Jordan and Lia wanted to treat their loved ones to a dream vacation, so opted for a French château destination wedding! Combining their celebration with a fantasy trip was the perfect scenario. Opting for such a special spot, not everyone on the guest list was able to make it, but Jordan and Lia don’t doubt their decision for a moment.

To try and simplify things, the couple wanted a venue that could double as the accommodations for them and their guests. Château de Varennes in Burgundy was the perfect solution! Not only could the couple host their dream ceremony and reception on-site, but it was big enough to accommodate the entire wedding group. “We wanted a location where we would keep everyone in the same place and Château de Varennes was amazing for that,” says the couple. Another bonus was that the chateau had a Catholic chapel on-site. “It’s very rare to find a Catholic chapel within the grounds of a château,” explains Jordan and Lia.

For the actual planning process, the couple really strived to remain stress-free and rely on experts within the industry. In fact, when we asked what resources they used to plan their wedding, Jordan and Lia say they relied exclusively on loved ones and vendors. “Choose the right venue…Château de Varennes were amazing [help]. It [also] always helps to have a planner and we were happy that Jennifer Fox was there to ease the planning. It wasn’t as stressful as people [sometimes] make it out to be. We were lucky to have supportive friends and family.”

The couple are both in marketing, so pride themselves on their abilities to stay focused and organized. “We’re used to running events, so early planning and clear guidance to our guests really eased [logistics.]” When it came to décor, the couple kept the details relatively simple, in an effort to let the chateau shine. “Luckily, Château de Varennes was beautiful and didn’t need much decoration,” says Jordan and Lia.

When we asked the couple what advice they had for other couples currently planning a destination wedding, their words were simple. “Don’t stress…it’s easier said than done, but in the end, it’s supposed to be your day. Trust that no matter what happens, it’s going to be exactly the way you want it to be.”

Vendors: Photographer: Arte de Vie, Wedding Planner: Jennifer Fox Weddings, Ceremony/Reception Site: Château de Varennes, Florist: Jaune Pivoine & Hair and Makeup: Victoria Farr & Annette Thornton