Anca and Gavin describe themselves as quite laid back and happy to go with the flow which is why they felt they needed help to find a chateau and to plan their fun autumn wedding celebrations. “Else we will never get it done!” said Anca.

Gavin also runs a busy recruitment business and they were expecting their first baby, so time was precious.

But they both loved to have fun, get other people involved and for everyone to feel included in whatever they did.

Their wedding was to be a reflection of this and their New Zealand and Romanian nationalities.

They chose the autumn for their wedding so that the new baby would be in his routine, and to tie in with the school holidays in the Southern hemisphere.

After a venue search across Bordeaux and SW France they fell in love with Chateau de la Valouze.

Here’s their wedding story…..

The night before, we organised them a family meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Hotel de Pavie in Saint Emilion.

The wedding day was a summery October day and the natural colour palette of the grounds was carried into the decoration and style of the day.  Our styling team went to work on a huge floral arch over the front door of the chateau, an autumnal photo area, vintage lounge areas and handmade candle holders.

Throughout the day Anca and Gavin’s sense of fun was carried through.  A caricaturist sketched all day and had even pre-drawn all the place cards, menus and bottle labels, much to the joy of the guests.

Music was a big feature with a string quartet playing both classical and electric during the ceremony and cocktails, whilst the night finished up with a great band and DJ.

Drinks were also a big feature with some rather potent vodka coming in from Romania and given as wedding favours to guests.  A flair cocktail barman also entertained throughout the evening.

Even the little ones were not forgotten with a mobile creche and face painting.

All in all, a fabulous weekend full of non-stop fun and entertainment… a great finale to our 2019 season.

Congratulations Anca and Gavin