Chateau Lagorce Wedding
As the sun set on June 22nd, 2019, Sarah-Louise and Liam’s 15-year love story culminated in a fairytale-like destination wedding at Château Largorce. The couple, who are also dedicated followers of our website, celebrated their special day with a three-day extravaganza that included a pizza and Pimms night before the big event and a pool party the next day. The pièce de résistance was, of course, the wedding itself, which took place outdoors beneath a stunning gazebo adorned with flowers and surrounded by loved ones. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds danced their first dance under the stars, accompanied by the mesmerizing display of sparklers and a fireworks finale – a truly unforgettable moment. The couple’s personal touches, including family photos, wine bottle table plans, cork place names, and even a Jenga guest book, added an extra layer of magic to the celebration. As for the fashion, Sarah-Louise looked breathtaking in her Hayley Paige gown, Liam sported a dapper grey three-piece suit, and the bridesmaids shone in shades of lilac. It was a truly flawless affair, captured with precision by Flawless Photography – thank you for sharing these stunning shots with us!
The Proposal
It’s not every day that you see a proposal unfold in the most unexpected of places, like during a marathon. For Liam, his partner in science class from 2003, waited an astonishing 14 years to pop the question. In 2017, he took it up a notch by proposing at the London Marathon, where he ran an impressive 26.2 miles with a ring strapped to his person. The icing on the cake was arranging for a film crew to capture the special moment, which ultimately went viral online. Click here to relive the magic!
The Vision
Crafting an unforgettable guest experience, we aimed to create a trifecta of joy: three days of unbridled love, warmth, and endless merriment. Our vision was to treat our guests to a liberating escape from the ordinary, where wine flowed freely and laughter knew no bounds, leaving them with cherished memories that would be shared for years to come.
The Planning Process
As we narrowed down our options for a destination wedding in France, my partner and I embarked on an epic road trip. We mapped out numerous châteaux along the way, clocking in over 1,500 kilometers as we explored each one until we stumbled upon our absolute favorite. It was only when we found it that we knew it would be the perfect setting to bring together all of our closest loved ones. Little did I know at the time, the château that initially caught my eye would ultimately end up at the bottom of the list, and in hindsight, it’s a good thing we didn’t settle for the first one that caught our attention.
The Venue
Tucked away in the annals of history lies Château Lagorce, a 15th-century gem that has recently gained prominence through its appearance on Instagram. This private estate’s storied past whispers tales of grandeur and mystery, beckoning curious minds to uncover its secrets.
Your Outfits & Accessories
After an exhaustive six-month search, I finally stumbled upon my dream dress when I caught sight of a stunning image on Instagram. The ‘feeling’ was instant – I knew I had to have it. My hunt led me directly to Fleur de Lis – Blush by Hayley Paige from Wild Heart Bridal. To complete my look, I opted for a pair of sleek shoes from Asos and elegant rings courtesy of Queen Smiths Jewellers.
Groom & Groomsmen
When it comes to dressing the part, attention to detail is key. A well-tailored suit from Michelsberg Tailoring in Leeds sets the tone for a stylish and professional look. To complete the outfit, a crisp shirt and tie combination from Charles Tyrwhitt adds a touch of elegance, while Loakes shoes provide a sleek finish.
The Readings & Music
The emotional impact was palpable as we were treated to two heartfelt readings from our closest girlfriends, each crafting their own words that left no one unscathed. The musical accompaniment was just as memorable, with the talented trio of Liam Sullivan on guitar, Mixology’s skilled saxophonist and DJ, creating a sonic tapestry that perfectly complemented the sentimental atmosphere. As we sipped and savored every moment, the First Dance to Take That’s iconic ‘Greatest Day’ will forever be etched in our memories as a poignant and unforgettable celebration.
Beauty
The Flowers
The Details and Decor
The whimsical touches that made our wedding truly unforgettable were the little details that added a personal and playful flair. We started by incorporating a ‘cork’ theme from the get-go, with save-the-date cards doubling up as holders for name places on long tables. The ceremony area was transformed into an idyllic scene, complete with freshly cut lavender and vintage wedding pictures of our grandparents and parents adorning the trees. To make it even more special, we crafted a handmade table plan from sticks, twine, and wine bottles. Guests were treated to a thoughtful touch as they took their seats: hand fans for the ladies and tissues on each chair for those inevitable ‘happy tears.’ As a unique guest book alternative, we set up a Jenga game that allowed everyone to leave their mark in a fun and interactive way. And when it came time to refuel, our evening food was served from an old-fashioned Citroen crêpe van – the perfect blend of rustic charm and French flair.
The Cake
A showstopping croquembouche, crafted by the renowned Chateau Lagorce, is a masterpiece of French patisserie. This majestic profiterole tower stands tall, its delicate cream-filled choux pastry puffs stacked high to create an edible architecture that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Your Photographer
Your Filmmaker
Bridesmaids
I decided to let my six girls unleash their creativity by giving them a Dulux colour card featuring various shades of purple. I wanted them to express themselves freely, so I allowed them to choose their own shoes, hairstyles, and accessories to match their unique dresses. The dresses were from Asos, the skirt and top combo was from Needle and Thread, and the jumpsuit was from Nordstrom.
The Honeymoon
Following our special day, we embarked on a romantic getaway to Sicily, followed by an extravagant honeymoon adventure that spanned across three continents – Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Our journey took us through the vibrant cultures of Kenya, the majestic architecture of Abu Dhabi, and the pristine beauty of the Maldives.
Memorable Moments
As I walked alongside my father down the 100 stone steps, leading from the château’s peak to the riverside where my soon-to-be husband awaited, the setting sun painted the vineyards in hues of gold. It was during this serene golden hour that we decided to surprise our guests with a spectacular firework display, which would serve as the grand finale to our first dance and seal the magic of the moment.
Advice For Other Couples
To stand out from the crowd, it’s essential to infuse your wedding planning process with a touch of uniqueness. One way to do this is by creating a spreadsheet to track costs and budget, allowing you to stay organized and make adjustments as needed. It’s also a great idea to plan more than just one day – consider incorporating multiple events or activities into your celebration.
When it comes to crediting the talented individuals who helped bring your special day to life, we’re big believers in giving credit where credit is due. A huge thank you goes out to our fantastic vendors:
* Photographer: Flawless Photography
* Venue, Cake & Flowers: Château Largorce
* Dress: Blush by Hayley Paige The Wild Heart Bridal
* Groom Suit: Michelsberg Tailoring
* Hair & Makeup: Bow and Blush
* Film: @ikkiproductions
* Music: @liam_sullivan.27 & @mixologysaxdj
* Bridesmaids Outfits: Dresses ASOS, Skirt & Top Needle and Thread Jumpsuit Nordstrom
We’re also thrilled to have featured numerous stunning France weddings on our blog – if you’re considering saying ‘I do’ in the City of Love, be sure to check out our other wedding inspiration.
Finally, we want to extend a huge thank you to Sarah-Louise and Liam for sharing their truly unforgettable day with us. It’s been an absolute pleasure to celebrate their love story.