A Fairy tale Wedding at an 19th Century French Chateau: Rain or Shine

In the picturesque Loire Valley in northern France, where rolling hills meet enchanting architecture, an extraordinary wedding unfolded – a beautiful union between an Australian-Vietnamese bride and a London gentleman. This celebration was not only a testament to their love but also a vibrant blending of their cultures, all set against the romantic backdrop of an 19^th century chateau surrounded by 23 hectares of lush gardens, a picturesque lake and an island for the wedding ceremony.

The Setting: A Dreamlike Chateau

The chateau, aptly named Château Allure du Lac, with its grand stone façade and towering turrets, was an ideal venue for the couple’s nuptials. As guests arrived, they were welcomed into the opulent interiors, the warm glow of chandeliers illuminating the elegant hallways. The grandeur of the chateau complemented the couple’s vision for their wedding, with high ceilings and ornate decorations providing a stunning backdrop for every moment.

An Enigmatic Icebreaker: The Murder Mystery

To kick off the wedding weekend and set the tone for the festivities, we organized a thrilling murder mystery event in the chateau’s courtyard on the Friday evening before the wedding.  The courtyard’s elegant arches and cobblestone paths provided a charming backdrop for this interactive icebreaker. Guests were divided into groups to questions each character in the unfolding drama of a fictional murder set in the opulent 19th-century settings of the chateau itself.  As the evening progressed, laughter and excitement filled the air as participants engaged in spirited discussions, piecing together clues while sipping on fine wines and enjoying the cuisine. The atmosphere buzzed with intrigue as guests mingled, breaking the ice and forging connections before the main event. This engaging experience not only set the stage for new friendships but also added an unforgettable layer of fun and camaraderie, ensuring that everyone felt like part of the celebration long before the couple exchanged their vows.

Finding the Silver Lining: Rain or Shine

The day had a surprise in store: a gentle rain that transformed the outdoor festivities into a charming indoor celebration.  Despite the rain drizzling outside, the couple remained undeterred.  Ultimately, while the transition from an outdoor wedding to a grand foyer presents challenges for the bride, it can also lead to unexpected beauty and joy. By embracing the change, the bride discovered that the indoor setting offers a unique charm and intimacy that enhanced her special day.  The chateau’s lavish indoor spaces were transformed into a fairy tale setting, adorned with delicate floral arrangements created by Angelique of The Painted Bouquet.

As the ceremony commenced in the chateau’s grand foyer, guests stood on the marble staircase beneath a magnificent ceiling adorned with intricate moldings. The intimacy of the setting was perfect for the bride as she made her entrance to a song dear to the couple’s heart played by a string trio; Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and emotion as the couple prepared to exchange vows.

The bride, wearing a stunning dress designed by Enzoani, a vision in white with intricate embroidery, while the groom looked dapper in a classic tailored linen light blue suit.  The couple exchanged heartfelt vows which resonated with family members and friends as they joined in unison with laughter and acknowledgement of this once in lifetime love story.

A Feast for All Senses

Following the emotional ceremony, guests were treated to an indoor reception that showcased a delightful fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine.  The chateau’s Grand Salon and Drawing Room were transformed into an enchanting reception space, with elegant tables adorned with fresh flowers and flickering candles, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The menu was a culinary journey, featuring Crispy Basil Shrimp, Duck Pancakes, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, and Chicken San Chow Bow, each hors d’oeuvre thoughtfully prepared to reflect the couple’s appreciation for their rich heritages. Around 5pm a last-minute surprise for the guests arrived -the sun burst through the clouds and the guests left the chateau and explored the front gardens.  Providing the opportunity for the wedding photographer (Mark Ward) to capture some stunning group photos in the grounds.

Later, we all more upstairs to the Silver Dining Room were again another feast for the senses awaited them.  Fine wines complemented the meal which consisted of Rack of Lamb with a Rosemary sauce, Gratin Dauphinois Potatoes and a Tarte Tatin of Vegetables, along with Thick-Cut Cod in a Beurre Blanc Sauce, also served with the Gratin Dauphinois and Tarte Tatin, enhancing the flavours and adding a touch of sophistication.

The pièce de résistance was the stunning wedding cake topped with profiteroles, elegantly decorated with edible flowers served in the Chatelaine’s Salon on the main level.  We ordered this from a fantastic patisserie and chocolaterie called Artisan Passionne, located in Angers. 

Dancing the Night Away

As the evening transitioned into a celebration of love and joy, the couple’s first dance was a moment that would be forever etched in the memories of everyone present. To create an intimate and romantic atmosphere, they had arranged for two talented acoustic singers (Under The Bay Tree) to serenade them with a selection of heartfelt melodies. As the couple took to the dance floor, the soft strumming of guitars filled the ballroom, enveloping the space in a warm and enchanting ambiance.  The singers performed a beautiful rendition of a song that held special meaning for the couple, their voices harmonizing perfectly as they captured the essence of their love story.  The song was Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur. The soft notes and heartfelt lyrics resonated throughout the room, drawing guests into the magic of the moment. The couple swayed, lost in each other’s eyes, while their families and friends surrounded them, cheering and clapping along to the music.

Once the first dance concluded, the acoustic duo seamlessly transitioned into a lively set that encouraged everyone to join in on the fun. With infectious energy and a diverse repertoire, they played upbeat songs that had guests of all ages dancing and singing along. The combination of the intimate first dance and the lively afterward created a perfect balance, ensuring that the celebration flowed effortlessly into a night filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. The acoustic serenade not only highlighted the couple’s love but also set the tone for an evening where everyone felt connected, creating an atmosphere of unity and happiness that would carry on long into the night.

As the evening unfolded, the chateau came alive with music and laughter.  Soon, family and friends joined in, creating a vibrant atmosphere of joy and celebration. The sound of laughter echoed through the chateau’s elegant halls as guests shared stories, danced, and embraced the spirit of love that enveloped the room. Heartfelt toasts followed, with family members expressing their happiness and hopes for the couple’s future.

While the rain gently fell outside, the chateau offered plenty of activities to keep guests entertained indoors. The expansive space allowed for various interactive experiences, ensuring that everyone had a delightful time.

For the children, a dedicated play area was set up in the Chatelaine’s Salon, complete with games, colouring activities, and even a mini treasure hunt. Meanwhile, adults enjoyed mingling over a curated selection of fine wines, champagne and a fun blend of cocktails, like Lychee Martinis and Mojitos, exchanging stories and laughter as they savoured the flavours of the evening.

A Joyful Celebration: Double Birthday Party in the Courtyard

The next day, as the wedding weekend festivities continued, the couple decided to host a delightful double birthday party in the charming courtyard of the chateau, celebrating both their son’s special day and their cousin’s birthday. The lush surroundings provided a picturesque backdrop for this joyful gathering, with vibrant floral arrangements adorning the tables, a balloon arch and a bouncy castle. This event was not just a celebration of two birthdays but also an opportunity to bring friends and family together in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

To set the tone for the celebration, they invited another talented acoustic singer (True Troubadour) to serenade guests with lively tunes and cheerful melodies. The singer’s warm voice and engaging performance created a festive ambiance that had everyone smiling and tapping their feet.  Children ran freely across the courtyard, captivated by the lively music, while adults mingled, sharing laughter and stories as they enjoyed the beautiful summer day.

The highlight of the birthday party was undoubtedly the stunning Pokémon-themed cake, specially crafted to delight their son, also ordered from Artisan Passionne. Decorated with colourful fondant characters and vibrant icing, the cake was a showstopper that instantly drew the attention of both children and adults alike. As the couple gathered everyone around to sing “Happy Birthday,” their son’s face lit up with excitement, and the courtyard filled with joyful cheers. The cake was cut and served, with each slice bringing smiles and sugary delight.

The combination of the acoustic serenade, the festive atmosphere, and the playful spirit of the birthday celebration added an extra layer of joy to the wedding weekend. It was a beautiful reminder of family, love, and the happy moments that create lasting memories. The double birthday party was not just a celebration of milestones but also a heartfelt way to honour the couple’s journey as a family, surrounded by their loved ones in a setting that felt like a fairy tale

The journey of planning a wedding is often filled with unexpected twists and turns, from the initial vision of an outdoor ceremony to the last-minute decision to embrace the grandeur of an indoor venue like a great foyer. While it can be challenging for a bride to let go of her dream, the support of an experienced event planner and the love of family and friends can transform moments of doubt into opportunities for creativity and joy. Ultimately, the true essence of a wedding lies not in the chosen backdrop but in the shared love and connection between the couple and their loved ones. As the bride steps into her beautifully adorned foyer, she may find that the most meaningful memories are created not by the setting, but by the moments shared with those who matter most.

Happy Planning