Claire and John were extremely busy doctors in the US looking for a romantic, destination wedding in France to invite their American and Swiss friends and family to enjoy.

They first contacted us for help to find their perfect wedding venue in France.  We looked at over 50 venues for them, finally narrowing it down to 8 that best suited their criteria before they came over to visit their top 4.

This is when we first met Lana the dog, who was to be a key part of their day!

After choosing the fabulous Chateau de la Valouze for their 3-day celebrations, they handed the planning reins over to us and Claire’s mum and dad whilst Claire sat her doctorate exams.  The next time that we would see or speak with them was the day they arrived in France for their wedding.

Here’s how their weekend panned out.

The brief was for an outdoor American barbecue feel with a nod to the Varsity bar where they used to meet after John had been rowing.

Our styling team created a casual dining area of wooden tables, a rustic bar area with bar stools and poser tables, blue bunting for John’s rowing team colours, along with oars mounted on the chateau steps.  American-style burgers from a food truck were the food of choice.

The day was to be an elegant, romantic, garden party style, outdoor wedding in whites, pale and blush pinks, with an outdoor ceremony under the trees.

The styling team created a romantic, ceremony area under the imposing, natural beauty of a huge oak tree.  Claire’s expertise in silk floristry came into its own with flower packed arrangements for the aisle and altar and later decorating the lengths of the outdoor dining tables.

Classical musicians played both traditional and contemporary acoustic music for the ceremony and cocktails as guests chatted and wandered amongst the food stations.

A gastronomic dinner of local produce took place under garlands of globe lighting by the lawns and finished with a cheese presentation for cutting.

The grand finale was a big firework display.

The next day, guests returned for a casual and relaxing Sunday brunch of French viennoiserie, charcuterie, fresh fruit and savouries, in the pavilion.

Oh yes, and Lana the dog… she had her own floral collar and walked down the aisle ahead of the bride!

Congratulations Claire and John