Garlands, buttonholes, stationery Elisa and Edouard wanted to make some elements of their decoration themselves and organize a simple and elegant wedding. They share with us the story of their wedding at the Château de Saint Félix near Nîmes photographed by Sidonie Vidal
The meeting
“In London, with mutual friends. After almost being roommates without being able to arrange to arrange a visit, we finally met at a party. Then we didn’t see each other right away, before fate made our paths cross again: an urgent need for a short roommate, a business trip to Mexico interrupted due to an earthquake shortly before landing and an express return to London without accommodation, these few misadventures have brought us closer. One of the very first parties, after a concert with other friends, we found ourselves alone at a party in a house full of strangers and ended up having a beer on a roof, talking about everything and life. Magic memory. »
The marriage proposal
“On the beautiful Greek island of Hydra, vacationing in August 2021.
I was expecting it a bit because I had sensed a certain excitement in Edouard in organizing these summer holidays! We had originally planned a trip to Mexico (here it is again). As we are a bit unlucky traveling (or maybe in Mexico), we had to cancel everything 3 weeks before: the stopover in the United States was not a good idea, post-covid and the travel ban obliges… Edouard said so imagined a request in Holbox, one in Turkey (floor number 2) before landing in Greece… Hydra is a magnificent island, entirely pedestrian and relaxing, and the request came after a beautiful excursion to a convent and monastery. He had everything planned: a graceful Greek ring, a sunset over the sea from above, champagne and an aperitif. It was fun and stressful at the same time, because I suspected it was “the” moment and I didn’t know how to react anymore when I reached the end of the excursion, hearing him rummaging in his bag to get everything out. ! »
Wedding preparations
“We wanted to hurry up and get married in 2022 – it’s not about waiting for 2023, which is almost 2 years! So a little pressure all the same to find a place quickly, because the request having taken place in mid-August, there was less than a year to go and places are becoming rare.
We had a crush on the Château de Saint Félix in the Nîmes region where my parents live. We opted for a civil wedding in the Paris region, in the countryside, in a region dear to Edouard’s family.
For the choice of suppliers, we made the feeling and crush! Our photographer Sidonie, it was obvious because we contacted her without knowing that we had already met her at the wedding of a couple of friends – which Edouard attended – and she had taken a magnificent photo of us, which was indeed the wallpaper of my phone for 2 years… A nice sign!
For other providers, we asked people from the region or recommended by our friends. Little runs in the organization, a to-do list as long as your arm, and we complicated our lives a bit: we wanted to design our own invitations – we are very proud of it but it would be easier if it had to be redone, not to mention the many DIY buttonholes and flower crowns! »
Your inspirations
“Simplicity! Fresh flowers and pretty garlands of white light were enough for us to embellish our dinner under the stars…
DIY ideas: buttonholes and garlands for witnesses in preserved hydrangeas, superb liberty belts for children of honor sewn by Edouard’s mother and small bottles of oil from the region filled by my parents, as gifts for the guests.
Another good idea: we got married on a Friday, and on Saturday evening we organized a rustic barbecue with just our friends, around a large table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth, then a party (lighter than the previous one). A great way to extend these moments that pass so quickly, it was great. »
One moment in particular
” There are so many !
The moment I walked into the church with a heart full of love when I found all these people were there for us, I even told my dad to slow down to make the most of it! Edouard’s veiled eyes. The speeches of our families and witnesses. The frenetic dance that we had tried so much and that launched the evening (and the dance with my father). Our grandmothers who blew out both candles the day after our wedding. Favorite encounters between people who didn’t know each other before, and how many times afterwards they told us that the weekend had been incredible! »
A tip to share
“We have the right to stress until the day before, but on D-Day we have to drop everything to enjoy it 100%! Even if something doesn’t go the way you wanted, no one will notice and the smiles of your loved ones will still count more than the decor!
A steamer for ugly creases at the bottom of the dress after transportation – essential.
Preparing small envelopes for your benefits in advance seems like a detail but requires a mental load: it was a bit of a race for us the day before.
Preparing a dance for two in the previous months is an opportunity to get together for a fun moment, to discover hidden (and not) salsa talents, we who thought we would get stressed like crazy at the time of the dance, in fact we really liked it, and we an encore was asked the next day! »
Suppliers recommended by the spouses
I photograph : Sidonie Vidal | Florist: Noely’s flowers (Anduze) | Musicians: Tess & Ben | Reception place: The castle of San Felice, in San Felice de Pallières | Engagement ring and wedding rings: Artaner house | Wedding dress : Margaux Tardits | The restaurateur: The farm of flavors | The BBQ: Butcher Bompard (Anduze)
