Weddings are a joyous occasion, celebrating the union of two people committing their lives to one another. On April 22, 2023, Sofia Richie and music executive Elliot Grainge did just that, getting married in the south of France. Sofia is the 24-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander.
Sofia and Elliot’s big day took place at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. Sofia looked beautiful in a custom Chanel gown. The guest list included dad Lionel, sister Nicole Richie and brother-in-law Joel Madden, Benji Madden and wife Cameron Diaz, and Paris Hilton and husband Carter Reum. It was a day filled with music and love.
Sofia posted videos and pictures on social media, giving an inside look at the big day. Sofia chose to walk down the aisle to one of her favorite songs, "Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez. She had no idea the big surprise that was in store for her.
Elliot secretly arranged for Stephen Sanchez to sing the song live at their ceremony. It was his gift to Sofia on their wedding day.
"I've been dreaming of meeting Stephen Sanchez and had asked my fiancé several times if we could go to one of his gigs," Sofia revealed.
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"When our planners, Banana Split, asked me what song I wanted to walk down the aisle to, it was a no-brainer. And when I heard a few words changed to my name, I thought it was so sweet of him to think of me and change my name like that. But when I got closer to the aisle, I looked up and thought: Is that Stephen Sanchez?!'" Sofia continued.
Sofia was so touched by Elliot’s gesture. "It was so surreal, and it was such a meaningful [surprise from Elliot]," she gushed. "And not only that, but we got to party with him all night."
Stephen Sanchez was far from the only musical performer that evening. Elliot is a music executive, and Sofia’s dad is a pop star. Lionel performed his hits "Hello" and "Stuck on You" for the couple’s first dance. Sofia and Lionel also shared a special father/daughter dance to “My Girl.”
The band Good Charlotte reunited for Sofia and Elliot’s reception. Elliot was thrilled.
"Elliot was such a big Good Charlotte fan when he was a kid, and Joel and Elliot have become like brothers. Anyway, they haven't performed in, like, five years, and they brought their band out from Nashville and LA, and it was one of the most fun nights of my life," Sofia recalled.
"They are true rock stars. Between my dad and Good Charlotte, it was unbelievable. And most importantly, it really felt like family, which is exactly how we wanted the wedding to feel," Sofia concluded.
The reception even included a beautiful fireworks display. The party kept going until the early morning hours. At 3 a.m. they called it quits and retired to a villa to consume "big bowls of pasta" as a nightcap — or breakfast, depending on how you look at it.
