Rebecca & James

Oh I do love a destination wedding. The towns and views seem to be so quaint and utterly breathtaking. Plus the sunlight seems to make for the prettiest of pictures. When offered, Rebecca and James jumped at the chance to marry at their friend's house in Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine, France and I can totally see why, it is SO so gorgeous. They were able to have a fabulous outdoor humanist ceremony followed by an equally fabulous wedding breakfast in the rustic barn. Enhanced only by a wealth of gorgeous finishing touches from Wedding Planner Marry Me In France, who had a trunk full of delicious details & decor, including that adorable order of the day clock display. Everybody and everything looks so relaxed and intimate, none more than our stunning Bride Rebecca, who is an absolute vision in her Jenny Packham Esme gown and mint Rachel Simpson shoes.

The Dress

Rebecca The Bride: I spent the day in London with both of my bridesmaids. The Bride was the third shop we visited and I fell in love with the fourth dress by Jenny Packham straight away and didn’t want to try anything else on. I was persuaded to try two more on and then said “Nope, number four is the one!”

Accessories

I wore my Mother’s pearl drop earrings. She’s had them forever and I borrowed them when I came back from Uni and have looked after them ever since ;) I borrowed my close friend Louise’s wedding shoes which were from Rachel Simpson. They we’re just so lovely and really went with the 1920’s feel of my dress and I loved the fact that they were a lovely mint colour. I also borrowed my bridesmaid Nicki’s veil. I initially wasn’t sure about wearing a veil and then Nicki suggested I try it on. I didn't looked back. However, there was a slight hick-up on the walk down the aisle, which resulted in me not wearing it for the ceremony, despite my Dads best efforts to put it back in (Dad's just aren't programmed to do hair). I did manage to have some pictures with it in later on though.

Beauty

Patricia Mahon, Dermod’s wife was an absolute star. She knew exactly the look I was trying to achieve. Basically I said I didn’t want to look like a drag queen so she gave me lovely subtle make-up that stayed well and truly on, even in the 34 degree heat!

Venue

The wedding was held at our family friends house Maison Mondou, it was the piece de resistance. I had loved the house from the moment I’d seen it and could have only dreamed to have my wedding there, so when Suzi and Charles had offered it as a wedding gift it was like all our dreams had come true. Pre wedding drinks were held at Villeneuve-sur-lot Golf & Country Club, which Charles and Dermod recommend to us. The Golf Club really was our knight in shining armour. It had great accommodation was a fabulous place to host our pre wedding drinks. Nathalie was an absolute diamond, nothing was too much hassle, she even understood James elaborate wedding accommodation spreadsheets.

Caterer

The food by Chezamis was amazing and I wish I’d had the chance to eat more on the day! Thank god for the food tasting. Amey was lovely and it just made everything even lovelier that her Mother was the Celebrant and that her Husband took care of lighting. It gave it all a real family feel.

Decor/styling

Louise our wedding planner had the best box of wedding tricks (or should I say car boot) I’ve seen. She added lots of lovely finishing touches on the morning of the wedding, including the wonderful clocks detailing the timeline of the day.

Wedding Planner

Louise Ham was everything you’d expect from a wedding planner and more. Anyone getting married out in France, needs Louise to be a part of it. She’s kind friendly and knows her stuff. The day wouldn’t have been the day it was without her.

Ceremony

Jean Sait from Celebrants in France was fab, funny helpful and made everyone feel super relaxed, even James! A lot of people have asked where we found Jean, we just say we were very lucky and have Louise to thanks for putting us in touch with her.

Food

Reception Canapés

Pistou musrooms with jambon sec cherry tomato, mozerella & olive kebabs with pesto, red pepper & goats cheese brushetta, mini Quiche Lorraine and prawns with Chilli sauce in an endive.

Wedding Breakfast

• Entrée: Assiette de Charcuterie & Pate or Piémont poivrons grilles.
• Main Course: Poulet farci avec du bacon et sauce à la moutarde crémeuse , servi avec pommes de terre nouvelles Herby et légumes de saison
• Dessert: A Chocolat & Vanille Piece Montee. With the addition of a late night cheese board

Photographer

Wow! Eliza Claire captured the weekend so well; just looking back through the pictures from our cozy sofa in Tring escorts us both back there in an instance. Hence why we look at them all the time. We can't recommend Eliza enough, she captured the real honesty of the day and it's gentle feel.