There’s nothing I love more than nurturing romance, helping celebrate a couple’s unique love story, so when a Stuart and Krystal decided to travel from Australia to Antibes in the French Riviera to elope, the scene was set for an intimate celebration of love and romance.

The couple wanted a relaxed and flowing day- getting ready together, doing their own hair and make up and being present to enjoy the special moments with each other. 

Elopement brings ultimate focus on the love and bond of a couple. Being invited to orchestrate and record that moment- creating and capturing memories and the personal visual history shared with loved ones and generations to come, is an honour.

Entrusted with a loose but stylish brief for foodies Stuart and Krystal, I set about bringing together elements of their ideal day to life. With a style nod to Brigette Bardot, a request for a ceremony amongst trees, and a relaxed yet distinctly vintage French mood, the historic French Riviera resort town of Antibes provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable day of romance.

 

Keeping with the elopement mood reminiscent of vintage glory days of the French Riviera’s relaxed charm and style, I set about locally sourcing flowers, choosing locations, organising the ceremony and order and flow of the day.

With a relatively loose brief, I was able to surprise the couple with carefully considered personalised details, gourmet touches, and local insights, utilising my little black book and knowledge of the location, light and local favourites to weave special meaning into Stuart and Krystal’s day.

 

Krystal’s Autumnal toned bouquet, complete with eucalyptus was a nod to the couple’s homeland, and Stuart’s groom’s corsage was handmade by Krystal.

Relaxed, romantic moments were orchestrated with natural movement- intimate interactions between the couple naturally occurring by way of walking, dancing, talking, kissing and even enjoying impromtu chats with interested locals.

The romance of the old town- cobblestone streets, harbour vistas, and charming flower filled alleyways- eventually made way for the beauty of Cap d’Antibe- a twenty minute drive from Old Antibes. Here, a shady clearing in the forest was the setting for a private wedding ceremony under a forest canopy, dappled light reaching through the leaves to create a magical mood.

Private and intimate, the ceremony was marked by laughter, meaning and the absence of distraction- a peaceful clearing providing shade and privacy for the couple to exchange vows witnessed by the celebrant and myself.

Nearby a restored ancient church and grounds with vistas across picturesque Italian coast provided the perfect setting for the couple to relax with a gourmet picnic of food and refreshments sourced by Shane Tough catering from the local Antibes markets.

Waiting for them was a luxury picnic table full of gourmet delights served on linen, wooden boards and bone china. Basking in the golden light, Stuart and Krystal enjoyed languid hours as the sun set, enjoying the gourmet feast, games and expansive ocean views.

Stuart and Krystal played pétanque as the heat of the day gave way for a balmy, golden hued dusk- treasured moments to cherish as they gazed across to the Italian coastline from France.

The grounds of the ancient restored church caught the last light of the day. With vistas across to the Italian coastline, it provided a timeless location for fun, laughter and relaxed, love-filled moments to play out.

The lingering dusk transitioned to evening and onto another stunning French Riviera location, La Belle Rives Hotel and the Fitzgerald Wine Bar- a stylish 1930’s wine bar with ocean view terrace.

Stuart and Krystal sipped on chilled champagne and French rosé as jazz piano and happy French chatter wafted through dark interiors and the balmy ocean view terrace. A fitting scene reminiscent of classic French cinema as Stuart and Krystal shared their first dance and evening as a married couple.

Capturing weddings and the moments they bring is always special and an honour. But when you are also part of creating those personal moments, entrusted to use your creativity, local know-how, and eye to personalise a day of celebration and shepherd a couple in love through their momentous day, it holds a very special place in the heart…

Bisous. Corrina. xx

 

 

Special thanks to Stuart and Krystal for entrusting me with the planning and photography of their French Riviera elopement.

Photography, Styling, Wedding Planning: Corrina Tough Photography

Catering (Picnic): Shane Tough Catering

Elopements are highly customised for each couple. Please get in touch to discuss your dream elopement so we can tailor an experience to bring your ideal wedding day come to life.