From Limestone Quarry to Château Courtyard: A French Countryside Wedding Weekend in Provence

Set against the sunlit landscapes of Provence, Erica and Jack’s wedding weekend unfolded as a multi-day celebration across two breathtaking locations. The festivities began with an unforgettable rehearsal dinner at Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence, a limestone quarry transformed into an immersive Monet art exhibit where guests dined by candlelight beneath projected masterpieces.

The following day, the couple wed at Château de Tourreau in Sarrians, France. The ceremony took place at the edge of the reflecting pool, framed by the château’s historic grounds. A sculptural chuppah draped in soft blush and white blooms served as the focal point, while garden-style arrangements lined the aisle, echoing the floral palette of peonies, garden roses, and wild greenery.

For the reception, long tables lined the courtyard in stunning symmetry, candlelit and low-flowered to encourage conversation and connection. Echoing the atmosphere of the French countryside itself, every detail arrived as an homage to restraint, softened beauty, and a setting that needed little else.

Our Story

Names / Erica Friedman & Jack Friedman

Location / Sarrians, France

Wedding Date / June 11th, 2025

Guest Numbers / 104

How We Met

We met on Hinge in Chicago in December 2018, and our story started with an accidentally perfect first date. Jack took me to a bar called Untitled, neither of us realizing it was a cabaret-style supper club (unfortunately not on a burlesque night). The unexpected setting led to nonstop conversation and laughter, setting the tone for everything that followed. Our next dates included a hockey game we talked through entirely, seeing Hamilton, and Jack’s first hot yoga class, which quickly became a weekly routine. We fell in love, and the rest is history!

Our Engagement Story

Jack proposed on a brisk spring day on Oak Street Beach in Chicago. Some of our favorite memories are walks along the lakefront or spontaneous games of beach volleyball, so I didn’t think twice when he suggested a stroll before meeting friends for drinks. I slipped off my brand-new shoes, mildly annoyed and distracted as he led me through the sand. When I turned around, he was down on one knee, and I was completely surprised!

Jack had planned the entire weekend. Friends and family flew in from all over, we played pickleball, and he organized an incredible engagement party on the Nobu rooftop. No detail was missed. He even enlisted the help of my girlfriends to find the perfect engagement party dress and had it tailored to fit me perfectly.

What we love most about each other…

Erica: I love Jack’s magnetic energy, optimism for life, and ambition. He has the biggest heart and is always putting others first.
Jack: I love that Erica is deeply thoughtful but never takes herself too seriously. She’s curious, sharp, and hilarious, and she brings me back down to earth in the best way.

The Setting

Rehearsal Dinner

Our rehearsal dinner was at Carrières des Lumières, a limestone quarry in Les Baux-de-Provence that’s been converted into an immersive art exhibit. Stepping into the cool, stone interior was a welcome reprieve from the June heat! Guests were greeted with champagne and canapés as Monet’s paintings projected against the quarry walls. Jack and I slipped away to take it all in together.

After the exhibit, a strolling band (The Troubadours) led everyone to the atrium, where golden hour light poured in. Our bartender insisted on serving a “pea emulsion” cocktail that proved to be dangerously good, its vibrant green color complementing the “Bold and Bright” attire for the evening. Two long tables lined with more than 600 candles were set for dinner. Jack’s talented sister Mia did the calligraphy for every place card. Dinner menus featured poppies, irises, and sunflowers, each with its own floral illustration inspired by Monet’s work. The Troubadours eventually broke into Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” and other favorites while everyone waved their napkins in the air. Between speeches from loved ones and dancing, the celebration carried on well past midnight. It was an unforgettable evening we will cherish forever.

Wedding Location

We chose Château de Tourreau in Sarrians, France, for our wedding because we’ve always loved visiting France in the summer. The château is located about 30 minutes from Avignon and provided the perfect backdrop for our three-day celebration with friends and family. Since most of our guests were traveling from the United States, we wanted the entire weekend to feel like a genuine vacation rather than just a wedding.
When we arrived at the château, it was actually our first time seeing the venue in person, and it exceeded every expectation. We still get goosebumps thinking about the iron gates opening as we drove up the grand château entrance.

Preparation

We started the morning together with espresso and pain au chocolat, then took a stroll around the château grounds. We exchanged handwritten letters before parting ways to get ready. The château accommodated our entire wedding party, which made the morning feel relaxed yet buzzing with energy.

Jack: I played tennis with my cousins and friends, followed by lunch by the pool with the boys. It felt like summer camp but somehow better. Everyone was excited, and the vibe was light, easy, and fun. Before getting dressed, I gave each of my groomsmen a handwritten card and a 3L magnum of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Erica: I spent the morning getting ready with my bridesmaids and best friends. We blasted music, popped a bottle of champagne, and giggled about stories from our college days. The getting-ready look was white poplin button-downs and boxer shorts. Jacqui, my maid of honor, embroidered each shirt with their initials, and I gifted everyone a dainty gold bracelet with a round bezel-set diamond.

Photography

We were so lucky to work with the insanely talented Liron Erel. We admire how Liron’s work effortlessly captures authentic emotion without feeling staged or posed. When we first spoke, Liron said, “You just enjoy yourselves, and I’ll take care of the rest.” And he did exactly that. He has this gift for reading a room and making everyone feel completely at ease, resulting in the most magical images we’ll cherish forever.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The focal point of our ceremony was the chuppah. Representing the home we’re building together, we wanted it to feel meaningful and bold. The aisle was lined with garden-style arrangements in soft white and blush tones that echoed the chuppah, creating a long floral path that brought my dramatic aisle vision to life.

We positioned the ceremony overlooking the reflecting pool with the château grounds as our backdrop. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with cold champagne and a string quartet playing as they took their seats.

Reception Décor

We set three long tables around the perimeter of the château’s courtyard, with a white dance floor in the center. The tables had white linens, set with tapered candles in glass holders of varying heights. The floral arrangements were kept low in soft whites and blush tones, allowing conversation (and santé!) to flow easily across the tables.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Lisa and Franck Boncristiano from Wanderlust Weddings were our planners. We are so grateful for their patience, attention to detail, and expertise throughout every step of the planning process. Our wedding celebrations were ten times better than we could have ever imagined thanks to all of their hard work, and we are endlessly grateful.

Flowers

We turned to Sisters & B for our florals. The overall color palette was soft and romantic: whites, creams, pale blush pink tones, and soft yellow. We wanted the florals to feel effortless, complementing the landscape and architecture. We added small pops of lavender on the bars.

For the ceremony, we created a lush chuppah covered in white and soft blush peonies, garden roses, and greenery that felt romantic and organic. Reception tables featured low, airy arrangements in the same palette. The vibe was very natural and garden-inspired, which worked perfectly with the outdoor setting.

Peonies have always been my favorite flower, so a bouquet of white peonies wrapped in cream silk ribbon was an easy choice for my bridal bouquet. My bridesmaids carried smaller versions in the same style.

“We still get goosebumps thinking about the iron gates opening as we drove up the grand château entrance.”

Stationery

We worked with Christelle at Crème de Papier for all of our stationery needs. For our save-the-dates, our talented friend Michael created the Château de Tourreau illustration. We then worked with Christelle to incorporate the illustration.

The invitation suite featured classic letterpress on thick ivory stock with a mix of serif and script typography, paired with subtle French touches throughout. The invites were wrapped in a translucent vellum sleeve, printed with a custom floral motif, and tied together with natural twine. We carried that same floral motif into our wedding day details across the dinner menus, bar signage, and escort cards.

One of our personal favorite stationery elements was actually at our rehearsal dinner. We hosted everyone at Carrières de Lumières, where guests experienced an immersive Monet exhibit. Each dinner menu featured a different hand-illustrated flower inspired by Monet’s work, including sunflowers, poppies, and of course, water lilies.

Favors

Jack’s mother took the lead curating perfect welcome gifts for our guests. Each small woven bag included a silk scarf, snacks like artisan dark chocolate from Jack’s aunt’s chocolate company, gummy bears and almonds, a custom deck of playing cards, and a beautifully designed booklet that Jack’s sister put together with details about the weekend and a bit of Provence history. Voilà!

Cake

We chose a classic lemon wedding cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. Alongside our cake, we had French petits fours.

Food & Beverages

Cocktail hour featured passed canapés and our signature “Je t’aime Spritz,” a rhubarb cocktail we perfected with DNA Bartending. Served alongside were bites like pissaladière tartlets, tuna tataki, and salmon tartare cones. The bar also offered French 75s, Tourreau Martinis, Palomas, champagne, and rosé.

Dinner was a three-course menu by Cinquième Saison Traiteur, starting with burrata mousse and followed by a choice of filet mignon, sea bass, or wild mushroom risotto. Dessert included our lemon wedding cake, mini tarts, and berries with cream.

Later in the night, espresso martinis kept the energy high, while hot fries and chicken tenders satisfied late-night cravings. Fun fact: my best friend and bridesmaid, a vegetarian for over ten years, tried the chicken tenders and didn’t regret it.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

I wore a gown by Israeli designer Lihi Hod, the wedding dress of my dreams. Jack’s mother and sister planned a special weekend of dress shopping in Los Angeles. At NWLA Bridal, I found the perfect dress: timeless and unmistakably bridal, with silk mikado that moved beautifully. When I tried it on, Bloom by The Paper Kites began playing, a special song for Jack and me (and the song I walked down the aisle to). It was meant to be.
For my second look, I changed into an ivory silk slip maxi dress by Victoria Beckham. I found it secondhand at Louise Paris, a lovely boutique in the Marais. I paired it with vintage Jimmy Choo kitten-heel sandals.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Shoes

My bridesmaids wore floor-length silk gowns in soft pastels: butter yellow, blush pink, and pale blue. Each chose a style they felt comfortable in within the palette. My bridesman, Matt, wore a classic tuxedo with Prada loafers. Everyone looked très chic and Provençal.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Erica’s engagement ring is an emerald-cut diamond set in platinum, and the wedding band is round pavé diamonds.
Jack chose a classic gold band, which I had engraved on the inside with “Je t’aime 06.11.25.”

The morning of our wedding, Jack surprised me with a stunning diamond tennis necklace, which was so special and paired perfectly with my dress. For my “something borrowed,” I wore his mother’s diamond earrings. She has impeccable taste, and it meant so much to wear something of hers that day.

Hair & Makeup

Tess Gallecier created the perfect makeup look that was soft and glowy, so I still felt like myself. Manon Martin styled my hair in beautiful curls that lasted all night long.

Groom’s Attire

Everyone selected their own tuxedo, which kept the look timeless and allowed for a touch of individual style.

“Take a few quiet minutes with your partner after the ceremony and before cocktail hour. We stepped away for 15 minutes and ate every canapé, sipped our signature cocktail, and just took it all in. Those brief moments with your partner are what you’ll remember most.”

The Details

Transport

We used Expert VTC Avignon, truly the best shuttle service in the Provence region. They coordinated a fleet of 15 black Mercedes Sprinter vans to transport guests to and from all events. With limited guests staying on site, comfort and efficiency were important.

Honeymoon

The morning after our wedding, we headed to Saint-Tropez with 30 of our best friends to kick off our “buddy moon.” Saint-Tropez is one of our favorite places to visit, and experiencing it as newlyweds surrounded by our best friends was unforgettable.

Wedding Songs

A string quartet by Incanto Music played throughout our ceremony. Erica walked down the aisle to a rendition of Bloom by The Paper Kites (our song). For our first dance, we chose Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli.

Entertainment

Our DJ, Thomas Dusseune, was electric and a dream to work with. He brought a high-energy, club vibe that had everyone on the dance floor into the early morning. Saxophonist Sandy Sax played live sets during cocktail hour and late into the night, offering a vibrant musical element that surprised and delighted our guests.

Celebrant

Our officiant was Jack’s Aunt Laura, who also happens to be his mom’s best friend and someone who’s been in Jack’s life since day one (she was at the hospital when he was born). She lived just five doors down from Jack’s family in Hermosa Beach.
Laura was the perfect choice. She met us for sushi dates in LA to talk through ceremony ideas and get a feel for what was most important to us. It felt personal, grounded, and exactly right.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Hands down, the most unforgettable moment was Jack’s sister Mia Friedman’s speech at the rehearsal dinner at Carrières des Lumières. After walking through a private Monet exhibit and sitting down in the candlelit quarry, no one expected what came next. Mia stood up and delivered a speech so heartfelt and eloquent that the entire room was in tears. When she concluded, the room erupted in a standing ovation.
On the lighter side, one hilarious moment came at 2 a.m. on our wedding night when Jack’s cousins spontaneously streaked across the dance floor on their way to the pool. It was an unplanned, unforgettable finale to the evening.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

Jack: I wish I hadn’t stressed about not serving dinner at our first night’s event. We didn’t, and it was perfect. I worried that with guests coming from so far away, we needed to offer a full dinner every night. But what really matters is doing whatever you choose to do well. With fantastic cocktails and great canapés, your guests will have an amazing time.
Also, if you’re getting married between June and August, don’t overthink the need for an expensive tent or glasshouse. The odds are in your favor. It almost never rains hard. And for a pool party, consider the incredible Italian caterers in the region. We picked Lovisolo. They were half the price of the French ones and absolutely phenomenal.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

Erica: Take a few quiet minutes with your partner after the ceremony and before cocktail hour. We stepped away for 15 minutes and ate every canapé, sipped our signature cocktail, and just took it all in. Those brief moments with your partner are what you’ll remember most.
Jack: Where your budget allows, prioritize food, drinks, and venue over elaborate décor. When it comes to food, focus on flavor over presentation. You don’t need a dozen canapés. Pick several great ones and do them really well. Some of our favorites: steak tartare, tuna cones, Provençal tartlets, and blinis with caviar. We added Peking duck tacos with lavender hoisin as a subtle nod to Provence, and they were the hit of the night.

Sources of inspiration…

We drew inspiration from French culture and the natural beauty of the Provençal countryside. Pinterest was a helpful tool for gathering ideas, and Canva made it easy to visually communicate our vision with our planners and designer.

Our Contacts

Rehearsal Dinner Venue / Carrières des Lumières

Wedding Venue / Château de Tourreau

Welcome Party Venue / Hôtel La Mirande

Wedding Planner / Wanderlust Weddings

Wedding Designer / Coramour Designer

Photography / Liron Erel & Co

Videography / Emmanuel AMOU

Bride’s Dress / Lihi Hod

Bride’s Shoes / Manolo Blahnik & Jimmy Choo

Hair / Manon Martin

Makeup / Tess Gallecier

Stationery / Christelle Teissier

Florist / Sisters & B Floral

Cake & Catering / Cinquième Saison Traiteur

Entertainment / Incanto Music, Thomas Dusseune & Sandy Sax

Transport / Expert VTC Avignon

Honeymoon Destination / Saint-Tropez