A chic affair
Planning a wedding abroad has its challenges, but Sophie had a clear vision of what she wanted for their idyllic celebrations in a French Chateau.
Venue: Chateau de la Bourlie, Urval France
Date of wedding: 7 September 2019
Planner: Rosie Green Events
Caterer and cake: La Nectar
Makeup: Emily Naylor
Honeymoon: South Africa, Mr & Mrs Smith
Photographer: Richard Skins Photograph
Dress: Susanne Neville exclusive for The Wedding Gallery, London
Her shoes: By Far
Groom’s attire: Bespoke from Collars & Cuffs
Wedding rings: Cara Jewellers
Our bridesmaids: Asos Bridal
Flowers: Jenny Fairbanks
Wedding song: You’ve Got The Love – Florence & The Machine
Their story
We met at a music festival in the North of England and for our fist date, since I was at University in Manchester, Andrew got the train down and we spent a memorable day together in Manchester. It was the first of many. Andrew whisked me away on the most incredible ski trip to Whistler, Canada. After the most perfect first day of skiing, he suggested we have drinks and a swim in the outside pool and hot tub. It was snowing, and the setting was so beautiful. We then went back into our room where there were roses and champagne waiting. The fire (in our room) was roaring and as we sat by it chatting, Andrew got down one on knee. And I could not help but say yes.
The planning
The wedding planning was both fun and stressful. I had a clear vision of the type of wedding I wanted and luckily Andrew was happy for me to take the lead. I thought it would be easier having such a clear vision, but I think it actually made it harder because sometimes it was difficult to find things or execute ideas exactly how I imagined. As we are based in Dubai, and the wedding was in France there was a lot of organisation and late-night calls needed. From finding our venue to the wedding week, we were planning for nearly a year and a half.
The wedding
We had a three-day wedding weekend in South West France. All of our closest family and friends flew out. We began with drinks on the Friday then had a BBQ and pool party on the Sunday at the Chateau. The main event – in the gardens of a beautiful 14th century Chateau in rural France called Chateau de la Bourlie – was on the Saturday, and it was the most incredible day. We couldn’t have wished for anything more special. After the ceremony, we all walked around to the back of the Chateau which had views of the valley for the reception. We had festoon lights draped over the courtyard and candle-lit tables so as the sun set, it all felt incredibly romantic. We later moved into an old barn and danced late into the evening.
Images: Supplied
