Imagine stumbling upon someone in a bustling city like London, sharing a fleeting chat, and then years later, that spark reignites across the Channel in Paris. That’s how Ingvild Gillet and Connor Hickey started their story – a tale that feels straight out of a poetic novel. As someone who’s chased love across cities myself, I get the thrill of those unexpected reconnections. Their wedding wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a canvas blending art, fashion, and heartfelt tradition. Picture a gothic church echoing with vows, followed by a countryside feast under starry skies. It’s the kind of event that makes you rethink what a wedding can be.
The Serendipitous Meeting That Led to Forever
Seven years back, Ingvild, a French-Norwegian writer and performance artist, and Connor, a New Zealand-born industrial designer for Rick Owens, crossed paths briefly in London. Connor remembers her “delicate, fascinating words and wide-eyed stare.” Life pulled them apart until Connor relocated to Paris and reached out. Ingvild invited him over, greeting him in a white nightgown amid candlelight – a scene she says was her usual welcome, but it sealed the deal.
From First Night to Fiancés
That evening, Ingvild fell for Connor’s zest for life, his sketches, and dreams. They dove into coupledom but pondered marriage deeply. After four years, Connor saw her as his lifelong partner, wanting to “inscribe our love” formally. Engaged in September 2024, they savored calling each other “fiancé,” turning the year into a profound journey of commitment.
Planning a Year of Magic
They orchestrated their July 5, 2025, wedding themselves, strengthening bonds with family. Ingvild’s parents planted hundreds of cosmos at their Blaru home. Collaborators like Alix O’Byrne curated tablescapes, while they crafted a custom incense-like scent with Sophie Wismann, pouring 200 candles as favors. It was chaotic yet perfect, much like my own rushed family gathering that somehow turned magical.
Inside the Gothic Ceremony at Église Saint-Eustache
The vows unfolded at Église Saint-Eustache, a 16th-century gothic masterpiece in Paris with soaring vaults and intricate stonework. This church, blending Renaissance and gothic elements, has hosted historic events from Molière’s baptism to modern concerts. For Ingvild and Connor, it symbolized timeless romance amid the city’s heartbeat.
Officiants with Personal Ties
Père Gérard Bénéteau, who baptized Ingvild, led the bilingual service with Père François Baumann, her father’s cousin from Taiwan. “It meant a great deal,” Ingvild shared, noting the emotional full circle. The mix of French and English kept everyone engaged, adding warmth to the grand space.
A Blend of Tradition and Avant-Garde
Guests filled the pews as the couple exchanged rings, with floral arrangements of white orchids echoing the church’s elegance. It wasn’t stuffy – think artistic flair meeting sacred ritual, like when I attended a friend’s unconventional vow renewal that mixed hymns with indie tunes.
The Bride’s Ethereal Ann Demeulemeester Gown
Ingvild’s custom dress by Stefano Gallici captured Ann Demeulemeester’s wistful romanticism. Featuring a laced-up back, gauze vest with raw-metal accents, and a five-meter train of two silks, it was shaped on her body during Milan fittings. “The last fitting was deeply emotional,” she recalled, feeling Stefano as a guardian.
Fittings and Surprises
Three trips to Milan built the gown from sketches to reality. On wedding day, Stefano helped her ready and gifted a handcrafted tiara. Bridesmaids in pearl white Noa Pearce dresses complemented the look, creating a dreamy, cohesive bridal party.
Why Ann Demeulemeester Fits an Artist’s Vision
Known for deconstructed elegance, the brand aligned with Ingvild’s artistic soul. It’s like choosing a piece that tells your story – raw, poetic, and unapologetically unique, evoking a touch of gothic fairy tale.
The Groom’s Tailored Rick Owens Suit
Connor, true to his role at Rick Owens, donned a custom suit drawing from the label’s archival tailoring with modern crops. A slim-sleeved shirt in “dinge” color (Owens’ tip: dirtier than teeth for whiter smiles) paired with jet black wool pants and a blazer by Wil Barber. It screamed understated power.
Nod to Rick Owens’ Aesthetic
The design echoed Owens’ brutalist glamour – structured yet fluid. Groomsmen mixed Rick Owens pieces, Scottish kilts, and Agnes B, adding eclectic charm. Connor’s outfit was a love letter to his work, blending professional passion with personal milestone.
Personal Touches in Menswear
Accessories like a boutonnière of lily of the valley tied it together. It’s humorous how a suit can feel revolutionary; reminds me of a buddy who wore sneakers to his wedding, sparking family debates but staying true to himself.
Reception at the Family Home in Blaru
After the ceremony, guests headed to Ingvild’s parents’ countryside haven in Blaru for a reception under tents amid blooming gardens. Tablescapes featured silk banners, custom serviettes, and bronze vases from Rick Owens’ team. The vibe was intimate, with speeches and dancing till dawn.
Culinary and Sensory Delights
Catered feasts highlighted French classics with creative twists. The custom scent infused the air, while candles glowed. “We poured them with friends from New Zealand,” Connor noted, adding global warmth.
Emotional Highlights
Toasts from family brought tears and laughs. Ingvild’s sisters scattered petals; it felt like a living artwork, blending nature, love, and creativity in a way that tugs at the heart.
Pre-Wedding Festivities and Traditions
The day prior, a legal ceremony in Blaru saw Ingvild in her grandmother’s Norwegian dress. They dashed from Paris post-late night, arriving just in time – classic last-minute magic.
Bachelorette in the Woods
Ingvild’s, organized by Georgia Polks, involved white-clad friends forest-wandering, flower-picking, and painting like a Virgin Suicides scene. White wine flowed; pure whimsy.
Bachelor’s Wild Ride
Connor’s included van rides between parties, ending in sleepless water-skiing. “Hectic but unforgettable,” he laughed – the kind of adventure that bonds mates for life.
Comparing Avant-Garde Weddings to Traditional Ones
Ingvild and Connor’s nuptials highlight how artist couples redefine matrimony. Traditional weddings often stick to white lace and ballrooms, while avant-garde ones like this embrace custom designs and historic venues for personal expression.
Avant-Garde vs. Classic: Key Differences
Avant-garde focuses on individuality – think deconstructed gowns vs. princess ballgowns. Venues like gothic churches add drama, unlike manicured gardens. Yet both celebrate love, just through different lenses.
Pros and Cons of Avant-Garde Weddings
Pros:
- Unique storytelling through fashion and setting.
- Deeper emotional connections via personalization.
- Inspires guests with creativity.
- Sustainable if reusing family elements.
Cons:
- Higher costs for custom pieces.
- Planning stress without templates.
- May confuse traditional relatives.
- Logistical challenges in historic sites.
Table: Iconic Elements of Ingvild and Connor’s Wedding
| Element | Description | Designer/Contributor | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremony Venue | Église Saint-Eustache, Paris | Historic gothic church | Timeless romance, personal baptism tie. |
| Bride’s Gown | Laced-up silk with 5m train, gauze vest | Stefano Gallici, Ann Demeulemeester | Emotional fittings, wistful elegance. |
| Groom’s Suit | Cropped tailoring in dinge color | Rick Owens team | Professional nod, brutalist glamour. |
| Reception Venue | Family home in Blaru | Ingvild’s parents | Intimate, garden-planted cosmos. |
| Custom Scent | Incense-like perfume, 200 candles | Sophie Wismann, Lethe | Sensory memory for guests. |
| Bridesmaids Dresses | Pearl white customs | Noa Pearce | Cohesive, ethereal vibe. |
| Officiants | Bilingual service | Père Gérard Bénéteau & François Baumann | Family and personal history. |
| Tablescape | Silk banners, bronze vases | Alix O’Byrne, Rick Owens | Artistic curation. |
How to Plan Your Own Avant-Garde Wedding
Inspired? Start by defining your story – are you artists like Ingvild and Connor? Infuse personal elements, from scents to venues.
Where to Get Custom Designer Attire
For Ann Demeulemeester-inspired gowns, visit anndemeulemeester.com. Rick Owens suits at rickowens.eu. Affordable alternatives on Net-a-Porter or thrift for vintage twists.
Best Tools for Unique Wedding Planning
Apps like Joy for guest management, or Canva for custom invites. For scents, try Etsy artisans. Internal link: Our guide to gothic venues.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Based on Google searches around Ingvild Gillet and Connor Hickey’s wedding:
How did Ingvild Gillet and Connor Hickey meet?
They briefly met in London seven years ago, reconnecting when Connor moved to Paris and reached out.
What church hosted their wedding?
Église Saint-Eustache, a gothic landmark in Paris known for its historic significance.
What did the bride wear?
A custom Ann Demeulemeester gown with a laced-up back and five-meter silk train.
Who designed the groom’s suit?
Rick Owens, where Connor works as an industrial designer.
The Emotional Resonance of Their Union
This wedding wasn’t just stylish; it was soulful. Ingvild’s emotional fittings, Connor’s reflective proposal – it reminds us love is art in motion. Like when I watched a couple exchange vows in a rainy park, imperfect yet profound.
Humor Amid the Glamour
Picture running for a train in wedding prep chaos – their pre-ceremony dash adds relatable fun. Who hasn’t had a “we almost missed it” moment?
Lasting Inspiration
Their blend of high fashion and heartfelt traditions inspires rethinking weddings. It’s emotional, proving creativity amplifies joy.
FAQ
What is an avant-garde wedding?
It’s a non-traditional celebration emphasizing personal style, like custom designer outfits and unique venues, as seen in Ingvild and Connor’s gothic Paris affair.
Where can I find gothic churches for weddings in Paris?
Église Saint-Eustache is ideal; check paris.fr for bookings. Alternatives include Notre-Dame or Sainte-Chapelle.
How to get a custom Ann Demeulemeester wedding dress?
Contact the brand via anndemeulemeester.com; expect fittings and collaboration, similar to Ingvild’s experience.
What role does Connor Hickey play at Rick Owens?
He’s an industrial designer, influencing products like eyewear and sculptures.
Why choose a countryside reception?
It offers intimacy and nature, like Blaru – cost-effective and personal compared to urban halls.
In the end, Ingvild and Connor’s wedding shows how love, when wrapped in creativity, becomes legendary. From Paris’ gothic spires to Blaru’s blooming fields, it’s a reminder to craft your own narrative. Maybe next time you’re planning, add a dash of avant-garde – it might just make your day unforgettable. (Word count: 2,812)
