Tag: France

Our Wedding in Provence

Charlie Brear Chartres Dress | Whistles Cornel Suede Point Pump

A year ago today we had our wedding in Provence. It was actually our second wedding ceremony, we did the first (legal one) in London’s Chelsea Old Town Hall with our closest family and friends, to make things easy. If you marry in France you have to be in the country for 40 days beforehand. To all intents and purposes the ceremony in France was the main one but of course we’re celebrating both anniversaries this year. With this being the anniversary of our French wedding I thought it was about time I got around to sharing some photos and telling you a bit about the day/weekend.

I was never one to dream of getting married in an old castle, in fact I didn’t really give much thought to how or where I would get married until we started to plan it. All I knew is that I wanted it to feel relaxed and that (with the British weather being so unpredictable) it would take place in a warmer country. Fortunately, Dan and I were very much on the same wavelength and it was Dan who suggested the south of France. When I was growing up I spent quite a few summers there and have fond memories. Unlike me, Dan had never been, so it wasn’t somewhere I had expected him to suggest.

We got married in a beautiful chateau in a little village in Provence called Uchaux, it’s just outside Orange. There are some fantastic vineyards nearby (including Châteauneuf-du-Pape), lovely little villages with cobbled streets, fields of lavender and sunflowers, and lots of sunshine. The Chateau de Massillan is a beautiful hotel, mixing old and new in a typically Provençal style. The hotel had recently been carefully restored and renovated with sustainable materials. The chef, Frédéric de Bourlout, is passionate about local, organic ingredients and creates the most delicious seasonal dishes. Food was always going to be an important part of our wedding, my husband has worked as a chef for many years and although he spends more time overseeing the cooking these days he is still passionate about good food. Our wine came from the neighbouring vineyard, Dionysos, and many of our guest went wine tasting the morning before our ceremony.

We took over the whole chateau for our wedding with three days of celebrations, a barbecue on the first night so that those that hadn’t met before could get to know each other and others could catch up, the wedding day and a brunch on the third day so we could spend as much time with our guests as possible. We only had a small wedding of around 50 guests but it’s still hard to spend time with everyone. I was told that the actual day would whizz by and it really did but not so fast that I didn’t manage to take it in.

We didn’t get married until the afternoon when it was a little cooler but somehow the morning vanished quickly. It was stressful at times as I had organised everything and was the only one that knew what was supposed to happen when and how. I’m a bit of a control freak and found it difficult to hand anything over to anyone else, just in case they misunderstood me and got it wrong. Big mistake!! I would recommend you have at least one person that knows everything you have in mind and trust them. I felt anxious and excited in the morning and as the hairdresser did everyone else’s hair I had a bath to chill out. I did my own make-up, using these products.

The big moment rolled around fast and suddenly my dad was walking me up the aisle. We had our ceremony under the cool canopy of some huge old trees, with a stunning arch of green foliage and white roses. Our priest, an Englishman living in France, was a complete diva and said so many things we had agreed he wouldn’t, he even got the story of Jesus wrong. At the time we were gobsmacked but looking back we’re able to laugh about it. He tied our left hands together as part of a blessing and forgot to untie them. He started the string quartet off before my friend had done the last reading and instead of standing behind the arch, stood in front of me, blocking our guests (and photographer) from seeing me. But nothing could take the smile off my face. As we walked back down the aisle together it felt so magical, and right.

After canapés, hugs and champagne; we ran off to have some photos taken, before rejoining the party in the courtyard of the chateau for our wedding breakfast. Our tables were arranged in a horseshoe shape which made it easy for us to look around and take in all our friends laughing and enjoying each others company over dinner. The speeches took place in-between courses and were all incredible, I just wish we had filmed them. Dan gave the most beautiful speech and even had a few of our male friends with tears in their eyes. One of the most special moments was just after our first dance when we encouraged lots of other couples to join us for a dance. Looking around I could see and feel so much love from everyone. The rest of the night was spent dancing and drinking, somehow we stayed up til 3.30am!

Special thanks to our florist, Blandine, who was not only an exceptional florist creating stunning white and green bouquets and decorations but one of the kindest people we met during the planning of our wedding.

I did a little Q&A with Charlie Brear for their #FridayBride section, which you can find here.

Staying Creative & Inspired Through Travel

Star Mela Veri Emb Top in Mustard* | Levi’s 501 (Vintage) Jeans | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Felice Dahl Första Cuff Bracelet in Gold* | Mantra Strength Necklace & Lotus Charm in Gold*

I’ve escaped the city to stay with friends in the French countryside. Montmelard where they live, is a small commune in Saône-et-Loire, about half an hour from Mâcon. As I write this I am surrounded by fields of Charolais cows and a menagerie of animals that my friends own, including two cats, a dog and two horses. It’s heavenly here even if the weather has been a bit on and off. I’ve started each day with a long walk in the forest with my school friend Hat (we met over fifteen years ago) and their dog Blanche. After working up an appetite we enjoy coffee, croissants and freshly laid eggs from their two chickens back at their house. The clean air and fresh food have been working wonders for me, and I feel much more energised since arriving.

I really felt the need to get away from London for a little while and seeing my friends was such a great excuse. Travelling really helps me stay creative and inspired. I love to discover new places, try new foods and generally experience a different way of life. It all contributes to finding out what suits me and makes me genuinely happy. I’ve been experiencing a much simpler way of life here, that doesn’t mean quieter, my days have been full. I’ve visited brocantes, on the hunt for pieces for my friends to resell, I’ve run around after their beautiful children, cooked meals with them, visited local markets, and generally embraced the slow internet connection. It’s reminded me that constantly checking my emails and Instagram account is not essential, life goes on and you don’t miss out if you only check them once or twice a day.

I brought this beautifully embroidered peasant top from Star Mela along with me. It seemed so appropriate as the brand’s owners Amanda and Kirstine are also inspired by travel and develop their collections with the idea of being able to throw a few pieces in a bag at a moment’s notice and still look good wherever you may go. I’ve found that it has worked really well out here, it’s a soft, lightweight cotton that is comfortable in the heat as well as later in the day when it’s not as warm. I love to add a bit of boho to my style in the summer, and wearing it with my Levi’s and Converse it still feels very me. It’s a warm mustard yellow which is something I’ve not tried before but have seen a lot in shops since Chloé featured a similar shade in their Spring/Summer collection back in 2015. It felt a bit daring at first but is actually quite easy to wear.

A Night In A 12th Century French Chateau

Solid & Striped Charlotte Bikini* | BA&SH Calvi Kurt Kimono* | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black*

Airbnb came up trumps for us with this one, a 12th century French chateau in the Loire region. Leaving the South of France and heading back towards London was hard but staying somewhere so beautiful certainly eased the pain. Gilles and Sylvie, the chateau’s owners, were very warm and welcoming, greeting us with a glass of wine as we arrived, even though they were running out the door. We made a new friend in their lovely little dachshund, Babushka, too. Sadly, we were only there for one night but I made the most of our time, taking an early morning swim in their lovely pool before heading for breakfast on the terrace, which has stunning views over the valley. For breakfast they went above and beyond, serving up delicious pastries, coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurts and fresh fruit; and all served to us on the most beautiful china.

If you find yourself traveling through this beautiful part of France I would suggest at least one night here but book early if it’s a weekend, as they’re usually booked up then.

Accommodation
12th Century Chateau in Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu via Airbnb

Island Life on the Île de Porquerolles

J.Won Lolita Top in Light Blue* | AYR The Always Short* | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Topshop Straw Boater
Cecilie Copenhagen Flounce Off-Shoulder Dress | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Missoma x Lucy Williams Gold Graduated Fang Necklace

Not many people I’ve spoken to have heard of the Île de Porquerolles, it’s a one of three islands off the south coast of France, known as the Îles d’Hyères. Whilst planning our little post-wedding South of France road trip I met up with Lou Dungate. I mentioned to her my plan to visit the island and I was surprised to hear that she and her boyfriend had actually visited it the previous summer. Aside from telling me that I must go, she also gave me some important advice, book early. It’s a small island with limited accommodation, a few hotels and some apartments.

We stayed in a hotel which was clean but small, I think if we went back we would definitely rent an apartment. It gives you the chance to make your own pack-lunch (there’s only one beach bar on the island) and offers a little more space and quiet. Most of the hotels surround the town square and underneath are bars and restaurants. It’s a busy square, people arrive on the Île de Porquerolles all day long and their first port of call is the town square.

We hired bikes to escape the crowds and explore the island, we came prepared for this with a cool bag which meant we didn’t have to worry about cycling back to the town every time we wanted food or drink; I would highly recommend doing this. Although, on one occasion our lunch got quite a bit of abuse from me, excited by the cycling I took us on a fairly dodgy path (usually only for walkers) and managed to throw the cool bag to the ground on several occasions. When we got to the beach a little later in the day it did not look pretty but still tasted great, and the rosé was still in the bottle.

We stayed four nights on the Île de Porquerolles but I would recommend two or three at most. Being small there’s only so much you can do, you can cycle all over the island in a day if you can cope with cycling in the heat. We stopped at various beaches but our favourite was the Plage de Notre Dame on the North-East coast, the further from the port the quieter it got, though I wouldn’t say anywhere on the island was secluded. Most of the island is in the Port-Cros Parc National, this means no fires, no smoking, no cars and that the beaches are fairly rough and ready, don’t expect loungers and pristine beaches, this is all about getting back to nature, although camping isn’t allowed.

Accommodation
L’Arche de Porquerolles

Food & Drink
Le Porquerollais Christophe (highly recommend) | L’Eucalyptus (Lao meets France) | L’Escale (great for pre-dinner drinks) | Les Petits Plats (great deli for lunch)

Activities
L’Indien (boat hire, for a decent engine you need a boat license) | La Meduse (bike hire)

Beautiful Besse-Sur-Issole

Frame Denim Linen T-shirt in Black | Levi’s Denim Skirt | Seven Boot Lane Falcon Suede Espadrilles in Grey* | Topshop Straw Boater | Vintage Leather Belt | Straw Bag (bought in Saint-Paul de Vence) | Retrosuperfuture Paloma Sunglasses in Matte Black* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Gemporia 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring* | Gemporia Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring*| Brandts Jewellery Daisy Ring in Rose Gold | Sophie Wallgren Marta Bracelet*

Besse-sur-Issole is a tiny village inland and west of the more chi-chi parts of the Côte d’Azur, the nearest town is Brignoles.

We stayed in a lovely chambres d’hôte with two wonderful hosts, one of which had once played piano for Nina Simone. We were lucky enough to hear him play one afternoon during our stay.

Walking through a gated entrance straight off the street, you find yourself in a large living-dining area and beyond that a huge quiet and charming garden with a lush saltwater pool. There’s also separate accommodation, known as the pigeon house, which we will definitely book next time we stay. They rebuilt it themselves from a couple of crumbling walls into a wonderful little maisonette.

The village is idyllic, there’s a small central square with a couple of good restaurants, an amazing bakery that makes some delicious sweet breakfast breads, a stunning lake and beautiful little cobbled streets in the older part of town.

Accommodation
L’Abri du Poet

Lunch With Bond at The Colombe d’Or

IRO Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold*

Hidden behind a large stone wall in the pretty little town of Saint-Paul de Vence is an iconic restaurant and hotel, the Colombe d’Or. As you walk in through its giant gated archway you are met by a giant thumb, the work of French sculptor César. Hung on its walls are paintings and illustrations by Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Léger and Braque; centimetres from the pools edge is a giant Calder sculpture. Artists flocked to the Colombe d’Or from the 1920s through to the 1950s, where its owner Paul Roux would entertain them and in exchange for a piece of art would feed them and give them a bed for the night.

As I entered the courtyard I was struck by its beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Tables sit close together but with plants used tentatively here and there you are given your privacy. The waiting staff are kind and welcoming, there is no stuffiness here, even though the Colombe d’Or is a world-renowned restaurant and frequented by the likes of Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Jack Nicholson and Leonardo di Caprio. On the day we visited Roger Moore was also dinning on the terrace, I actually go to meet Bond!

The food was the best we had in the South of France and we ate a lot of very good food. The sea bass I ordered was exceptional and the crème caramel I had for dessert was just as I remembered it as a child. I can also highly recommend the house champagne, we were celebrating our wedding after-all.

Postcards From The Camargue

UNIQLO Broderie Anglaise Top in Black* | Mango Buttoned Denim Skirt | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Missoma x Lucy Williams Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

We started our honeymoon in The Camargue, an area of France defined by its salt plains and marshlands; famous for its white horses, flamingoes and bulls. The Camargue is very different to anywhere else I’ve been in France, once affluent due to the salt industry, which sadly is not what it once was. There are beautiful houses but many of the villages are a little like ghost towns, even in mid-summer. The beaches however are incredibly busy.

For us, it was the perfect spot to unwind after the wedding and parties we had at the château. I was quite ill at the time with a chest infection which I still haven’t managed to shake. The peace and quiet allowed us both to readjust to a more relaxed state of mind and set the mood for the rest of our trip.

Accommodation

Chambre d’Hôtes en Camargue 4 (via Airbnb)

Pre-Wedding Chillout

Custommade Leanna Gingham Shirt* | Hush Denim Shorts* | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Larssen & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*

Before the wedding I spent a few day relaxing with friends a beautiful spot just outside Grasse. It was an opportunity to read a book, swim and unwind before the big day. I knew I still had a few things to do when I arrived at the chateau so I found it quite difficult to fully relax but taking in the beautiful views from such a stunning old bastide certainly helped a lot.

I slathered on the sun cream and spent every hour of every day lying by the pool. I had to be careful as my wedding dress was backless but after a few days in the sun I had a good base tan and felt as relaxed as I could be. I was so happy just walking through the gardens there, which had been planted with 400 year old olive trees, wisteria, bougainvillea, oleander and agapanthus (a few of my favourites). There were so many beautiful touches wherever you looked.

The farmhouse was once owned by Sir Norman Foster and had been beautifully restored on the outside and elegantly decorated throughout. I would have loved to show you the inside too but as this is my friend’s family home I chose not to share any photos of the interior, so you’ll just have to trust me when I say it was simply stunning (house goals for the future).

Our Wedding Venue, Château de Massillan

I’m really sorry if you’ve been visiting my blog and thought to yourself, ‘nothing new here’. Sorry to disappoint, I’m currently in France preparing for our wedding. I might be a little MIA for a few weeks but if I get the chance I will update you when I can.

In the meantime, I thought I would share some photos of Château de Massillan, the beautiful chateau where we are going to be getting married. It has a courtyard in the centre, a pond with koi carp, a stunning potager (kitchen garden) with chickens, and even a moat! It’s surrounded by vineyards, one of which has sold us all our wine for the day.

Not only is it a stunning location for our big day but the owner Didier Pérréol has a passion for sustainability. Everything from the materials used in its recent refurbishments to the ‘Biologique’ wine they serve, has been chosen for its low impact on the environment. Their exceptional chef, Frédéric de Bourlout uses organic, locally-produced, sustainable, seasonal produce in everything he and his team create in the kitchen. As you can imagine, I’m so excited about our wedding breakfast.

There isn’t much time now until the big day. At the moment, I’m not nervous just super excited to be marrying my best friend, with so many of our wonderful friends and family present to witness and celebrate with us.

In The Alps

G-LAB Bellevue Jacket in Olive | ME+EM Stripe Layering Tee* | NYDJ Skinny Jeans in Black* | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers c/o MonShowroom* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

I love being in the mountains, I grew up skiing from a young age (I was first put on skis at three) and have always found the fresh air, sun (when it’s out), and all-day exercise makes me feel so good. Being in such beautiful surroundings also helps. I’ve been going to Val-d’Isère in France regularly since I was 14, it’s such a great area to ski as it’s joined to Tignes forming the Espace Killy. We were so lucky to be staying in a ski-in ski-out chalet this time, oh the luxury of not carrying skis around.

I found just the right jacket for our holiday for après-ski, G-LAB make functional outerwear so their jackets and coats are technically perfect. They also look and feel really good. The Bellevue has an inner jacket and collar that you can remove in warmer weather but with temperatures below freezing there was no chance of me taking it out. In these photos I’m just wearing a long-sleeve t-shirt under the jacket and was fine.

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