The ceremony took place the following day, in the late afternoon, on the grounds of Mas de Chabran—“when the light in Provence was especially beautiful,” adds the bride. As Clément waited at the end of the aisle, Chloé walked through their family and friends to Max Richter’s recomposition of Vivaldi’s “Spring.” The proceedings, officiated by their close friend, included personal vows and a ring-warming ceremony. “Each guest held them for a moment and made a wish for our marriage,” says the groom. “It became one of the most emotional moments of the entire day—both for us and for our guests.”
“A special moment happened during the ceremony, where white birds flew over us in a V-formation, and then one black bird followed them,” remembers Chloé. “We lost my best friend a couple of years ago, and this felt like a sign. His favorite song was ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles. We just knew at that moment that he was there with us.”
Officially wed, the couple went off to spend time alone together and take portraits as cocktail hour began. “We made our entrance to ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)’ by Natalie Cole, played live on saxophone; got to spend some time with all of our guests; and poured our favorite Champagne,” the bride reports. “It felt joyful and very relaxed—the exact energy we wanted for the evening.”
Next came a long dinner party at a table flooded with flowers and candlelight. “What we thought would simply be dinner somehow became five hours of courses, speeches, tears, laughter, and stories. We did not see the time go by,” says Clément. Adds Chloé, “While it was happening, I thought to myself: I wish I could be a fly on the wall right now and see it all.” The dinner ended with a traditional French croquembouche for dessert. “Some time around 1 a.m., we finally made it to the dance floor and stayed there until nearly four in the morning,” says the groom. “We danced, had drinks, smoked cigars…everywhere I looked, people were happy together. I wish it never had to end.”
After some much-needed rest, guests returned in pastels for a farewell brunch on the grounds. “We served lots of different pastries, tomato tarts, French cheeses, and other Provençal favorites around another beautiful hydrangea-filled table before spending the afternoon playing lawn games in the garden,” says Chloé. The day ended with family and friends relaxing poolside. Says Clément: “It was the perfect end to the most magical weekend of our lives. It’s especially meaningful to witness the new relationships that our guests formed with one another while being here. We love each of them deeply and it’s the most amazing gift to see them all leave with unexpected, and hopefully long-term, friendships.”
Looking back at the weekend, the couple share their overwhelming sense of gratitude for their community. “Having such an intimate wedding in Provence, a place that has become a second home to us, felt like an absolute dream come true,” says Chloé. “Our hearts feel incredibly full.”
