In the sun-drenched hills of Provence, Serena Kassow and Gilad Thaler brought their love story to life with an unforgettable wedding weekend at Maison Grégoire, a 17th-century silk farm in Mérindol, France. Against the romantic backdrop of olive groves and cobblestone courtyards, their celebration combined the charm of Provence with deep cultural and family traditions, creating a timeless affair filled with meaning, love, and a touch of luck. Against the romantic backdrop of olive groves and cobblestone courtyards, their celebration combined the charm of Provence with deep cultural and family traditions, creating a timeless affair filled with meaning, love, and a touch of luck.
An Unplanned Welcome Party
Serena and Gilad’s wedding weekend began with a surprise. Remembering that Mérindol hosted vibrant Thursday night street festivals in the summer, they invited guests to join them for dinner and live music. They hadn’t anticipated how the evening would transform into a rowdy, impromptu welcome party, complete with dancing in the streets and beats from local DJ Bernie.
“It was the most perfect, unplanned way to kick off our wedding,” Serena said. “The energy and joy were contagious, setting the tone for the weekend.”
Shabbat Dinner Under the Stars
Friday night brought a spiritual and intimate “Shabbat en Blanc,” where guests gathered in the olive grove for cocktails and services before dining under the Provençal sky. Serena wore her aunt’s hooded veil from 1977, paired with a vintage beaded column dress she found shortly after her engagement. The veil’s sentimental value, altered by her Holocaust survivor grandfather decades earlier, added meaning to the evening.
Guests were gifted handmade Shabbat candlesticks crafted by Gilad’s mom, a nod to the lavender fields of Provence. Serena’s cousin contributed custom illustrations featured throughout the weekend while her sister’s voice accompanied her down the aisle. From the ketubah hand-painted by Serena’s mother to the laughter-filled speeches, every detail reflected the couple’s family ties and love for tradition.
The Venue: A Historic Silk Farm in Mérindol
Serena and Gilad’s connection to Mérindol began in 2022 when they visited the town for Gilad’s grandfather’s 90th birthday. Staying at Maison Grégoire with family from the US and Israel, they fell in love with the historic silk farm’s rustic beauty, sprawling gardens, and homey atmosphere. When it came time to choose their wedding venue, it was the only place that felt right.
The couple rented the venue for an entire week, turning the property into a gathering place for their loved ones. Days were spent exploring local markets, indulging in leisurely dinners in the courtyard, and immersing themselves in the quaint charm of the French countryside.
A Ceremony of Unity
The wedding ceremony was a moving blend of cultural heritage and modern romance. Under the chuppah, Gilad and Serena were wrapped in prayer shawls belonging to Gilad’s late father, grandfather, and Serena’s parents, symbolising the enduring love that surrounded them. Before the ceremony, a spirited Kabbalat Panim brought together the guests in song and dance, culminating in an emotional first look. “Seeing each other again after a night apart, surrounded by all the people we love, was something we’ll never forget,” Serena shared.
Food, Fun, and French Flair
The weekend was a culinary and sensory delight, with highlights that celebrated the region’s flavours and Serena and Gilad’s creativity:
Picnic in Provence Pool Party: Guests enjoyed picnic bags filled with local delicacies, lavender ice cream from Scaramouche, and flowing rosé by the pool.
Reception
The centrepiece of their dessert spread was a three-tiered croquembouche, a playful nod to French wedding traditions.
Shabbat Dinner
Inspired by Provençal markets, the evening featured edible décor—crates of figs, tomatoes, and fresh herbs—and grilled fish prepared live on a plancha.
Farewell Brunch
The local wine bar, La Cave à Aimé, catered a spread featuring the best cheeses Serena and Gilad had ever tasted. The weekend ended with a heartfelt gesture as leftover food and flowers were distributed throughout the town.
Moments of Laughter and Joy
Serena and Gilad’s wedding wasn’t without its funny moments. After hearing heartfelt and hilarious speeches from their friends, they decided to rewrite their vows in the olive grove the night before the wedding. Their reception ended with an afterparty-turned-disco in the silk mill, complete with midnight swims in the pool—cocktail attire and all.
“We were surrounded by love, laughter, and some questionable late-night dance moves,” Serena joked. “It was perfect.”
A Farewell to Remember
As the weekend ended, the couple reflected on their wedding as a celebration of family, tradition, and the unique place that brought everyone together. “Mérindol will forever hold a piece of our hearts,” Serena said. “We couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful way to begin our married life.”
Vendors Who Made It Magical
- Wedding Planner: @wedding_planner_en_provence
- Photography: @elenagaby_ and @ampena and Christophe Serrano @christophe_serrano_wedding
- Videography: @thant_chay_steinbacher
- Catering: @jeandavidtraiteur
- Flowers: @flow.dles
- Entertainment: @sodj_events
- Dress: @pronovias / @arcinaori
- Makeup & Hair: @annalcr_makeup
