Across the Channel, where the incredible dreams of organizing a wedding in France from London came true. Valerie and Ayrton have been living in London for years but they truly wanted to get married in France.
Destination Wedding from London to the Arcachon bay
As you may have guessed by now, I am an international wedding planner. More and more French couples have chosen to live their lives elsewhere than in France, but still want to celebrate their wedding in their native country.
Expats, Valerie and Ayrton are not British. She is from Savoie and he is from Bordeaux. You probably thought that his name sounded English and yet, our dear Ayrton really is from Bordeaux! Needless to say, cheese and red wine could only bring back our British neighbors. 🙂
The lovers have been living in London for 15 years but it was important for them to gather their families and friends in a familiar environment which they deeply appreciate and connect with.
I met Valerie and Ayrton thanks to … another wedding planner! She was busy with another wedding on the date the couple had chosen, so she told them about me. Following our first conversation on the phone, they decided to entrust me with their wedding. Afterwards, they came to France and we were able to meet and get to the heart of the matter with appointments and tastings. I had a great time with them as I thoroughly enjoyed sharing ideas with such a sweet and peaceful couple.
Wedding on the Arcachon bay
The beautiful and picturesque church of Le Moulleau was the place chosen by the bride and groom for the ceremony. Ayrton arrived in a Mehari at the church and he made such an impression!
For the reception of the guests, Valerie and Ayrton chose for their wedding venue Le Tir au Vol, with a terrace overlooking the Arcachon bay.
Because of the constraints linked to the sanitary restrictions in 2021, we had to face logistical constraints. Valerie, Ayrton and I were planning the wedding at a time where ceremonies had to finish no later than 11pm. This was unfortunate, but we were able to adapt by adjusting all the steps of their wedding day! As a result, we managed to fit the wedding cocktail, the wedding cake and part of the party into one early evening.
Tropical and flowery atmosphere, a touch of the Caribbean in the South West
Valerie loves the exotic lifestyle! With Lyne, the floral decorator, we managed to concoct a tropical and colorful atmosphere for the wedding hall thanks to the flowers carefully chosen for the occasion. Valerie loved them!
Unfortunately, the weather in the morning was not the same as the one you usually get under the palm trees! It rained a lot until 1pm but then the sky cleared up, leaving the sun to illuminate our afternoon until the beginning of the evening with a sunset worthy of Copacabana. It was the perfect moment for the bride and groom to go with Caroline, their photographer, for an idyllic photo session on the beach! Such a romantic atmosphere!
Just as planned, and as our hearts beat with excitement, we managed to celebrate the entire wedding outdoors!
Organization of the wedding preparations on the d-day
The witnesses and bridesmaids of the bride and groom were accommodated in 2 different places.
First, the male guests and the groom were on their side. This was very convenient for them, as they were able to meet each other the day before the wedding and also the morning of the preparations.
As for the women and the bride, they were accommodated in a villa not far from the reception place Le Tir Au Vol.
Wedding Planner for destination weddings
If you also wish to celebrate your union with your loved ones in France, I am here to help you organize the most beautiful day of your life.
Please do share your dreams with me, regardless of where you are located. I will make sure they come true 🙂
My Instagram account for a sneak peek of our destination weddings: @melissawilpotte
