From meeting at school, to their lively wedding at St Tropez, the couple’s story is one of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Discover all the details of Charlotte and Calum’s dream wedding here.
The Story So Far..
We first crossed paths at a school social when we were just 15—two teenagers navigating the awkward, endearing charm of adolescence. From that moment, we were inseparable. Together, we celebrated birthdays, graduations, first jobs, and everything in between. Over time, our friendship blossomed into something unshakable—a bond built on shared laughter, unwavering support, and countless memories that shaped who we are.
Then came lockdown, that strange pause in the world’s rhythm. One evening, fuelled by a little too much tequila and hours of endless talking and laughing, something shifted. In a spur-of-the-moment game of truth or dare (yes, it was lockdown), we kissed. In that instant, the line between friendship and something more blurred forever.
Fast forward a few years, and Calum planned a proposal that truly exceeded my wildest dreams. We were on a press trip in Rome, where, somehow, he managed to keep the ring hidden while weaving it seamlessly into what was already an unforgettable adventure. One crisp morning, we set off for Terminillo, a snow-covered mountain that felt like our own private retreat. We hiked through the serene white landscape, carrying a picnic and soaking in the magic of the moment. It was there, in the stillness of the snowy peaks, that he got down on one knee. With only the snow and sky as witnesses, he asked me to marry him. It was simple, heartfelt, and utterly perfect—a moment suspended in time.
But the adventure didn’t stop there. For the trip, we were test-driving the new Ferrari F8 Spider, and the thrill of racing up to the mountain in such an incredible car only added to the magic of the day. Looking back, I now understand why I was only allowed to “drive on the way back.” Calum knew I’d be too busy staring at my ring to focus on the road, so he cleverly used it as an excuse to keep driving his dream car a little longer. I didn’t mind one bit—it was bold, unforgettable, and so perfectly us.
The ring itself holds its own story, made by an old colleague from my days in the jewellery business. We used to try on engagement rings when we were just 18, dreaming of the future. Years later, Calum tracked her down on Instagram and together, they designed the most perfect art deco ring, with emeralds encircling the centre stone. Edwina Elkington truly worked her magic, creating a piece that feels like it was made for me, because, in so many ways, it was.
The Venue
Every summer, we escape to the same idyllic corner of St. Tropez—Grimaud. For over 30 years, it has been a place of tradition and memories for Calum’s family, so it naturally holds a special place in their hearts. The first time I visited, we discovered a charming vineyard that hosts an event called Tuesday Chill. It was everything you’d want from a Provençal evening—sipping their signature rosé while a food truck served up everything from hot dogs to pasta and burgers. The combination of casual charm and understated elegance made it unforgettable. I still remember the golden light that evening as we took photos. We turned to each other and said, “This would make the perfect wedding venue.” We weren’t wrong.
The day before the wedding, we hosted our closest friends and family at the houses we had rented for the weekend. My brother’s girlfriend, an incredibly talented chef, took charge of the canapés, which were nothing short of spectacular. From the house, perched high on the hill, we could look down onto the venue below—a quiet moment of anticipation as we watched the setup unfold. Seeing everything come together and guests arriving that morning from above is something I’ll never forget.
On Sunday, we kept the momentum going with a recovery party at a beach club on Pampelonne. We embraced the hangover theme wholeheartedly with a menu full of comfort food—crispy chips, a proper BBQ, and fried tempura. There was plenty of leftover rosé, which fuelled the second wind for most of us, and the atmosphere was full of laughter and laid-back fun. The party stretched late into the night, eventually wrapping up at 5 a.m. the next morning. It was the perfect way to round off a weekend that was everything we had hoped for—joyful, relaxed, and completely us.
The Fashion
When it came to my wedding wardrobe, I turned to Luna Bea, and the experience was nothing short of magical. From the moment I stepped into her showroom, I knew I was in expert hands. I didn’t go in with a set vision but instead asked her what she thought would suit me best, giving her full creative freedom—and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
For the ceremony, we went for an ethereal, floaty look that felt effortlessly elegant. The dress was a dream: delicate lace cuffs, a graceful silhouette, and a stunning four-metre veil that brought an air of timeless romance to the day. It was everything I’d imagined and more. For the evening, she completely switched things up, designing a lace shirt paired with a feathered skirt—a bold, playful look with just the right amount of rock-chic edge. It was the perfect contrast to the romantic feel of the ceremony and added a fun, unexpected twist to the night. Every piece she created made me feel incredible, and the entire process was a joy. Luna Bea truly made the experience unforgettable, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect collaboration. The shoes, of course, were Manolo Blahnik. I managed to snag a pair at a sample sale—proof that a little patience and perseverance can pay off beautifully.
For my something blue, and my borrowed, we had the most iconic accessory of all: a 1990s Jaguar XJS Blue Convertible. Driving to and from the venue in that car was pure magic—classic, cool, and a perfect nod to old-school glamour.
The Tablescape
Made it all ourselves, we bought the flowers from the market that were arranged into pots we had bought plus the olive trees from the Garden Centre. All the name tags I had designed on Canva myself. The olive trees added a nice personal touch of a wedding present to people that could take them back.
Food & Drink
The food was everything you’d hope for in France—absolutely incredible. The French have a knack for these things, and our menu was no exception. A particular highlight was the croque monsieur served as a midnight snack, which hit the spot perfectly after hours of dancing.
For drinks, we kept it effortlessly chic. The wine came from the vineyard itself, champagne was by Laurent Perrier, and cocktails were served from the most charming little tuk-tuk, courtesy of One More Toast. It seems our guests were enthusiastic, to say the least—apparently, we managed to get through 100 litres of cocktails in just two hours!
Entertainment
Wildfire DJs did everything, including speeches. Ceremony Song was an instrumental version of Your Song by Elton John. We played Signed Sealed Delivered when we walked back down the aisle and entered into our Wedding Dinner to The Music Sounds Better with You. Nick the founder rocked our Dancefloor, there was not one moment where it wasn’t packed.
Beauty Regime & Wellness
In the lead-up to the wedding, I focused on a beauty and wellness routine that spanned six to twelve months, ensuring I felt my absolute best on the big day.
For my smile, I turned to Dr Tom Crawford Clarke for Invisalign, composite bonding, and teeth whitening, which made a world of difference and left me with the perfect wedding-ready grin. My skin was also a priority, and I had bi-monthly facials with Guendalina, also known as the Skin Sculpter, who worked her magic to achieve that glowing, sculpted look.
I booked two wedding brow and lash appointments with Sophia Brows to ensure everything was polished to perfection, and added a subtle touch of baby Botox with Dr Denning for a smooth, natural finish.
To keep stress at bay, I made time for a massage with Olivia at Glowing Massages every three months. These moments of relaxation were a lifesaver amidst all the planning. For my hair, I trusted ADEM to keep my colour looking fresh and flawless, ready for the spotlight.
This routine was all about feeling confident, calm, and radiant—a little extra effort that made a big difference.
Honeymoon
We’re off to the Maldives in March, and I couldn’t be more excited—it’s the ultimate dream destination.
Ahead of that, we treated ourselves to a short minimoon in October at Airelles Bastide de Gordes, and it was nothing short of perfect. The charm of the Provençal setting, paired with the hotel’s incredible service and romantic ambiance, made it the ideal escape to celebrate just after the wedding.
Advice:
Budget for the “Oops” Purchases
No matter how meticulously you plan, there will always be those unexpected, last-minute purchases—extra candles, a backup cake topper, or 200 mini fans because someone panics about the weather. It’s inevitable. My advice? Set aside an “oops” fund in advance. It’s far less stressful than trying to justify impulse-buying monogrammed napkins at 2 a.m. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Your Timeline Will Break, and That’s Okay
That colour-coded schedule you so carefully crafted? Be prepared to let it go. Things will inevitably go off track—the best man forgetting the rings (yes, this really happened) or speeches running late. And honestly, none of it will matter. Guests won’t remember the hiccups; they’ll remember how much fun they had. So embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride.
Pick Your Shoes Wisely
Those six-inch Manolos may look like a dream, but by hour five, you’ll be wishing for flip-flops. Break your shoes in beforehand, pack a comfortable backup pair (I swear by Superga trainers), and don’t be afraid to ditch them altogether. I spent the last hour of my night barefoot, and it was absolute bliss. Bonus: it’s a perfectly valid excuse for when your dance moves start to look more interpretive as the night goes on!
With Thanks To:
Bride / Groom: @chillzkoessler @calumkoessler
Caterer: @carthier_traiteur
Venue: @chateausaintmaur.com/en/
Dress: @lunabeabride
Groom outfit: @shopoliverbrown
Stationery: Homemade
Photographer: Sandra von Reifhoff @divinedayphotography
Videographer: @songbirdweddingvideos
Wedding rings: @edwinaelkingtonjewellery
Makeup: @lararorich
Gift list: @theweddingshopuk
Stylist: @chillzkoessler
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