Arrive in Nice, France

Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Nice

Sunset Boat Ride

Family Welcome Dinner

Check into Château Eza

Wedding

Perfumery Tour

Check-Out & Release Family to Europe

Our Wedding

MADISON

If you ask me (Mackenzie), our story is one of love at first sight. However, if you ask Matt, I apparently don't accurately remember the first time we met. According to Matt, we introduced ourselves during the first week of school at the University of Wisconsin Madison in our residence hall, Chadbourne. (We still hold Chadbourne in a special place in our hearts--it must have been fate for us to both randomly select rooms on the same floor. It's also the place where we met some of our best friends, who still lovingly refer to themselves as “Chad's Kids”). However, if you ask me, I do not remember this encounter. The first time I consciously remember meeting Matt was at a party off campus. Kendra, Darren, and I were leaving the party early and Matt asked if he could walk back to Chadbourne with us. On the walk back, Matt and I got to talking and as soon as he smiled his infamous smile at me, I was a goner. I remember telling Kendra as soon as we got back to our dorm room that I had a crush on Matt.&nbsp; Fall 2016 passed with a lot of awkward flirting until finally, in January of 2017, Matt asked me to be his girlfriend. The rest is history (but I’ll give you a recap of it, anyway). While college had its ups and downs, I’ve always been incredibly grateful for Matt’s presence in my life during those years. From leaving me encouraging notes on my desk, to bringing me Redbull during late night study sessions, to helping me apply for internships, and going on frequent “mental health walks” down Lakeshore Path, he was the best support I could’ve asked for. While I don’t want to speak on Matt’s behalf of what kind of support I provided to him during college, I at least know I introduced him to his love of coffee and got him to eat more vegetables (which is debatably equally as important).

LONDON

Needless to say, my college experience would not have been what it was without Matthew. This is especially true because he encouraged me to study abroad despite my incessant pleas that I did not want to go to London for a semester because, and I quote, “The British are evil” (American education and anti-colonial propaganda had really done a number on me). But after many chats while walking along Lakeshore Path, Matt wore me down and we both decided to study abroad during the spring semester of our sophomore year. I’m sure my parents were concerned when, after a year and a half of dating a mysterious man from New Jersey, I told them I wanted to go with him to the foreign land of England for five months. In January 2019, Matt and I left the United States headed towards Rome and then London, my first time ever going to Europe. We lived in the Marylebone neighborhood of London and quickly fell into a routine of going to Tesco for 5 £ Meal Deals, walking through Regent Park, and planning out which European city we wanted to visit next. Within 5 months, we traveled to 13 countries and mastered our travel regimen: Matt would find all the cultural must-do’s (mostly architectural marvels and art museums) and I would meticulously research what restaurants and local cuisines we needed to try. We struck a perfect balance and continue to love traveling together to explore new cities, learn new things, and try new food. Ask either of us, and we’d probably say that studying abroad was when we realized we wanted to be together for the long haul. During those five months, we were thousands of miles away from our friends and family, but we took care of each other, never ran out of things to talk about, and didn’t get sick of each other even when we were stuck in airports for hours. By the end of the semester, we realized it wasn’t just the big adventures we loved—we also loved doing all the monotonous, everyday things together. When we returned from our semester abroad, we couldn’t wait to keep doing life together and finding new adventures along the way.

MINNESOTA

This sentiment of not getting sick of each other was tested when COVID-19 ended up isolating us in my mom’s townhouse in Lakeville, MN. Not only was the country being ravaged by a new, deadly virus, but we were stuck in LAKEVILLE with my mom, Juan, Preston, and his decrepit cat Scribbles McWhiskers. Somehow, despite being exposed to Preston’s late night video game playing (lots of yelling), needing to transition to online courses, and finding Cribbage to be a confounding game that Keri, Dad, Jack and I would play anytime we went to my Dad’s house, Matt not only survived the experience but still seemed to like me. If anything, he seemed to have grown to like my family a lot. This was when I knew Matt was a keeper.

SEATTLE

In 2021, we moved to Seattle so Matt could begin working at Microsoft and I could be an Americorps member at College Possible. We loved exploring our new city and I LOVED the rain. We developed a new routine of trying out local coffee shops and going on almost-daily walks around Volunteer Park. While Seattle was far away from all of our loved ones, we were lucky to find new friends and re-connect with distant family. Fate seemed to have worked its magic once again in that Delaina, my long-lost second cousin, was living near Seattle with her husband, Matt Jones. During one of my first few weeks of living in Seattle, Delaina (and Aunt Kimmy) offered to buy me lunch at Cafe Flora and we became inseparable pretty fast. Me, Delaina, and our two Matts hung out often, which led to competitive games of Spades, eating vegan deliciousness, and lots of laughter. We are so #blessed to have had our Seattle journeys overlap. In 2022, we welcomed two precious babies into our family: Toto and Penelope (Nelly). I had begged Matt since the start of our move to get one cat and he refused. Then, to my surprise, he eventually said “if we’re going to get one cat, we might as well get two.” I immediately scoured every pet adoption website known to the history of man until we found the cutest tuxedo cats on earth. We went to visit them, fell in love instantly, and now we can’t imagine life without our Big Stinky Boy and Little Pickle Baby. In 2024, our world was rocked when my older brother Preston passed away unexpectedly. During that time, the support we received from our Seattle community—Julia and Haley, Matt and Delaina, Raph and Max, my book club, and our coworkers—meant the world to us. They showed us so much love during a challenging period, and we remain forever grateful. This made our decision to leave Seattle that summer a bit hard, but we also knew it was time to go–we lived well, we ate a lot, we overcaffeinated, and we saw everything we wanted to see and more. Matt was tired of being damp and I wanted to finally understand his obsession with the east coast. Once I graduated from Seattle University, we packed our things and headed to the Big Apple.

BROOKLYN

Our story in Brooklyn is still being written. Our new routine includes Matt walking me to work everyday through Fort Greene Park, taking trips to Manhattan after work to get dinner, and seeing celebrities in the wild and trying to act natural. I love my new job, the cats like to look for rats from our new apartment window, and Matt has been training to run the 2026 New York Marathon. This past year, Rob, Lia, and I got to cheer for him at the Brooklyn Half Marathon and, in typical Matt fashion, he was somehow SMILING while running… When he’s not running, he tries to trick me into going on “short” 6 mile walks around the city and I always convince him that we need to stop and get a treat to enjoy on the way.&nbsp; On October 26th, 2024, while on a weekend trip in Beacon, Matt proposed and I said “yes” when I really wanted to say “duh, I’ve been waiting for this since I met you in 2016.” While wedding planning is quite the journey in and of itself, we are very excited to share our love of travel, of eating, of exploring parts of the world before unseen, with our closest family in France next summer. It’ll be a wonderful start to the next chapter in our story: being officially married (finally)!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

When we studied abroad together in 2019, Matt was reliant on Rick Steves for all our travel planning. I teased him at the time, but with many trips under our belt, Rick Steves has never steered us wrong. That being said, here are a few of Rick Steves' guides that we recommend checking out before our trip to Europe: <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rick Steves' Europe Travel Tips</a><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/first-time-france-trip" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Traveling to France for First-Timers</a><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Money Tips</a><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trip Planning</a><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Theft &amp; Scams</a><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/cell-phone-europe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Using a European SIM Card</a><a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">European Adapters and Converters</a>

Traveling to Europe

What documents do I need to travel to France?

As of now, no special visa is required to travel to France in June. You’ll just need a valid, up-to-date passport. That said, a new system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will go into effect in the fourth quarter of 2026. ETIAS is not a visa but a mandatory travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting countries in the <a href="https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/schengen-area_en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Schengen Area</a> for short stays (tourism, business, or transit). Since our trip is planned before ETIAS goes into effect, it will not be required—but we’ll keep you updated if that changes. If you’re planning to visit other countries before or after the wedding, please check each country’s entry requirements, as they may vary.

How can I call and text in Europe?

Can I make phone calls in Europe?Yes, but avoid making regular phone calls through your U.S. carrier (which can be very expensive). Instead, use internet-based apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom. These require either Wi-Fi or a data connection (via an international plan or eSIM). Can I send texts in Europe?It depends on the type of message:iMessages (blue bubbles) between iPhones only need an internet connection (Wi-Fi or data).Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also work over Wi-Fi or data.SMS texts (green bubbles) require a phone plan with your U.S. carrier, and this can be important if you need to receive security codes (for banking apps, logins, etc.). Your 3 Main Options for Using a Phone in Europe: 1. Wi-Fi OnlyPut your phone in airplane mode and use Wi-Fi only.Pros: Free. Wi-fi is available in most hotels, airports, cafés, etc.Cons: No cellular service. You’ll need to download maps, directions, or translation apps in advance. You'll be limited to places with Wi-Fi. 2. International Plan Through Your U.S. Carrier (AT&amp;T, Verizon, etc.)Use your current U.S. plan abroad with daily international charges.Pros: Easiest to set up. Your phone works the same as at home with calls, texts, and data.Cons: Most expensive. Example: AT&amp;T charges $12/day on land and $20/day on cruises. 3. eSIM (Digital SIM Card)Buy an international data plan through a service like <a href="https://www.airalo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airalo</a>.Pros: Much cheaper. Example: 10 GB in France is ~$16; 10 GB across Europe is ~$37. Easy to buy and add more GB from your phone.Cons: Data only—no SMS texts or regular phone calls unless you use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

How do I pay for things in Europe?

Most of the time, you can pay just like you do at home - with your debit or credit card. France (and most of Europe) is very card-friendly, especially in cities like Nice and villages like Èze.Cards:Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Some places may not take American Express, so it’s best to bring at least one Visa/Mastercard.Tap-to-pay (contactless) cards and Apple/Google Pay work almost everywhere.Tell your bank or credit card company that you’ll be traveling, so your card doesn’t get blocked for unusual activity.Some cards charge a small “foreign transaction fee.” If yours does, it may be worth using a card that waives these fees.Cash (euros):While cards are the norm, it’s handy to carry a small amount of euros for little purchases.

Do I Need Cash (Euros)? 

You’ll need euros (€) while in France, since that’s the local currency. Here are your options: Before you leave the U.S.:You can order euros through your bank. Larger banks often allow you to request foreign currency online or at a branch, though it can take a few days to arrive.This can be convenient to have a little cash on hand right away (for taxis, snacks, or tips), but the exchange rate may not be as favorable as what you’ll get abroad. Once you arrive in France:The easiest way is to use your debit card at an ATM. You’ll get the bank-to-bank exchange rate, which is usually better than airport kiosks or currency exchange booths.Be aware: some ATMs will ask if you want to be charged in dollars instead of euros. Always choose euros - this avoids extra fees.Tell your bank in advance that you’ll be traveling so your card doesn’t get flagged for unusual activity. Things to look out for abroad:Avoid airport exchange kiosks if possible—they often charge high fees.ATMs in or near banks are more reliable than stand-alone ones on the street.Some U.S. debit/credit cards charge a small “foreign transaction fee.” It’s worth checking with your bank before you go. When you’ll actually need cash:Small cafés, bakeries, or market stalls that don’t accept cards.Taxis or buses (though many now take cards, it’s not guaranteed).Tips for hotel staff.Buying snacks, drinks, or souvenirs in smaller shops.Most restaurants, hotels, and shops in Nice and Èze will happily take credit or debit cards, so you won’t need large amounts of cash - just enough for little day-to-day things.

Can I use my regular plug-in devices (chargers, hair straightener, etc.)?

France uses Type C/E plugs (two round pins) and runs on 230V electricity (compared to 120V in the U.S.).Phone/laptop chargers: Most are dual voltage and will work fine - you just need a European plug adapter.Hair tools (straighteners, curling irons, dryers): Many U.S. versions are not dual voltage. If yours isn’t, it may not work properly or could get damaged. Check the fine print on the plug - it should say “110-240V” if it’s safe to use abroad. If not, it’s best to bring a travel-sized dual-voltage tool or rely on your hotel’s hair dryer. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/European-Adapter-TESSAN-Outlets-International/dp/B0B27HX6P7?crid=5R68XX54ZE2K&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6LXqEsamPm81U_F8KbImxcL1iPg7qPyyZTOOPOmSrO0u4nyt9rzRizgsk65V6-W9Kl4Amu3z_UOyCN1k2MrwMqOtAJF_2NAIUoUHGyftDy7VSUmDji18YropKYDygK2J01bgzU3H5UsvXx87I8GvkxXsTYWLCFnB1vpMbyPHtDbIvFmFpJRWyKDH7CGkRGkIY6wICCvIUGUvBC-vu-LOp38JW_xHgm2s9lgy-DPFfOr9wXw2yadW3fw4gc7JZdFpGM7PW-Nn6Qd-iw9iMPGhzwBpNyY0xspBjQkX2eBq1Gg.WTaPpxAUOASZnryT2FhFAfnbHdq4cHZUaYyWQohv6k8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=type%2Bc%2Bplug%2Badapter%2Bfrance&amp;qid=1755729353&amp;sprefix=type%2Bc%2Bplug%2Badapter%2Bfrance%2Caps%2C106&amp;sr=8-6&amp;th=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> - This is what adapters for France look like. Many other countries in Europe use this plug, but it's good to check any other countries plugs too. If you forget an adapter, there are local shops that sell them, especially in popular cities like Nice and Paris.

Should I tip at restaurants?

Tipping in France is different from the U.S. because service staff are paid a full wage. The service charge, or “service compris,” is included in your restaurant bill in France, though you can still leave a few euros for tip.Locals often just round up to the nearest euro or leave a few extra coins (e.g., on a €28 bill, leaving €30).In cafés or for great service, leaving 5–10% is generous but not required.For taxis or hotel porters, a small tip (€1–€2) is appreciated but not expected. <a href="https://frenchly.us/tipping-in-france/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tipping in France</a>

In addition to clothes, what else should I bring?

What travel insurance usually covers:Trip cancellations or delays Lost or delayed luggage Medical emergencies Emergency evacuation When it makes sense to get it:If you’re booking nonrefundable flights or hotels.If you have connecting flights that could be delayed.If you’d worry about medical care abroad.If peace of mind is worth the small extra cost. How much does it cost?Usually 5–10% of your total trip cost, depending on coverage. For many families, that’s under a couple hundred dollars per traveler. Check if your credit card already provides some travel protections (like trip delay coverage or lost luggage insurance) before buying a separate plan. <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travel-insurance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rick Steves on Travel Insurance</a>

Should I get travel insurance?

Plug adapters for French outlets (Type C/E).Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets in Èze can be tricky).Light sweater/jacket for evenings by the coast.Day bag or crossbody purse for exploring.Travel-size umbrella (Mediterranean weather is usually sunny, but quick showers can happen).Medications (bring enough for the whole trip, in original bottles).Copy/Photo of your passport (kept separate from the original, just in case).Reusable water bottle for sightseeing days.

What should I do in case of Emergency

Call 112 – the Europe-wide emergency number (works for police, fire, or ambulance).Other numbers: 15 (medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire). Medical help: Pharmacies (green cross signs) can assist with minor issues and direct you to a doctor. Hospitals in Nice have English-speaking staff. Lost passport/wallet: File a report with the police. U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Consulate in Marseille for replacements. Safety Tips:Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original.Save your hotel address and key contacts in your phone.When in doubt, hotel staff can guide you.

What Tourist Scams should I look out for?

Nice and Èze are generally safe, but like any popular destination in Europe, tourists can be easy targets for petty scams. The key is simply to stay aware and use common sense. Here are a few to know about:1. PickpocketsThe most common “scam” is really just theft in crowded places - train stations, busy markets, or tourist spots.Keep valuables in a crossbody bag or money belt, not in a back pocket or open tote.Don’t set your phone or wallet on café tables outdoors.2. “Friendship bracelets” or street vendorsSometimes people will approach and try to tie a bracelet on your wrist, then demand payment.Just firmly say “Non, merci” (no thank you) and keep walking.3. Petition scamsYou may see people with clipboards asking you to sign something for a “cause.” While you’re distracted, someone else may try to pickpocket.Best to politely decline and move on.4. Overpriced taxisTaxis should use a meter. If someone offers a “flat rate” ride without turning it on, it’s often higher than it should be. Rideshare apps (like Uber in Nice) or pre-booked transfers are more reliable.

What are cultural differences I should be aware of?

Greetings: A simple “Bonjour” (hello) when entering shops or restaurants is polite and expected - it makes a big difference!Dining: Meals tend to be leisurely; don’t expect the check until you ask (“L’addition, s’il vous plaît”).Dress: The French tend to dress a little more polished than in the U.S., even for casual outings. Nice jeans, dresses, or button-downs go a long way.Volume: Americans are often louder without realizing it. In public places, try to keep voices at a moderate level.Language: Many people in Nice and Èze speak English, but attempting a few French phrases (“merci,” “s’il vous plaît”) is appreciated <a href="https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/some-cultural-differences-between-france-and-america" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Some Cultural Differences Between France and America</a>

What are some useful French words and Phrases?

You don’t need to be fluent to get by in France, but knowing a few basics goes a long way. Most French really appreciate when visitors make the effort. Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR) → Hello / Good dayUse this when you enter a shop, restaurant, or greet someone. Always start with “Bonjour” before asking a question - it’s considered polite. Bonsoir (bohn-SWAHR) → Good eveningUsed after around 6pm as a greeting. Merci (mehr-SEE) → Thank youAlways appreciated, even for small things. S’il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH) → PleaseEssential for ordering food, asking for directions, etc. Pardon (par-DOHN) → Excuse meUse if you bump into someone, or to get through a crowd. Parlez-vous anglais ? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLAY?) → Do you speak English?Most people in Nice/Èze will say yes, but it’s polite to ask. L’addition, s’il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH) → The check, pleaseSince servers don’t rush you, you’ll usually need to ask for the bill when you’re ready. Où sont les toilettes ? (oo sohn lay twah-LET?) → Where is the bathroom? Un café, s’il vous plaît (uh kah-FAY seel voo PLEH) → A coffee, pleaseNote: ordering un café gets you a small espresso. If you want something larger, ask for un café américain or un cappuccino. Santé ! (sahn-TAY) → Cheers!Use this when clinking glasses.

Q + A

We have already reserved Standard Double Rooms for all of our guests. Check in begins at 3pm on Saturday June 6, 2025Check out by 11am on Tuesday June 9th Buses will pick up guests and luggage at 2pm on June 9th to transport us to Château Eza.

Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo

We have already reserved rooms for all our guests at the Château. Check in is 2pm and check out times are TBD.

Mackenzie & Matthew

Mackenzie & Matthew

Hotels

Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo

Château Eza