A Fashion-Forward Wedding Overlooking the Rolling Hills of Southern France

Sentimental Suits

The couple wore suits that complemented one another but did not match. Before his death, Jonathan Skow of Mr. Turk cut Thomas a beautiful suit that wasn't even in production. "He was so amazing and was honored to do it. He had the warehouse cut one in my size and overnight it," says Thomas. "His handwritten notes and messages will be items I cherish forever."

Jared's ornate wedding suit from Topman featured birds of paradise.

All in the Details

Jared knew Thomas would want to help design his own ring, so he proposed with a necklace inscribed with the phrase "All In," which was meaningful to them both. As for Thomas' official ring, the couple chose a Todd Reed distressed silver and gold band with seven raw black diamonds. Jared went with a simple hammered metal ring from Etsy.

A Very Warm Welcome

Before the wedding, the couple hosted a welcome dinner complete with wine and a food truck.

Florals

Dahlias were the only request Thomas and Jared had of Lara of Fiori Flowers, who flew in from Denver to bring their floral vision to life. After shopping at local flea markets for vintage bowls, tiny vases, and gravy boats, she decorated the venue to beautifully complement—but not overshadow—the surrounding vineyards and greenery. Grapes, figs, wildflowers, and, of course, dahlias abounded.

The Most Magical Venue

The ceremony took place on the grounds of Chateau de Panisseau, in front of an amazing 12th-century castle. A stone walkway led to an intimate enclosed area shaded by trees. Their planner, Leah from La Dolce Events, created a half-moon-shaped arrangement of chairs for guests.

As for why the couple chose their bucolic venue? "We wanted it to be in the rolling hills of southern France because we had been there before, and we wanted a celebration that incorporated a strong connection with the land, food, and culture of the region," they say.

A Colorful Crowd

The couple had one rule in terms of a dress code for guests: No one could wear black. Since Jared and Thomas wore colorful suits, a few guests dressed in all-white.

A Ceremony to Remember

At 5:45 p.m., the ceremony began to the tune of "Simply the Best" by Noah Reid—a tribute to the couple's love for Schitt's Creek. The sky was clear (a perfect day!) as the couple began to make their way down the aisle. Thomas was escorted by his aunt Kathy and cousin Amanda, while Jared processed in accompanied by his father and stepmother, Candice.

The processional wasn't entirely without kinks. "I slipped and almost fell coming down the stairs," Thomas remembers. "There are some great photos [like this one!] where you can see us laughing!"

The Ring Warming

The service became even more personal during the ring warming. Right before Thomas and Jared exchanged their vows, the wedding bands were passed around to guests who "warmed" them in their hands with love and well-wishes. "I got to see each person and look them in the eyes as they held our rings and winked, whispered to us, held them silently, and passed them onto the next person," recalls Jared.

Personal Touches

The couple asked their long-time friend, "soul brother," and tattoo artist Lance Talon to officiate. Several other guests also read original heartfelt writings during the ceremony.

Cocktail Hour

Thomas and Jared enjoyed some alone time right after the ceremony, but planned a chic cocktail party for their guests. The event took place behind the castle, overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard. Small bites and signature cocktails were served.

Live Music

Throughout the evening, a local band comprised of guitars, a violin, and an accordion played traditional French café music to set the mood.

Easygoing Escort Cards

Instead of assigning seats for dinner, Thomas and Jared let guests sit wherever they liked. Escort cards featured each celebrant's name and a small picture of a duck, fish, or a carrot, so the service staff would know what dinner entrée each guest had selected no matter where they situated themselves.

A Family Dinner

Dinner took place in a beautiful tree-filled space in the shadow of the castle. Tables were in arranged in a giant U-shape, so guests would feel like one big family. After dinner, attendees made their way to the courtyard for dessert and dancing.

An Authentic Menu

Thomas and Jared let their caterers Melanie and Charlie—the owners of a small restaurant, Le Vin'Quatre, in Bergerac, France—take the reins for dinner. They developed meat, fish, and vegetarian options for an intimate three-course menu.

Eclectic Tabletops

Vintage dinnerware adorned the tabletops, while various colored linens (handmade by one of Thomas' clients) made the whole setup one-of-a-kind. Most of the tabletops' pieces and runners, along with the candlesticks and candles, were provided by La Dolce Events. The flower vases were thrifted from local flea markets.

A Traditional French Dessert

On par with French tradition, Thomas and Jared decided to forgo a cake. Instead, they served a traditional Croquembouche, complete with cream puffs filled with espresso or vanilla crème.

The First Dance

Instead of just one first dance, Thomas and Jared each picked out a song with personal meaning. Thomas chose "Glitter in the Air" by Pink, while Jared selected a classic: Neil Young's "Harvest Moon."

"I have to say that I wouldn't change a single thing [about the wedding]," says Thomas. "People came together as strangers and left as lifelong friends, and that really was what it was all about for me."

Sources

Photography, Poppy & Co.

Location, Chateau de Panisseau

Event planning, La Dolce Events

Catering and Croquembouche, Le Vin'Quatre

Flowers, Lara DeBroux of Fiori Flowers

Officiant, Lance Talon

Stationery, Abigail Butler of Chirps and Cricket

Music, Djangophil: Bib Bourdie,DJ Lexi

Rentals, Souchon Reception

Groom's suit, Mr. Turk, Topman