A Provençal Dream: Jovana and Matthias' Elegant French Wedding at Bastide des Barattes

Love Story

In the bustling halls of a Munich university, a love story began that would lead to a breathtaking Provençal wedding. Jovana and Matthias, both dentists, crossed paths in a twist of fate that would change their lives forever. Matthias was a resident doctor, and Jovana was still studying. Jovana attended a course that Matthias was supervising, and she immediately caught his eye. Matthias tried several times to get Jovana's attention, but many of his signals went unnoticed. After a few attempts, they finally had their first date. “The rest is history,” they laugh.

Seven years later, their love has only grown stronger, leading them to say "I do" in the picturesque landscapes of Provence. But before their French countryside wedding, there was another French connection that sealed their fate.

Matthias is half French, and Jovana’s favorite city is Paris. "It’s pretty obvious where the engagement took place," the bride laughs. “We’ve been to Paris together so many times and love the vibe, the architecture, the atmosphere—just everything!!!” Recounting the proposal, Jovana's face lights up. "I didn’t expect the engagement at all; I thought it was just another city trip to our favorite place."

Matthias, ever the romantic, had planned the perfect surprise. "It couldn’t have been more perfect," Jovana gushes. "Matthias found a spot where we could be completely alone, with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and a ring more beautiful than I could have ever imagined." Her voice softens as she remembers the moment, "I was so happy, and the excitement of the engagement stayed with me for months."

From their first meeting in a Munich classroom to their engagement under the Parisian sky, Jovana and Matthias' love story is one for the ages. Now, as they embark on their next chapter in the lavender-scented fields of Provence, their journey together is only just beginning.

Jovana and Matthias envisioned a summer wedding that embodied elegance and relaxation. "We wanted a summer wedding that was elegant, relaxed, and easygoing," the couple shared. "A wedding where all the guests feel comfortable and can simply enjoy themselves. Good food, great drinks, and live music were also a must."

Their dream materialized into a stunning celebration at Bastide des Barattes in Cavaillon, France. "We wanted to enjoy the summer heat and the truly good food and wine this region has to offer!" they exclaimed.

Describing the style and concept of their wedding, Jovana and Matthias explained, "The style was elegant yet nonchalant. We really wanted to capture the French casualness, coolness, and the laissez-faire vibe."

The couple's preparation was guided by their love for the Provence region. "We tried not to let social media influence us too much," Jovana revealed. "Our main inspiration was really the Provence. I watched Jacquemus’s runway show in the lavender fields a few times. I also liked the wedding and style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy."

When asked about the key moments they'll remember, the newlyweds beamed. "Our grand entrance with the band playing 'Volare' by the Gypsy Kings as we walked in, and of course, the champagne tower. :)"

With 104 guests in attendance, the couple's 1.5-year planning journey culminated in a day filled with love, laughter, and French charm. "To take the pressure off the big day, we wanted a get-together with burgers and beer the night before," they added, highlighting their desire for a relaxed and easygoing celebration.

Morning details

The couple's attention to detail shone through in every aspect of their wedding, starting with the invitations. "We had digital invitations (a website) that we designed ourselves," they shared.

When it came to their wedding rings, Jovana and Matthias put a personal touch on their choices. "We bought the rings from the jeweler where Matthias got the engagement ring," Jovana explained. "The wedding band was designed to match the engagement ring; it’s exactly the same ring, just without the central diamond. Matthias wanted a simple gold band."

Jovana also incorporated a touch of "something blue" into her look. “As my ‘something blue,’ I wore a blue ring with a milky aquamarine from an Italian label (Nanis Italian Jewels)," she revealed. "My earrings were dangling tennis diamond earrings (from Bucherer), which I hope will accompany me for a lifetime."

The couple's personalized approach extended to their wedding stationery as well. "We designed it ourselves on the website Cottonbird," they said proudly.

From the invitations to the rings and jewelry, Jovana and Matthias left their mark on every detail, ensuring their wedding was a true reflection of their style and unique story.

Bride getting ready

Jovana's journey to find the perfect dress was serendipitous. "It was still a year until the wedding, and I went to my first fitting with my mom and sister just to get a feel for the dresses and what I was looking for," she explained. "But it turned out I found what was made for me."

Jovana's face lights up as she describes the moment she found her dream gown. "I loved how light and easy the decision felt. It was a beautiful dress by the French designer Elise Martimort. It suited me perfectly, and I knew from the first moment that Matthias would love it. I love how simple yet elegant it is!" For the reception, Jovana opted for a short dress by Magda Butrym, further showcasing her impeccable style.

The bride-to-be prepared for her big day at Bastide des Barattes, surrounded by the love of her mother and sister. Jovana's look was completed with a pair of Vivikka shoes and dangling tennis diamond earrings from Bucherer. "I wanted a bouquet that also reflected the region and the charm of the Provence," she said. "Using lavender would have been too obvious. So, I decided on white and rosé roses with eucalyptus."

The bride's wedding-day preparation was a cherished moment filled with the support of her closest loved ones and the excitement of finding her dream dress.

Groom getting ready

Matthias prepared for the day at the nearby Mas Saint Julien, accompanied by his best men and close friends. He looked dashing in a tuxedo by Wilvorst, paired with stylish Jimmy Choo shoes. Getting ready with his closest friends helped calm down the groom’s nerves.

First Look

In a nod to tradition, Jovana and Matthias decided against a first look before the ceremony. "The first look was when Jovana was walking down the aisle," Matthias explained, his voice filled with emotion.

When asked about his first thought upon seeing his bride, Matthias simply said, "Elegant as always." Jovana, in turn, couldn't contain her excitement: "Can’t wait to marry you!”

That was the moment they'll cherish forever when their hearts finally connected and their love story began.

Ceremony

The ceremony took place in a breathtaking setting, as Jovana describes, "The ceremony was right in front of the lavender field—couldn't get more Provence than that! :)" This picturesque backdrop perfectly embodied the essence of their Provençal wedding dream.

In a touching twist on tradition, the couple chose someone very dear to them to officiate. "Since we didn’t get married in a church, we wanted someone who is very close to both of us to conduct the ceremony," they explained. "We ultimately decided that Jovana’s sister Ana would officiate and marry us. It was a very emotional moment."

As Jovana walked down the aisle, the air filled with the romantic strains of "La Vie En Rose" by Emily Watts, setting a dreamy tone for the proceedings. The couple's niece, Lea, played a special role as both flower girl and ring bearer, joined by two little girls from Matthias' side of the family as additional flower girls.

One of the most memorable moments came as a surprise to the guests. Jovana recounts with a smile, "When my sister played our favorite rap song from a German Rapper. We always listen to it in the car and have been to two concerts together." This personal touch added a unique and joyful element to the ceremony, perfectly capturing the couple's personality and shared experiences.

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches, creating an unforgettable experience for Jovana, Matthias, and all their guests.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Eager to join their guests, Jovana and Matthias kept their post-ceremony photoshoot brief but beautiful. "It was right at the location," they praised. "We didn’t want to miss much of the cocktail hour, and our photographers managed to take great photos in just 15 minutes!"

Wedding Venue & Decor

The Bastide des Barattes provided a stunning backdrop for Jovana and Matthias' vision of a Provençal-inspired celebration. When asked about how they chose their venue, the couple shared an exciting detail: "We looked for locations in the Provence and fell in love immediately. We found it online and booked it less than two days later without having seen it in person."

The decor was carefully curated to enhance the natural beauty of Provence. "We wanted the decor to reflect the Provence and French style, with flowers in light colors," Jovana explained. This soft, romantic color palette perfectly complemented the surrounding landscape and the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere they sought to create.

Adding a personal touch to the decor, the couple incorporated thoughtful details for their guests. "We had fans with our names and the wedding date for all the guests," they mentioned. This charming and practical addition not only served as a memento but also helped guests stay cool in the summer heat.

The result was a harmonious blend of Provençal charm and personal flair. The Bastide des Barattes, with its rustic elegance and stunning surroundings, proved to be the ideal canvas for Jovana and Matthias to paint their love story.

Reception

Breaking from tradition, Jovana and Matthias made a unique choice for their reception. "We decided not to have a first dance; it's just not for us," they explained. "We prefer to start the party right away and feel uncomfortable having everyone watch us dance." This decision perfectly aligned with their vision of a relaxed and enjoyable celebration for all.

The reception was a celebration of Provençal flavors and atmosphere. "The drinks were also meant to reflect the Provence," the couple shared enthusiastically. "In addition to local wines, we had drinks like ‘Lavender Thyme’ with real lavender and gin, and ‘Sweetness of Marseille.’" These specialty cocktails added a local touch to the festivities, delighting guests with the tastes of the region. The culinary highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the wedding cake, a masterpiece created by Les Délices De Gladys.

Reflecting on their experience with their wedding vendors, Jovana and Matthias couldn't have been happier. "Everyone was incredibly professional and accommodated all our wishes. Our wedding planner organized everything perfectly; without her, we would have been lost" they said gratefully.