A Whimsical Destination Wedding Weekend at Chateau de Vezins in France

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April 1, 2025

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

The wedding design was an exquisite balance of modernity, elegance, and personal touches. For the pre-wedding welcome dinner, Kim and Chris chose bold, soft blue tones, with blue hydrangeas prominently featured to honor Kim's mother’s garden—a deeply sentimental and unique element of the day. The day of the wedding reflected a different, more refined ambiance: an all-white palette with gold accents created a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic. The reception featured a magnificent 8-meter-long banquet table draped in custom mirror-topped linens, reflecting luxurious chandeliers above, all beautifully arranged by Malkani Design and L'Art de Table Paris. The inclusion of lush greenery softened the grandeur, adding an air of enchantment to the outdoor setting.

Proposal Story

Kim and Chris first met at the European Restaurant in Melbourne, and their connection was instant. Kim fondly recalls how romantic their first meeting was and how she fell in love with Chris's handsome looks and, of course, his great beard! Their story is one of romance, elegance, and shared moments of joy, much like the wedding they created.

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

Kim stunned in four different dresses throughout the wedding weekend. For the welcome dinner, she wore a form-fitting blue gown with a dramatic train, perfectly setting the tone for the evening. On the wedding day, she opted for a show-stopping white mermaid gown with an overskirt that featured a detachable train and an oversized bow. Her third look was a regal purple princess gown for the first dance, capturing the magic of the moment. To cap off the evening, she slipped into a grey-blue dress, a red-carpet-worthy choice, for the fireworks display.

Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridesmaids wore elegant royal blue silk dresses that beautifully complemented the wedding’s sophisticated color palette. Their look added a bold yet refined touch, standing out perfectly against the classic French Abbaye setting.

Groomsman Attire

The groom and groomsmen kept things traditional yet dashing with their formal morning suits, complete with tails and top hats for the ceremony. Later in the evening, they switched to tuxedos, adding a sleek and modern twist to the reception’s chic vibe.

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

The couple worked with Boteco Dani Ortiz, a private chef, to offer a custom culinary experience for their guests. The entire weekend was a gastronomic journey, with dishes made to order and featuring French classics like beef tartare and duck à l'orange. The chef’s on-site presence ensured that the couple and their guests were treated to personalized meals that felt as intimate as they were luxurious.

Florals & Decor

Kim’s love of flowers was truly celebrated throughout the wedding decor, with Malkani Design bringing her vision to life. The welcome dinner showcased bold blue hydrangeas, a heartfelt nod to her mother’s garden. For the wedding day, the decor was opulent yet refined, with an all-white theme accented by gold. The banquet table was adorned with lush white floral arrangements, set in delicate Médicis vases provided by L’Art de la Table. Silk Event Paris added a magical touch with chandeliers draped in greenery, creating a captivating contrast. The final touch was hundreds of candles scattered throughout the venue, creating a warm, romantic glow as the evening unfolded.

Wedding Cake

Kim and Chris chose an exquisite all-white pièce montée for their wedding cake. Decorated with cascading white flowers, the cake was both a stunning visual centerpiece and a delicious treat, perfectly aligned with the day’s elegant and romantic aesthetic.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

Kim and Chris wanted to make sure their celebration was alive with music and emotion. The reception was accompanied by live music from the Popcorn Factory Orchestra, who kept the atmosphere vibrant throughout the evening. The heartfelt speeches from friends and family, combined with the live band, created unforgettable moments during the dinner and reception. The couple’s first dance was particularly memorable, with the enchanting ambiance enhanced by the beautiful music.

Special Detail #1

Kim and Chris opted for an intimate, micro wedding, with only their closest friends and family present. This intimate gathering created an exclusive, heartfelt atmosphere that allowed the couple to truly savor every moment with their guests. Coming from Australia, the couple wanted to create a magical French experience that their guests would never forget. Kim and Chris both share a deep love for historic churches and breathtaking architecture, and Fontevraud was simply perfect for them. The Abbey's sleek sophistication and monumental presence created an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The couple felt drawn to the historical significance of this place, appreciating its elegant and timeless design, which echoed the sophisticated vision they had for their wedding. Chris discovered Château de Vézins, and they instantly knew it was the perfect place. They were looking for a location that could combine history, sophistication, and culture—elements they found to be uniquely intertwined at the château. Hosting friends and family from around the world in such a stunning and intimate setting was incredibly important to them. The week-long stay at the château allowed their loved ones to fully experience the beauty of the French countryside while enjoying each other’s company in a luxurious yet welcoming environment.

Special Detail #2

To add a personal touch, Kim and Chris had a custom-built bar. This bespoke element added a unique charm to the cocktail hour, giving guests a one-of-a-kind experience as they enjoyed the couple’s signature drinks.

Special Detail #3

When asked if there was a particular vendor or detail that stood out, Kim, our beautiful bride, responded: "Morgane Ball took some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen! She is amazing, attentive, and I hope she decides to come to Melbourne, Australia.

Couple Portraits