We’re huge fans of destination weddings set in romantic European venues. So we flipped upon seeing this vintage vibe wedding held at Le Château de Beaulieu in France. We’ll let the bride fill you in on all the details, enjoy!
Proposal
“Bobby proposed in February and I had foot surgery in December. So, I was in a boot and it was still pretty painful to walk. He asked if I wanted to go for picnic and the answer was absolutely!
“When we got to the lake, it was closed. Nonetheless, I was dedicated to having a picnic. We walked for about a mile and my foot was in so much pain. We had lunch, watched our dog (Woody) swim, and then laid down on the blanket. Bobby leaned back on one arm and I was lying beside him.
“I realized it was really happening — I cried and said yes. We kept our engagement a secret that evening and then called our family and friends the following day.”
Elopement
“The utmost important part of our wedding day was the ceremony and reading of our vows. I stuttered, laughed, & cried. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a moment. When the doors opened, everything melted away, I didn’t see the faces of the people that loved me, I didn’t notice the snap of photos or quick movements of the videographer, everything was a blur except Bobby.
“I have always been confident in our relationship, but in the few moments it took me to walk down that ancient isle, I was overwhelmingly reassured: everything was right.”
Favorite Moment
“The morning of our wedding we wrote letters to read out loud prior to our vows. As Bobby read his letter, my heart was instantly filled with joy. His writing was honest, articulate, and charming. It was meaningful in the moment and I will treasure his note for many years to come.
Family Heirlooms
“I wore a piece of jewelry from each side of the family. Both sister-in-laws lent me a piece of jewelry: a sapphire ring (something blue) and a silver necklace (something old).”
For those chilly wedding days, you may want to get a fashionable (faux) fur wedding wrap.
Style Vision
“Our style is vintage. Antique items have a soul that our modern, quick-fashion marketplace can’t immolate. When I saw the photos of the chapel at Chateau de Beaulieu, I knew it was the perfect place. The stone floors and stain glass windows were steeped in history and required no traditional wedding décor.
“Built in the 13th century, it has been witness to hundreds of ceremonies through the ages, and I felt honored that we would become a part of its history.
Bride’s Dress
“I wanted a conservative, classic wedding dress and it was proving difficult to find. I ultimately ordered my dress online and I was incredibly relieved it fit perfectly.
Advice
“Never forget why you’re getting married. It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the stress of the planning but don’t allow it to shadow the true meaning of a wedding.”
Honeymoon
“Our honeymoon wasn’t traditional as we spent a few days with our families vs. going off by ourselves. We roamed Paris, Versailles and enjoyed our evenings at the Chateau. After our families left, we enjoyed the rest of our honeymoon in London.
“Among all the regular tourist activities, we were able to attend an Arsenal game and tour Lloyds of London with one of my clients.”
