Cécile + Nicolas by Oriane Baldassarre - Together Journal

We really wanted to have flowers, plants, and colour.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

My name is Cécile. I married Nicolas. We are young people around forty.

I work in the wedding industry as a hairdresser/makeup artist on my own.

I love love, life, nature, meetings, art, fashion, the simple little things of everyday life, good food with friends, being in contact with water…

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. We had certainly crossed paths before, but it wasn’t the right time for us to be together or to know each other. So we never really saw each other. And three years ago, in February, I met Nico at Deborah’s birthday party. He was there. I arrived accompanied; in my head, it was already over, but I hadn’t said it yet. And I immediately saw Nico among all the people I already knew. Something happened at that moment; a kind of solar thing around him appeared. We more or less talked, but especially laughed during that evening together, and when we each went home, I always had him in my head, I wanted to see him again, I left my old relationship which was short. Finally, we saw each other again at these friends’ houses. He took me home, and we never left each other. And I knew that something big was waiting for us and that we had to go for it.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

In fact, I immediately felt that it was him. When I went to his place he insisted that everything be good, he prepared the food himself, it was simple but very good. He had made a two salmon tart; he had chosen a good wine, and small desserts. Everything was very simple and easy. We did not play roles, even if there was seduction, we did not play roles, and as I felt safe, I knew that it was going to go far.

And where I really really felt that it was the man, it was during our first ski outing together. I was unable to go down the icy slope, despite my tears and anger he remained kindly at my side, he put me behind him and we went down the slope quietly together.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…

I was very surprised by the proposal; I didn’t expect it. I thought we would have children before since that was his pattern: the most engaging thing is to be a parent (and, of course, it is). But for my part, marriage meant a lot to me, even if it wasn’t a tense subject in the couple. He really made this proposal at the right time since it was in November, a rather calm month, winter coming, and I didn’t suspect it at all. At that time, he was available because he was in a professional transition to create his company, so he had time. When I asked him “why now” he answered that he wanted us to be husband and wife yes, and in addition to that he could accompany me in the preparations.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.

Being from the wedding industry, I had something quite defined in mind, which revolved around the timeless, elegant things I like to work on with my brides. We wanted to add a very colourful side because with Nico, we both really like nature and colours, so we immediately agreed on it, even if he trusted a lot later on the decoration part. But basically, I saw the wedding mixing fairy tale/dream, a little grandiose, but also intimate, not a big wedding, just with people we love. A big party with simple things, we made a single dish: a big paella, and some delicious local products: cheese and wine.

What was one element you were happy to splurge on?

I would say the floral part! Because we really wanted to have flowers, plants, and colour. It was more important for us to have this decorative atmosphere, welcoming people.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

We received the paper table plans at the last minute, but they were not at all in accordance with the order. We had three identical prints, so we were missing three table plans. It was very stressful because it was received the day before, so I delegated it to my best friend, who knows how to draw a little. He wasn’t 100% confident, but I asked him to take care of it. With children’s pencils found on the pile, he drew the missing parts, it was a bit childish, it was very good.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

It was obvious to go to Maison Maelie since I have known her for some time, i had the opportunity to work on shoots with her and I really love what she does.

I had inspiration from Christie Nicole Bridal, and when discussing it with Amelie, we also found ourselves very much in the style of Vivienne Westwood, with the signature and French touch of Amelie.

I wanted a timeless dress, out of the ordinary, with a fashionable touch. So we focused on the sleeves because I wanted shine (but not too much). We worked on these sleeves several times to find the perfect design. And for the dress, the final touch that revealed the whole thing was when we made this big ultra-glam slit that starts from very high. For a contemporary, feminine and daring side while remaining chic!