It was important to Clare and Laura to include elements of Asia into their French Chateau wedding day.
THE PROPOSAL
Laura and Clare had been together for several years and had been talking about getting engaged for some time. They had even started to make plans for their wedding, but they wanted to make sure that the proposal was special and memorable.
They decided to take a holiday to Normandy, a region in northern France, and explore the beautiful towns and villages along the coast. On Laura’s birthday, they visited the small fishing town of Barfleur and had a wonderful lunch at a restaurant with stunning views of the area.
After lunch, Clare suggested they take a walk on the beach near their guest house. They found a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As they watched the waves crash against the shore, Laura suddenly looked up to see Clare down on one knee, holding out a ring.
Tears welled up in Laura’s eyes as she said yes, and they embraced each other. They spent the rest of the day exploring the town and finding the perfect beach shack to celebrate their engagement.
It was only later that Clare confessed that it was her third attempt to propose that day. She had planned to propose over breakfast and then again during their walk around the town, but had been too nervous each time.
Laura and Clare were overjoyed to finally be engaged and began planning their dream wedding. They originally planned to get married in August 2020, but the COVID pandemic caused a delay, and they had to postpone their wedding for two years. Despite the unexpected delay, they were grateful to have each other and were looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together as a married couple.
PLANNING THE WEDDING
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and for two women who had to postpone their big day twice, it was no exception. Unfortunately, some things happened that were out of their control, but fortunately, most vendors were understanding. However, the biggest stress came when they had to find a different venue just six months before the actual wedding date because the initial venue had changed management. In the area of Biarritz, where the wedding was taking place, couples typically book a venue 18 to 24 months in advance, so finding a suitable venue on short notice was a major concern. Luckily, their wedding planner was able to secure Chateau du Clair de Lune through her relationships. The fact that they had decided to get married mid-week was a stroke of luck because it would have been impossible to secure the venue for a weekend at such short notice.
When it came to the theme and vibe of their wedding, Asia was an important part of their story, and so they wanted to incorporate it into their big day. They aimed to create a tropical vibe with subtle Asian touches, which they achieved through their stationery, flowers, decorations, and food served during the reception. The cocktails served later in the night also had lovely kaffir lime and mangosteen flavors, reminiscent of a Thai island. They even had a fire show, like the ones found on Thailand beaches. Their vendors were fantastic at helping them create the look and feel they desired.
THE WEDDING DAY
The sun shone down upon us on our wedding day, illuminating the Chateau’s terrace where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast together. We savored the moment, relishing the calm before the excitement of the day began.
Our hairdresser and make-up artists arrived, and we separated for a brief emotional moment before getting ready. The excitement quickly took over, and we cherished every moment of the getting ready process with our closest family and friends.
As we had not seen each other’s dresses before, we decided to do a “first look” photo session before heading to the Town Hall. It was a beautiful moment where we could be alone with each other before the ceremony.
At the Town Hall, all of our loved ones gathered around us as we exchanged vows and became wives. It was a moment we will always cherish.
After the ceremony, we returned to the Chateau to celebrate. Reception drinks in the gardens of the Chateau were followed by a seated dinner, an incredible fire show, and a night of dancing. The next day, we organized a relaxed BBQ and pool party, enjoying the company of our friends and family.
The weather was a source of worry for us, with the forecast predicting both extreme heat and rain. Despite the forecast, we managed to dodge the rain and enjoy bright sunshine throughout both days of celebration.
Looking back on our wedding, we can hardly believe how quickly it all went by. We are grateful for the memories we made and the love that surrounded us on our special day.
Photographer Patricia Hendrychova-Estanguet
Cake Patisserie Etchebaster
Caterer Citrus
Cocktails Tommy’s Fizz
Dj Good Waves
Dress Boutique Pronovias & Angeola
Fire Show Compagnie Hestia
Florist Pleinair
Hair Stylist Rosewood
Guest’s Gifts Merci Coco
Live Music Sweet Blend
Make Up Artist Jenny Jane Mua
Planner Drougartevent
Stationery Cotton Bird
Venue ChâTeau Du Clair De Lune
Wedding Rings Pierre Daudin
