Blue Hues and 'I Do's': Annie and Sean's South of France Wedding at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

Love Story

Who would have thought that a professional networking platform would lead to finding "the one"? Annie and Sean's love story began five years ago on LinkedIn,where Annie decided to make the first move by sending a message.

Their beginning wasn't exactly smooth sailing. At the time, Sean had just left Goldman Sachs to work in Wisconsin, while Annie was heading to New York City to build her career at Morgan Stanley. Initially, the distance between them seemed insurmountable, with Annie unwilling to date someone so far away and Sean not planning to relocate to NYC anytime soon. But as their conversations continued, something shifted. Annie reconsidered her stance on long-distance dating, and Sean found the courage to suggest meeting in person. Their first date took place at a restaurant Annie had always wanted to try. Though they both agreed the food was disappointing, they found the company to be quite the opposite.

Soon after, Sean began flying nearly every weekend to Boston and NYC to spend time with Annie. As months turned into years, their relationship deepened despite the challenges of distance. After several years together, Sean proposed during a quiet walk through Hyde Park in London. He chose a secluded spot near a garden of flowers for this intimate moment.

"Our story is one for the books. Some say you may find love in odd places.... so why not LinkedIn."

About Your Wedding

After a year of thoughtful planning, Annie and Sean brought their vision to life with an intimate celebration in the South of France, surrounded by 67 of their closest loved ones. Set against the timeless beauty of the Provençal countryside, their destination wedding was a seamless blend of elegance, romance, and personal detail.

When asked about her vision, Annie’s eyes light up. "A romantic, elegant celebration with soft blue tones, lush hydrangea arrangements, and a dreamy, ethereal ambiance. The vibe is timeless yet modern, blending classic beauty with personal touches." She paints a picture of a setting filled with candlelit glow, delicate florals, and an air of refined calm. "I wanted the atmosphere to be sophisticated, with a blend of soft, airy glamour and classic charm," she adds.

The couple’s appreciation for their surroundings played a central role in shaping the day. "The epitome of French romance, old-world charm, and refined elegance," Sean describes. "The concept blends Provençal beauty, timeless luxury, and an intimate, storybook setting."

For Annie, the magic of the region was the most powerful inspiration throughout the planning process. "The most inspiring part of preparing a wedding in the South of France is the effortless romance and timeless elegance that the region embodies. The region’s soft, sun-washed colors—powdery blues, warm neutrals, and gentle greens—feel effortlessly chic and sophisticated. Places like Airelles Gordes, La Bastide bring centuries of history, antique details, and charm. Stone facades, cascading ivy, wrought-iron balconies, and grand fireplaces that make for the perfect setting."

Amidst all the beauty, the carefully curated details, and the heartfelt toasts, there was one moment that stood above the rest for the couple. With a glance and a shared smile, they say it in unison: "Our first dance."

Morning Details

The couple’s impeccable attention to detail was evident in every thoughtful choice, beginning with their refined stationery suite by Blanche Heirloom Co. From the moment guests received their elegant invitations to the custom embroidered napkins at the reception, every piece felt like a curated extension of Annie and Sean’s timeless style—sophisticated, subtle, and deeply personal.

Annie’s engagement ring was no exception. The oval-cut stone shimmered with understated glamour, catching the light in a way that made it feel both modern and heirloom-worthy. "I really wanted an oval-cut stone," Annie shares. "They have a way of catching the light beautifully, creating a brilliance that feels mesmerizing. It’s a shape that feels both modern and vintage at the same time—never trendy, always timeless. When I slipped on the oval ring, it felt just right."

For Sean, the choice of wedding band was a chance to express something distinctive. "Much of his wardrobe is refined and simplistic everyday wear, so he wanted his ring to add some panache to his day-to-day attire," Annie explains. His band struck the perfect balance—classic yet bold, with just enough flair to feel personal.

Annie completed her bridal look with a single, stunning piece: a white Van Cleef bracelet that added a quiet elegance to her ensemble. It was the kind of detail that didn’t shout but whispered sophistication, echoing the overall mood of their unforgettable celebration.

Bride Getting Ready

The morning of the wedding unfolded in a light-filled bridal suite, chosen specifically for its expansive windows and serene ambiance. The soft glow of natural light poured in, casting a dreamy atmosphere as Annie prepared for one of the most meaningful moments of her life. Surrounded by her bridesmaids—each dressed in shades of blue satin that echoed the palette of the day—she took her time savoring the quiet anticipation.

"The dress reveal was such a special moment," Annie reminisces. "I slipped into my dress, and Janna captured it perfectly—from the lace of the gown to my bridesmaids helping me with the final details." The moment was intimate and full of emotion, a quiet celebration shared with those closest to her.

Finding the perfect gown was a journey in itself. Annie visited multiple boutiques, refining her vision with every step. "I tried narrowing down my preferences—style, fabric, silhouette—to find the perfect fit, and I shortly realized that it had to be lace! Who better to customize my dress other than Monique Lhuillier—queen of lace." The result was a gown that felt like an extension of herself—elegant, detailed, and utterly timeless.

Annie completed her bridal ensemble with chic Prada heels and a subtle yet signature spritz of Baccarat Rouge 540. Each bridesmaid brought her own style to the day, wearing dresses from different designers, yet unified in flowing satin and carefully curated shades of blue—a modern take on classic coordination that added richness to the overall aesthetic.

Groom Getting Ready

In his own suite at La Bastide de Gordes, Sean got ready for the day in the company of his groomsmen and Annie’s father—a meaningful and quietly celebratory start to the festivities. The space, with its historic charm and sweeping views, set a refined tone for the morning.

Sean selected a sophisticated Zegna tuxedo, a choice that effortlessly mirrored the elegance of both the venue and the day ahead. The tailored silhouette, clean lines, and subtle details struck the perfect balance between classic and modern—an understated nod to the timeless aesthetic he and Annie had envisioned.

Photoshoot Before The Ceremony

The couple chose the picturesque streets of Gordes for their pre-ceremony photoshoot, taking advantage of the village's natural beauty and old-world charm. "We strolled through the picturesque streets of Gordes, with its narrow, winding alleys, stone facades, and rustic charm," Annie describes. "Janna captured candid moments as we wandered hand in hand, embracing the beauty of our surroundings."

Sean particularly loved finding hidden corners throughout the village. "We looked for quiet corners that allowed us to capture intimate moments—whether it was sharing a kiss in a secluded alleyway or walking together down cobblestone streets.”

The couple also utilized several scenic lookouts around the village that provided jaw-dropping views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the elegant interiors of La Bastide de Gordes itself. "For a more dramatic and elegant look, we took photos inside the hotel," Annie explains. "The opulent stone fireplaces, rich wood beams, and sophisticated furniture gave our photos an air of classic French charm. The beauty of La Bastide de Gordes is that the entire property feels like a living masterpiece."

Ceremony

As the afternoon sun bathed the Luberon Valley in a warm, golden light, guests gathered on the terrace of La Bastide de Gordes for a ceremony that felt as though it had been plucked from a dream. "The stunning outdoor terrace is perched high above the village of Gordes, offering unparalleled views of the Luberon Valley," Annie shares. "The lush, rolling hills and sprawling vineyards below provided a romantic backdrop for when we expressed our vows."

The processional music was chosen with the same care that shaped every detail of the day. When asked about her selection, Annie responds without hesitation: "Johann Pachelbel – Canon in D Major." Timeless and elegant, the piece echoed through the terrace, matching the setting’s serene beauty and adding a layer of emotional depth to the moment she walked toward forever.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Annie and Sean chose Airelles Gordes, La Bastide for its old-world charm, timeless architecture, and unmatched views over the Provençal countryside—a setting that felt like it had been waiting just for them. With a color palette of soft blue, crisp white, and fresh green, their decor effortlessly echoed the region’s natural beauty while layering in an air of refined elegance.

Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the table settings, was thoughtfully curated to complement the venue’s rich textures and historic atmosphere. The result was a celebration that felt cohesive and intentional—rooted in the landscape, yet elevated by personal touches and timeless style.

"We both knew we wanted a destination wedding, and we narrowed it down to France from a few different countries," Annie explains. "After looking into different hotels, we'd come across this palace that was charming and left both of us breathless."

Cocktail Hour

Reception

The reception was a true celebration of Annie and Sean's love story, beginning with a spectacular first dance that combined three meaningful songs: the theme from "Howl's Moving Castle," Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight," and Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love."

Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails including Café Martini, Punch Airelles, Amaretto Sour, Boulevardier, French 75, and Negroni—all served with monogrammed ice cubes for an extra special touch. The culinary experience began with sea bass gravlax marinated with olive oil, beetroot, red currant, and coriander, followed by either bread-crusted sea bass with carrot mousseline or beef confit with potato millefeuille.

Throughout the evening, guests indulged in delightful snacks including mini croque au beurre and gourmet mini burgers. The dessert buffet was a true showstopper, featuring an array of French pastries including lemon praline choux, Ile Flottante, Saint Honoré, various tarts, Paris Brest, and monogrammed Ladurée macarons in shades of blue and white.

As the sun set over the Luberon Valley, The Navigators band kept the dance floor packed while Lili Takeno captured the celebration with live painting. A photobooth provided by photomenal.fr allowed guests to create fun memories throughout the evening.

When reflecting on the team that brought their vision to life, the couple couldn't be more appreciative. "Throughout the planning process, their professionalism and passion for their craft really shined through. They always listening to our ideas to make sure every detail aligned with our style. Their expert guidance and suggestions helped us create something that was not only beautiful but also incredibly personal and meaningful to us. We feel so fortunate to have had everyone as part of our special day," Annie shares, with Sean nodding in agreement.