Alexandra, an American living in England, met her charming groom Max, a Monaco native, during her time abroad. With the bride’s family scattered across the US and UK, a destination wedding was a natural choice, allowing them to celebrate their wedding in a stunning location special to Max.

Planning a wedding abroad can be daunting, especially with language barriers and cultural nuances. Alexandra, a former event planner herself, tackled these challenges head-on. “Having a wedding planner like Charlotte Poesie was a lifesaver,” she admits. “The language barrier was a hurdle, but Charlotte (along with some help from chatGPT) smoothed things over.”

Social customs also presented a challenge. “Online forums were incredibly helpful,” Alexandra shares. “Finding others who planned weddings in the area gave me invaluable insights. Once I found an English-speaking vendor, I asked them for recommendations, building a trusted network.”

The couple’s ceremony took place at the historic St. Charles Church, followed by a reception at Max’s grandfather’s stunning private villa overlooking the South of France. “The villa is a special place for Max,” Alexandra reveals, “filled with childhood memories.”

The reception itself was a testament to Alexandra’s creativity. “I went full DIY!” she says. “Every sign, decoration, and even the seating chart were handmade by me. Pinterest and the French equivalent of Hobby Lobby became my best friends!”

Alexandra’s personal touches didn’t stop there. “We had a special ‘RIP’ table with pictures of loved ones we’d lost, along with a candle to light in their memory,” she shares. “There was also a giant personalized crossword puzzle during cocktail hour, where guests could learn fun facts about us.”

The highlight of the day, however, was pure, unadulterated joy. “When we were pronounced husband and wife,” Alexandra remembers, “the whole congregation cheered! Max and I instinctively high-fived, and everyone laughed. It was pure happiness – a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

Looking back, Alexandra offers sage advice to other couples planning destination weddings.  “Be prepared for your vision to evolve, embrace flexibility, and don’t get hung up on minor details,” she says.  “In the end, the love you share is what makes the wedding truly perfect.”

Vendors: Photography: Cassie Lee Photography; Event Planner: Charlotte Poesie; Florals: Arum & Sens Artisan Fleuriste; Makeup Artist: Samantha Pretto Hair and Makeup; Videography: Freddy Mettler; DJ: Wildfire DJs; Rentals: Be Lounge & Maison Options; Caterer: Les Cocottes en Scene; Dress Designer: Pronovias