couple hold hands by lavender

A Celebration of Love & Vin in France

CATEGORIES

February 10, 2023
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of Sylvain Bouzat

Winos, Dream and Laurent, first met in Hong Kong during a burgundy wine tasting. They bonded over a mutual wanderlust and adoration for all the finer things in life. The couple quickly became inseparable, and would later find themselves planning a destination wedding at Chateau de Bagnols in the heart of the French wine country.

Being a multicultural couple meant that family and friends would be traveling from all over to help celebrate Dream and Laurent. Thus, the pair wanted to locate a centralized venue that transported guests to another time and place entirely. When the bride and groom stumbled upon Chateau de Bagnols, it wasn’t hard to picture a wedding with all the magic of a medieval fairytale.

“[The chateau] has a fantastic history dating over 800 years back,” the couple says. “It symbolizes longevity, solidity and the passing of time. These are all values we cherished for our wedding.”

With massive grounds characterized by lush gardens and elegant architecture, Dream and Laurent knew they’d need a wedding planner to make the event one worthy of its setting. Enter: Chloe from Lyloo & Maloe

As Chloe handled finding the ideal vendor team, smoothing out any logistics, and setting the scene Dream and Laurent pictured for their day, the couple focused efforts on dining selections. 

“All the wines and food were handpicked by us,” Laurent says. “We also tasted for showcasing French art de vivre!”

On the day of the wedding, the couple held their ceremony in the gardens – surrounded by tall hedges, the beauty of the French countryside and the fragrant scent of lavender. With all of their important people bearing witness, Dream and Laurent exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives.

The reception was a true celebration of the couple’s love for wine and culinary delights. Guests were treated to a magnificent multicourse-course dinner, expertly prepared by the catering team at Magner. Each dish was paired with the finest French wines, allowing guests to experience the full range of flavors and aromas that the region had to offer.

Dream, who wore a stunning, high-neck gown by millennial designer, Nicole Cavallo, for the ceremony, changed into an elegant fitted dress by Pronovias. She was the picture of grace as she danced the night away with Laurent to JP Verdolini Jazz Band. Guests enjoyed the festivities late into the night, making memories that would last a lifetime.

“Seeing all your friends and family travel to meet you somewhere far from home was extremely touching, humbling, and a great reminder of why we are friends,” the couple says.

In the end, Dream and Laurent’s wedding was the perfect union of two souls, surrounded by the beauty of the French countryside and the indulgence of fine wine and cuisine.

The couple leaves us with this sage advice: “Be patient but persistent. Do not compromise on your standards. Ensure magical moments are planned and carefully curated (flowers, music/songs, special dinners, etc.).”

Vendors: Photography: Sylvain Bouzat; Wedding Planner: Lyloo & Maloe; Venue: Chateau de Bagnols; Florist: Fleurs de FeeCake: Ô Gourmandises de Mary; Hair & Makeup: Sui Sim; Gown Designers: Nicole Milano and Pronovias; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Tom Ford; Videography: Gordon Wedding Films; Caterer: Magner Le Moment M; Cocktails: Le Mixologiste; Band: JP Verdolini Jazz Band; DJ: Evideence; Celebrant: Célébrer la Vie; Rentals: Options; Recommended By: World’s Best Wedding Photos

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