Location: Dordogne Region in the South West of France
Setting: French Chateau
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
Wedding theme/style: Chic, elegant, with colorful spring flowers adding strong pops of color to the decor.
Dasha and Stephen’s love story began four years ago when they connected on a dating app. Dasha is from New York City, and Stephen has a mix of French and English heritage. They now live together in London, United Kingdom. Dasha is a lawyer, and Stephen works in investment management. Together, they make a powerful couple who embody intelligence and ambition.
Last November, Dasha and Stephen began their journey as a married couple with an intimate civil ceremony at the Chelsea Town Hall in London, UK. However, their love story deserved a grand celebration, which took place in the enchanting Dordogne Region in the South West of France in May. The exquisite Chateau de la Valouze, a picturesque French château, provided the perfect backdrop for their big wedding celebration. Surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of nature, their outdoor ceremony and reception were truly unforgettable.
The bride’s morning at the Chateau was enchanting. She entrusted her beauty to the skilled hands of makeup artist Carey Hawkins and hairstylist Isabelle Noe, who effortlessly brought out her radiance through exquisite makeup and hairstyling. Surrounded by her beloved family and friends, Dasha’s heart swelled with joy. Their adorable dog Alfie added extra sweetness and love to the memorable moments shared that morning. It was a truly special and unforgettable start to Dasha and Stephen’s wedding day.
Dasha’s quest for the perfect wedding dress took her on a journey across multiple cities. From London to New York, she explored countless shops and ateliers in search of “the one.” After what felt like an endless pursuit, Dasha finally stumbled upon a charming bridal boutique L’elite Bridal, in Boston, accompanied by her loving mother and best friend, Vanessa, who was also her bridesmaid. There, she discovered a lovely and understated gown that captured her heart.
However, as fate would have it, a breathtaking Oscar de la Renta creation caught her eye as she was leaving the shop. Despite the internal struggle, Dasha couldn’t resist its allure and ultimately made the purchase. The bride entrusted her mother to carry the exquisite dress across the ocean to London. Miraculously, the Oscar de la Renta gown fit Dasha flawlessly without any alterations. It was a serendipitous moment that solidified her belief that this dress was meant to be a part of her magical wedding day.
The first look between Dasha and her father was incredibly touching and heartwarming. Their eyes filled with tears of joy and love as they shared a deeply meaningful connection that would forever be cherished.
Donning a dashing suit crafted by the renowned Roderick Charles, Stephen prepared to see his beautiful bride. The morning was filled with excitement and joy, setting the perfect tone for the day’s celebrations.
The ceremony exuded a sense of romance and enchantment, captivating all in attendance. Stephen’s eyes filled with pure adoration as he looked at Dasha, adorned in her exquisite wedding attire, radiating beauty and happiness.
The anticipation was electric as Dasha and Stephen prepared to exchange their vows. With all eyes on them, the couple radiated love and adoration, creating a picture-perfect scene forever immortalized by the talented photographer Nina Wernicke. Known for her cinematic and soulful style, Nina was the ideal choice for this beautiful couple, who exuded modern romance and timeless elegance.
With an impeccable eye for artistic compositions and a passion for elevated aesthetics, Nina seamlessly blended life and art, capturing every moment of this special day with a touch of magic. From the editorial portraits that showcased the couple’s beauty and grace to the candid shots that captured the raw emotions, her photographs were a true reflection of the day’s true beauty.
The wedding ceremony was an enchanting and unforgettable moment of pure wonder.
During the delightful cocktail hour, guests joyfully congratulated the newlyweds, relishing in playful games and creating cherished memories.
Thanks to the artistic and luxurious approach to the wedding photography of Nina Wernicke, every frame told a story, allowing Dasha and Stephen to relive their special day for years to come. Each photograph was infused with emotion, capturing the beauty of the day and the love surrounding them.
The couple aimed not to create a specific theme but to evoke a heartfelt ambiance. They envisioned a laid-back, enchanting weekend set amidst the picturesque French countryside, where the focus would be on savoring exquisite wines, indulging in authentic French cuisine, and being surrounded by the radiant beauty of seasonal flowers crafted by Poesie d’un Jour. With the expert guidance of Marry Me in France, a team of talented planners, every detail of their dream wedding was flawlessly orchestrated, culminating in a truly unforgettable experience.
The reception was a dream come true for Dasha and Stephen. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they felt the love and support of their loved ones as they celebrated their special day. The enchanting French countryside provided the perfect backdrop, with the elegant Chateau adding a touch of sophistication to the festivities.
The reception was a dream come true for Dasha and Stephen. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they felt the love and support of their loved ones as they celebrated their special day. The enchanting French countryside provided the perfect backdrop, with the elegant Chateau adding a touch of sophistication to the festivities.
One unforgettable star of the event was none other than Alfie, the couple’s cherished dog. As a beloved family member, Alfie took center stage as a guest of honor, spreading boundless joy and delight throughout the day. From the early hours of preparation to the heartfelt ceremony and lively celebration, Alfie was a loyal presence beside the couple, adding an extra touch of love and merriment to the entire wedding experience. The memories created with Alfie by their side will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
The second part of the reception was a sight to behold as Dasha gracefully walked in her stunning minimalistic dress. The dress perfectly showcased the bride’s natural beauty and radiance with its clean lines and understated elegance.
The night became a perfect blend of merriment and joy as guests took to the dance floor, radiating infectious energy. The couple couldn’t help but revel in the incredible atmosphere as their guests danced away, creating an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for everyone.
Advice from the couple:
• Get a wedding planner you trust, and don’t let all the pressure get to you. You won’t be able to cater to everyone’s opinions, and focusing on things like creating a “unique” or “perfect” experience means you may miss the simple things that really matter.
PHOTOGRAPHER Nina Wernicke | PLANNER Pamela Louise Harmey for Marry Me in France | FLORALS Poesie d’un Jour | VENUE Chateau De La Valouze | MAKEUP Carey Hawkins | HAIRSTYLE Isabelle Noe | BRIDAL DRESS Oscar de la Renta | WEDDING BOUTIQUE L’elite Bridal | SHOES Jimmy Choo | BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE Reformation | GROOM’S SUIT Roderick Charles
