Welcome to real wedding Wednesday! I have a wonderful multicultural wedding to share with you today, the story of Sarah and Jean, two globe-trotters who said YES at Domaine du Breuil Doue in Haute Loire, captured by L’as de Coeur Photography.
Sarah comes from South Africa near Johannesburg and Jean from Lyon love to travel and have settled in London. Bride Sarah takes us through the day: “ I grew up in South Africa before moving to Holland where I lived for several years. When I came back to South Africa, I started French lessons in Durban which is where I met Jean.
French Wedding Style – Photography © L’as de Coeur Photography
I went with some friends to a cultural event at the school and Jean was working at the bar ! It was actually a 14th July party and very French ! A few weeks later we met again and by the end of the winter we were together. Jean is from Lyon and was in South Africa on contract. We spent a week in Paris after his contract in South Africa had ended, but then he decided to do another year in SA before we both decided to move to London.
He proposed to me in an apple orchard of a lovely hotel in the beautiful countryside of Kent where we had gone for a romantic weekend away.
We wanted to get married in France, which was challenging in the beginning due to language and services, but we were lucky to find the right people to help us. Our day was all we imagined it to be.
We had a civil marriage in the morning and then it was off to the hairdresser for the mum’s, the bridesmaid and me. We got back to the venue for a light lunch and champagne before the big moment of putting the dress on! We left for the church in an old fashioned Citroen DS. My mum walked me down the aisle to where Jean was waiting, it was very special. After the church we drove through the village in a little parade before arriving back at the venue for apero and dinner.
I wanted to include South African elements which came through in the decor and the flowers. My bouquet had a Protea which is the South African national flower. I also mixed African succulents in with more traditional English roses and lilies. We played a special South African song for the 2nd wedding march out of the church by Mahotella Queens and the anthem of South Africa gave some chills.
In addition we also mixed the wine selection to have South African Sauvignon Blanc and French Cote du Rhone.
I found the whole weding preperation really easy and enjoyable. I think if you are focussed on what you want to achieve, then things fall into place. Also, just try to do what you can and let go of things that you cannot control. Like making the sun shine !
When it comes to your wedding supplies, find someone you can really connect with – who understands what you are looking for and be able to express your wishes clearly and know they are well understood.
Being able to communicate in English with our photographer was important and also the understanding of our requirements was easy. Emmanuel was professional, helpful and discreet capturing exactly the moments I expected. The attention to detail was spot on.”
Wedding Suppliers:
Venue: Brives Charensac, Haute-Loire, Domaine du Breuil de Doue
Florist : La Source aux fleurs
Dress : British designer Nicola Anne
Photographer : L’As de Coeur © Emmanuel Speciale
Wedding Cake: Rix Bakery in Le Puy
Can you beat France as a wedding destination ? The romantic atmosphere alone does it for me, the excellent food and wine are a delicious bonus !
Both the Bride and the Bridesmaid bouquets are lovely!