bride and groom walking near french wedding chateau

Kelly & Doug’s French Fairytale Château Wedding

Weddings in France

Stunningly sensible.

Being a preferred Château Sentout wedding planner is certainly a privilege, and one I am very grateful to have. Not only because Sentout is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful venues in Bordeaux, but because the couples that choose to get married here tend to be really awesome, down to earth people.

Kelly and Doug were absolutely no exception. They are down to earth, organized, funny and great to look at! – A wedding planners dream! And OMG those dresses…..

Back to the basics.

All couples have priorities – for Kelly and Doug, it was being together with family and friends. You’ll say, this is a case with most couples, but with Kelly & Doug, this was THE major priority, THE guideline, THE fundamental theme. With both bride and groom working for non-profit agencies, they wanted to stick to the essentials. We worked on virtually every detail of Kelly & Doug’s special day keeping this priority in mind.

First it was enlisting the perfect catering to provide the perfect mix of French comfort foods and gourmet treats to fit a formal yet not-to-stuffy affair. Next was planning the “Tuesday Tour”. As part of their week long wedding festivities, this couple wanted to offer guests a private vineyard tour to introduce guests to one of the finer things in Bordeaux life – wine tasting that is! On an unseasonably warm Tuesday in March, guests meandered from chateau to chateau, visiting beautiful properties such as Château Filhot and the Medieval town of Bazas. A fabulous relaxing day for everyone…

The next day was followed by an incredible pig roast in classic French style. Moving speeches, laughter and overall good fun the evening before the big day!

Did someone say shimmery rose-gold?

Finally it was time to get to the fun stuff – the design! Château Sentout is as stunning as can be. The property’s whimsical and organic elements made fusing the soft, fairytale vibe of Kelly’s vision both fun and innovative. California Fleuriste did an incredible job of bringing together a sophisticated vintage color palette with a wow factor wedding arch and beautiful bouquets that went perfectly with the bridesmaid’s sparkly rose gold dresses.

Who’s your photographer??

Kelly and Doug chose a US based photographer who I met just the day before the wedding. As a planner, this is slightly stressful not only because you are meeting a vendor at the last minute, but because you are meeting an American photographer at the last minute. I don’t like to generalize (I know my people), but sometimes I have to make special accommodations for American photographers and videographers (haha J)! I was blown away! Sarah Berner as accompanied by her husband for the event as second camera man – ps. I love husband and wife duos. They were open, warm, professional and excellent dinner conversation. It is needless to say that the photos capture very eloquently the intense emotions on the day of the wedding. Unbelievable work from exceptionally dedicated people.

Don’t go getting all emotional on me….

Believe me – you could feel the emotion of this wedding. It was like a happy, loving, spiritual daze that enveloped all the guests (and myself as well!). Anyone that knows me knows that I am not the sappy romantic type but unity and commitment just radiated from this event.

The ceremony was performed by family friend and minister – VERY emotional, beautifully eloquent, lots of tears from everyone. One of the most moving ceremonies I have ever witnessed.

During dinner, moving speeches and special words were intertwined with excellent food, great wines and between course dancing! And on top of that we, we had a record temperatures for that day in March and the whole evening took place in an open marquee.

Kelly and Doug’s wedding was one of those events that you just know everyone enjoyed to the fullest – no fuss, back to basics, family values. What an honor it was to be a part of this special life moment!