We arrived at a small rocky beach and we began searching for interesting rocks to take with us, when Seb called out, “Hey I found a cool one over here!” He got down on one knee on the rocky beach and we both felt super nervous — even though we both knew what was coming!
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Sebastien: I’m an arborist, and spend my days outside in the trees, learning how to care for them. In my free time, I like cooking, gardening, playing with our 2 pups, and finding fun projects to work on around the house.
Farrah: I’m an art director and web designer and I spend my workdays at my computer, working with clients all over the country. In my free time, I like taking photos, reading, and solving crossword puzzles.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
FF: We first met when a mutual friend put together a group art show and included both of our photo work. Sebastien reached out via Instagram to buy work from me, and we connected over our interest in photography. We set a time to meet up and take photos together, and haven’t stopped hanging out since.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Yes! Seb and I decided we wanted to get married and went ring shopping together, which took a lot of the anxiety out of the equation for us. We had a big trip planned with both of our families to go to France for the Christmas holiday in 2021. So I figured he would propose during the trip (although I didn’t know exactly when he would pop the question).
A few days after Christmas, our families were on a long hike on a beautiful 70° day along the cliffs of southern France. We arrived at a small rocky beach and we began searching for interesting rocks to take with us, when Seb called out, “Hey I found a cool one over here!”
He got down on one knee on the rocky beach and we both felt super nervous — even though we both knew what was coming! Our parents and siblings were ecstatic, and our fellow beachgoers clapped and cheered too. It was quite sweet.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
FF: We both are pretty introverted and shy away from lots of attention, so we knew that we wanted an intimate and small wedding where we could celebrate with our closest family and friends. I wanted it to feel like a fun, elevated summer party — so that’s what we did! We held it on a city rooftop in Charlottesville, which lent a modern vibe, while our clothes, decor and styling tied in some more classic elements. With only 35 guests, we were really able to spend time with everyone and the rooftop was the perfect size for it to feel lively with a smaller crowd.
We got to do some fun things that maybe would’ve felt overwhelming with a large group. My dad and I sang a song together and Seb and I got to pour our own champagne tower. We did a group first dance with all of our parents which was super fun. And we really got to dance and hang out with everyone there which was so special.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
FF: Photography and planning!! Before I was ever engaged, I knew that I wanted Peyton to photograph my wedding. I’ve admired her work for years and having her there was my first priority when we started the planning process. And having Sabrina as our stylist and planner was such a dream. She handled all the details with ease and confidence and understood the vision from day 1. I was able to really enjoy the day knowing she was there along every step of the way.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
FF: Seb had a ton of trouble getting his boutonnière pinned on and had everyone from his best man to my dad try to get it put on correctly. Eventually my mom got it but I was waiting a while for him to show up to our first look! Talk about suspense!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Seb: I bought my suit with my dad and went with a deconstructed subtly-pinstriped cotton suit with a monochrome all-navy palette.
Farrah: I tried on so many dresses. I had 5 different bridal gown appointments but everything just felt too over-the-top for the vibe I was going for. At first I thought I wanted lots of detailing and drama in the dress, but the more dresses I tried on, the more I realized I wanted something super simple. So I spent a lot of time googling “white silk sheath dress” until I eventually ordered a secondhand past-season dress from Reformation’s bridal line. And it fit like a dream! It was perfect for what I was going for and I added extra interest with the veil and shoes and earrings to really make it feel like me.
Ceremony + Reception Location: Common House, @common__house / Photographer: Peyton Curry, @peytoncurry / Celebrant: Farrah’s dad who is a pastor / Entertainment: DJ Anthony Bryant, @ant_boogie_ / Design + Coordination: Sabrina Allison Design, @sabrinaallison_design / Flora: Vessel + Stem, @vesselandstem / Catering + Beverages: Common House, @common__house / Cake: Cake Bloom, @cakebloom / Stationery: designed by Farrah / Registry: Zola / Farrah’s Veil + Earrings: BHLDN Weddings, @bhldn / Farrah’s Shoes: Sam Edelman, @sam_edelman / Farrah’s Dress: Reformation, @reformation / Sebastien’s Belt + Shoes: Del Toro, @deltoro / Sebastien’s Suit + Tie: Ted Baker, @tedbaker / Ring/s: Nine Roses Jewelers, @nineroses / Makeup + Hair: The Veil Hair & Makeup Co, @theveilbridalco / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Reformation, @reformation
