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A Franco-British Celebration at Mas de Capelou, Provence

A Franco-British wedding at Mas de Capelou near Avignon, with an olive grove ceremony led by the bride's mother, poolside cocktails, and Provencal dining under…

By Elena Moretti | Published 29 March 2023

This Franco-British wedding at Mas de Capelou, a wedding venue perfect for large gatherings near Avignon brought guests together beneath the southern sun in Provence. The 17th-century estate's lavender fields, century-old trees, and restored stone walls provided the canvas for a ceremony led by the bride's own mother.

Photography
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Venue
Mas de Capelou, Vaucluse
Region
Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France
Couple
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Ceremony

The couple shares their first kiss during an outdoor ceremony beneath a pergola or covered structure draped with white roses and green foliage. The groom wears an ivory dinner jacket with a black bow tie, while the bride wears a fitted, low-back white beaded or textured gown with spaghetti straps and has a white floral hair accessory — likely a small white chrysanthemum or ranunculus — pinned into her loose wavy hair. Seated guests, including men in navy suits with white boutonnieres, are visible in the background applauding, with one guest photographing the moment on a phone. The shot is a medium portrait-style frame capturing the couple from the waist up, with the ceremony arch of white roses and greenery framing the top of the image.
Close-up detail shot of a couple holding hands during an outdoor ceremony, with a celebrant or officiant visible and slightly out of focus in the background holding a white booklet and wearing a fuchsia jacket over a floral pink, white, and black skirt. The bride wears a fitted, all-over sequined ivory gown with a low open back, and her wrist is adorned with a pearl bracelet; the groom wears a cream or ivory blazer with dark trousers and a black smartwatch. The ceremony appears to take place in a garden or grounds setting in bright daylight.
A couple portrait taken outdoors beside a swimming pool, likely during a post-ceremony portrait session. The groom wears a cream/ivory dinner jacket with black lapels, a black bow tie, black trousers, and black dress shoes, with a small white floral boutonnière. The bride stands slightly behind him with her hand resting on his chest, wearing a form-fitting, full-length sparkle or sequined ivory gown with thin spaghetti straps and a short train; her hair is worn down. The bride smiles toward the camera while the groom faces forward with a more neutral expression. The setting is an outdoor pool area with stone paving, framed by palm fronds in the foreground and tall cypress or conifer trees in the background, in warm afternoon sunlight. The overall styling is modern classic. The shot is a full-length couple portrait with soft bokeh lens flare visible in the upper left corner.
Three bridesmaids are seated during an outdoor wedding ceremony held under a cream-toned tent or pergola draped with trailing green foliage. All three women are wearing varying shades of hot pink and fuchsia dresses in different silhouettes — one with ruffled shoulders, one in a satin slip style, and one in a satin cowl-neck design — holding bouquets of white roses and baby's breath. The central bridesmaid is visibly emotional, wiping a tear from her eye, while the others watch the ceremony attentively. The foreground features white floral arrangements, and additional guests are visible seated in the background. The image is a mid-range portrait shot with soft dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage overhead.

The outdoor ceremony took place beneath olive trees, the bride's mother leading the couple through their vows in a deeply personal touch that set the emotional tone. Close-up shots captured their clasped hands as the officiant spoke, with guests gathered on chairs among the estate's gardens. The scent of lavender drifted through the warm Provencal air as cicadas hummed in the background.


Couple Portraits

A close-up portrait of a bride and groom outdoors, leaning in toward each other and smiling. The bride wears a fitted white beaded spaghetti-strap gown with a square neckline, gold drop earrings, and a small white floral hair accessory tucked behind her ear. The groom wears an ivory tuxedo jacket with black lapels, a black bow tie, and a white rose boutonniere with green foliage. The groom has his hands around the bride's waist. The background is softly blurred with green ivy and what appears to be a stone architectural element.
A couple portrait taken outdoors in a garden setting, with the bride and groom standing beneath a vine-covered metal arch. The groom wears an ivory dinner jacket with black trousers, a black bow tie, and a white boutonniere, while the bride wears a fitted, sleeveless white sequined gown with a small white floral hair accessory and her hair styled in loose waves. The two are facing each other closely, with the bride's hand resting on the groom's chest and his hands at her waist. A white building is partially visible in the background through the archway. The shot is a full-length portrait with soft natural light filtered through the foliage overhead, giving the image a bright, airy quality.
A couple portrait taken outdoors in the grounds of what appears to be a French chateau or estate, with a large stone column and low stone balustrade visible behind them. The bride wears a fitted, full-length ivory sequined or beaded gown with a long trailing train and thin spaghetti straps, paired with drop earrings and her dark hair loosely styled over one shoulder. The groom wears a cream dinner jacket with a black bow tie, dark navy or black trousers, black dress shoes, and a small white boutonniere. The bride rests her hand on the groom's chest as he stands slightly behind her, with natural dappled sunlight casting soft shadows across the scene. The overall styling is classic and formal. Full-length couple portrait shot.

Portraits of the couple unfolded across the estate grounds, framed by a large stone column and low stone balustrade with the Provencal landscape stretching beyond. The bride's slim-fit ivory sequined gown with spaghetti straps caught the afternoon light, while the groom's tailored suit created a refined contrast. Each image captured their relaxed connection against the warm tones of the mas.


Reception

An outdoor wedding reception table setup photographed in a wide shot from a slightly elevated angle. A single long rectangular banquet table, draped in a white linen tablecloth, is set on a garden lawn and lined on both sides with natural wood cross-back chairs with woven rattan seats. The table is set for approximately 30 guests and features glassware, grey linen napkins, small bread rolls, and a low centerpiece runner of delicate white flowers and greenery in clear bud vases running the length of the table. The overall decor palette is white, natural wood, and soft green, with a clean, classic-rustic styling.
A detail shot of an outdoor wedding reception long table set for a seated dinner, photographed from a low angle along the length of the table. The table is dressed with a white linen cloth and lined with natural wood cross-back chairs with woven rush seats. Centerpieces consist of clear glass vases holding white roses and loose green foliage, interspersed with slim white taper candles, water bottles, and multiple clear wine and water glasses per place setting. Each place setting includes a small bread roll on a white plate, silverware wrapped in a white napkin, a printed menu card, and a small honey jar favor with a cork stopper. The styling is relaxed and natural, with a green-and-white color palette and a rustic-meets-classic aesthetic.
A candid outdoor reception moment in a garden or courtyard setting, where a group of five guests are reacting with excitement as a champagne bottle is being sabered or shaken, sending a dramatic spray of liquid and bubbles through the air. The guests include two women in hot pink and red midi dresses and a woman in a white dress, alongside two men in black tuxedos with bow ties, all wearing sunglasses. The setting features a stone wall, paved terrace, and manicured lawn in bright midday sunlight. Wide shot with strong action energy and high contrast from the direct sun.
A couple portrait taken outdoors in a garden setting, with the bride and groom posing together facing the camera. The groom wears a cream/ivory dinner jacket with black lapels, a black bow tie, black trousers, and a small white floral boutonniere with greenery; the bride wears a fitted, spaghetti-strap ivory sequined gown and has her hair half-up. In the background, a long outdoor reception table is set with a white linen runner, tall glassware, and low white floral centerpieces with greenery, lined on both sides with natural wood cross-back chairs. The overall styling is classic and modern with a neutral white and green palette. The image is a medium full-length portrait shot with natural daylight.

A champagne cork popped to cheers and laughter during the outdoor reception, where five guests reacted with spontaneous delight in the garden courtyard. Dinner was served beneath the estate's loggia as candlelight flickered against the ancient stone. The evening's rhythm balanced fine local Provencal cuisine with easy conversation beneath the Mediterranean sky.


More from the Day

Outdoor cocktail hour scene at a Provençal-style property, photographed as a wide shot from poolside level. A large rectangular swimming pool with blue-green water occupies the foreground, while three male guests in suits — one in a light grey linen suit, one in navy blue, and one in dark charcoal — stand conversing beside a pool house with terracotta roof tiles and white render walls. A small group of additional guests is visible in the background near a pergola structure on the right. The setting features a classic southern French outdoor leisure space with a relaxed, sunny daytime atmosphere. Potential venue feature image.
A bridal party portrait taken outdoors at a French chateau or domaine, with the bride and four bridesmaids posing together in front of a stone pillar gateway with ivy climbing the columns. The bride wears a fitted, spaghetti-strap white sequined gown, while the bridesmaids wear mismatched dresses in a coordinated pink-to-red palette: a hot pink ruffled midi, a coral satin slip dress, a crimson satin midi with a side slit, and a pink floral print midi with ruffled sleeves. All five women are smiling and have arms around each other in a relaxed, candid pose. The setting is a sun-drenched garden with a classic stone archway, giving the image a classic French estate feel. Full-length portrait shot in natural daylight.
A groomsmen portrait taken outdoors in the grounds of what appears to be a French chateau or estate, with two large ornamental stone pillars topped with carved urns framing the group. The groom stands at center wearing an ivory dinner jacket with black trousers and a black bow tie, while his four groomsmen wear matching all-black tuxedos with black bow ties. All five men wear small white floral boutonnieres and stand with hands clasped in front, smiling toward the camera. The composition is a classic full-length portrait shot in bright natural daylight on a manicured lawn.
A close-up portrait of a bride shot from behind and slightly to the side, indoors in what appears to be a getting-ready space with soft natural light. She wears a white sequined fitted gown with a deep open back and a thin crystal-embellished spaghetti strap, and a delicate pearl bracelet on her wrist. Her dark brown wavy hair falls loosely over one shoulder. She holds a compact bouquet of white tulips, lily of the valley, and dark green foliage with a green ribbon-wrapped stem, looking downward with her face partially turned away from the camera.
Aesthetic
Provençal, Elegant, Natural
Guest Count
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Budget Range
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Bride's Dress
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The couple chose Mas de Capelou, a mas in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur.

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