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

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • 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
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • 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
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • 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
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • 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. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Summer Weddings
  7. A Chic, Family-Oriented Destination Wedding in France
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Chic, Family-Oriented Destination Wedding in France

Maya McDowell Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Intern
By Maya McDowell
Skip gallery slides
Pin
jannicke paal france wedding couple with kids
Credit: Greg Finck

Blue and beige tones, a ceremony beneath olive trees, and a château in Provence made this couple's day a fairy-tale celebration.

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
jannicke paal france wedding bride groom portrait
Credit: Greg Finck

Jannicke Steen and Paal Andre Utvik first met in 2009, while working in Manila, Philippines. Paal was instructed to find his replacement, before moving back to Shanghai, China, where he was primarily based. He contacted Jannicke for an interview. Little did Paal know, he had found a worthy candidate—and his future wife.

Over the next few years, Jannicke and Paal kept in touch occasionally for job-related matters, and met from time to time if they were both in Shanghai or Manila. Both originally from Norway, they met for dinner in 2015, with their children in tow. "It was a sweet and cozy dinner, where we were mainly fascinated with how our kids talked and seemed to get along," Jannicke recalls. A few months later, they went on their first "real" date and their years as just friends were behind them.

During a road trip up the California coast, the couple were cruising along when Paal asked what Jannicke would say if he asked her to marry him. "Bluntly and probably without thinking too much over the question, just knowing in my heart and mind that I was happy, I told him I would have said yes," she says. So, they drove from San Francisco to Las Vegas, secured their wedding certificate, planned an intimate wedding at a hotel the next day, and were married in a spontaneous ceremony on November 3, 2015 with two dear friends as witnesses.

About ten months later, Paal proposed to Jannicke in the garden of the home they share with their three children. And on July 1, 2017, Jannicke and Paal tied the knot in Provence, France, at Chateau d'Estoublon. Over the course of three days, the pair celebrated with 180 guests, and in Provencal style. With soft, sophisticated colors inspired by the venue's exterior, and a ceremony among 100-year-old olive trees, Jannicke and Paal's château wedding was charming and chic.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Stationery Suite

jannicke paal france wedding stationery
Credit: Greg Finck

After using Paperclutch for her daughter's birthday invitations, Jannicke reached out to owner Pam Baldwin about designing the wedding stationery. The invitations were elegant and sophisticated, featuring simple fonts. Light-blue string added a delicate touch of color to the otherwise white stationery.

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Château Celebration

jannicke paal france wedding outdoor venue
Credit: Greg Finck
5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding-Day Color Palette

Jannicke and Paal were drawn to the authentic, warm, and welcoming atmosphere of Provence, France. They chose to spend their wedding weekend at Château d'Estoublon because of the stunning location, beautiful décor, and the variety of spaces for the different events. Working with wedding planners Lavender & Rose, they chose a color palette for the wedding that drew inspiration from the limestone used in the construction of the main building. Light blue, beige, off-white, green, and gray tones were married with natural wood, linen, and touches of matte gold to create a refined, organic look.

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A French Welcome

jannicke paal france wedding favors
Credit: Greg Finck
102 Welcome Bags from Real Weddings

Upon arriving to Château d'Estoublon, guests received welcome boxes with French-themed favors. The blue boxes were personalized with "Bienvenue!" (that's French for "welcome") on the lid and a sachet of Provence lavender, small bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar produced at the château, and a welcome booklet tucked inside.

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Boho Bride

jannicke paal france wedding gown back detail
Credit: Greg Finck
28 Modern Headpieces for Your Wedding Day

After seeing Lihi Hod's wedding dresses, the bride reached out to the designer to see if there was enough time to get a dress made. With the atelier based in Israel, trips to the Mediterranean were necessary, but Jannicke got the dress of her dreams and added a vacation and planning meetings in France to the trip. She paired the V-neck, empire-waist "Luella" dress with earrings and a floral design headpiece by fellow Israeli designer Keren Wolf.

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All in the Details

jannicke paal france wedding shoes and accessories
Credit: Greg Finck

Jannicke walked down the aisle wearing the "Ava" satin sandal by Monique Lhuillier. Paal designed Jannicke's engagement ring with a jewelry designer in Hong Kong. The 3.2 carat diamond ring with a diamond band has a heart beneath the diamond that can be seen looking at the ring from the side. The inside of the band is engraved with "American You," which was the first song the couple listened to on their California road trip. The bride and groom had Tiffany & Co. bands from their Vegas wedding.

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Bouquet

jannicke paal france wedding bridal bouquet
Credit: Greg Finck
46 Pretty Peony Wedding Bouquets

Jannicke's bouquet, designed by Miss Rose by Perrine, featured white peonies with hints of delicate greenery and olive branches. It was finished with a light-blue, hand-dyed French silk ribbon.

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nearest & Dearest

jannicke paal france wedding family group portrait
Credit: Greg Finck

Jannicke and Paal's bridal party included their children, their two maids of honor, and their two best men. Jannicke's attendants wore Monique Lhuillier gowns. The couples' daughter, Sofia, was the flower girl. Their sons, Benjamin and Theodor, walked down the aisle behind Sofia as the ring bearers. Overall, the guests were a well-traveled bunch (including the Manila-based couple and their family), hailing from the States, Australia, Brazil, China, Singapore, Philippines, and Canada.

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

"Olive" You

jannicke paal france wedding ceremony venue
Credit: Greg Finck
28 Unique Ways to Seat Guests at Your Wedding Ceremony

The couple exchanged vows on a sprawling green lawn set with white bistro chairs among 100-year-old olive trees and the château in the distance.

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Arriving in Style

jannicke paal france wedding vintage car
Credit: Greg Finck

The bride arrived at the ceremony in a vintage white Citroen 2CV. "You don't get more French than that," Jannicke says.

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Precious Moments in Provence

jannicke paal france wedding recessional
Credit: Greg Finck

Seeing Jannicke coming up the aisle was Paal's favorite part of the day. "She was stunning, radiant, and took my breath away," he says.

Sofia did the first reading of the ceremony, "Love Is Friendship Caught Fire." After the couple's daughter came Paal's friend and then Jannicke's for the second and third readings. As the newlyweds walked down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, guests tossed flower petals and their musician friends sang "Rhythm of Love." After the ceremony, guests were invited to light a candle, say a prayer, or make a wish for the couple inside a small chapel between the ceremony and cocktail hour areas.

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Like Mother, Like Daughter

jannicke paal france wedding bride and daughter
Credit: Greg Finck

Eight-year-old Sofia wore a dress designed by Filipino designer Rajo Laurel to match her mother's gown. It had its own unique design elements, with a focus on using Filipino materials, and paired with flowers in her hair made for a sweet, boho look that matched her mom's.

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Family Affair

jannicke paal france wedding couple with kids
Credit: Greg Finck
How to Include Your Children in Your Wedding

The couple's children played significant roles in their wedding festivities. Sofia surprised Jannicke and Paal by singing during the welcome dinner, and Benjamin and Theodor gave a speech during the reception, which Jannicke described as "a very unexpected, personal and loving part of the wedding."

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Courtyard Cocktails

jannicke paal france wedding cocktail hour
Credit: Greg Finck
25 Cocktail Hour Ideas from Real Weddings

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in a courtyard across from the venue's chapel. Friends and family of the newlyweds sipped Champagne and ate while a string quartet performed.

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Escort Cards

jannicke paal france wedding escort cards
Credit: Greg Finck

Escort cards were arranged on a rustic wooden board decorated with a floral garland, which was displaedy beneath a tree in the middle of the courtyard.

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

jannicke paal france wedding reception tables
Credit: Greg Finck

Dinner was held outside between rose gardens and the château's façade. Guests sat at round tables set with custom blue cotton tablecloths and upholstered chairs.

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Table Talk

jannicke paal france wedding table
Credit: Greg Finck
28 Ideas for Sitting Pretty at Your Head Table

The head table ran parallel to the château, and like the others, boasted white taper candles and flowers arranged in a mix of elegant vessels. "The château was beautifully lit at night and was used as the backdrop for speeches," Jannicke shares.

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Places, Please

jannicke paal france wedding placesetting
Credit: Greg Finck
The Prettiest Place Settings from Real Celebrations

The delicate place settings included glass chargers, matte gold cutlery, tulip-shaped glasses, and porcelain plates. Gold rims added an extra touch to the tableware. The menus, offering local seasonal produce from Helen Traiteur, were printed on light blue cards. Place cards were tied around the napkin with hand-dyed silk ribbon and accompanied by a spray rose.  

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cake

jannicke paal france wedding cake on stand
Credit: Greg Finck

Made in Cake created the semi-naked dessert with a rustic finish. Using trailing jasmine and a few peonies, Lavender & Rose added an elegant touch. To complete the pristine presentation, the cake sat on a wooden cake stand placed on a blue tablecloth.

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Like a Fairytale

jannicke paal france wedding dance with confetti
Credit: Greg Finck

"Tale as Old as Time" was an easy choice for the bride and groom's first dance. "We watched Beauty and the Beast with Sofia and following the dance scene in the movie, we began to rehearse after the movie in our own living room," Jannicke says. "Eventually it just became our first dance song," the bride says of the Ariana Grande and John Legend tune. A surprise confetti burst, arranged by Lavender & Rose, added to the magical moment.

The revelry continued—as guests celebrated until 4 a.m. thanks to an after-party in the on-site bistro.

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

jannicke paal france wedding couple kiss
Credit: Greg Finck

Photography, Greg Finck

Location, Château d'Estoublon

Event planning, Lavender & Rose Weddings

Catering, Helen Traiteur

Flowers, Miss Rose by Perrine

Videography, Pascal Délé

Officiant, Peter Madan

Stationery, Paperclutch

Cake, Made in Cake

Music, The Phly Boyz; DJ Johan Bäckström (after-party)

Rentals, Be Lounge; Options

Bride's dress, Lihi Hod Bridal

Bride's accessories, Lihi Hod veil; Keren Wolf headpieces and earrings; Monqiue Lhuillier shoes

Hair and makeup, Olga Elite

Bridesmaids' dresses, Monique Lhuillier

Flower girl dress, Rajo Laurel

Groom's suit, Tai Pan Row

Groom's accessories, Finamore shirt; Tod's shoes

Lighting, Mister Prod

Transportation, A&N Prestige

Bride & Groom's wedding bands, Tiffany & Co.

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Maya McDowell

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21
    2 of 21 The Stationery Suite
    3 of 21 A Château Celebration
    4 of 21 A French Welcome
    5 of 21 Boho Bride
    6 of 21 All in the Details
    7 of 21 The Bridal Bouquet
    8 of 21 Nearest & Dearest
    9 of 21 "Olive" You
    10 of 21 Arriving in Style
    11 of 21 Precious Moments in Provence
    12 of 21 Like Mother, Like Daughter
    13 of 21 A Family Affair
    14 of 21 Courtyard Cocktails
    15 of 21 Escort Cards
    16 of 21 The Reception
    17 of 21 Table Talk
    18 of 21 Places, Please
    19 of 21 The Cake
    20 of 21 Like a Fairytale
    21 of 21 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 2023 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

    A Chic, Family-Oriented Destination Wedding in France
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.