A Tale of Two Ceremonies and a Wine Tasting

In the heart of the breathtaking Loire Valley, where history whispers through the ancient stone walls and the lush vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, a love story unfolded like no other.  This is the enchanting tale of Musa, a Londoner born in Sierra Leone, and Hannah, also a Londoner who chose to celebrate their union with two distinct and vibrant ceremonies, each reflecting their rich cultural backgrounds.

Hannah and Musa first met at her front door, when he came to install a sound system in her new apartment. Instantly drawn to each other, they bonded over their love for sports, culture, and adventure. Musa, with his warm smile and captivating stories, enchanted Hannah, while Hannah’s spirited laughter and passion for life captured Musa’s heart.  As their relationship blossomed, they often dreamed of a wedding that would not only celebrate their love but also honor their diverse heritages.

After a romantic proposal, the couple decided on a destination wedding in France, a place that held a special charm for them. They chose a stunning castle, aptly named Chateau Allure du Lac, nestled in the Loire Valley, surrounded by beautiful forest along with a lake and tiny island, as the perfect backdrop for their two unique ceremonies.

The first ceremony took place on the front lawn of the chateau, where they honored Musa’s African roots with a traditional Sierra Leonean ceremony. The second was an elegant English ceremony held on the island, where they embraced the customs and traditions Hannah cherished. Together, these ceremonies wove a rich tapestry of cultural celebration, love, and unity.

A Sierra Leonean Celebration

The first day of festivities was dedicated to Musa’s Sierra Leonean roots, a blend tradition with modern elegance.  The guests were adorned with vibrant colors, reflecting the rich culture of Sierra Leone. Bright yellows, deep blues, and lush greens created a tapestry of hues that danced in the light, infusing the atmosphere with joy and celebration.  The ceremony took place in front of the chateau.  Musa looked dashing in a traditional African suit or boubou, which showcased intricate patterns and colors.

Hannah also donned a stunning traditional boubou and head-dress, a flowing garment crafted from rich, colorful fabric that symbolized Musa’s heritage.  Adorned with intricate bead-work and patterns, she felt a deep connection to the culture she was embracing.   Hannah’s mother also wore a traditional boubou and headdress and all the bridesmaids were adorned in African clothing.

The ceremony began with the pouring of libations in the form of champagne, a ritual that honored the ancestors and sought their blessings for the couple. Musa’s step-father spoke words of wisdom, imparting blessings upon the couple as they embarked on their new journey together.   Then the Imam performed the Muslim blessing ceremony and the couple exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends who had traveled from near and far to witness this momentous occasion.

After the ceremony, the guest were treated to an African cocktail party with food served by a local restaurant owed by Fanta Kaba called L’African Resto.   The air was filled with the aroma of delicious Sierra Leonean cuisine, featuring dishes like meat and vegetarian pastels (simiar to an empanada), Cabbage Salad, Mafe Chicken, Tiebot Chicken, Grilled Lamb, Roasted Goat, Jollof rice, allowing everyone to savor the flavors of Musa’s homeland.  Spicy Hibiscus-Ginger Drinks and homemade fruit and yogurt cups were served to cap the night off.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over the castle, guests gathered for a lively reception. The couple had curated a playlist that blended Afro-beats with contemporary songs, a fantastic getting everyone on the dance floor and symbolizing the merging of two cultures and the beginning of Musa and Hannah’s journey together.l

A Wine Tasting

The next night we held a wine tasting event at the picturesque French chateau which was a delightful affair, attracting a gathering of 70 enthusiastic wine lovers. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the stunning views of the lake and gardens and the charming architecture of the chateau, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

The father of the bride, a seasoned wine expert or oenophile (a person who has a passion for fine vintages), took on the responsibility of organizing the entire wine tasting event, ensuring that every detail was executed to perfection.  His deep knowledge of oenology allowed him to curate an impressive selection of wines that would not only delight the guests but also reflect the elegance of the occasion. Drawing upon his extensive connections in the wine industry, he sourced the finest rosés, champagnes, and whites from renowned vineyards all within 1 hour of the chateau, each handpicked to create a harmonious tasting experience. As he mingled with the guests, sharing anecdotes about each wine’s origin and tasting notes, it was evident that his enthusiasm for wine was infectious, adding a personal touch to the celebration. His thoughtful planning and expertise not only showcased his love for wine but also highlighted the significance of the day, making it a truly special moment for his daughter and all in attendance.

Guests mingled on the elegant terrace, sipping on refreshing wine that perfectly complementing the warm afternoon sun.  The guests tasted three sets of wines, first a some bubbles, then a white, and finally a red.  They tasted in pairs of wines, so they could compare and contrast the wines, mostly made from the same grapes, from a pair of local families who are both living growing and vinifying within an hour of the château.     Our first wine comes from Domaine de la Taille aux Loups (aka Pack of Wolves). Domaine de la Taille aux Loups was set up in 1989 in Montlouis- an unfashionable and almost unknown appellation just up the road from Chateau Allure du Lac.   Before becoming a winemaker, the owner Jacky was a paratrooper – and he had a huge handlebar mustache to go with his huge personality. Sadly, he past away last summer so the guests drank some of the last of the wine he made.  Montlouis is home to Chenin Blanc.  Their first wine was Triple Zero.  So this is a petillant naturel – made the same way champagne is made, but not disgorged. And its Triple Zero because it has zero chaptalisation, zero liquer de tirage and zero dosage. So no sugar added to start the fermentation, to top up the bottle or to start the secondary fermentation. This is seriously skilled wine-making. It helps that he had good material – the vines that its made from are between 40 and 80 years old, but its still one hell of an act.

The second bubbly was a Crémant Rosé-Preambule. This the production is from two sisters – Anne and Marie Guegniard, owers of Domaine de la Bergerie. They are the fourth generation in their family to farm and vinefy about 36 hectares of land down the road in Coteau de Layon- still the Loire, still chenin Blanc, but an appellation famous for pudding wines. Their Crémant Rosé-Preambule is also a non-vintage. It’s a blend of two grapes- 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Grolleau. Now Grolleau (or the Black Crow) is a very particular grape. It’s a red wine grape with very low alcohol content and very high acidity. Its only found here in the Loire- it’s a 19th grape that is massively out of fashion, and its only allowed to be used in making rose wines and not red wines. There are only about 5,000 acres of it left on earth. But here Anne and Marie have produced something really different and special. It’s another method champenoise (made like champagne) but this time it’s a single zero-zero dosage when they disgorge the bottle. That means- the first fermentation is in steel vats, then the wine is bottled with some residual sugar, left on the lees (dead yeast) for 3 years, and then disgorged like a champagne. But no sugar added then.

We followed the bubbles with Clos le Grand Beaupreau- a single walled vineyard at the highest point in the appellation, also from Anne and Marie. 100% Chenin Blanc. Made with natural yeasts in oak barrels (25% new 75% old oak) on the lees for a year, then into steel vats for another year before bottling. This is the 2019 – still young and will go on for another ten years or maybe more.   Then back to Jacky – his white – Clos de Mosny 2022 vintage- from magnums. Their last magnums. So Jacky’s last vintage. It’s a 100% Chenin Blanc again so we can make a direct comparison- and like Anne and Maries wine its from a single south facing vineyard. Clos traditionally means walled- in wine-making terms. This is no exception – it’s a 12 hectare walled vineyard- all organic. The wine is made in barriques- big old Bordeaux barrels- 20% new oak and 80% old. So recycling is a thing in wine making. This wine is very young- but its all they had left at the cave. It will go on for another eight to ten years if cellared properly.

And finally the reds.   Again we did ladies first. Anne and Marie present the Cherry orchard (la Cerisaie). 2021.  Ninety percent Cabernet Franc and 10% Grolleau – the black crow grape. It’s a quick young fresh wine. Made in nine months in steel vats, designed to be drunk within five years.  An approachable crowd pleaser. Just what most folks would expect from a red Anjou wine. Simple and fun – well executed. Loads of fruit- great with a roast chicken.   And to Jacky’s last wine. So this is Haut de la Butte- its from Bourgueil-an appellation just above Samur. Its 100% Cabernet Franc. So, its an old grape. Allegedly brought to the Loire by Cardinal Richelieu (of the Musketeers fame) it’s the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon. In Bordeaux its grown in small quantities to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, but its rapidly becoming a rock star grape globally, with plantings in Italy, here in France and as far away as the Andes.  Its lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon and a bit like the another light red grape- Pinot- it divides wine drinkers. Some see it as subtle, ethereal, making god like wines that will go on for decades. This is also a 2021 – but unlike the Cherry orchard which is in the prime of its life-this is very fresh. A very different expression of Cabernet Franc, and a hint at why lots of winemakers are becoming very excited about this old grape.

Hannah’s father’s knowledge provided insights into each wine’s unique history and characteristics, enhancing the guests’ appreciation and understanding of the selections.  Later, the guests were treated to a pasta bar inside the chateau, where the guests continued to mingle and have fun.  As the sun began to set, the combination of exquisite wines, stunning scenery, and engaging conversation created a truly memorable experience that celebrated the art of wine tasting in a magnificent setting.

An English Soirée

The third day of celebration embraced Hannah’s English heritage, ensuring that both sides of the family felt represented and cherished. The castle was transformed into a scene straight out of a fairy-tale, with elegant candlelight, and a palette of vibrant flowers rich in pinks, orange and gold.  The ceremony was held on an island and so Hannah and her bridesmaids walked from the chateau to the island, carefully helping her to carry her dress.  She wore a stunning gown designed by Nicole and Felicia.  The dress was covered in fabric flowers and the 4-meter train was as well.  Hannah’s father looked dashing in his English morning suit as he walked Hannah down the aisle to a string trio playing “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.  Many of the guest wore traditional Scottish kilts and ladies with gorgeous fascinators perched on their heads. The officiant performing the ceremony was a family friend and Hannah’s God-mother and she created a fantastic ceremony and sermon about the support of friends and families in a marriage.  She even had the guest pledge to help the couple.

Hannah dreamed of a vibrant, kaleidoscopic and lush bouquet. And Angelique from The Painted Bouquet, is a talented florist who listened intently and crafted an extraordinary arrangement bursting with bright and vivid pink hues. Each petal and stem was meticulously chosen, transforming her wedding vision into a breathtaking floral masterpiece that perfectly captured her radiant spirit. Later, Angelique was able to incorporate the ceremony flowers from the aisle and arch into the dining room, placing many of the blooms in individual vases for stunning effect.

The reception was held in the main salon in the chateau with the string trio playing Bridgerton-Style upbeat music to the delight of the guests.  Guests enjoyed Pol Roger Brut champagne and canapes like Tomato Tartar Bruschetta, Chorizo Palmito, Chicken Skewer, Shrimp and Basil Pastry, Tataki Beef, Sesame infused Tuna Tartar, Cromesquis de Fromage and an Iberian Ham Carving Station.  

A huge envelope board set created by a friend and transported all the way to France from Scotland, showcased all the guests’ names stood in the foyer as the seating chart.  Inside each envelope was a hand written note from Hannah and Musa, along with the seat assignment for the guests.  After the reception the guests were piped into the dining room by a saxophonist leading the way upstairs to the dining room.

The dining room as adorned with the most beautiful of flowers, including David Austin Roses, in vibrant and stunning colours set in small bud vases again designed by The Painted Bouquet.   Intricate wooden charges and bright pink napkins completed the place settings along with names and tassels.   Again, Hannah’s father planned a fantastic wine pairing with the food and guests were treated to the most fantastic wines.  Maté’s vineyard Chardonnay 2020 for the first course, which was served with a Tartar of Salmon and a Bathazar bottle of Château Bataille 2005 Grand Cru (12 liters) served with a Duck leg, Gratin Dauphinois with a Poele of Vegetables.  For the pudding, a Trio Chocolate Cake with chocolate ganache was also served along with a Chateau Doisy Daene 2009. 

Decanting the Bathazar bottle of Château Bataille 2005 Grand Cru

  

After the dinner, guests were invited to return downstairs to the Grand salon to the lively sounds of The Fresh Funky Band.   Hannah and Musa’s first dance was “Can’t take my eyes off you” by Frankie Valli.

As the evening unfolded, the couple encouraged a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and dancing.  Hannah also changed into another gown this time from Lavish Alice, quite similar to the first one, but more of a dance-able dress, with no train.  The air was charged with joy, as guests from both cultures enjoyed the evening. Later, a cheese table with a macaron tower was served in the Chatelaine’s Salon.  A midnight, traditional Bacon Butties were served to the delight of the guests.   Later, car services arrived at the chateau to transport many of the guests back to their accommodations.

Hannah and Musa’s two wedding ceremonies were a remarkable reflection of their love and commitment to one another, seamlessly blending their cultural backgrounds. The traditional African ceremony celebrated Musa’s roots, while the English ceremony honored Hannah’s heritage, and the wine tasting evening honored their passion for food and wine. Together, they created a unique and memorable experiences that showcased the beauty of their blended lives.

Happy Planning