Notre-Dame de Conil, Rognes | Mathilde Caelicia

The ceremony unfolded outdoors in late-summer light. Guests sat on wooden cross-back chairs, each with a cone of olive leaves ready to shower the couple. One of their closest friends played music as the wind moved through the olive trees. Vivian and Valentin exchanged vows beneath an arch of olive branches. When they kissed, guests tossed petals and leaves into the air. The Aix-en-Provence countryside provided a setting that needed nothing added.

During golden hour, photographer Mathilde Caelicia guided the couple through the prieuré grounds, past ancient wooden doors and along stone pathways softened by the last warmth of the day. The portraits have an ease that comes from genuine connection. Vivian and Valentin are not performing for the camera. They are laughing, looking, leaning into one another, while the golden September light does the rest.

Dinner was held outdoors in the gardens, long tables dressed with olive branches in glass jars, warm string lights strung above the guests. The atmosphere was convivial and unhurried. Highlights included a champagne tower poured by Vivian and Valentin together and a wedding cake brought to the table while guests were still eating and talking. Catering by Aumer Traiteur and music by DJ Kevin Allain kept the energy flowing from dinner through to dancing under the Provençal night sky.

Charlotte Grassi of La Phocéenne Events guided the design with assistance from Lune de Provence Weddings, following a "less is more" principle. Florals by Jessica Da Veiga embraced radical simplicity: calla lilies tied with white ribbon for the bride, olive branches in glass jars along dinner tables. Handwritten menu cards and signage on a vintage gold mirror completed the stationery. For evening, Vivian changed into a Reformation dress with Jacquemus heels. If you are drawn to intimate wedding venues in the South of France, this pared-back approach shows how well simplicity works.