After interior designer Madeleine Grace Howe said, “Yes,” to model-turned-restaurateur Greg Franck Balaguette’s romantic at-home proposal, the two sailed around Manhattan in celebration. Once the excitement settled, the couple decided they’d have a civil ceremony in NYC and seven months later, they’d host their wedding at Meridian House in Madeleine’s hometown of Washington D.C. Aana Create photographed each weekend event all of which the bride planned herself.
“The wedding venue, Meridian House, was the only venue we looked at. I had been to a wedding there in 2007 and thought it was beautiful. It also is very similar in aesthetic to what is called ‘Marie de Paris’ or City Hall, where most people get married in Paris,” Madeleine says.
On January 6, 2023–the second anniversary of Madeleine and Greg’s first kiss—the pair donned Nikes and headed via the subway to New York City Hall. Once there, Madeleine switched back into Jimmy Choos, which perfectly complemented her Oscar de la Renta ensemble. After saying, “I do,” the newlyweds celebrated with loved ones and a delicious coconut cake. Caribbean Cuts florals decorated the space for the subtly ’60s, Elvis-inspired affair.
Seven months later, the rehearsal dinner was held at Madeleine’s parents’ home. “I designed many parts of the house, and I just love it. It was in the backyard by the pool and was meant to evoke a Slim Aaron’s party,” she explains. “My dress was Naeem Khan from Neiman Marcus Bridal. The shoes I planned to wear went missing, so I wore the Miu Miu sandals I wore to my high school graduation that I had squirreled away in my childhood bedroom.” Greg looked dapper in a vintage Saint Laurent smoking jacket.
Smythson, who also created the wedding invitations in their signature color with the traditional copper plate press, crafted the rehearsal dinner menus. The couple’s family friend, Jose Andres, cooked the delicious dinner, served atop Something Vintage tableware. Afterward, everyone hopped in the pool and floated on inflatable swans surrounded by sparkling lotus lights.
For her summer wedding, Madeleine found her pearl-clad Savannah Miller dress at Neiman Marcus. She accessorized with pearl earrings from Cult Gaia. Her bridal beauty inspiration was taken from iconic women. “My hair was in a large bun that was woven into itself, styled after Catherine Deneuve and Elizabeth Taylor,” Madeleine shares. Naoko Suzuki executed the bride’s beauty vision.
Later in the evening, Madeleine changed into a mini dress with an overskirt by Alexia María. Her last look borrowed the top from her civil ceremony paired with an Area skirt and Chanel heels.”I may have gone overboard on changes,” Madeleine laughs. “One guest asked me, ‘How many outfits do you have?’”
On July 15, 2023, while Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need” played, Madeleine walked arm-in-arm with her father down the aisle, a cascading Love Blooms orchid bouquet in hand. “I felt so loved. The room is a light peach and in the afternoon sun, the room glows. I also worked with the florist to include fragrant flowers that reminded me of my grandmother, who was Parisian, and flowers that are native to Guadeloupe, where Greg’s family is from,” the bride shares. “To say our vows in front of our family and close friends was such a joy to share.”
A French dinner and dancing followed. Guests posed in a photo booth by Fobo while sipping frozen cosmopolitans—the signature drink of the night. “The wine was provided by my family,” Madeleine shares. “Both of my parents are members of La Conferie de Chevaliers de Tastevin, a prestigious wine club, and they perfectly matched the food selections.”
Madeleine and Greg shared a first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley—which the newlyweds quickly rehearsed only moments before. Then everyone joined in on the revelry as The Muses queued ’60s songs. To end the night on a sweet note, the couple cut into their vintage-inspired three-tiered wedding cake by Buttercream Bakeshop. “It started to rain at the end of the night so our sparkler exit was foregone,” the bride remembers. “Greg carried me down the beautiful staircase in front of cheering guests.”
