibe is an aesthetic extension of their one-of-a-kind spirit as a pair.
Chloé + Brian’s joyful, artsy, beyond-vibrant countryside wedding in France? Yeah, it’s one of those.
“While Chloé is a dreamer, discreet and artistic, Brian is direct, pragmatic and festive,” shares the day’s photographer Lucile K. “These two form an unusual pairing in which explosiveness and gentleness blend naturally.”
When Chloé + Brian decided to tie the knot, a large-scale celebration was part of the plan from the very beginning. Lucile tells the story of how the couple got engaged: “While celebrating her 30th birthday, Chloé proposed to Brian, declaring that he would be her gift! He said yes, on one condition: to organize a very big party!”
The day before the wedding, the couple headed to a nearby small French town’s city hall for a civil ceremony accompanied by a parade of loved ones carrying handmade celebratory signs (how cute is that!!). The next day, though? It was “very big party” time!
“The choice of venue for the ceremony was obvious: it would take place at Chloé’s family estate,” says Lucile of the backyard festivities. “This peaceful green setting — where giant sequoias stand side by side, a rose garden filled with a hundred different varieties of roses, and where small intimate paths wind their way through — was created by the bride’s father over many years.”
With such an idyllic setting as its backdrop, the wedding – planned + designed by Sous le Charme – was a burst of full-blown color. Pink, orange, and royal blue anchored the rich + saturated color palette. A farmhouse was transformed into a vision of vibrant hues with floral installations on the rafters. The groom wore a show-stopping orange wedding suit, and the bride was an absolute vision in a two-piece lace wedding day look, her pink hair adding a pop of edgy, artsy color.
And we love it when the wedding planning process provides a peek into the couple’s dynamic and why they make such a great pair. As Lucile remembers it: “While Brian focused on logistics, Chloe wanted to create a unique atmosphere and transport her guests into a magical, colorful world!”
The Civil Ceremony
“The civil wedding took place the day before, with a small group of guests, but enough people to disturb the tranquility of the little village by organizing a demonstration of love in the streets,” Lucile shared with us.
Planning your own courthouse “I do’s”? We’ve got a whole collection of tips for making your civil ceremony oh-so special that you need to bookmark.
There are two other beautiful European weddings we’ve featured that started things off with a civil ceremony: this historic Fall wedding in Belgium and this quirky + colorful wedding in France!
Check out our roundup of the best men’s sunglasses to get on groom Brian’s accessory level. And shop this classic pair of “New Round” Ray-Bans to recreate his look!
Love that Chloé added some metallic sparkle to her civil ceremony look with those silver wedding boots! These Frye boots from Anthro have a very similar vibe.
Q: What do we do about how obsessed we are with Chloé’s ruffle collar wedding suit? The little pops of pink floral fabric! 💕
Lucile remembers how the couple wrapped up their civil ceremony day: “The evening continued on the terrace of the manor house — with Champagne.”
The Wedding Day
“Every time Chloé noticed a dress on Instagram, it was one by designer Alma Real,” says Lucile of what began the bride’s journey to this enchanting Alma Real two piece puff sleeve wedding gown. “Since her workshop was located on the other side of France, Chloé took advantage of participation in a marathon in the south to visit Cassis, so she could try on the extravagant dress of her dreams!”
Groom Brian made an occasion of his wedding attire moment, as well! Lucile says: “Brian organized a festive getaway with friends in Paris to visit « By Monsieur », where he found his outfit.”
The Ceremony
How sweet is it that the couple used this flatbed truck as a DIY mobile bar!
The water color flower designs of couple’s wedding sign tied in the pastel pinks, blues, and oranges that were at the heart of the ceremony’s floral design by Marie-Gaëlle.
“The entire ceremony was planned around the big “I do” that was to take place at 5 p.m., when the energy would be completely favorable,” Lucile says.
“Upon entering, the witnesses each chose a flower and placed it in a vase during the ceremony. This bouquet will later be transformed into a floral tableau.”
Very into the gradient floral bursts of this arched wedding backdrop and the way all of the joyful colors pop against the property’s lush trees + greenery.
“The officiant,” Lucile says, “was none other than a friend of the couple who was an energy therapist.”
Shop Hamilton Sharkskin Apricot Suit from Indochino for a wedding suit in Brian’s warm + bright color world.
Chloé’s wedding day look *has* to go in the bridal separates Hall of Fame! The sleeves! The delicate button front lace bodice!
Oh, and — spoiler alert — that sheer + voluminous outer skirt is removable, revealing a lace maxi underneath. 🤯
We’ve got a roundup of all the loveliest puff sleeve wedding dresses you need to see if you’re as into Chloe’s look as we are.
Chloé’s effortless half up half down wedding hairstyle so perfectly showcased her amazing pink hair and personal style vibe.
The Reception
“For the rest of the festivities, Chloé and Brian chose a magnificent Alsatian farmhouse, just a few steps from the manor,” says Lucile of the reception that followed the couple’s ceremony at Chloé’s family home.
“It is actually a museum created from scratch by Maurice, an energetic and colorful gentleman who collects just about everything there is to collect!”
“From old agricultural machinery to everyday vintage objects, all are intermingled to form a collection that is as diverse as it is bewildering!”
We cannot get over these color combos! The beautifully bold royal blue fringe in that hanging installation!! 💙
Snag the Amelia Wooden Frame from Anthropologie to recreate the playful peachy vibe of Chloé + Brian’s table numbers.
“The vibrant and colorful universe took shape in the barn, next to an old combine harvester, overlooked by Marie-Gaëlle’s giant floral hanging decorations,” Lucile remembers.
“In addition to capturing the bride’s artistic sensibility, the challenge was first and foremost to rework the already very cluttered spaces of the farm and to create a completely offbeat yet perfectly coherent overall decor.”
How sweet is the b+w first dance moment!
“The finishing touch was added with the creation of a colorful mural in the natural/naive style of local artist Joëlle,” Lucile says of the colorful original artwork that graced the barn’s back wall.
“Chloe’s father, following family tradition, printed the menus, adding quotes about good wine.”
How’s this for an unforgettably sweet DIY wedding favor 🍯: “As a gift for the guests, the bride harvested the family honey herself, with the help of her aunt, as sharing and creating shared experiences are central to their way of life.”
“For his part, Brian was very involved in preparing for the party, helping Maurice move dozens of tractors and trucks to clear the space,” Lucile says. “He really enjoyed the mix of generations.”
A Grand + Colorful Exit
The lace underskirt reveal!!! We are in love!
There’s just something undeniably feminine + free-spirited about lace wedding dresses.
Félicitations, Chloé + Brian! May your life together be as colorful + meaningful as your vibrant wedding day!
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Lucile K // Event Design: Sous Le Charme // Wedding Planner: Sous Le Charme // Florals: Marie-Gaëlle // Wedding Dress: Alma Real // Bride's Shoes: Sezane // Groom Attire: By Monsieur Paris // Videography: RU2G
