The New Retro - Together Journal

We envisioned a retro-inspired wedding aesthetic.

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

Charlène, 36, is an art director in advertising, and Romain, 34, is a roofer with his own company. Two very different worlds, but a shared passion for our work. We live near Pau, in the southwest of France, and enjoy the simple things in life: road trips to the Atlantic coast, going to the movies, and spending time with family.

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

Our story began nearly ten years ago, thanks to Tinder. At the time, we lived about an hour apart. For our first meeting, Charlène made the drive to Romain’s countryside home. He greeted her… in the middle of a field, surrounded by little goats. That was all it took to win her over!

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

We envisioned a retro-inspired wedding aesthetic, drawing on the effortlessly chic spirit of the 60s and 70s but with a modern, editorial twist. The venue, a raw and industrial loft, set the tone: minimalist yet full of character. We chose a palette of timeless neutrals with vintage accents: off-white, deep black and dark olive. subtly echoed in the floral arrangements and table styling. The key styling elements included tailored suits, a classic car, soft lighting, and glassware that felt like a nod to another era. Our florals were romantic but unfussy : delicate white blooms with flowing, organic lines. Overall, we wanted something cinematic, bold, and intimate. Less traditional fairytale, more timeless style statement.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Of all the visual elements, it was really the combinakon of the classic car, our bespoke garments, and the character of the venue that brought everything together. The vintage Porsche added a cinematic, timeless feel to the photos, while the custom outfits, tailored suits and a gown with delicate embroidered details, reflected our vision of retro elegance with a contemporary edge. The venue itself, with its high ceilings, industrial charm, and natural light, created the perfect backdrop. We didn’t need to over-style; the space, the car, and the clothes spoke for themselves.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

What I enjoyed most was choosing our bespoke garments and imagining the overall decoration: it was so special to see our personalities take shape through the details. Creating something that felt uniquely us made the whole process incredibly rewarding. My biggest tip for couples just starting out would be to communicate openly and often, both with each other and with your vendors. Don’t assume anything is obvious, and don’t be afraid to express your ideas, even if they feel a bit out of the box. That’s how the most meaningful and memorable moments come to life.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Absolutely! We were lucky to work with some incredible vendors who truly brought our vision to life. A special mention goes to Bedford Atelier, who created the bespoke suits. Clotilde and Nicolas were not only extremely professional but also genuinely attentive to every detail. They really took the time to understand our style and made the whole experience feel personal and seamless. We also can’t say enough good things about Maude, our photographer. Her eye for retro-inspired imagery and her ability to capture atmosphere over posed moments was exactly what we were looking for. She made us feel comfortable from the first shot, and her timeless, cinematic style perfectly matched the mood we had imagined.

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

Our main outfits were a true reflection of our vision: timeless with a twist. The suits were entirely bespoke, crafted by Bedford Atelier, and what made them unique was the level of detail and care that went into each piece. There was something really special about the process: from the choice of fabrics to the final fittings, Clotilde and Nicolas made it feel like a creative journey, not just a purchase. As for the dress, it combined clean lines with delicate embroidered top, adding a romantic yet modern touch. It felt both nostalgic and contemporary, like it could have existed in the 70s or now. Each outfit was more than just clothing; it was part of the story we were telling together that day.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Our wedding and engagement rings were chosen with the same intention as the rest of the day: timelessness with meaning. The engagement ring is a delicate, vintage-inspired design, a piece that feels like it has a story, even though it’s newly ours. For the wedding bands, we wanted something simple yet elegant. We chose classic bands, but with slight personal touches in the finish and engraving to make them truly unique to us.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Two elements that were especially important to us, and worth spending a little more on, were the suits and the photography. We saw the suits as an investment: they were bespoke, timeless, and designed to be worn well beyond the wedding day. It felt meaningful to create something that would last. As for the photography, we knew from the start that capturing the day beautifully was essential. Maude’s retro, cinematic style was exactly what we were looking for. The photos she gave us are lasting memories that bring all the emotion and atmosphere of the day back in an instant.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

One moment we’ll always treasure was the first time we saw each other in our outfits, it was such a powerful mix of excitement, emotion, and recognition. Everything we had imagined came to life in that instant, and it felt so us. Another moment, much simpler but just as special, was sharing a slice of pizza together at the very end of the night. After all the emotion and energy, sitting down quietly, just the two of us, married, still in our garments, eating pizza: it was the perfect, grounding end to a day we’ll never forget.