French Garden Party Inspo That’s Fancy and Fresh

Portrait of groom hugging bride from behind holding bouquet

Shot at the Jardin du Mas , on the edge of the Mediterranean, the idea for this inspiration shoot combined a touch of the exotic with the elegance of a wedding in the south of France. Keep scrolling to see all of the beautiful photos by Virginie Templier of the planning by Lalla Wedding, including flowers by Meharee Design Floral, videography by Gael Hidalgo Films, and catering by Hapy Traiteur. The full gallery for this inspo is at the bottom of this page and should not be missed!

Aerial photo of menu, sashes, and table number on banana leaf

Close-up of bride's two piece gown with large buttons Close-up of bride holding bouquet

Close-up of groom's three piece suit and bowtie

Bridal portrait exposing open back of two piece dress Close-up of bride's wedding hair with hairpiece

Bridal portrait sitting on staircase

The Venue

Located in the heart of the city of Sète in the Hérault region, the Jardin du Mas garden is an unusual place, directly overlooking the Mediterranean. Located across several floors, this venue allows guests to be welcomed by creating different atmospheres for the cocktail hour, the dinner, and the evening reception. It includes a gorgeous swimming pool, perfect for relaxing before the event or at brunch the next day.

Reception venue with fountain and tropical plants and patio

The Bride's Look

For this styled shoot, organized and coordinated by Lola and Rose from Lalla Wedding, a real couple - Laurane and Charles - took part as models! Laurane, originally from the West Indies, wore a 2-piece by Gisele et Simone consisting of a magnificent lace bustier and a voluptuous skirt open at the front with buttons. Her hairstyle, created by Art et Style Coiffure, was done in an elegant - but not strict - spirit, with curls drawn in her loose hair and simply enhanced by a pretty tie on the side. Yousylla Academy's make-up brought a touch of glamour while accentuating Laurane's pretty eyes with a line of eyeliner. This look gave her a sober and chic, yet airy and light style that highlighted her culture of origin.

Groom spinning bride in front of tropical plants and neon sign

Close-up of bride's hand on groom's shoulder Bride and groom nose to nose holding champagne glasses

The Groom's Look

Charles's look was chosen to be a more conventional, but above all, a French wedding style with a suit in light blue tones. The materials and the different styles of shots offered by the Jardin du Mas during this shoot offered an opportunity to play with positioning the couple sometimes near the vegetation, sometimes in the stone texture of the staircase giving access to the building, and sometimes with an emphasis on florals.

Reception venue photographed from patio looking down terraces to water

The Reception

The table combined the natural wood with vintage tableware and very modern stationery, created by Les Faire-Part de Sophie (Sophie's Announcements), in black and white tones reminiscent of sobriety and chicness. The whole area was dominated by three hanging chandeliers and tall vases containing banana leaves. The exotic touch was taken to the stationery, creating a flatlay on a banana leaf.

Reception table with chandeliers

Reception table centerpiece and floating votives Reception favors and finger foods

Aerial view of reception table, banana leaves, chandeliers, and neon sign

Creating Your Vibe

After a dinner rocked by the songs of Myck Officiel, a group of Brazilian and Nigerian dancers set the stage for the bride and groom to take their place on the dance floor. The dance floor was arranged on the lawn terrace with a pretty fountain, where the wonderful and colourful buffet from Hapy Traiteur was set up.

Reception finger food table and large LOVE letters

Close-up of table number in frame Wedding favor wall in front of tropical palm plant

Sign at entrance to ceremony with floral accent

Bride and groom dancing in front of guitar player Bride and groom in front of dancers

Advice From the Designer

1. The garden of the Jardin du Mas is a perfect place for a summer wedding, allowing you to enjoy its terrace with a very nice view, and rather intimate (ideally a maximum of 60 guests).

2. The meal and the entertainment are the key elements of a tropical theme. Obviously the decoration has a very big part in this theme, but the exotic food that will be offered and the tropical atmosphere that will emanate from this event will make it a real success.

3. If you don't want to fall into the "seen and seen again" side of the "travel" theme, the touch of modernity is essential, as it was here, brought by the pure black and white stationery and by the elegant vases and chandeliers hanging above the table. Exotic inspiration, of course, is above all chic, sober and elegant.

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