Je me souviens: Catherine Deneuve…
Cynthia& Jeff’s French Themed wedding
Oh mon Dieux, Cynthia, who reminds me of Catherine Deneuve, and Jeff were married at the Inn of the Seventh Ray, inspired by the memories of their trips through the beauty of France and Edith Piaf’s “La vie en rose”. The touch of 1940 ties fit like a glove.
I couldn’t help but adding THE French love song of all times, Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Je t’aime… moi non plus, recorded in 1969 and the best song for a French Bohemia wedding style.
Cynthia and Jeff used the Tour Eiffel for place car holders, a red roses flower inspiration…it was everywhere with the couple’s smirk about their addiction. I like the hankies adorned with the tour Eiffel, such French drama…
Black, white and red was a passionate back ground for bridesmaids with a little edge…and a bride wearing her tattoo as part of her bridal couture. As a wink to the venue’s love for all things lavender and purple, Cynthia wore purple shoes…
The eco-friendly aspect here: all crystal and glass containers were re-used objects. I always recommend favors guests can consume – Cynthia got cute French wine bottles for everybody, which made a perfect decor item. Usable, recyclable… all is good. And not one bottle was left on the tables as happens so often with little trinkets.
The flower arch was opulent and the florist not much into earth friendly ideas but we saved all flowers and created vases for the restaurant tables who then saved a trip to the LA mart not needing fresh flowers for their day to day table decor.
More tips for a French themed wedding:
Baguettes in big baskets and voluptuous cheese platters on wooden slabs
Charcuterie displays (watch out for organic and ethical practices)
A rustic family style dinner with 7 courses and Coq au vin
A crepe station with sweet Muscat wines
Vintage French linens and lace
Metal baskets
Red wine tasting
French fashion designer inspired table settings and table numbers
Gingham linens
Lavender, lots and lots of lavender, mixed with poppy colors
Madame, Monsieur e Enfant metal napkin rings
Pottery, Herbs
A French espresso cart with macaroons, eclairs, mini croissants and French raspberry jam
French chansons
Photography: Dana Hargitay Photography,
Location: Inn of the Seventh Ray, Topanga, CA
