It is safe to say that most people’s idea of a dream wedding includes a chateau in the French countryside. The scenery, the romance, the food… it’s the kind of destination that lends itself perfectly to a gorgeous celebration of love. And gorgeous is the key word. Think blooms upon blooms crafted by Lily Paloma, an intimate yet incredibly romantic designed by Fete in France and then there’s all the imagery by 2 Brides Photography. All in all, it’s a francophile or lover of travel’s dream.
From Fete in France… College sweethearts, Ven and Adrian, knew they wanted a beautiful location in the French countryside that would be able to bring together the romance of France, their passion for gastronomy yet still be accessible for their international guests coming to their intimate destination wedding. With the help of Fête in France they were able to find the peaceful and bucolic Château de Bouelles. This chic retreat is surrounded by fields and cows, but also has a maze, a rose garden, a hunter’s cottage, and such creature comforts as a heated pool, sauna, fitness room and tennis courts. The weekend started with a rustic rehearsal dinner under the arches of 100-year-old trees on the property. Women were wearing flower-crowns and they ate a delicious local spit-roast suckling pig as the sunset and the candlelit flickered. The wedding day featured an outdoor ceremony under a floral arch full of unique rituals. One example is a vase filled with water by the bride and groom, then each guest adding a rose to make their special bouquet. Cocktails were then served in the formal gardens and dinner in the château. French touches included vintage candlesticks, porcelain and a beautiful table runner full of fresh greenery and flowers. We could describe this enchanting wedding in a million ways; talking about all details; flowers, gardens, ceremony, the table set-up, or even the gorgeous custom-made wedding dress by the bride’s mother, etc… but it is better to hear it directly from the bride.
From the Bride… A destination wedding was the best option for us as we had family and friends travelling from all over the globe. We chose the French countryside for the beautiful scenery, outdoor atmosphere, and access to exceptional food. Chateau de Bouelles was a perfect fit for us because we were truly able to enjoy the wedding weekend with our family and friends. The exquisite gardens won us over, as early on we easily envisioned incredible outdoor festivities. The setting and location of the chateau allowed our guests time to explore the region in between wedding events. We had a very dependable planner that understood our vision. Our wedding was absolutely stress free and enjoyable in every way imaginable, we couldn’t have executed it without her.
I had tried on many beautiful dresses, several which felt alright but none that were quite spot on. It needed to be classic but not stuffy. I wanted it fuss free and a dress I could move around in and not need help while walking. After months searching and not finding quite the dress, my mother offered to make my dress. It took lots of phone calls and several flights but it was a beautiful way to include her in both the plans and on the wedding day.
Photography: 2 Brides Photography | Event Planning: Fete in France | Floral Design: Lily Paloma | Wedding Dress: Mother of the bride | Stationery: The bride | Reception Venue: Chateau De Bouelles | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Entertainment: Jazz Around Midnight | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groom's ring : Harry Winston | Groom's shoes: Georgio Armani | Hair & Make-up artist: Trine Juel | Rentals: Options | Rentals: Vaisselle Vintage | Ring box: The Mrs Box | Stationery printing : Sesame Letterpress | Veil : Twigs & Honey | Wine: Madame Wine