How this low-key Canadian couple ensured their big wedding day in France was everything they dreamed of – elegant, simple, casually formal and utterly magical
BY VIVIAN VASSOS 
Colin and Jason travelled from Halifax to the enchanting town of Mouriès de Provence in the south of France for their wedding day. They invited 21 of their dearest family members and friends to share this special moment – and a private villa. “As two fairly casual guys, we didn’t need an entire day to prepare, so we took our time, laughing, chatting and savouring glasses of exquisite French wine,” says Colin, of the relaxed atmosphere. Here’s what kept them calm and carrying on.
1. Take a Quiet Moment Before Forever
“Just before the ceremony, we stood together on the villa’s terrace, looking out at our guests seated below,” says Colin. “The sun was shining, and we were surrounded by lush trees, vibrant gardens and timeless historic architecture. It was a moment suspended in perfection – just the two of us, sharing an intimate pause before stepping out of our relationship and into our marriage.” Walking down the aisle together made the wedding day all the more meaningful, and this quiet instant beforehand will forever be etched in the couple’s hearts.
2. A Touch of Love Passed Around
Unbeknownst to Colin or Jason, the family member officiating the ceremony included a heartfelt and symbolic gesture. Before presenting the wedding rings, the officiant passed them among the guests, allowing each person to imbue them with their love and well-wishes. It was a deeply moving surprise that added an extra layer of connection and meaning to the moment the couple exchanged their vows.
3. The Dinner: Make it a culinary dream
The villa’s Michelin-starred chef created a meal that was nothing short of perfection. The whole party gathered around a grand table in the villa’s dining room, “where we celebrated, laughed and listened to heartfelt words from family and friends. It was the perfect trifecta: exquisite food, fine wine and the most incredible company,” says Colin. The evening was a true testament to love, joy and togetherness.
4. Choose a location and picture-perfect venue
The wedding venue set the stage. This elegant 18th-century farmhouse, featuring 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, lies near the charming villages of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Maussane.
With its refined interiors and picturesque surroundings, the villa offered both luxury and tranquillity. It is located just 25 minutes from Arles and less than 45 minutes from Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and the Marseille airport. This made it the perfect base for both peaceful retreats and exploring the French countryside and vibrant culture of Provence.
5. Send an elegant and playful invitation
“With only 10 invitations to send, we saw an opportunity to create something truly memorable,” says Colin. Each wedding invitation arrived in a beautifully packaged 10 x 10 box wrapped in custom-designed paper. Inside, guests discovered a cream cardstock invitation with gold embellishments, an itinerary outlining the week’s events in the south of France and a map highlighting the villa’s location and nearby attractions.
“The highlight, however, was a retro viewfinder featuring images of the villa, giving our guests their first glimpse of the stunning property where they’d be staying,” he adds. This unique and playful touch set the tone for the excitement and adventure to come.
6. Handmade boutonnieres
The boutonnieres were handcrafted by one of the grooms, using fresh flowers picked from the villa’s grounds. This personal touch brought a creative and meaningful element to the destination wedding. Adding to the sentiment, the grooms’ nephews joined in to help make the boutonnieres, turning the task into a heartwarming family activity and making these small floral accents even more special.
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