Alyssa and Al’s love for travel led them to a destination wedding among the sweet-smelling lavender fields of the South of France’s Provence region. With Alyssa’s family in Europe and a deep admiration for the region’s charm, the couple knew it was the perfect place to bring their closest family and friends together for a multi-day celebration.

Given the abundance of stunning locales in the South of France, selecting a venue turned out to be no easy task. The couple prioritized minimizing the need for additional travel for their guests arriving from the U.S., which helped them narrow their search. While Alyssa initially dreamed of a grand château, the couple ultimately chose a rustic farm in Provence for its intimate and romantic setting, complete with olive groves! 

“Our advice is to narrow down your options to your top five (or less) venues. Too many options will become overwhelming, especially if you are not able to tour the facilities,” Alyssa says. “If you have a wedding planner you know you want to work with based in France, see if they will look at the venue for you.” Al and Alyssa’s planner with AMV Weddings did this for the couple and they say it “helped confirm our decision.”

Most of the couple’s vendors were local to the destination, so achieving clear communication and coordination was only possible thanks to an experienced planner familiar with the area. “The French like to work with people they know,” the bride says, “so it was a plus our planner had experience in this area with other weddings.”

Alyssa and Al ensured a smooth experience for their guests by providing detailed travel and accommodation information on their wedding website, knowing that attendees would likely have lots of questions. The couple also proactively reached out to their host hotels for updates on guest bookings, making the process as seamless as possible.

Since many guests were traveling long distances, Alyssa and Al curated a series of events leading up to the wedding. “We had a Welcome Event on Thursday, a trip to the famous perfume factory, Fragonard, on Friday and the wedding on Saturday,” Al says. “We hoped this allowed guests to get settled in, but also to get acquainted with who was there.”

While the wedding itself didn’t incorporate many traditional cultural elements, the couple embraced a quintessentially French dining experience. Instead of alternating between dinner and dancing, they hosted a formal meal at two long tables, bringing their 80 guests together for an intimate celebration before moving into an evening of dancing. The rustic elegance of the farm provided a naturally beautiful backdrop, while the details, such as their invitations from Zola and florals by La Maison Dautel, offered salient pops of color.

Between coordinating vendors, selecting decor, and managing logistics, Alyssa warns it can all easily become overwhelming. However, the bride and groom have a few tips from their firsthand experience:

• The people you assume will attend might not, and those you least expect may surprise you. Send invites without assumptions and let guests decide for themselves.
• Choosing a venue that provides essentials like chairs, tables, and linens can save significant costs and logistical headaches.
• Encourage both partners to express their top priorities for the wedding day to ensure no regrets later.
• Create a vision board on Pinterest and share with your planner. It is the best way to communicate what you want

Vendors: Photographer: The Gawnes; Planner: AMV Weddings; Floral Designer: La Maison Dautel; Venue: The Farm in Provence; Dress Designer: Made with Love; Bridesmaid Dresses & Groomsmen Suits: Revelry; Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply; Catering & Cake: Ruth Williams; Hair & Makeup: Joana Ronquillo; Stationery: Zola