Hello lovelies! We’re whisking you off to Bordeaux country in southwest France for our next real wedding feature. And from the rustic outdoor setting to the bride’s sky-high Jimmy Choos, it’s the picture of laid-back elegance.
Kellie, a facilities manager for Jamie Oliver, and Dan, a project manager in the construction industry, married on 3rd May at the stunning Chateau Rigaud in Gironde, France. They couldn’t have picked a more perfect venue for the relaxed, informal event they had in mind.
“We both love France and, having got engaged in Provence in 2012, decided we would love to get married there. Chateau Rigaud was beautiful and had everything we wanted. The team was also really helpful and sourced many of the wonderful suppliers for the day.”
Photography Copyright (c) 2014, M & J Photography
Kellie opted for a backless dress by Maria Hohan – a designer I hadn’t come across until now, but am very pleased to have been introduced to! She bravely purchased her dress online.
“I just wanted something a bit different really. I chose my dress because it was unusual, but still very pretty. I loved the backless detail and the way the fabric flowed.”
That stunning statement necklace – I do love bold jewellery on a bride – is by the one and only Jenny Packham. Clearly a woman of impeccable taste, Kellie completed her look with towering Jimmy Choo heels and a veil bought from an eBay shop. She later changed into a second dress, designed by Gemy Maalouf and purchased from Surrey Brides.
Those beautiful bridesmaids’ dresses are from Mango and the ever-so-sweet flower girl outfit is from Monsoon. Everything coordinated beautifully with the flowers, which were provided by Heidi, one of many suppliers from the Chateau’s enviable contact book.
“Heidi did a great job. I had given her a fairly loose brief, telling her that my favourite flowers were peonies and that I wanted pretty white and blush-pink flowers. The results were stunning.”
I adore the colours in this wedding – all fresh whites, muted pinks and rustic, antique shades – and the beautiful soft light in these photographs by M & J Photography.
“Our photographers were great to have around and captured the day really well. I’d definitely recommend them.”
“My dad gave me away and I walked down the aisle to One Day Like This by Elbow. The sun came out at the exact moment they opened the doors for me to walk down the aisle! It’s one of my very favourite memories of the day.”
“I took inspiration from the structure of some vows I’d seen online, but tailored them to make them more personal. We had two readings – one by Billy Idol and the words to I Wanna Grow Old with You from The Wedding Singer. We wanted something quirky but still appropriate to us as a couple. Our first dance was to our very favourite song, Candy by Paolo Nutini.”
Many other parts of the day were either supplied or sourced by the venue, Chateau Rigaud, including the catering, traditional French wedding cake, décor, entertainment and transport. They even arranged the make-up artist and hair stylist. Aside from being incredibly practical when you’re marrying abroad, I actually love that Kellie and Dan were able to leave these aspects of wedding planning in the venue’s very capable hands. It meant they could focus instead on the really important, personal parts of the ceremony – the vows, readings and music. All elements which, if we’re being honest, I’m sure many of us overlook a little when we’re stressing over table linen and bunting *raises hand*.
“For favours, we sourced small bottles of red wine from Bordeaux with help from the Chateau, and had the details of our day printed on the labels. The Chateau did all the styling apart from the ribbons that I added in the barn.”
Words of wedded wisdom…
“Just try to keep it simple and make sure you do and get what you want.”
Thank you so much Kellie and Dan, and M & J Photography. This wedding is completely beautiful and I actually think that, with just five weeks until my own big day, ‘keep it simple’ should be my new wedding planning motto. Who’s with me?!
Readers, if you’re hungry for more wedding inspiration you can find more weddings in France here and more blush pink loveliness here. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Love Kate xx
Photographer – M & J Photography
Venue and wedding planning – Chateau Rigaud
Dress – daytime Maria Hohan + evening Gemy Maalouf purchased from Surrey Brides
Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Accessories – necklace Jenny Packham
Hair and make up – supplied by Chateau Rigaud
Florist – Flowers in the Vines
Bridesmaids – Mango
Flower girls – Monsoon
Groom + Best Man – Ted Baker
Flowers, cake, catering, transport + entertainment – Chateau Rigaud
Stationery – designed by the bride
Favours – Bordeaux wine with personalised labels
