So many couples talk about having a stripped-back wedding that’s focused on what’s really important, but so few get to pull it off with the warmth, simplicity, and atmosphere of today’s real wedding.
Anita & Alex got married with a relaxed DIY wedding in Provence, in the South of France.
Their day, in their very own bastide (fortified home) they hired out for the celebrations, brought together friends and family through French, Polish and English, in a way that created a real community feel.
From the shots of everyone helping with the set-up the night before, to the guys heading off for a hike on the morning of the wedding, the home-cooked desserts, the home-picked florals, the children running around and getting involved; this day was a real coming together of Anita, Alex and their extended circle – and that’s just what a wedding should be, don’t you think?
Captured candidly by Time of Joy Photography, this one is unfussy, intimate, and stylish – it kind of feels like looking at stills from an old film or family album.
There’s a lot of ideas to take from this wedding, not from save the dates, bridesmaid dresses or place-settings (though I do love Anita’s dress from The Row!), but simply just about a way of creating a wedding that’s laid-back, romantic, genuine, and fun.
Our Wedding
Our wedding was a relaxed late summer weekend with family and close friends in a beautiful bastide in the South of France, with the ceremony conducted in three languages (French, Polish, English) a beautiful church in a small picturesque village.
We wanted Alex’s grandparents who live nearby to be able to attend, also Anita always wanted to get married in the South of France.
We hired a bastide where we could host Anita’s family and hold the reception, caterers, food, drink, a marquee for the meal and dancing, a band, and photographers.
The Details
We had homemade bouquets by Alex’s mus of wild flowers and locally grown roses
All the decorations were white, which we did ourselves – we had white pompoms, paper lanterns, garland lights, tea-lights, and flowers.
We also had a six-piece Balkan band, Muskar 13.
The Food
We had a traditional French buffet with charcuteries, hot-stone BBQ, gratins, salads, local cheeses, bread and fruit.
The wedding cake was a traditional French Croquembouche.
Our Favourite Moments
Our two families singing the Polish hymn Barca together in Polish, the crazy dancing, Alex climbing the local mountain on the morning of the wedding with a small group of old friends
Our biggest surprise of the day was how, despite three different cultures, everyone had an amazing time.
