Romantic wedding at Domaines de Patras – Cora + François

In the springtime sweetness, Cora and François embraced tender moments with their loved ones. It was in Provence to the wonderful Patras Estates, that they decide to organize their wedding and welcome their guests for this exceptional moment.

With the beautiful images of Yeter Kurt, the newlyweds tell us…

The initial meeting

“We initially met in the same company 6 years ago working on a freelance basis in Germany. Then I moved to Paris to be able to work at the world headquarters. I thus reconnected with colleagues I knew – including François who had returned there and with whom I had an immediate connection.

It didn't take us long to go from the coffee machine to the Parisian terraces and today, Paris has become our home, and the place of wonderful memories. Just like Provence, which is why we chose this place so special to us for our wedding.

The marriage proposal

“In 2019 I went to a conference in San Francisco and François offered to join me to extend the stay and meet some very good friends who lived there at the time. Sharing a passion for the mountains, good food and hotels, we decided to end the trip with a few days at the magnificent Lake Tahoe, 4 hours drive from SF.

It was an incredibly beautiful setting and a typical Indian summer day. We went for a walk around the lake. It was so peaceful and beautiful that we got completely lost in the moment.

I literally couldn't have been more surprised when he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him and there was no hesitation on my part. Saying yes seemed like the natural answer.

When we got back it started snowing heavily and we ended the day with a bottle of wine and marshmallows to warm in the fire pit by the lake with snow up to our knees.

The reception venue

“Having friends from over 11 different countries, our desire was to offer them the opportunity toa weekend full of joy, encounters and pleasure in an iconic region of France.

We are all so busy with work and our daily lives, that We wanted to offer a real escape to our guests in a region that we know very well, having already experienced so many good times there in recent summers.  We love Provence et The Domaines de Patras made us feel at home. It's elegant, natural and love fills the air, which is perfumed with the scent of lavender.

The estate has this unique characteristic of being able to offer different places and therefore experiences, between the welcome dinner around the lake, the cocktail in the courtyard of the farmhouse, or the brunch under the olive trees next to the swimming pool. When we met Kety and her family, we instantly fell in love.

I think that's the most important thing when choosing your place. You have to feel it fully in order to make it your own for a weekend."

Wedding planning

We chose the long ascension weekend as a wedding weekend and decided to spend the week before the wedding with our families in the area. It was the perfect time for them to meet. Because yes! it was a first! On Ascension Thursday, we welcomed family and close friends to the St Joseph's cafe in La Garde Adhémar to share tapas and drinks in a typical Provencal setting. It was the perfect start to a memorable weekend.

The civil marriage ceremony then took place on Friday at the Solérieux town hall, followed by a welcome dinner on the shores of the Domaines de Patras lake; a dinner that turned into a long night of laughter, dancing and all kinds of encounters!

For our secular ceremony On Saturday, it was important for us to commit to each other in front of those who matter most to us. The wedding began with a secular ceremony by the lake, masterfully led by a very close friend. And even the violent mistral that whipped our faces could not hide the tears of emotion that invaded us! 

The motto we gave our guests was to leave their everyday lives behind them for a short while and to fully enjoy these moments, because they are fleeting. This motto was respected until very late the next morning!

Wedding decoration

“Domaines de Patras is a true reference in itself. When we got married as summer approached, the estate was beautifully flowered, and the landscape lush green. Combined with the Provencal chic, it gave an atmosphere that was both calming and festive. We ourselves opted for a combination of green and white flowers for all the decorative elements of our wedding in order to preserve the natural beauty of Provence, and its simplicity.

We didn't want to overload the decor with too many elements or colors, because the place is more than enough in itself.

To give a personal touch, we surprised each guest with a personalized note addressed to them on the card indicating their table location. We wanted to personally express our gratitude to them through an anecdote that was common to us. It was extremely moving to prepare, as we recalled the memories shared with each of them and it was greatly appreciated by them.

The wedding budget

~250€/person

Their most moving memory

Cora

“I didn’t expect it, but I started crying in the parking lot of the town hall before we even got there. I was suddenly so overwhelmed to see all our friends in one place and realize that we were about to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We had started planning this event so far in advance that I felt overwhelmed by my emotions on the day.” 

François

This may sound a bit corny, but Cora's view appearing in the distance, accompanied by her father, completely turned me upside down. This moment is unique. I am alone with myself, facing family and friends, who also only have eyes for her! I watch her walk towards me to music chosen with her, and with each step that brings her closer to me, the emotion overwhelms me more and more. If I could have, I would have engraved this moment in time! But in writing these few words, I realize that this memory is ultimately still as intense and strong, and it fills me with joy!

Advice from the newlyweds

"We must always keep in mind that this is a unique and incredible experience. Both the wedding weekend and the preparation. Each step that leads you there only happens once. When you happen to be tired facing the mountain of details to manage, to be stressed facing the hazards of the last moment, remember to enjoy them because these moments are too fleeting and it would be a shame to waste them. There will always be details that will not be ready, questions to address, but fully embrace the moment and tell yourself that there is no obligation, and that you have to let things take their course.

One piece of advice I would give: delegate everything on the big day! Either have the family or witnesses very well briefed or invest in a wedding planner to coordinate last minute issues for you. It's your day. Be selfish and let others handle it. 😊 »

---

Wedding Suppliers

Venue - The Domains of Patras
Caterer – The Epicurean

Bride's outfit
Bride's dress – Agnieszka Swiatly

Groom's Attire
Groom's suit – custom made Suit supply
Shoes - Suit supply
Accessories - Suit supply

Hair & Make up – Camille Bonardi
DJ – Brice de Groovin' Event

Flowers - Josephine Florist
Decoration – Josephine Florist
Announcements and stationery – Card making

Photographer – Yeter Kurt

---

TO BE CONTINUED…

Our addresses on The Address Book
Our favorites on the shop
Our inspirations on our Pinterest

Follow our news on instagram et facebook

---

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Congratulations to the happy couple for this beautiful sharing. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!
Special thanks to Yeter Kurt for submitting this report!

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like:
Planning a wedding: Some keys to start your preparations
A wedding at the Patras estates – Camille + Thibault
Provencal wedding at Domaines de Patras – Jessica + Mickaël
A wedding at Domaines de Patras – Camille + Julien
Les Domaines de Patras, an exceptional place in Provence

---