Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. Here's Proof That You Can Throw a Tropical Wedding in the Middle of the French Countryside
Martha Stewart Weddings

Here's Proof That You Can Throw a Tropical Wedding in the Middle of the French Countryside

By Blythe Copeland February 11, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
jen tim wedding couple at golden hour
Credit: Anneli Marinovich

This couple combined their two very different aesthetics as they planned their colorful, relaxed, and rosé-fueled big day.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
jen tim wedding couple at golden hour
Credit: 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."

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bright and Beautiful

jen tim wedding tropical pink invites on giant leaf
Credit: 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

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Love at First Sight

jen tim bride in wedding dress putting on shoes
Credit: 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.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garden Party

jen tim wedding bridesmaids in pink beige and pastel blue
Credit: 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.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Laid-Back Looks

jen tim wedding casual groomsmen
Credit: 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

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An Icy Welcome

jen tim wedding clear sign with pink paint
Credit: 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).

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ferns and Flowers

jen tim wedding ceremony tree wrapped in tropical garland
Credit: 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

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Island Vibes

jen tim wedding ceremony in front of tree
Credit: 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."

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coming Up Rosé

jen tim wedding people walking through field
Credit: 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

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lounging Around

jen tim wedding guests lounging during reception
Credit: Anneli Marinovich

Guests perched on bohemian lounge furniture while sipping on rosé.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Jumping for Joy

jen tim wedding couple portraits at golden hour
Credit: 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 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wheels Up

jen tim wedding bicycle wheel seating chart
Credit: 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 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Up in the Air

jen tim wedding reception elegant tropical decor on long table
Credit: 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 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Honey-Do

jen tim wedding reception white and coral place setting
Credit: 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 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The View Up Above

jen tim wedding reception long tables aerial view
Credit: Anneli Marinovich

Celebrants sat family style, conversing freely during the mid-afternoon dinner.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fired Up

jen tim wedding croq with sparklers
Credit: 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 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheese Cake

jen tim wedding cheesecake on wooden board
Credit: Anneli Marinovich

The cheese lovers also offered several of their favorite varieties—a little something savory to complement the sweet.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ready to Dance

jen tim wedding dance floor with live band instruments and neon sign
Credit: 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 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Their First Dance

jen tim wedding first dance with sparklers
Credit: 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 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

jen tim wedding couple kissing against stone wall
Credit: Anneli Marinovich

Photography, Anneli Marinovich 
Venue, La Léotardie
Event Planning, Wonderlust Events
Event Design, Oui, Mon Coeur
Catering and Cake, Lovage and Pumpernickel
Flowers, Le Coeur Sauvage 
Videography, One Forever Films 
Officiant, Sandie Smith
Stationery, Loupaper
Music, Brightlights; Ellie Sax 
Rentals and Lighting, Le Petit Piche
Bride's Gown, Veil, and Shoes, Grace Loves Lace  
Bride's Jewelry, Franky Rose  
Hair, Ciara Coiffure 
Makeup, Charles Gillman 
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Jenny Yoo 
Groom's Attire, Hugo Boss
Menswear, Hugo Boss pants; T.M. Lewin shirts
Groom's Shoes, Russell and Bromley
Transportation, Autocars Gerardin
Frosé, Fernand & Paulette
Guest Book, Bark & Berry
Neon sign, LC Sign
Rings, Private Collection
Silk Tassels and Fringe, Ichi My Love

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • These Brides Brought Their Romantic, Secret Garden-Themed Wedding to Life at an Art Museum
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20
    2 of 20 Bright and Beautiful
    3 of 20 Love at First Sight
    4 of 20 Garden Party
    5 of 20 Laid-Back Looks
    6 of 20 An Icy Welcome
    7 of 20 Ferns and Flowers
    8 of 20 Island Vibes
    9 of 20 Coming Up Rosé
    10 of 20 Lounging Around
    11 of 20 Jumping for Joy
    12 of 20 Wheels Up
    13 of 20 Up in the Air
    14 of 20 Honey-Do
    15 of 20 The View Up Above
    16 of 20 Fired Up
    17 of 20 Cheese Cake
    18 of 20 Ready to Dance
    19 of 20 Their First Dance
    20 of 20 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Here's Proof That You Can Throw a Tropical Wedding in the Middle of the French Countryside
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.