Amy & Joe

We have to say it, this couple was adorable and such a joy to work with! Joe is Lebanese and Amy is American and together they live in California, so they had a guest list from all over the world coming to celebrate with them on the French Riviera.

They both are very passionate about their careers. Joe is a scientist and their first date was a tour of the bio lab that he worked in. The night was filled with laughs and they immediately bonded over their love for backpacking and homemade pizza. From day one, they started planning adventures like sky diving, hiking, and traveling around the world – and they fulfilled all of their promises to one another.

A few weeks after meeting, Joe went to Australia on a hiking trip and admittedly missed Amy for every second.. so he said “when you know, you know” and called Amy to say I love you and the rest was history. Once he returned, they moved in together, adopted a cat, survived quarantine, baked countless pizzas, and started learning to love the busy Cali lifestyle together. Then, on a sunny December day along the Riviera, Joe popped the question and the wedding planning began immediately!

They knew they wanted to marry on the French Riviera because they love it here so much! They looked for venues that would inspire them. They picked this luxurious seaside hotel because it had space for their guest list, it was located in a chic waterfront village, and close to an airport.

The morning of the wedding was light and slow – as the bride got ready in her sunny suite overlooking the sea. The boys all sipped champagne as they put on their tuxes. The groom wore a chic white jacket and black pants while the groomsmen wore all black with black bowties.

Downstairs on the waterfront terrace, all of the guests filtered in slowly to the sunny ceremony. They enjoyed a cold welcome lemonade before taking their seats.

The bride looked so elegant as she walked down the stairs with her dad on her arm to meet her handsome groom next to the grand floral arrangements at the end of the aisle. The strings played La Vie in Rose and really set the romantic tone for the whole ceremony.

The ceremony was officiated by their dear friend, a fellow scientist, who shared stories and memories of the life they had built together. The ceremony was rather quick since it was so hot, but guests were given fans as a keepsake.

After a few photos, everyone headed down to the waters edge for cocktail hour. The string musicians started playing electric violins with more modern songs that were easily recognizable. The cocktail hour signature drink was a lavender martini and of course the champagne was flowing freely.

The dinner was under the tented area. We moved the arrangements from the ceremony just next to the couples table to reuse the stunning flowers. After a delicious meal and a few toasts, everyone was ready to kick off the party!

The night was our favorite part of this wedding – there are no moment with an empty dance floor! Everyone came to party, which is so fun. The DJ played a wide variety of music and a saxophonist accompanied him. Just as we thought the night couldn’t get any better – a surprize firework show started across the water. Everyone stood on the jetty to watch in amazement and went back to the tent to find a spread of french cheese and bread ready to fuel them for even more dancing!

This wedding was one of our favorites of the year and we can’t wait to see what is next for this wonderful couple. Congrats Amy & Joe!

WEDDING PLAYLIST

Bridal Party Entrance: La Vie en Rose
Processional: Canon in D
Recessional: Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay
Prelude: All You Need is Love by Beatles, Crazy Love by Van Morrison, and First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Couple Introduction: Come and Get your Love by Redbone
First Dance: Is This Love by Bob Marley
Father Daughter Dance: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Bouquet Toss: Song: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Cake Cutting: Cake by the Ocean by DNCE

WEDDING MENU

Appetizers: Smoked salmon, camembert cromesqui, fried zucchini flower with pesto, and mini burgers.
Starters: Nicoise stuffed vegetables with tomato cream and Rossini ravioli with truffle cream.
Mains: Roasted lamb with thyme with cumin panisse. Roasted sea bass with smoked aubergine cavier, tomato tartar, and olives.