Tag: wedding

  • Interview with Clarisse Béraud from atelier vertumne in Paris

    In the very heart of the 1st arrondissement of Paris, a few steps from the Louvre museum and rue st Honoré, discover l’Atelier Vertumne and Clarisse Béraud the owner and artist behind this selective address that specializes in custom made floral decor and design, and allows them to convey all your emotions with their expertise and amazing sense of style for your dream event in Paris and all over France.
    Visit website atelier-vertumne.fr and come by if you are in the neighborhood to purchase a little bouquet for yourself or your loved one.

  • WLE meets Diana and Bernard Gautruche from le Château de Changy

    Who are you? What’s the story behind the Château de Changy?

    We are Bernard and Diana Gautruche, owners of the castle since 2006 that we found in appalling condition and have completely renovated. Changy Castle dates from the time of Charlemagne, from which the only remain is a tower, but the castle was rebuilt in 1610 with the later addition of the mansard tower in 1912.
    There is an exceptional park with trees that are over 300 years old!, like the cedars of Lebanon, the cypresses, the ginkgos, the American sequoias.., to which we added our personal touch: A giant red sculpture “LOVE ” that sets the tone!

    What are the services you offer?

    We provide a place, which can host all kinds of receptions! Spacious lounges and cozy rooms with different themes, a fitted terrace, all this in a lush greenery and just one hour drive from southern Paris.

    What are the specificities of the castle?

    Changy Castle is rich with history. It is excellent for relaxing, decorated in a way that favors guests’ comfort and well-being. Many works of art and the choice of furniture and materials make the site nice and warm. All of our guests feel a bit “at home” but without the disadvantages!

    What type of events do you organize most? How many people can you host?

    We offer privatization, from 15 to 20 people, from corporate events, to wedding receptions accommodating up to 150-200 people, completely privatizing the location for one event at a time. We can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests in 12 double rooms and accommodation is also available nearby the castle for a big reception.

    How much does it cost to stay in the castle? How long in advance do people need to book?

    Our rate of privatization starts at 2300 euros for a night with 12 double rooms and gourmet breakfasts included. Privatizations for weddings, including all facilities, starts at € 8350. Weddings in June, July and August are to be reserved 1 year in advance. There are fewer restrictions when bookings outside of these busy months!

    What activities do you offer your clients?

    Our clients have an on-site tennis court, an outdoor heated pool during spring and summer, mountain bikes available, Wi-Fi access in the lounges. Tours around parks and gardens such as “Les Jardins du Grand Courtoiseau” , the Art Brut Museum “la Fabuloserie”  which where the Châteaux de la Loire start.
    We are 10 kilometers from Montargis where “les pralines de Mazet”, a famous candy shop deserves a visit too.

    Do you organize wedding ceremonies there?

    We have more and more requests for the organization of “civil” or “symbolic” weddings in the castle’s park.
    It is a magical and emotional moment for all guests, when such a wonderful union can be organized outside of a traditional place of worship.

    What is your best memory in the castle?

    Our weddings are so different from one to another! We dedicate ourselves to the organizers and grooms to make their dream come true: an unforgettable reception! It is always a pleasure to share these moments with our Newly-weds, who we’ve assisted from start to finish.

    Thank you for answering our questions! For more information about the Château de Changy: Château de Changy website

  • WLE meets Dawn, from Fawakay Villas

    Who are you? What’s the story behind the Fawakay Villas?

    We are Francis and Dawn Boys-Stones, who have been living full-time in Marrakech with our 4 children, for 6 years. We moved from London, where Francis was working in the City as a stockbroker and bought some land. Here we built three fully staffed and catered luxury villas just 15 minutes from the Medina in the heart of the Moroccan countryside.

    What are the services you offer?

    We offer the best of both worlds. The independance, privacy and space of a luxury villa, but with all the services and convenience of a boutique hotel. A villa setting without having to cook!

    What are the specificities of each villa (Villa Laklak, Villa Sannor, Villa Taos)?

    Villa Lak Lak consists of two large air-conditioned suites, a downstairs and and upstairs terrace, a private plunge pool, private garden and summerhouse, salon and private dining room. There is lots of space and seating options in each villa too, aswell as a private kitchen with mini bar, and tea & coffee making facilities! Villa Sannor and Villa Taos have the same facilities but with an extra bedroom (these two villas are 3 bedrooms)

    How did you choose their names?

    They are named after birds we see in the area and in the garden. Lak Lak is the stork, Sannor is the Swift, and Taos is the peacock (we have two peacocks who roam our gardens!)

    How much does it cost? How long in advance do people need to book?

    An individual suite costs £150/night with breakfast and taxes. For a whole villa: Lak Lak is £270/night, Sannor is £360/night and Taos is £360/night. These prices include breakfast and taxes. We do not have a high season rate, our prices remain the same all year long. We do get booked up, especially for high seasons (April, and Christmas especially, but also the school holidays) so it is best to book as far in advance as possible, to ensure you get the exact dates and villa you want!

    What activities do you offer your clients?

    Each villa has its own private plunge pool, and there is one large and one smaller pool by the bar area. We have a clay tennis court, table tennis, darts, boules and offer cookery lessons for adults and children, day trips out, and fuller excursions. We also offer facilities for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties etc!
    We can organize treks, horseriding, quad biking, camels etc.

    Do you organize wedding ceremonies there?

    Yes we do, from 2 to 150 people! The ceremony can take place on the grounds, but it is a CIVIL ceremony only. You cannot get married legally in Morocco, so all paperwork needs to be done either before or after the ‘wedding at Fawakay’ in the home country.

    What is your best memory in these Villas?

    When we first opened our doors to our first paying guests after 3 years of stress and hardship having built the place from nothing. It was a dream come true for us!

    Thank you for answering our questions! For more information about the Fawakay Villas: Fawakay Villa’s website

  • Sugarplum Paris The American wedding style cake

    Here is the first of our video interviews that we are proud to present to everyone. We met up with the team from Sugarplum in Paris only yesterday. So for everyone enjoy! We are looking forward to your comments.
    Sugarplum brought to Paris the art of making highly colorful, American style wedding cakes and i can testify, they are very testy. I do have a sweet tooth, love chocolate and everything sugary.
    I simply had a wonderful time in the 5th arrondissement yesterday. Sugarplum a great novelty to Paris. So welcome ladies and we are looking forward to a future collaboration.
    And Anyone looking for a real American wedding cake in Paris ?
    Visit the Sugarplum Cake Shop at 68 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine.
    * Phone: +33 (0) 1 46 34 07 43
    * E-mail: info@sugarplumcakeshop.com
    * Metro Cardinal Lemoine or Metro Place Monge

  • Our friend Michele Rago celebrity wedding planner

    A few photos of a destination wedding table presentation, amazingly choreographed by the most talented Michele Rago .
    Those decor photographs very nicely resume Michele’s wonderful sense of style. They are taken from Michele’ iphone actually  )- and posted on her facebook page. God, we LOVE facebook.

    I have had the pleasure to work with a few very talented professionals in my little career and i keep coming back to michele’s work for inspiration and a pleasurable moment. I love her style and the way she uses elements from “mother nature” such as those sea shells that ornate the table.

    Michele is in Paris for a destination wedding in March with her A Team. Looking forward to seeing her soon again.

    Here is a Little interview of Michele at her studio in New York City.

    And how to set a beautiful multi purpose escort card table MICHELE’S WAY … LOVE IT