Weddings

A Fashion Editor’s Romantic Sun-Kissed Wedding in the South of France

The setting, a 19th century chateau surrounded by lavender and vineyards.

By: Noah Lehava

Photography: Barb Simkova

Let us set the scene for the three-day wedding affair of Ally Dean Spencer, former Fashion & Beauty Editor at Hello! Canada (and previously Associate Editor at ELLE Canada), and investment banker Michael Spencer, in the South of France. The couple hosted 60 of their nearest and dearest (yours truly was a bridesmaid) at a 19th-century chateau reserved exclusively for guests in attendance all weekend long. A welcome BBQ on the first night took place in the estate gardens with sprawling tables topped with local fare and Aperol Spritz (the signature cocktail for the weekend) flowing all night long. The next day, guests cured hangovers at a relaxing pool party overlooking the sun-kissed Languedoc region and topped off the evening with a Golden Hour wine tasting.

But it was on the third day, the wedding day, that it was abundantly clear no detail had been spared. Surrounded by lavender, thyme, and rolling vineyards stretching far into the horizon (the stunning Chateau de Carrasses in the distance), the couple wed in a romantic (and emotional) ceremony, which was followed by an elegant king’s table feast under the stars and a wild dance party, featuring flown-in-for-the-night UK band Indienational to keep the party going until the early hours of the morning.

Click through the gallery below to see every little detail of the magical weekend, from the custom-made couture-inspired headpieces for the bridal party to personalized agate placeholders, and the bride’s *three* dresses.

Photography by Barb Simkova & Max Power of Tara McMullen; Event Planning/Design by Mahla Pourshamsa, The Eventeur; Makeup & Hair by Bespoke Beauty; Dress, Monique Lhuillier; Bridesmaid Dresses, Jenny Yoo; Band, Indienational

Want more stories like this?

Fashion Editor Kahlana Barfield’s Wedding
Erica Pelosini’s Extravagant Capri Wedding
This Is What French Girls Get Right about Bridal Style