Wedding | Anne- Laure & Vincent

Tell us a little about yourselves! 

I (Anne-Laure) am a floral designer from Lille, in the north of France, while Vincent is an entrepreneur and a true product of the French Riviera. Our love story began the moment we first met, ten years ago in Nice. Since that day, our life philosophy has been simple: to live our working lives as if we were retired. 

We take the time to savor each moment, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and cultivate deep gratitude for life itself. For us, it’s about finding beauty in everyday simplicity, marvelling at life’s little joys, and creating authentic, soothing memories. 

In short, we love life, we love loving each other, and we strive to live each day with lightness and passion. 

Why did you decide to get married where you did? 

From the very beginning, we had envisioned a wedding in Italy, a country that has always made our hearts beat faster. In love with its culture, its way of life, and its breathtaking landscapes, we had imagined saying "I do" somewhere between Tuscany and Sicily. 

But then, the obvious choice became clear: Nice—our city, our home—was, in fact, the most beautiful setting for our union. Nice, Nissa la Bella, once Italian, is a perfect bridge between these two cultures we hold so dear. So naturally, we chose to celebrate our civil wedding in our beloved city, followed by a lunch at Hôtel La Pérouse, perched on Rauba Capeu. 

This place had everything we love: an intimate terrace bathed in sunlight, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. As someone deeply in love with the sea, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better setting. There was an air of Italy in the atmosphere, a simple yet natural elegance, and a slightly old-world charm—almost timeless. Everything was perfect: the ambiance, the details, and of course, the exquisite cuisine. 

The next day, for our symbolic ceremony, we gathered all our loved ones at Les Jardins de Campagne. This estate, inspired by Italian architecture and designed by a Tuscan architect, immediately resonated with us. Some places have a soul, a history, a poetry that I wanted to infuse into our wedding. 

Everything was built around this estate, which hosted the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the dinner in a dreamy, poetic setting. For a moment, I imagined celebrating our union inside, under its majestic hall adorned with an ancient fresco, but the space—too intimate—could not accommodate all our guests. 

How many guests did you have? 

We were a small gathering of about thirty guests—a close-knit circle made up of the people most precious to us. 

We've always been rather solitary by nature, and it was important for us to experience this moment surrounded only by those who truly matter. More than just a wedding, we wanted to offer our loved ones a true escape from time—a series of beautiful, shared moments spread over several days, in an intimate and warm atmosphere. 

This format allowed us to fully enjoy each person’s presence and turn our union into a sincere and profoundly authentic experience. 

What was your budget?  

Our budget was €23,000, excluding outfits and beauty. 

We were lucky enough to book a venue that was still relatively unknown for weddings, allowing us to enjoy an exceptional setting at a very reasonable price. We were also lucky to have the help of my maid of honor’s father, a talented chef, who elevated our meal while helping us make the most of our budget. His dessert—a pavlova, my ultimate guilty pleasure—remains an unforgettable memory, as it was simply delicious. 

Being part of the wedding industry also helped us optimize our budget, but more importantly, it allowed us to be surrounded by kind-hearted people who made our celebration even more special. 

Tell us about your outfits. 

For the symbolic wedding, I wore a flowing gown by Proenza Schouler—love at first sight from the moment I saw it, thanks to its stunning movement. It’s a piece I cherish and hope to wear again for other special occasions. 

Vincent chose a custom navy-blue suit, complemented by a scarf that once belonged to his grandfather, adding a delicate Italian touch. 

For the civil ceremony, I opted for a bespoke gown designed by a talented creator who masterfully blended modernity and elegance. I later had gloves custom-made—a decision that gave the ensemble a distinctly retro charm. To complete the look, I wore a pair of magnolia-shaped earrings by A.B. Ellie, a treasured piece that I am delighted to wear again. 

As for Vincent, he chose a vintage rich-green-toned suit, expertly tailored. 

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding? 

The most important aspect of our wedding planning was creating a sincere and immersive experience—a moment that truly reflected who we are. 

It was essential that everything be designed with a spirit of sharing and togetherness, allowing everyone to fully experience this celebration. We prioritized intimacy by choosing emotionally meaningful venues and surrounding ourselves with the people who matter most to us. 

More than just a wedding, we wanted to offer our loved ones a timeless escape—where love, joy, and authenticity took precedence over everything else. 

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate? 

From the very start of our wedding preparations, we dreamed of a celebration where every detail would have meaning and reflect our story. 

We wanted our guests to feel the magic of the day through the atmosphere, the music, the gastronomy, and that cherished Italian touch. That’s why we envisioned a warm and convivial celebration, naturally guided by Italian culture. From the cuisine to the symbolic little nods, everything was designed with this spirit in mind: our guests were affectionately given Italian versions of their names, The Corleone Band an Italian music group, set the rhythm for the evening, and every meal was an ode to Italy’s flavors. 

The memory of cannoli, sfogliatelle, and the spoon-served tiramisu still makes my mouth water. And, of course, our beautiful Lambrusco tower, which added a festive touch to our cocktail hour. Ever since that day, whenever I see a bottle at my local wine shop, I can’t help but buy one—a little tribute to those precious moments. 

One particular moment was especially close to my heart: during a trip to Positano, I had experienced an unforgettable evening at a restaurant where a guitarist moved from table to table, asking guests what song they wanted to hear. Everyone sang at the top of their lungs, accompanied by tambourines that were passed around. That memory was so vivid for me that I wanted to recreate it at our wedding, providing tambourines for our guests. 

The energy and magic of that night were absolutely there. 

Any tips for couples getting married? 

Embrace this adventure to the fullest. No matter how much you plan your wedding, know that it’s not meant to be perfect—and that’s a good thing! Looking back, not everything unfolded exactly as I had envisioned, but that’s what made the experience even more authentic. The unexpected is part of the journey, and often, it’s what creates the most unforgettable memories. So, savor every moment, both during the preparations and on the big day. Be present, let yourself go, accept that not everything will be under control… and most importantly, cherish your loved ones. A wedding isn’t about perfection—it’s a celebration of love, connection, and joy. Everything else is secondary.  

And if I have one last piece of advice: don’t skip the ceremony and vow reading. As a naturally shy person, I initially didn’t plan on having one. But the setting felt so right that I eventually gave in… and today, it stands as one of my most treasured memories. That suspended moment, filled with raw emotion and sincerity, gave our wedding a whole new dimension. 

Photographer: Maélys Izzo @maelysizzo | Planning: by the Bride | Styling: Jasmin and Peonies 

@jasminandpeonies | Flora: Les Blanches @lesblanches | Reception Location (Civil Wedding): Hôtel

La Pérouse (Nice) @hotellaperouseniceofficiel Ceremony & Reception Location: Les Jardins de Campagne (Nîmes) @lesjardinsdecampagne | Celebrant: Friend of the couple | Rentals: Balm Rental @balmrental & Maison Option @maisonoption | Makeup: by the bride | Hair: by a friend | Catering &

Beverages: made by parent and MOH, and her chef father | Entertainment: The Corleone Band 

@corleoneband | Dresses: Proenza Schouler @proenzaschouler (Symbolic Ceremony) & LeBride

Atelier @lebrideatelier (Civil) | Engagement Ring: La Joaillerie Nice @lajoaillerie.nice | Earrings: A.B. Ellie @a.b.ellie