SARAH & SIMON

SARAH NAVARRO and SIMON GRIMALDI returned to their roots for a quaint celebration in the south of France.

Simon and I met in France (where we’re from) in Toulouse more than 11 years ago. There’s a test that everyone has to sit after high school called Baccalauréat and that’s where we first met. We then realised we were going to the same university and became fast friends and then a couple.

Five years ago we moved to New Zealand for work, for professional reasons initially, but quickly fell in love with the country. In 2017, after a summer bach-hopping across New Zealand with friends, we finally had a ‘free’ weekend, so Simon suggested we head to Waiheke Island. It was while we were there that he proposed, but I was so surprised that I burst into laughter. The poor guy was so confused with my reaction, but as we sat in the car Beyoncé’s Halo started playing on the radio and I started to cry. It was incredibly emotional, and I thought to myself, “I’ll sing this song for him at the wedding.” And I did!

Since most of our family is in France, we knew we’d get married back home, plus the colours of the countryside are so beautiful during the summer. We found Chateau du Croisillat in a little town called Caraman. The gardens were breathtaking and the interior of our reception space had exposed wooden beams and red brick.

I love creating things and DIY is definitely my thing. I really wanted some Toetoe (the endemic plant from New Zealand) but it was too hot in France to find some. My girlfriends Alejandra and Mathilde and I went on a Toetoe mission near Tawharanui and got some beautiful stems that I brought all the way back to France. They now sit beautifully at my parents’ house.

Simon and I wanted to create a vibe that incorporated all the different cultures in our families. We kept colours natural, using lots of wood, dry plants and white flowers.

I was really stressed that I’d never find a dress, when I stumbled across Rue de Seine. I felt like the brand was created for me and while I tried on at least 10 dresses, my heart was captured with the first gown I tried on. It had a figure-hugging silhouette with a low back, made with a fine mesh and delicate embroidery, beading and fringe trim. Simon wore a lovely blue (like his eyes) suit from Barkers, a white shirt, brown leather shoes and a soft brown leather bow tie. I had two amazing bridesmaids who were also my two witnesses: my cousin Pauline who is like a sister to me, and my best friend Agathe. I told them both that I would like them to wear a neutral colour, ideally nude, light brown or blush. Agathe found a cute playsuit from French designer, Maie, and Pauline wore a dusty rose hued dress from Miss Crabb.

We wanted a sit-down dinner, but nothing fancy. My favourite part was the cheese platters – I got to choose all of the cheeses, so I was in heaven.

We had an amazing DJ, who accommodated for the wide range of ages, and everyone had an incredible time dancing. We literally danced the night away – the party went on until 7am!