Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings Here's Proof That You Can Throw a Tropical Wedding in the Middle of the French Countryside By Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland Blythe is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on February 11, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Anneli Marinovich Jen Brook and Tim Botfield were smitten from the start; they met while working at a restaurant in Sheffield, England, in 2006, but after six months of being "inseparable," says Jen, they parted ways after moving to London. Five years later, Jen was on a trip to the French Alps with her friends when the couple "physically bumped into each other" (Tim had moved to the Alps two years earlier). The reunion re-lit their original spark—and they picked up right where they'd left off, this time in London together. Six years later, after Tim popped the question at their Wimbledon flat with a candlelit proposal—topped off with a Champagne breakfast—the pair began planning their wedding in Dordogne, France, where Tim's family has a vacation home, which would take place on July 25, 2019. They screened six venues, "all different, but matching our brief of special, yet not ostentatious," says Jen, including La Léotardie. "After a lot of gin and tonics and some crazy ideas, we decided it was the one. We couldn't have been happier and now consider it a very special place in our hearts, for us as well as our family and friends." Oui, Mon Coeur helped combine the couple's two different aesthetics—Jen's is "fairly fabulous and slightly extra," while Tim is "a bit more down to earth"—into an atmosphere Jen refers to as "tropical French chic." Bright coral, pink, and red tones paired well with the rich green of island-inspired foliage, while light wood, weathered materials, and tanned leather incorporated the surrounding countryside. The color scheme also tied into Jen and Tim's mantra of "Rosé All Day," which summed up the feeling they wanted to create for their 120 guests. "We would describe ourselves as fun and really quite relaxed when it comes to most things, so we really wanted that to be reflected in the wedding," says Jen. "We wanted everyone to feel like they were amongst family at home, drinking French bottled beers, rosé, and tropical cocktails in the French countryside." 01 of 19 Bright and Beautiful Anneli Marinovich The couple's paper goods from LouPaper incorporated several recurring motifs: The bright, watercolored tones of the tropical flowers on the invitation were echoed on the detail cards, place cards, and menus, while orange-and-peach tassels on the place cards matched other fringed accents throughout the décor. Tropical Wedding Ideas That Will Transform Your Big Day Into an Oasis 02 of 19 Love at First Sight Anneli Marinovich Jen's Grace Loves Lace wedding dress, with its deep V-neck, plunging back, and high center split in the front, caught her eye immediately. "It was the fourth dress I had tried on, but it was actually the first I had pinned on my mood board nearly eight months earlier without knowing the designer," says Jen. "As soon as I saw the style, I knew. I had said a backless lace dress with an elongated train would be my ideal dress." She added other accessories from the same designer, including strappy heels with jeweled anklets and earrings from Franky Rose. 03 of 19 Garden Party Anneli Marinovich For her bridesmaids, Jen chose a set of coordinating Jenny Yoo gowns that incorporated the coral, blush, and floral elements of the design palette. "I knew I wanted them all in their own unique dress, styled to suit their figures," she says. Florist Le Coeur Sauvage made white king protea the focal point of the bride's hand-tied bouquet, with anthurium, roses, dahlias, ranunculus, and other blooms as accents; bright tassels from Ichi My Love were a playful complement. 04 of 19 Laid-Back Looks Anneli Marinovich While the groomsmen stayed casual in navy Hugo Boss chinos, white T.M. Lewin shirts, suspenders, and white sneakers, Tim opted for a more dressed-up style—adding a Hugo Boss jacket and Russell and Bromley slip-ons. 29 Stylish Groomsmen from Real Weddings 05 of 19 An Icy Welcome Anneli Marinovich As guests entered the ceremony, they were treated to rosé snow cones from Fernand et Paulette—dubbed "Frosé"—to help combat the day's heat (the temperature eventually hit 108 degrees). 06 of 19 Ferns and Flowers Anneli Marinovich A 400-year-old oak tree on the property offered an unforgettable spot for the couple's ceremony. Le Coeur Sauvage created a garland of tropical foliage to coordinate with the rest of the decor, while the design team styled the altar area with a jute rug, woven baskets, and rattan lanterns. 20 Ways to Decorate a Wedding Ceremony Held Beneath Trees 07 of 19 Island Vibes Anneli Marinovich Wooden chairs in neat rows created a center aisle for the bridal party processional, while anthurium, monstera leaves, and silk tassels offered a tropical accent to the rustic atmosphere of the location. The couple also placed a fan on each guest's chair. Jen chose a recorded, acoustic version of her "all-time favorite" song—Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"—for her processional. Her father escorted her down the aisle toward Tim, which served as the couple's first look of the day. Officiant Sandie Smith presided over a non-religious ceremony that included passages written by the couple. "During the planning process, Sandie asked us separately what we loved about each other, and she read our responses aloud during the ceremony," says Jen. The duo also included two readings: "On Marriage," by Khalil Gibran, and Bob Marley's "He's Not Perfect." 08 of 19 Coming Up Rosé Anneli Marinovich After the ceremony, the newlyweds led their loved ones to a second cocktail area, where bartenders served up rosé in bottles labeled "La Vie en Rosé" and "Rosé Your Cares Away." Jen and Tim surprised their guests by inviting saxophonist Ellie Sax to join the cocktail hour; she stayed to provide entertainment during the reception, following guests onto the dance floor. "Everyone just fell in love with her!" says Jen. Creative Ways to Drink (and Eat!) Rosé at Your Summer Wedding 09 of 19 Lounging Around Anneli Marinovich Guests perched on bohemian lounge furniture while sipping on rosé. 10 of 19 Jumping for Joy Anneli Marinovich Though Jen and Tim attended the cocktail hour, they also made time to slip away together for portraits. "Make time during the day to take in everything that has come together," says Jen. "The day goes too quickly." 11 of 19 Wheels Up Anneli Marinovich Cards with watercolor accents matching the rest of the day-of paper goods hung from copper-painted bicycle wheels, directing guests to their assigned tables. Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays 12 of 19 Up in the Air Anneli Marinovich Jen and Tim asked their team to incorporate an annual Dordogne tradition of stringing handmade flower puffs over the streets of the village during the town's summer festival; the end result referenced Tim's love of cycling, too, as bike wheels created frames for hanging chandeliers draped in coral silk or tropical leaves. 13 of 19 Honey-Do Anneli Marinovich The couple highlighted simple linens, white china, and copper flatware with coral napkins, watercolored table numbers, and tasseled place cards. Subtle centerpieces mixed architectural blooms in glass bud vases with assorted votive holders and pink, red, and coral pillar candles. They placed small pots of honey, covered in a fabric the mother of the bride sourced from South Africa, at each setting. "Our amazing bridesmaids spent an entire day cutting, measuring, and tying over 120 honey pot covers," says Jen, "and I think it's safe to say they'd never want to look at that fabric again!" Everything You Need to Know About Renting Wedding Linens 14 of 19 The View Up Above Anneli Marinovich Celebrants sat family style, conversing freely during the mid-afternoon dinner. 15 of 19 Fired Up Anneli Marinovich In keeping with local tradition, Jen and Tim chose a French croquembouche tower for their wedding dessert; profiteroles in coffee, vanilla, and chocolate flavors were presented with fiery sparklers. Wedding Cake Alternatives for the Couple Who Just Doesn't Like Cake 16 of 19 Cheese Cake Anneli Marinovich The cheese lovers also offered several of their favorite varieties—a little something savory to complement the sweet. 17 of 19 Ready to Dance Anneli Marinovich The couple turned the venue's old-fashioned stone barn into a modern dance club by hanging sparkling gold disco balls from the ceiling, adding plenty of lighting, and choosing one very custom finishing touch: A neon sign showing off the lyrics to Jen's favorite song, which was the first decorating decision the couple made. 18 of 19 Their First Dance Anneli Marinovich After the couple's first dance—to "Higher Love"—in the courtyard, the party moved into the barn, where Brightlights band and Ellie Sax kept the party going. 19 of 19 Sources Anneli Marinovich Photography, Anneli MarinovichVenue, La LéotardieEvent Planning, Wonderlust EventsEvent Design, Oui, Mon CoeurCatering and Cake, Lovage and PumpernickelFlowers, Le Coeur SauvageVideography, One Forever FilmsOfficiant, Sandie SmithStationery, LoupaperMusic, Brightlights; Ellie SaxRentals and Lighting, Le Petit PicheBride's Gown, Veil, and Shoes, Grace Loves LaceBride's Jewelry, Franky RoseHair, Ciara CoiffureMakeup, Charles GillmanBridesmaids' Dresses, Jenny YooGroom's Attire, Hugo BossMenswear, Hugo Boss pants; T.M. Lewin shirtsGroom's Shoes, Russell and BromleyTransportation, Autocars GerardinFrosé, Fernand & PauletteGuest Book, Bark & BerryNeon sign, LC SignRings, Private CollectionSilk Tassels and Fringe, Ichi My Love Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit