3 Day French Riviera Extravaganza | Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Isa and Malcolm’s WEDDING VIDEO FEATURE
The Venue
The French Riviera, known locally as the Côte d'Azur, is a sun-drenched stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast corner of France. Renowned for its glamorous resorts, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, the French Riviera has long been a playground for the rich and famous, as well as a magnet for travelers seeking beauty, luxury, and relaxation.
At the heart of the French Riviera is Nice, the region's largest city and a vibrant cultural hub. With its palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, colorful markets, and charming Old Town, Nice exudes a laid-back Mediterranean charm that has captivated visitors for centuries. The city's rich history is evident in its elegant Belle Époque architecture, while its thriving arts scene is showcased in museums such as the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall.
Isa and Malcolm chose this area for their multi-day wedding because of their family connections here, both families having enjoyed summers on the beaches and in their family apartments.
The wedding took place at multiple locations, namely:
DAY 1: Pre-wedding day party - Paloma Beach
This family-run establishment is known for its private sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. A haven for food lovers, it serves up a range of delectable dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. The bar's casual yet chic ambiance, accentuated by its straw umbrellas and white lounge chairs, captures the spirit of the Riviera. As the sun sets, the beach bar transforms into a lively spot, with music and cocktails adding to the festive atmosphere. Offering a blend of privacy, excellent service, and a captivating seaside setting, Paloma Beach Bar invites you to experience the quintessential French Riviera lifestyle.
DAY 2: Bridal Preparations - Hôtel Cap-Estel
The Hôtel Cap-Estel is a luxurious oasis nestled between Monaco and Nice on the French Riviera. This private mansion turned five-star hotel offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mediterranean sea. With only 18 suites and rooms, the hotel provides an intimate and exclusive experience. Each suite is elegantly designed, offering comfort and sophistication. The private beach and heated infinity pool allow guests to indulge in the beauty of the Côte d'Azur. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant serves exquisite French cuisine with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients. For relaxation, the wellness area offers a range of treatments. Beyond its amenities, the hotel's exceptional service ensures a personalized and memorable stay. Whether for a wedding, a romantic getaway, or a tranquil retreat, Hôtel Cap-Estel offers an unparalleled experience of luxury and elegance.
Ceremony Location - Eglise Saint Michael
Eglise Saint Michael is a captivating landmark located in the heart of France. This historic church is renowned for its remarkable architecture that showcases the brilliance of French Gothic design. Its intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and towering spires all contribute to an atmosphere of divine grandeur and tranquility. Inside, the church houses exquisite works of religious art, providing a cultural feast for visitors. The grand organ, known for its rich and resonant sound, adds to the ethereal ambiance during services. Eglise Saint Michael is not just a place of worship, but also a venue that hosts classical music concerts, thereby merging spirituality with artistry. Whether for a peaceful moment of reflection, a joyous wedding ceremony, or a cultural exploration, Eglise Saint Michael offers a memorable experience steeped in historical significance and architectural splendor.
Reception Venue - Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a jewel of the French Riviera, is an exquisite location drenched in history, beauty, and elegance. Nestled on the serene Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, between Nice and Monaco, this Italian Renaissance-style palazzo offers a captivating view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Built by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild in the early 20th century, the villa is a testament to her refined taste and love for art. The edifice itself is an architectural marvel, with pink-hued façades, intricate detailing, and a grand patio. Inside, the villa houses a remarkable collection of art and antique furniture, each room depicting a different period, from the decadence of the French 18th century to the exoticism of the Oriental style.
However, the true magic of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild lies in its enchanting gardens. Designed by landscape architect Achille Duchêne, these gardens are a living work of art, featuring nine different themes, including French, Spanish, Florentine, and Japanese styles. The vibrant flowers, shady groves, ornate fountains, and classical statues provide a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations. The highlight is the French Garden, with its Temple of Love and enchanting musical fountains.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is not just a venue; it's an experience that transports you to another era. Whether you're strolling through the fragrant rose garden, appreciating the artwork, or enjoying a cup of tea in the tearoom overlooking the bay of Villefranche, every moment spent here is steeped in beauty and tranquility.
The villa, with its romantic ambiance and scenic beauty, is a sought-after venue for weddings and private events. Whether it's a lavish reception in the grand patio, an intimate ceremony in the rose garden, or a cocktail party by the fountains, a celebration at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a dream come true.
In essence, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild combines the grandeur of a historic mansion with the charm of a seaside villa and the elegance of a cultural landmark. It's an unforgettable destination that embodies the timeless allure of the French Riviera.
DAY 3: Post-Wedding Day Party
With its beachfront location in Eze, the bar provides breath-taking views of the Mediterranean, making it a sought-after destination. The venue's vividly colorful and eclectic decor, inspired by far-flung destinations, creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Anjuna Beach Bar is renowned for its culinary delights, serving a fusion of French and international dishes created from fresh, local ingredients. Its well-curated selection of cocktails, enjoyed under the warm Riviera sun, adds to the beach bar's allure. The venue also hosts live music performances, transforming into a lively, energetic locale as the day progresses. With its unique blend of relaxation, gastronomic experiences, and entertainment, Anjuna Beach Bar encapsulates the laid-back luxury of the French Riviera.
Isa and Malcolm’s Wedding Day Plans
Teaser Film
Isa and Malcolm’s wedding celebrations started with a legal ceremony at the town hall in nice, followed by welcome drinks for all the guests, the night before the wedding, at Paloma Beach on the shore of the Mediterranean. It was a special place for the family and a lovely place to start the 3 day event, with the sun setting over the sea as a live band played and drinks were poured.
Isa got ready for their wedding at the beautiful Hôtel Cap-Estel- perched on the picturesque French Riviera and nestled within a secluded cove near Èze, it offered breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and lush coastline and a great place to film!
Once ready the couples wedding ceremony took place at the beautiful Eglise Saint Michael surrounded by a large group of friends and family.
Though the day had already taken place in some stunning locations, the wedding celebrations then moved to the truly breathtaking Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The couple fully embraced the gardens with different themes for food and music throughout the grounds, depending on which garden guests were walking through so that they could move through a culinary experience as they perused the grounds.
The wedding meal then took place outside the main villa with some heartfelt speeches by Isa’s father, Malcolm and the best men.
After a lively first few dances on the terrace the couple and their guests were led by musicians into the villa where the evening celebrations took place.
The following afternoon the wedding celebrations were rounded off with lunch and some impromptu dancing at a restaurant on Anjuna Beach, where Isa made the final toast before the bad kicked into action. The celebrations carried on well into the afternoon!
Wedding Videography Approach
My main aim as a wedding videographer is to produce cinematic, yet authentic, mementos of a wedding day. I want them to be stylish, filled with all the emotions of the day while being infused with a classic cinema flair, which I always have in the back of my mind when choosing which lens to use in a certain moment, how to frame a shot, the sounds and music I will use to tell that part of the story and thinking always about the edit.
Me filming a wedding in Portugal with my minimalist set up.
Though the French Riviera is always a glamorous place, it was also one filled with memories for Isa and Malcolm so I was conscious of making sure the locations for the wedding played a pivotal role in the film, as well as capturing the romance and energy of a spectacular couple of days in one of the most stunning parts of the world.
Once I have these all story telling elements in place I make sure my films are as cinematic as possible, and what I mean by that is I use every tool and technique at my disposal, from the filming style on the wedding day, to the editing and colour grading techniques afterwards, to create a piece of work that feels like a mini-movie, like a short piece of classic cinema, with a proper beginning middle and end, establishing people, place and story as elegantly as possible, woven together with music I choose carefully for each project.
Most importantly though, I use equipment and a filming style on the day that allows me to capture these moments without leaving a heavy footprint on the day- I use very minimal equipment, similar to a photographer, and avoid stage managing the day in any way because the most important element of making a great film is authentic moments and emotions and the only way to achieve these is allow them to happen naturally, unhindered by over posing/staging and manufacturing the events.
