Ingrid & Michael

Sparkling waters, clear blue skies, and warm sunshine are what you will find in mid-October on the French Riviera! It’s a well-kept secret that Fall on the Cote d’Azur is THE best time to marry in this highly sought after geographical location. Ingrid & Michael, originally from the midwest, but now living in NYC, celebrated with 60 of their friends & family in a seaside village not far from Nice in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.  

Guests arrived a few days prior to the wedding day to take advantage of a mini-French vacation on the coast. They wandered the cobblestone streets of local villages, soaking in the sunshine on beautiful squares while sipping a glass of rosé, shopping at the chic boutiques, hanging by the pool, or at the beach lounging on the sand. There was plenty to do before the big day!

On the wedding day, Ingrid was very relaxed and all smiles. She got ready in her room with her bridesmaids which of course included champagne in PJ’s! The groom was getting dressed in his handsome white suit while the groomsmen sipped scotch and brandy. 

Before the ceremony, guests lingered on a wooden deck by the pool surrounded by gardens listening to an all women’s string quartet. The ceremony itself was in the gardens of the hotel overlooking the sea. Ingrid looked gorgeous and so happy when she walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. The couple said I do under an incredible floral arch and teared up with joy as they exchanged their handwritten vows. 

After the ceremony guests walked a palm tree-lined path along the seaside to the reception location. The venue is an architectural masterpiece from the Belle Epoque. The majestic circular pavilion is listed as a historical monument with sculpted columns, bay windows, and smiling angels overlooking the marina. The female musicians traded in their wooden violins from the ceremony for electric ones and played modern pop tunes during the outdoor cocktail hour.

Once the sunset and the sky turned from a golden rose color to twinkling stars guests moved from the outdoor veranda into the elegant dining room adorned with stunning tall centerpieces composed of predominantly white and green blooms that incorporated succulents. A champagne color theme was weaved into the décor with tableware and glassware lined in a soft gold trim and vintage votives.

The speeches were one of the many highlights of the evening. They were funny, witty, heartfelt, and original! Michael’s speech to Ingrid was phenomenal. He re-enacted scenes from her favorite TV shows by placing themselves and their personal story as the main characters. He spoke about their first time meeting in a bowling alley where it was love at first strike. The couples love for travel showed throughout the wedding from the plane ticket inspired invitations to the guest speeches about the many memories shared all over the World. 

The party really kicked off when a lively British band got the guests up onto the dance floor! They rocked the house for 3 live sets and the guests loved it!

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