Wedding date: May 27, 2025

Photographer: @lindseyriaphotography

ABI Wears the MARISKA GOWN, Daphne Train & Sheer neck tie

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR PARTICULAR GOWN/LOOK?

As soon as I discovered Prea James, I was obsessed with how classic silhouettes were reimagined through gorgeous modern design. The first gown I ever tried was the Viola, and after a long journey of trying on more gowns than i care to admit, I saw that the Allure II collection was due to drop, with both the Camille and Mariska dresses, it was love at first sight. I contacted Amare, one of the few UK Prea James stockists, who confirmed that if I visited as soon as they had the trunk show pieces, and placed the order right away, I could have my dream dress just in time (nothing like a bit of drama to add to wedding rush!)

The Mariska was the last gown I tried on and instantly I had that feeling. It just felt exactly like me. The simplicity and elegance of the gown alone, paired with the drama of the Daphne train offered that perfect minimal-maximalist style I was searching for. I always knew I wanted a multi-dimensional dress whereby I could add/take away elements to alter the look to fit various parts of the celebration and the tulle neck scarf was really the pièce de résistance, and a perfect addition for cocktail hour.

WHERE DID YOU PURCHASE YOUR PREA JAMES LOOK?

Amare Bride in Tamworth, United Kingdom

Tell us about your special day

We got engaged just before a holiday in the South of France which had been planned for some time, so we took it as an opportunity to look at venues. We wanted our wedding to be drenched in Mediterranean sunshine, intimate, and super fun for our family and friends. We searched for a venue nestled in the countryside that offered a relaxed and authentic setting for our extended celebrations.

Domaine de Blanche Fleur was the perfect fit, a beautiful 15th century estate in Vaucluse that exudes Provencal charm and elegance. The space felt grounded and serene, with an abundance of outside space to filled with white flowers, true to its namesake. The rich scent of jasmine followed you throughout the grounds and it even had its own tiny chapel. The interiors offered an extension to the gorgeous architecture where our guests felt immersed in traditional French.

We married in the vast gardens next to the Sorgue river surrounded by 80 of our dearest family and friends. Mr brother officiated the ceremony, and we had family members deliver readings and poems which felt very intimate and heartfelt.

The most important things for us aside from the setting were food, drink and music. Being in the south of France made it very easy to get food and drink spot on. Our extended cocktail hour consisted of canapes and live cooking in the courtyard, where chefs cooked truffle pasta in a parmesan wheel, and served barbequed seafood with plenty of rosé and spritzes to the tune of our DJ, saxophonist and percussionist trio, who set the vibe perfectly.

We sat for dinner under fairy lights and true to French tradition, our main course of beef filet and dauphinoise was followed by a non-negotiable cheese course, all finished with a giant pavlova and champagne tower. Our amazing musicians brought the party atmosphere into the orangery-come-disco, and we danced into the early hours. There was no time for rest with guests returning for a recovery pool party the following day. We hired hired a taco truck to fuel us through another day of disco tunes and spicy margaritas!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES TO BE?

If you're a type A bride like me, have a very clear crib sheet that you can share with all vendors, so they know exactly how you want things to look on the day. So much planning goes into the big things like the menu, the flowers, the décor, the timeline and if you have a fantastic planner/coordinator who understands the vibe you are trying to curate like I did, you're winning. However, not all vendors are mind readers, so with the very specific design details that are cemented in your brain, spell. it. out. Leave nothing to the imagination of others so you can then totally relax on the day.

The second, contradicting piece of advice will be one echoed by many brides, is don't sweat the small stuff (do as I say not as I do). Slow down during those quiet moments with your special people and take it all in.

WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer: Lindsey @lindseyriaphotography, Video: Joce @lunedemielstudio, Venue: blanchefleur.provence, Hair: Charline Rizzo @charline_eventshair, Makeup: Sarah Mahoney @sarahmahoneymua, Co-ordinator: Caroline @ouienprovence, Florist: Pauline @bloomday.fleuriste, Stationary: Dani @mapleandrae, Music: (harpist) @cecilebonhommeharpiste and (DJ, sax, percussion) @luxury_harmony_events, Celebrant: Bride's brother
Caterer: @maison_nans, Recovery Party Brunch: @discoandtacos, Groom Suit: Moss Bros (day tux) and Hawes and Curtis (white evening look)

Accessories: Engagement and wedding bands: Diamond Heaven, Bride shoes: JW PeiGroom shoes: Moss Bros

ROMANCE IN PROVENCE: Abi & Gareth Tie the Knot